"The Matrix" is a 1999 science fiction action film written and directed by the Wachowskis. It's the first installment in the "Matrix" film series and stars Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, and Joe Pantoliano. The film presents a dystopian future where humanity is unknowingly trapped inside a simulated reality called the Matrix, created by intelligent machines. The plot follows Neo, a computer hacker, who joins a rebellion against the machines. The film blends cyberpunk, philosophical, and religious themes with action and visual effects. "The Matrix" was released in the United States on March 31, 1999. As of February 10, 2026, it is available on Netflix.
- Directors: Lilly and Lana Wachowski
- Keanu Reeves as Thomas "Neo" Anderson
- Laurence Fishburne as Morpheus
- Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity
- Hugo Weaving as Agent Smith
- Joe Pantoliano as Cypher
- Gloria Foster as The Oracle
"The Matrix" was a critical and commercial success. It grossed over $460 million worldwide on a $63 million budget, becoming the highest-grossing Warner Bros. film of 1999. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an 83% rating, with the consensus praising its spectacular action and groundbreaking special effects. The film won four Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects, Best Film Editing, Best Sound, and Best Sound Effects Editing.
