How To Watch The Matrix Movies In Order

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Back in 1999, Lilly and Lana Wachowski, the dynamic duo behind the lens, introduced me to a game-changing universe – The Matrix. Action movies have never been the same since that groundbreaking moment. The original film, “The Matrix” from ’99, is a near-flawless blend of thought-provoking sci-fi and gritty action, a mix that’s managed to stay fresh over the years. It’s packed with mind-twisting ideas and fight scenes that leave you speechless, and it’s still as thrilling today as it was on its debut.

As a gamer delving into the intriguing world of “The Matrix”, I can attest that it has spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs, though not all have garnered the same level of adoration. However, I find that the “Matrix” sequels surpass expectations and are more engaging than many recall. They prove that this universe brims with potential for captivating narratives yet to be told.

Unlike diving into other long-standing sci-fi series, entering “The Matrix” today is surprisingly manageable due to its relatively simple main storyline. If you’re eager to join the adventure, I’d suggest watching the films in this sequence for an optimal experience:

1. The Matrix (1999)
2. The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
3. The Matrix Revolutions (2003)
4. The Matrix Resurrections (2021, if you’re up for the latest installment)

  • The Matrix
  • The Matrix Reloaded
  • The Animatrix
  • The Matrix Revolutions
  • The Matrix Resurrections

Why is that the correct order to watch The Matrix?

In some of the “Matrix” sequels, concepts related to time cycling are presented, yet the overall storyline predominantly adheres to a straight line or chronology. The character Neo, portrayed by Keanu Reeves, is the central hero who debuts in the initial film and serves as the main protagonist throughout the franchise. So far, every theatrically released Matrix movie has revolved around Neo, implying that to watch the entire series sequentially, one should follow Neo’s story arc.

In simpler terms, “The Animatrix” can be watched out of sequence without affecting the overall narrative flow as it consists of standalone animated short films set within the Matrix universe. Unlike the other films in the original trilogy, its events don’t have a significant impact on Neo’s story. However, for the rest of the movies, their order is crucial to understanding the plot progression effectively.

The Matrix

1999 saw theatergoers unknowingly witnessing one of the greatest action films ever made: “The Matrix”. This film depicts a future where robots dominate Earth, using humans as power sources. To maintain human complacency, these robots connect our minds to a simulated reality of our world called the Matrix. The machines imprison humans within this Matrix, but there’s a rebellion in the true world that’s exploiting the Matrix for their cause.

In simpler terms, Neo was leading an ordinary, monotonous existence within the Matrix, but when he encounters a woman known as Trinity and a man called Morpheus, he steps out of the virtual reality system and experiences a life-altering transformation.

The Matrix” is overflowing with unique style, featuring its distinctive leather outfits, reflective sunglasses, and groundbreaking slow-motion action sequences. The Matrix’s rules serve as a foundation for some of the most memorable fight scenes in cinema history. Over time, many stunts from “The Matrix” have been copied or parodied extensively, yet their original execution remains just as captivating as it was in 1999. This film skillfully exploits its outlandish premise, and even decades later, the sci-fi elements continue to amaze. Although there are several reasons to appreciate the sequels, “The Matrix” stands alone as an exceptional movie. If you stopped watching the series at this point, you would still be fully satisfied.

The Matrix Reloaded

In May 2003, the sequel “The Matrix Reloaded” was unveiled, continuing Neo’s tale from where “The Matrix” ended. As The One, Neo now boasts an array of abilities within the Matrix. Morpheus guides Neo and the team back to Zion, the clandestine underground sanctuary of the last vestiges of humanity. He seeks advice from Zion’s elders on employing Neo’s powers to bring a good end to their war against the machines. Regrettably, Neo’s adversary Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) has managed to infiltrate the Matrix once more, posing a threat to its integrity.

In essence, continuing the narrative from “The Matrix” was quite a challenge, but “Reloaded” didn’t hesitate and began to delve deeper into the lore established in the first film. While it provides an abundance of information about Zion, the machines, and the Matrix, this can sometimes be overwhelming for viewers. However, “Reloaded” is also brimming with fresh, mind-boggling action sequences. Although it lacks the cohesiveness of the original movie, “Reloaded” significantly advances the series’ storyline. Furthermore, it leaves you hanging with a thought-provoking cliffhanger that seamlessly transitions into “The Matrix Revolutions.

The Animatrix

The Animatrix” is a set of animated movies delving into the world and background of the Matrix series, which were released shortly after the premiere of “The Matrix Reloaded” in 2003. These films served as an entertaining distraction for fans while waiting for the release of “The Matrix Revolutions,” six months later. Unlike the earlier movies, “The Animatrix” did not focus on Neo and his comrades aboard the Nebuchadnezzar. Instead, different writers and directors used these shorts to tell the tales of lesser-known characters and even delve into the history of the conflict between humans and machines.

