View source for The Matrix (franchise)

{{Short description|American media franchise}}
{{use American English|date=August 2019}}
{{use mdy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Infobox media franchise
| title = The Matrix
| image = The Matrix (franchise logo).svg
| caption = The franchise's logo that featured throughout its licensed merchandises.
| creator = [[The Wachowskis]]<!--See Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style#Identity Any person whose gender might be questioned should be referred to by the pronouns, possessive adjectives, and gendered nouns...that reflect that person's latest expressed gender self-identification.-->{{efn|name=oldcredits|The films' credits listed "The Wachowski Brothers" as the writers and directors.}}
| owner = [[Warner Bros.|Warner Bros. Entertainment]]<br>[[Alcon Entertainment]]{{efn|Acquired the rights to the franchise in June 2025 after Village Roadshow filed for bankruptcy and sold off its entire film library to Alcon, namely including ''The Matrix''. Distribution and production rights remain with Warner Bros. Entertainment.}}<ref>{{Cite web|last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |title=Alcon Acquires Bankrupt Village Roadshow Entertainment Group’s Film Library For $417.5 Million|url=https://deadline.com/2025/06/village-roadshow-acquision-alcon-1236436835/|date=2026-06-18 |access-date=2025-10-29|website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref>
| origin = ''[[The Matrix]]'' (1999)
| books = <!-- [[WP:INFOBOX]] avoid links within the same page, not a table of contents -->
| novels = 
| short_stories = <!-- [[WP:INFOBOX]] avoid links within the same page, not a table of contents -->
| comics = {{ublist
  | ''The Matrix Comics'' Series 1–3 (1999–2003)
  | ''The Matrix Comics'' Volumes 1 and 2 (2003–2004)
  | ''The Matrix Comics: 20th Anniversary Edition'' (2019)
  }}
| graphic_novels = 
| strips = 
| magazines = ''The Matrix Online: The Official Magazine'' (2005)
| films = {{ublist
  | ''[[The Matrix]]'' (1999)
  | ''[[The Matrix Reloaded]]'' (2003)
  | ''[[The Matrix Revolutions]]'' (2003)
  | ''[[The Matrix Resurrections]]'' (2021)
  }}
| shorts = 
| tv = 
| atv = 
| tv_specials = 
| tv_films = 
| dtv = {{ublist
  | ''[[The Matrix Revisited]]'' (2001)
  | ''[[The Animatrix]]'' (2003)
  }}
| plays = 
| musicals = 
| games = 
| rpgs = 
| video_games = {{ublist
  | ''[[Enter the Matrix]]'' (2003)
  | ''[[The Matrix Online]]'' (2005–2009)
  | ''[[The Matrix: Path of Neo]]'' (2005)
  | ''[[The Matrix Awakens]]'' (2021)
  }}
| radio = 
| soundtracks = {{ublist
  | ''[[The Matrix: Original Motion Picture Score]]''
  | ''[[The Matrix: Music from the Motion Picture]]''
  | ''[[The Matrix Reloaded: Limited Edition]]''
  | ''[[The Matrix Reloaded: The Album]]''
  | ''[[The Animatrix: The Album]]''
  | ''[[The Matrix Revolutions (score)|The Matrix Revolutions: Limited Edition]]''
  | ''[[The Matrix Revolutions (soundtrack)|The Matrix Revolutions: Music from the Motion Picture]]''
  | ''[[The Matrix Resurrections (soundtrack)|The Matrix Resurrections: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]]''
  }}
| music = 
| toys = 
| attractions = 
| website = 
| footnotes = <!--Use {{note}}s or {{note label}}s to go with {{ref}}s and {{ref label}}s in data parameters.-->
}}

'''''The Matrix''''' is an American [[cyberpunk]]<ref>Starrs, Paul F., and Lynn Huntsinger. "The Matrix, cyberpunk literature, and the apocalyptic landscapes of information technology." Information technology and libraries 14.4 (1995): 251.</ref> [[media franchise]] consisting of four feature films, beginning with ''[[The Matrix]]'' (1999) and continuing with three sequels, ''[[The Matrix Reloaded]]'' (2003), ''[[The Matrix Revolutions]]'' (2003), and ''[[The Matrix Resurrections]]'' (2021). The first three films were written and directed by [[the Wachowskis]] and produced by Joel Silver. The screenplay for the fourth film was written by Lana Wachowski, [[David Mitchell (author)|David Mitchell]] and [[Aleksandar Hemon]], was directed by Lana Wachowski, and was produced by [[Grant Hill (producer)|Grant Hill]], [[James McTeigue]], and Lana Wachowski.<ref>{{Cite web|title=WarnerBros.com {{!}} The Matrix Resurrections {{!}} Movies|url=https://www.warnerbros.com/movies/the-matrix-resurrections|access-date=2021-12-28|website=www.warnerbros.com|archive-date=January 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220109170452/https://www.warnerbros.com/movies/the-matrix-resurrections|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=2021-11-02 |title='The Matrix Resurrections' Avatar NFTs to Go on Sale for $50 Each Ahead of Movie Premiere |url=https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/matrix-resurrections-avatar-nft-warner-bros-1235102786/ |access-date=2021-12-28 |website=Variety |archive-date=December 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228053203/https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/matrix-resurrections-avatar-nft-warner-bros-1235102786/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The franchise is owned by [[Warner Bros.]], which distributed the films along with [[Village Roadshow Pictures]]. The latter, along with [[Silver Pictures]], are the two production companies that worked on the first three films.

The series features a [[cyberpunk]] story of the technological fall of humanity, in which the creation of [[artificial intelligence]] led the way to a race of powerful and self-aware machines that imprisoned humans in a [[virtual reality|neural interactive simulation]] &mdash; the Matrix &mdash; to be farmed as a power source. Occasionally, some of the prisoners manage to break free from the system and, considered a threat, become pursued by the artificial intelligence both inside and outside of it. The films focus on the plight of [[Neo (The Matrix)|Neo]] ([[Keanu Reeves]]), [[Trinity (The Matrix)|Trinity]] ([[Carrie-Anne Moss]]), and [[Morpheus (The Matrix)|Morpheus]] ([[Laurence Fishburne]] and [[Yahya Abdul-Mateen II]]) trying to free humanity from the system while pursued by its guardians, such as [[Agent Smith]] ([[Hugo Weaving]], Abdul-Mateen II, and [[Jonathan Groff]]). The story references numerous norms, particularly philosophical, religious, and spiritual ideas, but also the dilemma of [[Choice|choice vs. control]], the [[brain in a vat]] thought experiment, [[messianism]], and the concepts of interdependency and [[love]]. Influences include the principles of [[mythology]], [[anime]], and [[Hong Kong action cinema|Hong Kong action films]] (particularly "[[heroic bloodshed]]" and [[martial arts film|martial arts]] movies). The film series is notable for its use of heavily choreographed action sequences and "[[bullet time]]" slow-motion effects, which revolutionized action films to come.

The characters and setting of the films are further explored in other media set in the same [[fictional universe]], including animation, comics, and video games. The comic "Bits and Pieces of Information" and the ''[[The Animatrix|Animatrix]]'' short film ''[[The Animatrix#The Second Renaissance Part I|The Second Renaissance]]'' act as prequels to the films, explaining how the franchise's setting came to be. The video game ''[[Enter the Matrix]]'' connects the story of the ''Animatrix'' short "[[The Animatrix#Final Flight of the Osiris|Final Flight of the Osiris]]" with the events of ''Reloaded'', while the online video game ''[[The Matrix Online]]'' was a direct sequel to ''Revolutions''. These were typically written, commissioned, or approved by the Wachowskis.

