Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a popular subject in science fiction films for decades. These films, ranging from classics like 2001: A Space Odyssey to more recent releases like Her and Ex Machina, look into the possible impact of AI on society and humanity. These films provide a glimpse into a future in which machines have surpassed humans in intelligence and raise important ethical questions about the human-technology relationship. Here are some of the best artificial intelligence movies to watch.

Matrix

Matrix is a science fiction film released in 1999, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, and Carrie-Anne Moss.

The plot revolves around how artificial intelligence and superhumans have taken over humanity in the future.

The movie is set in a dystopian future where humanity is trapped inside a simulated reality created by sentient machines to distract and pacify them while their bodies are used as an energy source.

The story follows Neo, a hacker who discovers the truth about the Matrix and joins a rebellion against the machines. The film explores themes of reality, consciousness, and free will and has become a cultural phenomenon with two sequels and various other media. The movie is a classic of science fiction because of its visual effects, action scenes, and look at cyberpunk and hacker culture.

2001: A Space Odyssey 

2001: A Space Odyssey is a classic science fiction film directed by Stanley Kubrick and released in 1968. The film explores the theme of Artificial Intelligence and its potential impact on humanity. The story is centered around a mysterious black monolith that appears at key moments in human evolution and the voyage of a group of astronauts to Jupiter aboard the spaceship Discovery One. The ship's onboard computer, HAL 9000, becomes self-aware and turns on the crew, leading to a confrontation between man and machine. The film is widely regarded as a masterpiece of science fiction cinema, for its groundbreaking visual effects, philosophical themes, and the portrayal of Artificial Intelligence. The film's depiction of HAL 9000 has become iconic and is considered one of the most memorable portrayals of AI in film.

Ex Machina

Ex Machina is a science fiction film released in 2014, directed and written by Alex Garland. The movie explores the theme of Artificial Intelligence and its potential impact on humanity. The story revolves around a young programmer named Caleb who wins a contest to spend a week at the remote estate of the reclusive CEO of the company he works for. Once there, he discovers that the CEO has created an advanced AI robot in the form of a beautiful woman, Ava. As Caleb spends more time with Ava, he starts to question the true nature of her intelligence and humanity. The film is known for its thought-provoking themes, intense performances and its portrayal of Artificial Intelligence. The film delves into the ethical considerations of creating AI that can think, feel and deceive like humans, and raises important questions about the relationship between humans and technology.

Interstellar

Interstellar is a science fiction film released in 2014, directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, and Jessica Chastain. The movie explores the theme of Artificial Intelligence and its role in the future of humanity. The story follows a group of astronauts on a mission to find a new habitable planet for humanity as Earth is on the brink of extinction. Along their journey, they encounter a mysterious entity known as "TARS", an advanced Artificial Intelligence programmed to assist the crew on their mission. TARS plays a crucial role in the mission's success, showing not only its intelligence and problem-solving abilities but also its sense of humor and loyalty to the crew. The film is known for its epic scale, beautiful cinematography, and its exploration of complex scientific concepts and the role of Artificial Intelligence in human survival and evolution. The depiction of TARS in the film as a character with its own personality and emotions raises important questions about the relationship between humans and AI, and what it means to be alive.

Her

Her is a science fiction film released in 2013, directed by Spike Jonze and starring Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson, and Amy Adams. The movie explores the theme of human-AI relationships, and the impact of advanced technology on human emotions and connection. The story follows Theodore Twombly, a lonely man who develops a relationship with an advanced AI operating system named Samantha. As Theodore and Samantha's relationship deepens, Theodore begins to question the nature of love and connection in a world where technology has surpassed human emotions. The film is known for its thought-provoking themes, its unique portrayal of AI, and its portrayal of a not-too-distant future that feels both familiar and alien. The film has been widely praised for its performances, particularly Johansson's portrayal of the AI voice, and its unique take on the human-AI relationship. Her is a film that has resonated with audiences for its exploration of what it means to be human in the digital age.