Hollywood movies have been themed around Artificial Intelligence since the 1960s. Adarsh explores some of the most famous ones!


Artificial Intelligence has been a favourite theme for Hollywood filmmakers for over half a century now. There have been several movies that have explored the topic and depicted compelling and though-provoking situations to tell us about the pros and cons of AI.

Here are the top 10 examples:

1. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Directed by the legendary Stanley Kubrick, this movie was way ahead of its time. It is centred around an intelligent computer system called HAL 9000 which has advanced capabilities but also exhibits a flawed sense of logic. This movie was made as a warning about the perils of Artificial Intelligence.

2. Blade Runner (1982)

Another movie that was ahead of its time, Blade Runner explores the theme of Artificial Intelligence through replicants. Replicants are human-like androids which are used in this movie to raise questions about identity, emotions, and the very nature of being.

3. The Matrix Series (1999-2021)

Possibly the most famous movie on this list, the Matrix series has 4 parts and stars Keanu Reeves. The movies are centred around a sophisticated Artificial Intelligence system that has created an artificial reality of its own to control and exploit humanity.

The movie raises some hard-hitting questions about reality, free will and the boundaries between humans and machines. In fact, it is so compelling that it can make you wonder if we are already inside a matrix!

4. Her (2013)

This is a romantic drama about an unconventional relationship between a man played by Joaquin Phoenix and an AI-powered virtual assistance whose voiceover is done by Scarlett Johansson. The movie beautifully explores the possibility of love and emotional connection between humans and AI.

5. Ex-Machina (2014)

This psychological sci-fi thriller is centred around the Turing Test. The Turing test is a test of a machine’s ability to exhibit intelligent behaviour equivalent to, or indistinguishable from, that of a human. It is about the interactions between a programmer and an AI with a human body and explores the blurry lines between humans and Artificial Intelligence.

6. The Terminator Series (1984-2019)

The one movie series on this list that is more famous than the Matrix, this series starring the irrepressible Arnold Schwarzenegger has 6 instalments (so far). This series mixes the themes of Artificial Intelligence and time travel.

A self-aware computer system initiates a nuclear war and deploys robotic assassins called Terminators to destroy humanity. It is about AI going rogue and about humanity’s struggle for survival.

7. Transcendence (2014)

This sci-fi thriller stars Johnny Depp as a scientist who uploads his consciousness into a super intelligent Artificial Intelligence system. It is centred around the themes of technological singularity, the merging of human and artificial intelligence and the ethical dilemmas that such technological advancements can lead to.

8. Minority Report (2002)

Starring Tom Cruise, this movie is set in a dystopian future and is about a system called Precrime that uses Artificial Intelligence to predict and precent crimes before they actually happen. It examines issues like privacy, free will and the moral implication of relying solely on AI predictions to determine guilt or innocence in humans.

9. WALL-E (2008)

The only animated movie on this list, this movie shows a futuristic version of earth where an AI system called AUTO oversees the operations of a space cruise ship. It raises some thought-provoking questions about human reliance on technology, the consequences of environmental negligence and the potential for Artificial Intelligence to override human intentions.

10. Black Mirror (2011-2023)

Though not a movie, this series made its debut in 2011 and as of now has 22 episodes spread across 5 seasons. It offers a dark and satirical take on modern society’s relationship with technology.

Some of the episodes like White Christmas, USS Callister and Metalhead are centred around Artificial Intelligence and with its unsettling and thought-provoking narratives, it serves as a cautionary exploration of the potential pitfalls and moral dilemmas that could arise from our ever-evolving technological landscape.

Have we missed out on any famous movies that are themed around Artificial Intelligence? Do let us know in the comments section.

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Adarsh hates personal bios, Chelsea football club and Oxford commas. When he's not writing, he's busy playing FIFA on his PlayStation.

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