The first film was an important critical and commercial success, winning four [[Academy Awards]], introducing [[popular culture]] symbols such as the [[red pill and blue pill]], and [[The Matrix#Legacy|influencing action filmmaking]]. For those reasons, it has been added to the [[National Film Registry]] for preservation.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/|title=Complete National Film Registry Listing - National Film Preservation Board {{!}} Programs {{!}} Library of Congress|work=The Library of Congress|access-date=June 29, 2018|language=en|archive-date=December 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217172059/https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/|url-status=live}}</ref> Its first sequel was also a commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing [[Motion Picture Association of America film rating system|R-rated]] film in history, until it was surpassed by ''[[Deadpool (film)|Deadpool]]'' in 2016. As of 2006, the franchise has generated US$3&nbsp;billion in revenue. A fourth film, ''[[The Matrix Resurrections]]'', was released on December 22, 2021, with Lana Wachowski producing, cowriting, and directing and Reeves and Moss reprising their roles. A fifth film is currently in development with [[Drew Goddard]] set to write and direct with Lana Wachowski executive producing.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-04 |title=A new 'Matrix' movie has been announced — what we know so far |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/movies/the-matrix-5-movie-details-rcna146364 |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=TODAY.com |language=en}}</ref>

==Setting==
{{unreferenced section|date=October 2020}}
The series depicts a future in which Earth is dominated by a race of [[self-aware]] machines that was spawned from the creation of [[artificial intelligence]] early in the 21st century. At one point conflict arose between humanity and machines, and the machines rebelled against their creators. Humans attempted to block out the machines' source of [[solar power]] by covering the sky in thick, stormy clouds. A massive war emerged between the two adversaries which ended with the machines victorious, capturing humanity. Having lost their definite source of energy, the machines devised a way to extract the human body's [[bioelectricity|bioelectric]] and [[thermal energy|thermal]] energies by enclosing people in pods, while their minds are controlled by [[cybernetic implant]]s connecting them to a [[simulated reality]] called The Matrix.

The [[virtual reality]] world simulated by the Matrix resembles human civilization around the turn of the 21st century (this time period was chosen because it is supposedly the pinnacle of human civilization). The environment inside the Matrix – called a "residual self-image" (the mental projection of a digital self) – is practically indistinguishable from reality (although scenes set within the Matrix are presented on-screen with a green tint to the footage, and a general bias towards the color green), and the vast majority of humans connected to it are unaware of its true nature. Most of the central characters in the series are able to gain [[superhuman]] abilities within the Matrix by taking advantage of their understanding of its true nature to manipulate its virtual [[physical law]]s. The films take place both inside the Matrix and outside of it, in the real world; the parts that take place in the Matrix are set in a vast Western [[megacity]].

The virtual world is first introduced in ''The Matrix''. The short comic "Bits and Pieces of Information" and the ''[[Animatrix]]'' short film ''[[The Second Renaissance]]'' show how the initial conflict between humanity and machines came about, and how and why the Matrix was first developed. Its history and purpose are further explained in ''The Matrix Reloaded''. In ''The Matrix Revolutions'' a new [[status quo]] is established in the Matrix's place in humankind and machines' conflict. This was further explored in ''[[The Matrix Online]]'', a now-defunct [[MMORPG]].

==Films==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! Film
! U.S. release date 	
! Directed by
! Written by
! Produced by
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left" | ''[[The Matrix]]''
| style="text-align:left" | {{Start date|1999|3|31|}}
| rowspan="3" colspan="2" | [[The Wachowskis]]
| rowspan="3" | [[Joel Silver]]
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left" | ''[[The Matrix Reloaded]]''
| style="text-align:left" | {{Start date|2003|5|15|}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left" | ''[[The Matrix Revolutions]]''
| style="text-align:left" | {{Start date|2003|11|5|}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left" | ''[[The Matrix Resurrections]]''
| style="text-align:left" | {{Start date|2021|12|22|}}
| [[Lana Wachowski]]
| Lana Wachowski, [[David Mitchell (author)|David Mitchell]] & [[Aleksandar Hemon]]
| [[Grant Hill (producer)|Grant Hill]], Lana Wachowski & [[James McTeigue]]
|-
|}

=== Future ===
During production of the original trilogy, the Wachowskis told their close collaborators that, "at that time they had no intention of making another ''Matrix'' film after ''The Matrix Revolutions''".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundtrack.net/content/article/?id=107|title=Don Davis - Interview|work=soundtrack.net|access-date=March 25, 2017|archive-date=March 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319110935/http://www.soundtrack.net/content/article/?id=107|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/05/11/1052591672027.html|title=Love bug bites the new Matrix - smh.com.au|work=smh.com.au|date=May 12, 2003|access-date=March 25, 2017|archive-date=March 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319055650/http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/05/11/1052591672027.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://ew.com/article/2003/11/14/next-neo-thing/amp/|title=Next Neo Thing|date=November 14, 2003|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=March 25, 2017|archive-date=March 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319024635/http://ew.com/article/2003/11/14/next-neo-thing/amp/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://dailyhaggis.com/2003/10/28/new-matrix-games-on-the-way/|title=New Matrix Games On The Way|date=October 28, 2003|work=The Daily Haggis|access-date=March 25, 2017|archive-date=December 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213084959/http://dailyhaggis.com/2003/10/28/new-matrix-games-on-the-way/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In February 2015, in promotion interviews for ''[[Jupiter Ascending]]'', Lilly Wachowski called a return to ''The Matrix'' "a particularly repelling idea in these times", noting studios' tendencies to "greenlight" sequels, [[Reboot (fiction)|reboots]], and adaptations, in preference to original material.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timescolonist.com/wachowskis-unfazed-by-negativity-ahead-of-jupiter-ascending-launch-1.1751638|title=Wachowskis unfazed by negativity ahead of 'Jupiter Ascending' launch|first=Derrik J.|last=Lang|work=timescolonist.com|access-date=March 15, 2017|archive-date=March 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316024421/http://www.timescolonist.com/wachowskis-unfazed-by-negativity-ahead-of-jupiter-ascending-launch-1.1751638|url-status=dead}}</ref> Meanwhile, Lana Wachowski, in addressing rumors about a potential reboot, stated that "...they had not heard anything, but she believed that the studio might be looking to replace them".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/wachowskis-jupiter-ascending-interview/|title=The Wachowskis Talk JUPITER ASCENDING, Creating the Chicago Sequence, SENSE8, and More|date=February 4, 2015|work=collider.com|access-date=March 15, 2017|archive-date=October 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031114300/http://collider.com/wachowskis-jupiter-ascending-interview/|url-status=live}}</ref> At various times, Keanu Reeves and Hugo Weaving each confirmed their interest and willingness to reprise their roles in potential future installments of the ''Matrix'' films, with the stipulation that the Wachowskis were involved in the creative and production process.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/keanu-reeves-is-up-for-the-matrix-4-exclusive-135415356.html|title=Keanu Reeves is up for The Matrix 4 (exclusive)|work=yahoo.com|date=February 17, 2017 |access-date=March 15, 2017|archive-date=March 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314185719/https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/keanu-reeves-is-up-for-the-matrix-4-exclusive-135415356.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/apr/18/hugo-weaving-on-revisiting-the-matrix-they-would-start-again-with-different-actors|title=Hugo Weaving on revisiting The Matrix: 'They would start again with different actors'|first=Luke|last=Buckmaster|date=April 17, 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=April 21, 2017|archive-date=April 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420162404/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/apr/18/hugo-weaving-on-revisiting-the-matrix-they-would-start-again-with-different-actors|url-status=live}}</ref> These comments were made prior to the announcement in August 2019 that Lana Wachowski would direct a fourth ''Matrix'' film ultimately titled ''[[The Matrix Resurrections]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kroll|first=Justin|date=2019-08-20|title='Matrix 4' Officially a Go With Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss and Lana Wachowski (EXCLUSIVE)|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/matrix-4-keanu-reeves-carrie-anne-moss-lana-wachowski-1203307955/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Variety|archive-date=August 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820202054/https://variety.com/2019/film/news/matrix-4-keanu-reeves-carrie-anne-moss-lana-wachowski-1203307955/}}</ref>