To devotees of “The Matrix”, “The Animatrix” stands out as one of the series’ most significant installments. This anthology film addresses some major questions left unanswered by the first two movies, while also introducing a fresh, distinctive tone to the franchise. Many of the short films feature action sequences, but overall, the stories in “The Animatrix” are more about building suspense and tension rather than fast-paced action. Viewing the series in chronological order places “The Animatrix” as a sort of interlude between the first two sequels, making it feel perfectly suited to that position. Those enamored with this movie might want to explore further into the expanded universe of “Matrix”, including its comic books and video games, upon completion of the original trilogy.

The Matrix Revolutions

In November 2003, long-time fans of “The Matrix” series were rewarded with the conclusion of the battle between Zion and the machines. “The Matrix Revolutions” starts off with Neo’s consciousness being imprisoned within a train station in the Matrix. His companions are frantically working to liberate him, while outside the Matrix, Agent Smith uncovers that his consciousness resides within a real human body. The machines are mobilizing their armies towards Zion, and both Zion’s survival and that of the Matrix hinge on the actions Neo and Smith choose next.

The final installment of the “Matrix” trilogy, titled “Revolutions,” proved to be a fulfilling conclusion. It neatly tied up the concepts and narratives established in “Reloaded,” and concluded Neo’s tale in a grand manner. We witness the culmination of the machine-human war and the dawn of a fresh, potentially more hopeful, chapter for the Matrix and Earth as a whole. Despite the potential for further storytelling, fans were likely taken aback by the direction the story took when “The Matrix” series reappeared on the big screen after almost two decades.

The Matrix Resurrections

In 2021, Matrix enthusiasts had a significant year. Nearly two decades after the conclusion of the original trilogy, Lana Wachowski returned with a fresh sequel for the series, taking it down an entirely new path. The film finds Neo inhabiting a world where “The Matrix” was just a video game he developed 20 years prior. Known as a renowned game developer responsible for creating the “Matrix” trilogy, Neo is compelled to create another game, but as the process unfolds, he begins to question his surroundings. With the Matrix evolving, Neo’s life hangs in the balance as he strives to comprehend the new system and reconnect with some of his former allies.

Resurrections”, the sequel, is remarkably self-aware and may be challenging for first-timers to fully grasp if they haven’t seen the earlier films in the original trilogy or “The Matrix”. The movie essentially continues the franchise’s narrative thread, but it doesn’t necessarily mark the end. Instead, it presents a fresh take on the Matrix and propels the series timeline well into the future, leaving many unanswered questions that could pave the way for more “Matrix” tales in the future.

Is there another way to watch The Matrix?

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve got to say that the “Matrix” films create an intriguing narrative with a clear start, progression, and conclusion. The original trilogy lays a solid foundation for “The Matrix Resurrections,” but you might find it tough to fully grasp the fourth film without understanding the first three. In contrast, “The Animatrix” is quite self-explanatory, and it fits seamlessly into any “Matrix” movie marathon.

Initially, “The Animatrix” was released during the time span between the two sequels within the original Matrix trilogy. At that time, it served as a pleasant interlude between parts of an ongoing narrative. However, today, it seems more suitable to watch it after “The Matrix Reloaded.” This way, the original trilogy offers a standalone viewing experience, and “The Animatrix” expands the series’ universe prior to “Resurrections,” which brings the story back to Neo and Trinity. If you prefer such a narrative progression, then I recommend watching the Matrix movies in this sequence:

  • The Matrix
  • The Matrix Reloaded
  • The Matrix Revolutions
  • The Animatrix
  • The Matrix Resurrections

Are there other canon Matrix stories?

It might seem like watching five Matrix movies gives you a comprehensive understanding, but that’s actually a misconception. The Matrix narrative is richer than just the films, encompassing stories from video games and comic books as well. The extended Matrix lore offers intricate details about the inception of the Matrix and early days of Zion, while the games delve deeper into your beloved film characters.

Throughout the years, collections of “Matrix” comic stories have been released, each originating from various points in time. Some narratives delve into the lives of sentient programs within the Matrix, while others illuminate the ongoing struggle between machines and humanity. Generally, these comics don’t touch on events following “The Matrix Revolutions,” but one video game does.

In 2005, a multiplayer role-playing game called “The Matrix Online” was launched, offering players insights into the second Machine War. Despite shutting down in 2009, it existed for four years. The storyline continued after the events depicted in the final movie of the trilogy, where humans and machines resumed hostilities. Some subsequent events were hinted at in “The Matrix Resurrections,” but one crucial piece of information was never revealed on the big screen: Morpheus’s character met an end in “The Matrix Online” when he was assassinated, marking the conclusion of his human life (as far as canon is concerned).

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2025-06-30 19:31