The Matrix (1999)

The Matrix, directed by the innovative, boundary-pushing Wachowskis, grabbed the minds of sci-fi fans everywhere and introduced them to a new style of the film. The first film in the trilogy remains a vicious and nihilistic roller coaster of butt-kicking brilliance, despite the franchise never being the "new Star Wars" that everyone praised it as at the onset.

There are a lot of philosophical questions in this film. What exactly is reality? Is the world around us real or a figment of our imagination? Who has the best kung fu? The picture aspired to be more educated and serious than the ordinary action film, but it was never hesitant to abandon its philosophical musings in favor of some well-choreographed bullet-dodging and martial arts mayhem. The slow-motion combat ballet of The Matrix inspired millions of imitators, yet none, not even the two Matrix sequels, have been able to match the original.

Director: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski
Stars: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss
Runtime: 136 mins