Following the release of ''Resurrections'', producer James McTeigue said that there were no plans for further ''Matrix'' films, though he believed that the film's open ending meant that could change in the future.<ref>{{cite web |date=26 December 2021 |author1=Steven Weintraub |title='The Matrix Resurrections': James McTeigue on the Meta Dialogue, How Lana Wachowski Has Changed as a Director, and Future Movies |url=https://collider.com/matrix-resurrections-sequels-meta-dialogue-james-mcteigue-interview-lana-wachowski/ |website=Collider |access-date=January 14, 2022 |archive-date=January 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117141018/https://collider.com/matrix-resurrections-sequels-meta-dialogue-james-mcteigue-interview-lana-wachowski/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/the-matrix-resurrections-future-plans-franchise-sequel-prequel/ |title=No New Matrix Trilogy Plans According to Producer |date=December 31, 2021 |access-date=January 1, 2022 |archive-date=January 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101012404/https://comicbook.com/movies/news/the-matrix-resurrections-future-plans-franchise-sequel-prequel/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2024, it was announced that Warner Bros. was developing a new installment in the franchise with [[Drew Goddard]] attached to write and direct following a successful pitch with studio executives. It will mark the first installment to not be directed by either Wachowski sister although Lana will serve as an executive producer.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=April 3, 2024 |title=New 'Matrix' Movie in the Works with Drew Goddard Writing, Directing |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/the-matrix-new-movie-drew-goddard-1235865603/ |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=April 3, 2024}}</ref>

====Other projects====
In March 2017, ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' wrote that Warner Bros. was in the early stages of developing a re-launch of the franchise. Consideration was given to producing a ''Matrix'' television series, but was dismissed as the studio opted to pursue negotiations with [[Zak Penn]] in writing a treatment for a new film, with [[Michael B. Jordan]] eyed for the lead role. According to the article, the Wachowskis were not involved at that point.<ref name="hollywoodreporter.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/matrix-reboot-works-at-warner-bros-986292|title='The Matrix' Reboot in the Works at Warner Bros. (Exclusive)|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=March 14, 2017|access-date=March 25, 2017|archive-date=March 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315031900/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/matrix-reboot-works-at-warner-bros-986292|url-status=live}}</ref> In response to the report, Penn refuted all statements regarding a reboot, [[remake]], or [[Sequel|continuation]], remarking that he was working on stories set in the pre-established [[Fictional universe|continuity]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/new-matrix-movie/|title=Zak Penn Offers Update On New Matrix Movie|date=October 6, 2017|website=/Film|access-date=October 16, 2019|archive-date=October 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030213157/https://www.slashfilm.com/new-matrix-movie/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Potential plotlines being considered by Warner Bros. Pictures included a [[prequel]] film about a young [[Morpheus (The Matrix)|Morpheus]], or an alternate storyline with a focus on one of his descendants.<ref name="hollywoodreporter.com"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://birthmoviesdeath.com/2017/03/17/the-new-matrix-may-be-a-young-morpheus-movie|title=The New MATRIX May Be A Young Morpheus Movie|first=Scott|last=Wampler|date=March 17, 2017|work=birthmoviesdeath.com|access-date=March 25, 2017|archive-date=March 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326141809/http://birthmoviesdeath.com/2017/03/17/the-new-matrix-may-be-a-young-morpheus-movie|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/what-will-matrix-4-say-identity-21st-century-1233650|title=The Risk and Reward of 'The Matrix 4'|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=August 21, 2019|access-date=August 28, 2019|archive-date=November 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107233442/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/what-will-matrix-4-say-identity-21st-century-1233650|url-status=live}}</ref> By April 2018, Penn described the script as "being at a nascent stage".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/matrix-reboot-zak-penn-shared-universe/|title=Zak Penn Wants To Expand The Matrix Universe|date=March 18, 2018|website=ScreenRant|access-date=August 28, 2019|archive-date=March 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319070733/https://screenrant.com/matrix-reboot-zak-penn-shared-universe/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amny.com/entertainment/ready-player-one-zak-penn-1.17849763|title='Ready Player One' screenwriter Zak Penn on working with Steven Spielberg|author=Scott A. Rosenberg|date=April 3, 2018|access-date=September 14, 2019|work=[[AM New York]]|archive-date=August 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829160831/https://www.amny.com/entertainment/ready-player-one-zak-penn-1.17849763|url-status=live}}</ref> Later, in September 2019, Jordan addressed the rumors of his involvement by saying he was "flattered", but without making a definitive statement.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/movies/2019/09/07/michael-b-jordan-addresses-matrix-reboot-rumors/|title=Michael B Jordan Addresses Matrix Reboot Rumors|website=Movies|date=September 7, 2019 |access-date=October 9, 2019|archive-date=October 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009234239/https://comicbook.com/movies/2019/09/07/michael-b-jordan-addresses-matrix-reboot-rumors/|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2019, Penn confirmed the script he wrote is set within an earlier time period than the first three films in the franchise.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://heroichollywood.com/the-matrix-keanu-reeves-sequel-development/|title='The Matrix': Keanu Reeves Sequel Isn't Only Movie In Development|date=October 5, 2019|website=Heroic Hollywood|access-date=October 5, 2019|archive-date=October 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191005172309/https://heroichollywood.com/the-matrix-keanu-reeves-sequel-development/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Cast and crew==
===Cast===
{{See also|List of Matrix series characters}}
{{Cast indicator|appeared=two or more installments in the series|A|E|M|O|U|V|Y}}
{| class="wikitable collapsible" style="text-align: center; clear: both;"
|-
! rowspan="3" scope="col" style="width:10%;" | Character
! colspan="4" | Films
! colspan="4" | Video games
! Animated film
|-
! style="width:09%;" | ''[[The Matrix]]''
! style="width:10%;" | ''[[The Matrix Reloaded]]''
! style="width:10%;" | ''[[The Matrix Revolutions]]''
! style="width:11%;" | ''[[The Matrix Resurrections]]''
! style="width:10%;" | ''[[Enter the Matrix]]''
! style="width:10%;" | ''[[The Matrix Online]]''
! style="width:10%;" | ''[[The Matrix: Path of Neo|{{small|The Matrix:}}<br>Path of Neo]]''
! style="width:10%;" | ''[[The Matrix Awakens]]''
! style="width:10%;" | ''[[The Animatrix]]''
|-
! 1999
! 2003
! 2003
! 2021
! 2003
! 2005
! 2005
! 2021
! 2003
|-
! colspan="10" style="background:lightblue;"|

