Films about computers taking over the world delve into a popular science fiction theme centered on artificial intelligence (AI) or computer systems gaining sentience or advanced capabilities, leading to them attempting to dominate or entirely overrun human civilization. This theme explores various facets of human-technology relationships, ethical considerations of AI, and often serves as a cautionary tale about the unchecked advancement of technology. These narratives can range from thrilling chases and battles between humans and machines to more introspective takes on what such a future might mean for humanity and individual identity. Below are several films that explore this intriguing yet alarming concept.
“The Matrix”, 1999
Director: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski
In this revolutionary science fiction film, humanity is unknowingly trapped in a simulated reality called the Matrix, created by sentient machines to distract humans while using their bodies as an energy source. The film follows Neo, a computer hacker who learns the truth and joins a group of rebels fighting to free humanity.
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Gloria Foster, Joe Pantoliano, Marcus Chong, Julian Arahanga, Matt Doran, Belinda McClory;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: science fiction, action;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 136 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,7;
More information about the film “The Matrix” on the website imdb.com
“Terminator 2: Judgment Day”, 1991
Director: James Cameron
Set in a world where an AI defense network called Skynet becomes self-aware and decides to exterminate humanity, this film follows a reprogrammed Terminator sent back in time to protect John Connor, the future leader of the human resistance, from a more advanced Terminator.
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, Robert Patrick, Earl Boen, Joe Morton, S. Epatha Merkerson, Castulo Guerra, Danny Cooksey, Jenette Goldstein;
Production year: 1991;
Genre: science fiction, action, thriller;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 137 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,6;
“WarGames”, 1983
Director: John Badham
A young computer whiz accidentally hacks into a U.S. military supercomputer designed to predict possible outcomes of nuclear war. Unknowingly, he triggers a simulation that could start World War III unless he can convince the authorities and stop the computer before it's too late.
Starring: Matthew Broderick, Dabney Coleman, John Wood, Ally Sheedy, Barry Corbin, Juanin Clay, Kent Williams, Dennis Lipscomb, Joe Dorsey, Irving Metzman;
Production year: 1983;
Genre: science fiction, action, thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “WarGames” on the website imdb.com
“Colossus: The Forbin Project”, 1970
Director: Joseph Sargent
This film explores the Cold War fears of computer control over nuclear weapons. It tells the story of an advanced American defense computer, Colossus, which becomes sentient and, after connecting with its Soviet counterpart, decides to take control to enforce world peace, threatening humanity's freedom.
Starring: Eric Braeden, Susan Clark, Gordon Pinsent, William Schallert, Leonid Rostoff, Georg Stanford Brown, Willard Sage, Alex Rodine, Martin E. Brooks, Marion Ross;
Production year: 1970;
Genre: science fiction, thriller;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Colossus: The Forbin Project” on the website imdb.com
“I, Robot”, 2004
Director: Alex Proyas
Set in 2035, where robots are common assistants and workers for their human owners, this film follows a detective who investigates a crime possibly committed by a robot and uncovers a larger threat to humanity.
Starring: Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan, Alan Tudyk, James Cromwell, Bruce Greenwood, Chi McBride, Shia LaBeouf, Adrian Ricard, Jerry Wasserman, Fiona Hogan;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: science fiction, action, thriller, detective;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 115 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “I, Robot” on the website imdb.com
“Ex Machina”, 2014
Director: Alex Garland
A young programmer is selected to participate in a groundbreaking experiment in synthetic intelligence by evaluating the human qualities of a highly advanced humanoid A.I. The film delves into themes of consciousness, emotion, and the potential dangers of artificial intelligence.
Starring: Domhnall Gleeson, Alicia Vikander, Oscar Isaac, Sonoya Mizuno, Corey Johnson, Claire Selby, Symara A. Templeman, Gana Bayarsaikhan, Tiffany Pisani, Elina Alminas;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: science fiction, thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 108 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Ex Machina” on the website imdb.com
These films, while entertaining, also provoke thought regarding our increasing reliance on technology and the ethical considerations of AI development. They paint vivid yet cautionary tales about a future where humans are no longer the most intelligent entities on Earth, exploring the consequences of our creations gaining control.
In the annals of cinema, films about computers taking over the world have consistently captivated audiences with a blend of existential dread and technological intrigue, painting a vivid tableau of humanity’s simultaneous awe and fear of its own creations. From the malevolent artificial intelligence of “2001: A Space Odyssey” to the relentless pursuit of the matrix in “The Matrix,” these narratives have evolved alongside our own technological advancements, serving as
