Published: November 8, 2026 · Last updated: November 8, 2026 · 3 min read

The Matrix is a 1999 film directed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski. This guide provides an overview of the production details and core premise.

Spoiler-free: this page uses only the official synopsis and public data.

The Matrix at a Glance

Poster for The Matrix (1999)
Poster: TMDB
Release date1999-03-31
GenresAction, Science Fiction
Runtime2 h 16 min (136 minutes)
Directed byLana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski
Written byLana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski
Top castKeanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving
US ratingR
ProductionVillage Roadshow Pictures, Groucho II Film Partnership, Silver Pictures
FranchiseThe Matrix Collection
More detailsIMDb page · TMDB page
Still image from The Matrix (1999)
Image: TMDB

Ratings Snapshot

SourceScoreVotes
TMDB (audience votes)8.3/1029181

What Is The Matrix About? (Spoiler-Free)

In the 22nd century, a computer hacker aligns with a rebel group to challenge the powerful machines that dominate the planet. Together, they engage in a struggle against the technological forces governing humanity.

Cast and Characters

  • Keanu Reeves as Neo
  • Laurence Fishburne as Morpheus
  • Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity
  • Hugo Weaving as Agent Smith
  • Gloria Foster as Oracle
  • Joe Pantoliano as Cypher
  • Marcus Chong as Tank
  • Julian Arahanga as Apoc

Behind the Camera

Music byDon Davis
CinematographyBill Pope
EditingZach Staenberg
ProducersJoel Silver, Andrew Mason, Bruce Berman, Barrie M. Osborne

Who Should Watch The Matrix?

It may suit you if:

  • You enjoy science fiction films set in futuristic worlds.
  • You are interested in action movies featuring underground insurgent groups.
  • You want to see a film directed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski.

You might skip it if:

  • You prefer stories that do not focus on science fiction themes.
  • You avoid action movies rated R.

Before You Watch

This R-rated science fiction action film has a runtime of 136 minutes.

Movies Like The Matrix

These picks come from TMDB’s audience recommendations for The Matrix.

TitleTMDB scoreAbout
The Matrix Reloaded (2003)7.1/10The Resistance builds in numbers as humans are freed from the Matrix and brought to the city of Zion.
The Matrix Revolutions (2003)6.8/10The human city of Zion defends itself against the massive invasion of the machines as Neo fights to end the war at another front while also opposing…
The Matrix Resurrections (2021)6.3/10Plagued by strange memories, Neo's life takes an unexpected turn when he finds himself back inside the Matrix.
Terminator Salvation (2009)6.1/10All grown up in post-apocalyptic 2018, John Connor must lead the resistance of humans against the increasingly dominating militaristic robots.
The Terminator (1984)7.7/10In the post-apocalyptic future, reigning tyrannical supercomputers teleport a cyborg assassin known as the "Terminator" back to 1984 to kill Sarah…
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)6.2/10It's been 10 years since John Connor saved Earth from Judgment Day, and he's now living under the radar, steering clear of using anything Skynet can…

More guides: Backrooms (2026): Cast, Plot Summary and Ratings · The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993): Cast, Plot Summary and Ratings · Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021): Cast, Plot Summary and Ratings

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is The Matrix (1999)?

The Matrix (1999) runs 2 h 16 min (136 minutes), according to TMDB.

Who directed The Matrix?

Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski.

Who stars in The Matrix?

Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Gloria Foster.

When was The Matrix released?

The first release date listed on TMDB is 1999-03-31.

What is the US rating of The Matrix?

TMDB lists a US rating of R. Check the official rating body for the reasons behind it.

Data checked on November 8, 2026. Movie and TV data from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings via OMDb (IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic) where shown. Scores change over time; check the source for the latest numbers.

Related: Gladiator (2000) guide.

Related: Toy Story 5 (2026) guide.

Related: Top Gun: Maverick (2022) guide.


About this guide. Published by Morfeli on November 8, 2026. Facts come from public data sources (TMDB, OMDb, Deezer) and are summarized with AI assistance. This page is a data summary, not a critic’s review or a personal opinion; nobody here claims to have rated the title. Scores and details change over time. See our Editorial Policy.