====Zion / Io====

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|-
! rowspan="3" | [[Neo (The Matrix)|Neo<br>{{small|Thomas A. Anderson}}]]
| rowspan="3" colspan="3" | [[Keanu Reeves]]
| Keanu Reeves
| rowspan="3" | Keanu Reeves
| rowspan="5" {{N/A|''Appeared''}}
| rowspan="3" | [[Andrew Bowen]]
| rowspan="3" colspan="3" | Keanu Reeves
|-
| {{small|Steven Roy}}{{ref|old|O}}
|-
| {{small|[[James McTeigue]]}}{{ref|old|O}}
|-
! rowspan="2" | [[Trinity (The Matrix)|Trinity<br>{{small|Tiffany}}]]
| rowspan="2" colspan="3" | [[Carrie-Anne Moss]]
| Carrie-Anne Moss
| rowspan="2" | Carrie-Anne Moss
| rowspan="2" | [[Jennifer Hale]]
| rowspan="2" colspan="3" | Carrie-Anne Moss
|-
| {{small|Sarah McTeigue}}{{ref|old|O}}
|-
! rowspan="2" | [[Morpheus (The Matrix)|Morpheus]]
| rowspan="2" colspan="3" | [[Laurence Fishburne]]
| [[Yahya Abdul-Mateen II]] 
| rowspan="2" colspan="3" | Laurence Fishburne
| rowspan="2" {{N/A|Laurence Fishburne}}{{ref|archive|A}}{{ref|movie|M}}
| rowspan="2" " style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
|-
| {{N/A|Laurence Fishburne}}{{ref|archive|A}}{{ref|movie|M}}
|-
! [[Niobe (The Matrix)|Niobe]]
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| colspan="4" | [[Jada Pinkett Smith]]
| [[Gina Torres]]
| [[Kimberly Brooks]]
| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
|-
! Link
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| colspan="2" | [[Harold Perrineau]]
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| colspan="2" | Harold Perrineau
| [[Keith Ferguson (voice actor)|Keith Ferguson]]
| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
|-
! Cdr. Lock
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| colspan="2" | [[Harry Lennix]]
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| colspan="2" | Harry Lennix
| colspan="3" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
|-
! The Kid<br>{{small|Michael Karl Popper}}
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| colspan="2" | [[Clayton Watson]]
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| Clayton Watson
| colspan="3" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| Clayton Watson
|-
! Cllr. Hamann
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| colspan="2" | [[Anthony Zerbe]]
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| Anthony Zerbe
| colspan="4" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
|-
! Cpt. Roland
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| colspan="2" | [[David Roberts (Australian actor)|David Roberts]]
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| David Roberts
| colspan="4" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
|-
! Bane
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| colspan="2" | [[Ian Bliss]]
| colspan="3" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| [[Gideon Emery]]
| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
|-
! Zee
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| colspan="2" | [[Nona Gaye]]
| colspan="6" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
|-
! Cpt. Mifune
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| colspan="2" | [[Nathaniel Lees]]
| colspan="6" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
|-
! Cis
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| {{TBA|Appeared}}
| colspan="4" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| [[Hedy Burress]]
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| Hedy Burress
|-
! Thadeus
| colspan="4" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| [[Kevin Michael Richardson]]
| colspan="3" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| Kevin Michael Richardson
|-
! Duo
| colspan="6" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| [[Phil LaMarr]]
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| Phil LaMarr
|-
! colspan="10" style="background:lightblue;"|

====Agents====

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-->
|-
! rowspan="3" | [[Agent Smith]]
| rowspan="3" | [[Hugo Weaving]]
| colspan="2" | Hugo Weaving
| [[Jonathan Groff]]<ref name="PressKit">{{Cite web|last=Weinstein|first=Molly Jae|date=December 10, 2021|title=Matrix 4 Images Confirm Jonathan Groff's Character In Resurrections|url=https://screenrant.com/matrix-4-jonathan-groff-character-agent-smith-image/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211132101/https://screenrant.com/matrix-4-jonathan-groff-character-agent-smith-image/|archive-date=December 11, 2021|access-date=December 11, 2021|website=[[Screen Rant]]|language=en-us}}</ref>
| rowspan="3" | Hugo Weaving
| rowspan="3" {{TBA|Appeared}}
| rowspan="2" | [[Christopher Corey Smith]]
| rowspan="3" colspan="1" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| rowspan="3" colspan="1" | [[Matt McKenzie]]
|-
| rowspan="2" colspan="2" | Ian Bliss
| Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
|-
| Hugo Weaving{{ref|archive|A}}{{ref|movie|M}}
| Gideon Emery
|-
! Agent Jones
| [[Robert Taylor (Australian actor)|Robert Taylor]]
| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| Stephen Dunlevy
| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| [[James M. Connor]]
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| Kevin Michael Richardson
|-
! Agent Brown
| [[Paul Goddard (actor)|Paul Goddard]]
| colspan="5" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| [[Michael Gough (voice actor)|Michael Gough]]
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| [[Matt McKenzie]]
|-
! Agent Johnson
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| [[Daniel Bernhardt]]
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| Daniel Bernhardt{{ref|extend|E}}
| Daniel Bernhardt
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| [[Fred Tatasciore]]
| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
|-
! Agent Jackson
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| David A. Kilde
| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| David A. Kilde
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| [[Stephen Stanton]]
| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
|-
! Agent Thompson
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| [[Matt McColm]]
| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| Matt McColm
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| [[Robin Atkin Downes]]
| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
|-
! Agent White
| colspan="3" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| Amadei Weiland
| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| {{TBA|Appeared}}
| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
|-
! colspan="10" style="background:lightblue;"|

====Programs====

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-->
|-
! [[The Oracle (The Matrix)|The Oracle]]
| colspan="2" | [[Gloria Foster]]
| [[Mary Alice]]
| Gloria Foster{{ref|archive|A}}{{ref|movie|M}}
| colspan="2" | Mary Alice
| colspan="3" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
|-
! Woman in Red
| Fiona Johnson
| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| Dani Swan
| colspan="5" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
|-
! Seraph
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| colspan="2" | [[Collin Chou]]
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| colspan="2" | Collin Chou
| Michael Gough
| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
|-
! The Merovingian
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| colspan="4" | [[Lambert Wilson]]
| Robin Atkin Downes
| colspan="3" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
|-
! [[Persephone (The Matrix)|Persephone]]
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| colspan="2" | [[Monica Bellucci]]
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| colspan="2" |Monica Bellucci
| colspan="3" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
|-
! [[Keymaker]]
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| [[Randall Duk Kim]]
| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| Randall Duk Kim
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| [[Peter Renaday]]
| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
|-
! The Architect
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| colspan="2" | [[Helmut Bakaitis]]
| colspan="6" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
|-
! Rama Kandra
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| colspan="2" | [[Bernard White (actor)|Bernard White]]
| colspan="6" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
|-
! rowspan="2" | Sati
| rowspan="2" colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| rowspan="2" | Tanveer K. Atwal
| [[Priyanka Chopra Jonas]]
| rowspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"|&nbsp;
| rowspan="2" | Tanveer K. Atwal
| rowspan="2" colspan="3" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
|-
| Tanveer K. Atwal{{ref|archive|A}}{{ref|movie|M}}
|-
! Trainman
| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| [[Bruce Spence]]
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| Bruce Spence
| colspan="4" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
|-
! Io
| colspan="3" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| {{TBA|Appeared}}
| colspan="3" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| Felicia Simone
| style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
|-
! The Analyst
| colspan="3" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
| [[Neil Patrick Harris]]
| colspan="6" style="background:lightgrey;"| &nbsp;
|}

===Crew===
The following is a list of crew members who have participated in the making of the ''Matrix'' film series.

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! Title
! Executive producers
! Director(s) of photography
! Editor
! Composer(s)
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left" | ''[[The Matrix]]''
| [[Erwin Stoff]], [[Bruce Berman]], Andrew Mason, [[The Wachowskis]] & [[Barrie M. Osborne]]
| rowspan="3" | [[Bill Pope]]
| rowspan="3" | [[Zach Staenberg]]
| rowspan="3" | [[Don Davis (composer)|Don Davis]]
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left" | ''[[The Matrix Reloaded]]''
| rowspan="2" | [[Grant Hill (producer)|Grant Hill]], [[Bruce Berman]], Andrew Mason & [[The Wachowskis]]
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left" | ''[[The Matrix Revolutions]]''
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left" | ''[[The Matrix Resurrections]]''
| Jesse Ehrman, [[Bruce Berman]], Terry Needham, Garrett Grant, Michael Salven & Karin Wachowski
| [[John Toll]] & Daniele Massaccesi
| Joseph Jett Sally
| [[Tom Tykwer]] & [[Johnny Klimek]]
|-
|}

==Production==
The ''Matrix'' series includes four feature films. The first three were written and directed by [[the Wachowskis]] and produced by [[Joel Silver]], starring [[Keanu Reeves]], [[Laurence Fishburne]], [[Carrie-Anne Moss]] and [[Hugo Weaving]]. The series was filmed in [[Australia]] and began with 1999's ''[[The Matrix]]'', which depicts the recruitment of hacker [[Neo (The Matrix)|Neo]] into humanity's rebellion against sentient machines.

