What are the matrix movies in order? Back in the late ‘90s, a movie came along that completely flipped the way we looked at action and sci-fi. The Matrix wasn’t just another cool film, it was the kind of movie that had people walking out of theaters questioning reality itself. Between Neo’s gravity defying moves, the mind bending story, and fight scenes that still hold up today, it became an instant classic.
The Matrix (1999)
Neo, a hacker living a double life, learns that the “real world” he knows is just a computer simulation built by machines. Morpheus gives him a choice, Trinity becomes his partner in rebellion, and Agent Smith… well, let’s just say he’s one of the most unforgettable villains in sci-fi.
The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
The sequel cranks everything up. Neo is stronger, the fight for Zion is heating up, and the story dives deep into the mystery of “The One.” Also, the freeway chase? Pure cinema.
The Matrix Revolutions (2003)
Released just a few months after Reloaded, this one brings the original trilogy to its climax. The humans and machines go to war, Neo and Smith face off for the last time, and it all ends in a way that left fans debating for years.
The Matrix Resurrections (2021)
Nearly twenty years later, Neo is back… but things feel different. Thomas Anderson is living a seemingly normal life again, but the cracks in reality start to show. This one is part sequel, part reboot, and part love letter to the original.
The Animatrix
If you want to go beyond the movies, there’s The Animatrix, a collection of animated shorts that fill in backstory and side tales. Some explain how the machines first rose up, others expand on events between films. It’s not required viewing, but it definitely makes the universe richer.
You May Like
Eternals Ending Explained: What’s Next for the MCU
How to Watch Demon Slayer in Order (2025) – The Complete Guide
Watching Order
Here’s the simple breakdown:
Release order (best for first-timers):
The Matrix → Reloaded → Revolutions → Animatrix → Resurrections
Chronological order (if you want it all to line up in-universe):
The Animatrix → The Matrix → Reloaded → Revolutions → Resurrections
If you’ve never seen them before, go release order. The mystery hits harder that way.
Why is The Matrix so famous?
The Matrix series isn’t just cool fight scenes. It asks questions that stick with you:
Do we really control our choices, or are they already written?
If reality can be faked, how do we even know what’s real?
Can love and belief actually change the world?
That’s why people still go back to these movies decades later. They’re action-packed, yes, but they also make you think long after the credits roll.
If you’re queuing up a watch, start with the original. Once you see Neo take the red pill, you’ll understand why The Matrix became more than a movie, it became a cultural reset.