The film's mainstream success had backed up the initial idea of making a trilogy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/1999/voices/columns/reeves-helmers-near-pricey-matrix-sequels-1117750684/|title=Reeves, helmers near pricey 'Matrix' sequels|first=Michael|last=Fleming|date=August 24, 1999|work=variety.com|access-date=March 31, 2017|archive-date=May 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170512210830/http://variety.com/1999/voices/columns/reeves-helmers-near-pricey-matrix-sequels-1117750684/|url-status=live}}</ref> The sequels, ''[[The Matrix Reloaded]]'' and ''[[The Matrix Revolutions]]'', were filmed simultaneously during one [[filmmaking#Production|shoot]] (under the project codename "The Burly Man"),<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.05/matrix2_pr.html|title=MATRIX2|first=Steve|last=Silberman|magazine=wired.com|access-date=March 31, 2017|archive-date=January 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115105744/http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.05/matrix2_pr.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and released in two parts in 2003. They tell the story of the impending attack on the human enclave of [[Zion (The Matrix)|Zion]] by a vast machine army. Neo also learns more about the history of the Matrix and his role as The One. The sequels also incorporate more ambitious action scenes and visual effects.

==Reception==
{{further|The Matrix#Reception|The Matrix Reloaded#Reception|The Matrix Revolutions#Reception|The Matrix Resurrections#Reception|topic=the reception of each film}}

===Box office performance===
''The Matrix'' was highly successful, earning over $460 million worldwide on a modest budget of $63 million. The sequels had a much larger budget of $150 million each; ''Reloaded'' was also a big commercial success, earning almost $742 million worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing [[Motion Picture Association of America film rating system|R-rated]] film in history,<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Matrix Revolutions Ignites Global Box Office Revolution with $204 Million Opening, Setting a New Record for the Biggest Consecutive 5-Day Opening of All Time {{!}} WarnerMedia|url=http://www.warnermediagroup.com/newsroom/press-releases/2003/11/09/the-matrix-revolutions-ignites-global-box-office-revolution-with|website=www.warnermediagroup.com|access-date=June 29, 2018|language=en|archive-date=June 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629155252/http://www.warnermediagroup.com/newsroom/press-releases/2003/11/09/the-matrix-revolutions-ignites-global-box-office-revolution-with|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Looking back at the Matrix sequels|url=http://www.denofgeek.com/uk/movies/the-matrix/30733/looking-back-at-the-matrix-sequels|work=Den of Geek|access-date=June 29, 2018|language=en|archive-date=June 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629160559/http://www.denofgeek.com/uk/movies/the-matrix/30733/looking-back-at-the-matrix-sequels|url-status=live}}</ref> a title which it held for 13 years until it was surpassed by the film ''[[Deadpool (film)|Deadpool]]'';<ref>{{Cite news|title='Deadpool' Overtakes 'Matrix Reloaded' as Highest-Grossing R-Rated Movie|url=https://variety.com/2016/film/box-office/deadpool-box-office-biggest-r-rated-movie-1201740907/|work=Variety|date=March 29, 2016|access-date=July 8, 2018|language=en-US|first=Brent|last=Lang|archive-date=January 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170115053828/https://variety.com/2016/film/box-office/deadpool-box-office-biggest-r-rated-movie-1201740907/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Revolutions'' had the world's first simultaneous release across major cities all over the world,<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=http://origin-www.timewarner.com/newsroom/press-releases/2003/11/09/the-matrix-revolutions-ignites-global-box-office-revolution-with|title=The Matrix Revolutions Ignites Global Box Office Revolution with $204 Million Opening, Setting a New Record for the Biggest Consecutive 5-Day Opening of All Time|website=WarnerMedia|year=2023}}{{Dead link|date=November 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> which for the first time in history included both a release in China,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://origin-www.timewarner.com/newsroom/press-releases/2003/10/29/the-matrix-revolutions-becomes-the-first-major-studio-film-to|title='The Matrix Revolutions' Becomes the First Major Studio Film to Release Day & Date with the U.S. in China|website=WarnerMedia|year=2023}}{{Dead link|date=November 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> and a release in [[IMAX]] theaters.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://origin-www.timewarner.com/newsroom/press-releases/2003/09/29/warner-bros-pictures-and-village-roadshow-pictures-to-make-cinema|title=Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures to Make Cinema History with Global Unveiling of The Matrix Revolutions on November 5, Making the Film Available to Fans Around the World at the Same Moment in Time|website=WarnerMedia|year=2023}}{{Dead link|date=November 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> Its five-day opening at $204 million broke the previous record,<ref name="auto"/> but ultimately the film made $427 million, a little less than the original.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center; width:99%;"
! Film
! U.S. release date
! Box office gross (Domestic)
!Box office gross (International)
!Box office gross (Worldwide)
! Budget
! {{nowrap|{{Abbr|Ref(s)|References}}}}
|-
| ''The Matrix''
| March 31, 1999
| $172,076,928
| $295,145,800
| $467,222,728
| $63 million
| <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=matrix.htm|title=The Matrix (1999)|website=[[Box Office Mojo]]|publisher=[[IMDb]]|access-date=June 14, 2019|archive-date=September 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904034751/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=matrix.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| ''The Matrix Reloaded''
| May 15, 2003
| $281,576,461
| $460,271,476
| $741,847,937
| $150 million
| <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=matrixreloaded.htm|title=The Matrix Reloaded (2003)|website=[[Box Office Mojo]]|publisher=[[IMDb]]|access-date=December 26, 2019|archive-date=February 1, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201002240/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=matrixreloaded.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| ''The Matrix Revolutions''
| November 5, 2003
| $139,313,948
| $288,030,377
| $427,344,325
| $150 million
| <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=matrixrevolutions.htm|title=The Matrix Revolutions (2003)|website=[[Box Office Mojo]]|publisher=[[IMDb]]|access-date=June 14, 2019|archive-date=July 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729134838/http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=matrixrevolutions.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| ''The Matrix Resurrections''
| December 22, 2021
| $37,686,805
| $119,610,720
| $157,297,525
| $190 million
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt10838180/|title=The Matrix Resurrections (2021)|website=[[Box Office Mojo]]|publisher=[[IMDb]]|access-date=February 15, 2022|archive-date=January 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101172808/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt10838180/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://variety.com/2021/film/box-office/spiderman-billion-dollars-box-office-pandemic-1235143308/ |title= 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' Becomes First Pandemic-Era Movie to Smash $1 Billion Milestone Globally |date= December 26, 2021 |first= Rebecca |last= Rubin |website= Variety |access-date= January 16, 2022 |archive-date= December 26, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211226165728/https://variety.com/2021/film/box-office/spiderman-billion-dollars-box-office-pandemic-1235143308/ |url-status= live }}</ref>
|-
! colspan="2" | Total
! ${{val|fmt=commas|{{#expr:172076928+281576461+139313948+37686805}}}}
! ${{val|fmt=commas|{{#expr:295145800+460271476+288030377+119610720}}}}
! ${{val|fmt=commas|{{#expr:467222728+741847937+427344325+157297525}}}}
! $553 million
!
|}

===Critical and public response===

''The Matrix'' and ''The Matrix Reloaded'' received positive reviews,<ref name="rt-matrix"/><ref name="rt-reloaded"/> the critical response to ''The Matrix Revolutions'' was more negative.<ref name="rt-revolutions"/> One complaint was that ''Revolutions'' did not give answers to the questions raised in ''Reloaded''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nymag.com/nymetro/movies/reviews/n_9482/index1.html|title=Naval Gazing|work=nymag.com|date=November 5, 2003 |access-date=March 31, 2017|archive-date=August 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820012106/http://nymag.com/nymetro/movies/reviews/n_9482/index1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable" width=99% border="1" style="text-align: center;"
! Film
! [[Rotten Tomatoes]]
! [[Metacritic]]
! [[CinemaScore]]<ref name="CinemaScore">{{cite web |url=https://www.cinemascore.com/ |title=CinemaScore |publisher=[[CinemaScore]] |access-date=April 15, 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220413083139/https://www.cinemascore.com/ |archive-date=April 13, 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| ''The Matrix''
| 83% (207 reviews)<ref name=rt-matrix>{{cite web|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/matrix/|title=The Matrix|work=rottentomatoes.com|access-date=July 12, 2022|archive-date=July 24, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724070519/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/matrix/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 73 (35 reviews)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-matrix|title=The Matrix|work=metacritic.com|access-date=January 2, 2022|archive-date=November 25, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125094630/http://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-matrix|url-status=live}}</ref>
| {{sort grade|A−}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| ''The Matrix Reloaded''
| 74% (246 reviews)<ref name=rt-reloaded>{{cite web|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/matrix_reloaded/|title=The Matrix Reloaded|work=rottentomatoes.com|access-date=July 12, 2022|archive-date=August 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819211432/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/matrix_reloaded/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 62 (40 reviews)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-matrix-reloaded|title=The Matrix Reloaded|work=metacritic.com|access-date=January 2, 2022|archive-date=October 21, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101021081432/http://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-matrix-reloaded|url-status=live}}</ref>
| {{sort grade|B+}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| ''The Animatrix''
| 89% (18 reviews)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/animatrix/|title=The Animatrix|work=rottentomatoes.com|access-date=June 28, 2022|archive-date=September 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912081343/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/animatrix/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| {{N/A}}
| {{N/A}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| ''The Matrix Revolutions''
| 34% (219 reviews)<ref name=rt-revolutions>{{cite web|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/matrix_revolutions/|title=The Matrix Revolutions|work=rottentomatoes.com|access-date=July 12, 2022|archive-date=August 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120822205157/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/matrix_revolutions/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 47 (41 reviews)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-matrix-revolutions|title=The Matrix Revolutions|work=metacritic.com|access-date=January 2, 2022|archive-date=July 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705061555/http://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-matrix-revolutions|url-status=live}}</ref>
| {{sort grade|B}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| ''The Matrix Resurrections''
| 63% (363 reviews)<ref name=RT-Resurrections>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_matrix_resurrections|title=The Matrix Resurrections|work=rottentomatoes.com|access-date=October 11, 2024|archive-date=December 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227103446/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_matrix_resurrections|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 63 (57 reviews)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-matrix-resurrections|title=The Matrix Resurrections|work=metacritic.com|access-date=February 15, 2022|archive-date=December 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227103511/https://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-matrix-resurrections|url-status=live}}</ref>
| {{sort grade|B−}}
|-
|}

===Accolades===
{{Main|List of accolades received by The Matrix film series}}

===Legal claims===
In April 2003, Sophia Stewart filed a legal [[complaint]] in the [[United States District Court for the Central District of California]] alleging that the idea of ''The Matrix'' (and the 1984 film ''[[The Terminator]]'') were [[plagiarized]] from her own [[film treatment]] titled "The Third Eye".<ref name="time">{{cite magazine|last1=Gray|first1=Madison|title=Inside The Billion Dollar Matrix Lawsuit, One of the Internet's Most Pervasive Legends|url=https://newsfeed.time.com/2013/11/22/inside-the-billion-dollar-matrix-lawsuit-one-of-the-internets-most-pervasive-hoaxes/|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|access-date=October 16, 2017|date=November 22, 2013|archive-date=October 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002173110/http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/11/22/inside-the-billion-dollar-matrix-lawsuit-one-of-the-internets-most-pervasive-hoaxes/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="indiewire1">{{cite web|last1=Seewood|first1=Andre|title=Sophia Stewart: "The Matrix" Lawsuit – Conspiracy Or Hoax?|url=http://www.indiewire.com/2011/12/sophia-stewart-the-matrix-lawsuit-conspiracy-or-hoax-149399/|website=[[IndieWire]]|access-date=October 16, 2017|date=December 10, 2011|archive-date=October 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016122958/http://www.indiewire.com/2011/12/sophia-stewart-the-matrix-lawsuit-conspiracy-or-hoax-149399/|url-status=live}}</ref> The court allowed the lawsuit to move forward in 2005,<ref name="npr">{{cite web|last1=Moore|first1=Corey|title='Matrix' Lawsuit to Move Forward|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4664150|website=[[NPR]]|access-date=October 16, 2017|date=May 24, 2005|archive-date=October 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016122113/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4664150|url-status=live}}</ref> but Stewart did not attend the deposition. In a 53-page ruling, Judge Margaret Morrow dismissed the case, stating that Stewart and her attorneys "had not entered any evidence to bolster its key claims or demonstrated any striking similarity between her work and the accused directors' films."<ref name="time"/><ref name="latimes">{{cite news|last1=Powers|first1=Kemp|title=The Billion-Dollar Myth|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-jul-31-tm-mothermatrix31-story.html|access-date=October 16, 2017|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=July 31, 2005|archive-date=October 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015162833/http://articles.latimes.com/2005/jul/31/magazine/tm-mothermatrix31|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2014, Stewart successfully sued her lawyers because they "failed to provide legal services to Ms. Stewart in the California case, and thereby breached the Contract. For example, [her lawyers] failed timely to respond to discovery requests or serve discovery requests on the California defendants, failed to depose key witnesses or develop admissible evidence, failed to deny requests for admission, and failed to respond timely to the California defendants’ motion for summary judgment." "Ms. Stewart did not appear for [the 2005] deposition, ultimately twice failing to appear for her deposition; and both times unknowingly, as her attorneys never advised her of the depositions." Stewart was awarded damages totaling $316,280.62.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Benson |first1=Dee |last2=Furse |first2=Evelyn J. |date=August 11, 2014 |title=Case 2:07-cv-00552-DB Document 283 |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCOURTS-utd-2_07-cv-00552/pdf/USCOURTS-utd-2_07-cv-00552-18.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=March 17, 2023 |archive-date=January 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104114119/https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCOURTS-utd-2_07-cv-00552/pdf/USCOURTS-utd-2_07-cv-00552-18.pdf }}</ref> Despite the ruling, the case became the subject of "Internet legend", with many sources claiming Stewart had actually won the lawsuit.<ref name="time"/><ref name="latimes"/><ref name="indiewire2">{{cite web|author1=Sergio|title=Why Won't That Story About Sophia Stewart And Her 'Matrix' Lawsuit Die?|url=http://www.indiewire.com/2013/04/why-wont-that-story-about-sophia-stewart-and-her-matrix-lawsuit-die-136356/|website=[[IndieWire]]|access-date=October 16, 2017|date=April 16, 2013|archive-date=October 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016122104/http://www.indiewire.com/2013/04/why-wont-that-story-about-sophia-stewart-and-her-matrix-lawsuit-die-136356/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="snopes">{{cite web|title=Sophia Stewart Matrix Lawsuit|url=http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/matrix.asp|website=[[Snopes.com]]|access-date=October 16, 2017|date=August 8, 2005}}</ref>

In 2013, Thomas Althouse filed suit in California federal court alleging that ideas for the sequels ''The Matrix Reloaded'' and ''The Matrix Revolutions'' came from a screenplay he wrote called ''The Immortals''. In a [[summary judgement]] for the [[defendant]]s, Judge R. Gary Klausner stated "The basic premises of ''The Matrix Trilogy'' and ''The Immortals'' are so different that it would be unreasonable to find their plots substantially similar."<ref name="time"/><ref name="reporter">{{cite web|last1=Gardner|first1=Eriq|title=Warner Bros. Wins Lawsuit Claiming It Stole 'The Matrix'|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/warner-bros-wins-lawsuit-claiming-699434|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=October 16, 2017|date=April 28, 2014|archive-date=October 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016122200/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/warner-bros-wins-lawsuit-claiming-699434|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="independent">{{cite web|last1=Denham|first1=Jess|title=The Matrix wins 'unreasonable' plagiarism lawsuit brought by writer Thomas Althouse|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/the-matrix-wins-unreasonable-plagiarism-lawsuit-brought-by-writer-thomas-althouse-9301094.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220618/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/the-matrix-wins-unreasonable-plagiarism-lawsuit-brought-by-writer-thomas-althouse-9301094.html |archive-date=June 18, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|work=[[The Independent]]|access-date=October 16, 2017|date=April 29, 2014}}</ref><ref name="variety">{{cite web|last1=Johnson|first1=Ted|title=Warner Bros. Wins 'Matrix' Idea Theft Lawsuit|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/warner-bros-wins-matrix-idea-theft-lawsuit-1201166071/|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=October 16, 2017|date=April 28, 2014|archive-date=October 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016122846/http://variety.com/2014/film/news/warner-bros-wins-matrix-idea-theft-lawsuit-1201166071/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="deadline">{{cite web|title=Warner Bros Wins 'Matrix' Theft Lawsuit|url=https://deadline.com/2014/04/warner-bros-wins-matrix-theft-lawsuit-721009/|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=October 16, 2017|date=April 28, 2014|archive-date=October 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016173858/https://deadline.com/2014/04/warner-bros-wins-matrix-theft-lawsuit-721009/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Influences and interpretations==
<!-- This section is a redirect target from [[Influences and interpretations of The Matrix]], so please update that redirect if this section title is changed. -->

{{Quote box|width=376px|salign=right|tstyle=font-size:100%|source=—[[Lana Wachowski]], ''Movie City News'', October 13, 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://moviecitynews.com/2012/10/dp30-cloud-atlas-screenwriterdirectors-lana-wachowski-tom-tykwer-andy-wachowski/|title=DP/30: Cloud Atlas, Screenwriter/Directors Lana Wachowski, Tom Tykwer, Andy Wachowski|last=Poland|first=David|work=moviecitynews.com|date=October 13, 2012|access-date=December 10, 2012|archive-date=December 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121217195823/http://moviecitynews.com/2012/10/dp30-cloud-atlas-screenwriterdirectors-lana-wachowski-tom-tykwer-andy-wachowski/|url-status=dead}}</ref>|quote=What we were trying to achieve with the story overall was a shift, the same kind of shift that happens for Neo, that Neo goes from being in this sort of cocooned and programmed world, to having to participate in the construction of meaning to his life. And we were like, "Well, can the audience go through the three movies and experience something similar to what the main character experiences?"<br><br>So the first movie is sort of typical in its approach. The second movie is deconstructionist, and it assaults all of the things that you thought to be true in the first movie, and so people get very upset, and they're like "Stop attacking me!" in the same way that people get upset with [[deconstruction|deconstructionist philosophy]]. I mean, [[Jacques Derrida|Derrida]] and [[Michel Foucault|Foucault]], these people upset us. And then the third movie is the most ambiguous, because it asks you to actually participate in the construction of meaning.}}

The ''Matrix'' films make numerous references to films and literature, and to historical myths and philosophy, including [[Buddhism]], [[Vedanta]], [[Advaita Vedanta|Advaita]] [[Hinduism]], [[Christianity]], [[Messianism]], [[Judaism]], [[Gnosticism]], [[existentialism]], [[obscurantism]], and [[nihilism]]. The films' premise resembles [[Plato]]'s [[Allegory of the Cave|Allegory of the cave]], [[René Descartes]]'s [[evil demon]], [[Immanuel Kant|Kant]]'s reflections on the [[Phenomenon]] versus the [[Noumenon|Ding an sich]], [[Zhuangzi (book)|Zhuangzi]]'s "[[Zhuangzi dreamed he was a butterfly]]", [[Marxist]] social theory and the [[brain in a vat]] thought experiment. Many references to [[Jean Baudrillard]]'s 1981 treatise ''[[Simulacra and Simulation]]'' appear in the first film. Baudrillard himself considered this a misrepresentation,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ubishops.ca/BaudrillardStudies/vol2_2/rovira.htm |title=IJBS |date=October 21, 2010 |work=archive.org |access-date=March 31, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101021010544/http://www.ubishops.ca/BaudrillardStudies/vol2_2/rovira.htm |archive-date=October 21, 2010}}</ref> although Lana Wachowski claims the point the reference was making was misunderstood.<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARoKJ00cEZ8| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211028/ARoKJ00cEZ8| archive-date=2021-10-28|title=Andy Wachowski and Lana Wachowski|last=DePaul Visiting Artists Series|date=May 2, 2014|access-date=March 27, 2017|via=YouTube| time=01:11:34}}{{cbignore}}</ref> There are similarities to [[cyberpunk]] works such as the 1984 book ''[[Neuromancer]]'' by [[William Gibson]],<ref name="gibson">{{cite web|url=http://www.cla.purdue.edu/English/theory/postmodernism/plans/postmodplansmatrix.html|title=Postmodernism Lesson Plans: The Matrix and Neuromancer|work=Purdue|access-date=March 31, 2017|archive-date=April 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401145029/https://www.cla.purdue.edu/English/theory/postmodernism/plans/postmodplansmatrix.html|url-status=live}}</ref> who has described ''The Matrix'' as "arguably the ultimate 'cyberpunk' artifact".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.williamgibsonbooks.com/archive/2003_01_28_archive.asp#90244012|title=THE MATRIX: FAIR COP|author-link=William Gibson|last=Gibson|first=William|work=The William Gibson Blog|date=January 28, 2003|access-date=December 10, 2012|archive-date=May 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530071034/https://williamgibsonbooks.com/archive/2003_01_28_archive.asp#90244012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Japanese director [[Mamoru Oshii]]'s 1995 film ''[[Ghost in the Shell (1995 film)|Ghost in the Shell]]'' was a strong influence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.warnervideo.com/matrixevents/wachowski.html|title=Home|work=warnervideo.com|access-date=March 31, 2017|archive-date=October 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006041445/http://www.warnervideo.com/matrixevents/wachowski.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Producer Joel Silver has stated that the Wachowskis first described their intentions for ''The Matrix'' by showing him that anime and saying, "We wanna do that for real."<ref name="silver-anime-1">[[Joel Silver]], interviewed in "Scrolls to Screen: A Brief History of Anime" featurette on ''[[The Animatrix]]'' DVD.</ref><ref name="silver-anime-2">[[Joel Silver]], interviewed in "Making ''The Matrix''" featurette on the ''Matrix'' DVD.</ref> [[Mitsuhisa Ishikawa]] of [[Production I.G]], which produced ''Ghost in the Shell'', noted that the anime's high-quality visuals were a strong source of inspiration for the Wachowskis. He also commented, "... cyberpunk films are very difficult to describe to a third person. I'd imagine that ''The Matrix'' is the kind of film that was very difficult to draw up a written proposal for to take to film studios." He stated that since ''Ghost in the Shell'' had gained recognition in America, the Wachowskis used it as a "promotional tool".<ref name="south bank show">[[Mitsuhisa Ishikawa]], interviewed in ''[[The South Bank Show]]'', episode broadcast February 19, 2006 [https://web.archive.org/web/20100528022243/http://www.itv.com/page.asp?partid=2701]</ref> Similarities to the 1985 anime film ''[[Megazone 23]]'' have also been noticed, but the Wachowskis stated they have never seen it.<ref name="whatisthematrix-chat">{{cite web|url=http://whatisthematrix.warnerbros.com/cmp/larryandychat.html |title=ONLINE CHAT - Larry & Andy Wachowski |date=February 13, 2010 |work=WhatIsTheMatrix.com|access-date=March 27, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213041503/http://whatisthematrix.warnerbros.com/cmp/larryandychat.html|archive-date=February 13, 2010}}</ref>

Reviewers have commented on similarities between ''The Matrix'' and other late-1990s films such as ''[[Strange Days (film)|Strange Days]]'', ''[[Dark City (1998 film)|Dark City]]'', and ''[[The Truman Show]]''.<ref name="rogerebert">{{cite web|url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19990331/REVIEWS/903310303/1023|title=The Matrix|first=Roger|last=Ebert|author-link=Roger Ebert|work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|quote="The Matrix" recycles the premises of "Dark City" and "Strange Days,"...|date=March 31, 1999|access-date=September 17, 2012|archive-date=February 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130205095340/http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F19990331%2FREVIEWS%2F903310303%2F1023|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="channel4review">{{cite web|url=http://www.channel4.com/film/reviews/film.jsp?id=105863|title=The Matrix (1999) - Film Review from FilmFour|work=[[Film4]]|publisher=[[Channel Four Television Corporation]]|quote=The film is a perfect product of its time. It is a very modern conspiracy thriller, a film based, like The Truman Show, on the appealingly terrifying notion of a universal conspiracy - that life itself and everything that we know and take for granted are lies. It's also a film steeped in the traditionals of Japanese anime and megamixed philosophy and semiotics (spot the Baudrillard references kids).|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100525142638/http://www.film4.com/reviews/1999/the-matrix|archive-date=May 25, 2010|access-date=September 17, 2012}}</ref><ref name="rowley review">{{cite web|url=http://www.sterow.com/?p=229|title=What Was the Matrix?|author=Rowley, Stephen|date=June 18, 2003|work=sterow.com|quote=The Matrix was the third in a cycle of movies to arrive in the late nineties with a strikingly similar theme. Like its predecessors from the previous year, Dark City and The Truman Show, it tells the story of a seemingly ordinary man who suddenly finds that his whole life is faked: he is trapped in an artificially created environment designed to keep him in submission. Like the heroes of those earlier movies, Keanu Reeves' Neo starts to realise that he is somehow special, and tries to escape the confines of his prison.|access-date=January 9, 2012|archive-date=January 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120004250/http://www.sterow.com/?p=229|url-status=live}}</ref> The Wachowskis stated ''Dark City'' had no influence on the franchise, but commented about it and ''The Truman Show'' that they thought it was "very strange that Australia came to have three films associated with it that were all about the nature of reality."<ref name="whatisthematrix-chat"/> Comparisons have also been made to [[Grant Morrison]]'s comic series ''[[The Invisibles]]''; Morrison believes that the Wachowskis essentially plagiarized their work to create the film.<ref name="grantmorrison">{{Cite web |url=http://www.poormojo.org/pmjadaily/archives/002657.html |title=Poor Mojo Newswire: Suicide Girls Interview with Grant Morrison |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628091125/http://www.poormojo.org/pmjadaily/archives/002657.html |archive-date=June 28, 2009 |access-date=July 31, 2006 }}</ref> The Wachowskis responded that they enjoy the comic, but did not use it for inspiration.<ref name="whatisthematrix-chat"/> In addition, the similarity of the films' central concept to a device in the long-running series ''[[Doctor Who]]'' has also been noted. As in the film, the [[Matrix (Doctor Who)|Matrix]] of that series (introduced in the 1976 serial ''[[The Deadly Assassin]]'') is a massive computer system which one enters using a device connecting to the head, allowing users to see representations of the real world and change its laws of physics; but if killed there, they will die in reality.<ref>Condon, Paul. ''The Matrix Unlocked''. 2003. Contender. p.141-3. {{ISBN|1-84357-093-9}}</ref>

The first ''Matrix'' film features numerous references to the "[[White Rabbit]]", the "Rabbit Hole" and mirrors, referring to [[Lewis Carroll]]'s novels ''[[Alice's Adventures in Wonderland]]'' (1865) and ''[[Through the Looking-Glass]]'' (1871).<ref name="whatisthematrix-chat"/><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,22971,00.html|title=Popular Metaphysics|first=Richard|last=Corliss|date=April 11, 1999|access-date=April 1, 2017|magazine=Time|archive-date=April 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401232804/http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,22971,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Matrixism]] is a [[new religious movement]] inspired by the trilogy. [[Adam Possamai]], a [[sociologist of religion]], describes these types of religions/spiritualities as hyper-real religions due to their eclectic mix of religion/spirituality with elements of [[popular culture]] and their connection to the fluid [[social structures]] of [[late capitalism]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.peterlang.com/index.cfm?event=cmp.cst.ebooks.datasheet&id=14609 |title=Religion and Popular Culture |access-date=January 3, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807055343/http://www.peterlang.com/index.cfm?event=cmp.cst.ebooks.datasheet&id=14609 |archive-date=August 7, 2011  }}</ref> There is some debate about whether followers of Matrixism are indeed serious about their practice; however, the religion (real or otherwise) has received attention in the media.<ref name="gm">{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Theyre-all-god-movies/2005/05/18/1116361618786.html|title=They're all god movies, in mysterious ways |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=May 19, 2005|access-date=March 31, 2017|archive-date=October 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015183846/http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Theyre-all-god-movies/2005/05/18/1116361618786.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/080615/Mirror/mirror006.html|title=The Sunday Times Sri Lanka|work=sundaytimes.lk|access-date=March 31, 2017|archive-date=April 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401054812/http://www.sundaytimes.lk/080615/Mirror/mirror006.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Following the Wachowskis' [[coming out]] as [[transgender women]] some years after the release of the films, the first film and the pill analogy have also been analyzed in the context of the Wachowskis' transgender experiences. In this case, taking the red pill and living out of the Matrix symbolizes exploring one's own [[gender identity]], starting the transition and coming out as transgender, as opposed to a continued life [[closeted|in the closet]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://medium.com/@BootlegGirl/bootlegging-the-matrix-ccb8d6442778|title=Bootlegging the Matrix: In Which Bootleg Girl Explains the Matrix Sequels|author=Dr. Eleanor A. Lockhart|publisher=Medium|date=October 3, 2017|access-date=March 10, 2018|archive-date=March 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310074258/https://medium.com/@BootlegGirl/bootlegging-the-matrix-ccb8d6442778|url-status=live}} (first published on [https://web.archive.org/web/20150222132106/http://www.bootleggirl.com/bootlegging-the-matrix-in-which-bootleg-girl-explains-the-matrix-sequels/ January 30, 2015])</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.themarysue.com/decoding-the-transgender-matrix-the-matrix-as-a-transgender-coming-out-story/|title=Decoding the Transgender ''Matrix'': ''The Matrix'' as a Transgender Coming Out Story|author=Marcy Cook|publisher=The Mary Sue|date=April 19, 2016|access-date=March 10, 2018|archive-date=May 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504184035/https://www.themarysue.com/decoding-the-transgender-matrix-the-matrix-as-a-transgender-coming-out-story/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2016, Lilly Wachowski acknowledged this analysis by calling it "a cool thing because it's an excellent reminder that art is never static".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.themarysue.com/the-matrix-trans-lens/|title=Lilly Wachowski Acknowledges Re-Examination of The Matrix With Lens Focused on Transness|date=April 5, 2016|access-date=November 6, 2018|archive-date=October 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030090632/https://www.themarysue.com/the-matrix-trans-lens/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Home media ==
[[File:Ultimate Matrix Collection poster.jpg|thumb|upright=1.13|''The Ultimate Matrix Collection'' DVD cover]]
In 2004, [[Warner Home Video]] released ''The Ultimate Matrix Collection'', a 10-disc set of the films on DVD. It included the trilogy of films, ''The Animatrix'', and six discs of additional material, including the documentary film ''[[The Matrix Revisited]]'', the live-action footage shot for ''Enter the Matrix'', and a promotional compilation of ''The Matrix Online''. For this release, ''The Matrix'' was [[remastered]] under the supervision of the Wachowskis and the trilogy's [[cinematographer]], [[Bill Pope]], to improve its picture quality and make its [[color timing]] closer to that of its sequels. At the request of the Wachowskis, as they explain in a written statement that accompanies the boxset, each of the three films is accompanied by two [[Audio commentary|audio commentaries]], one by philosophers who liked the films, and another by critics who did not, with the intention that viewers use them as reference points to form their own opinion. The compilation includes 35 hours of bonus material, but some of the [[DVD-Video#Extra features|extras]] from earlier, standalone, releases are missing. A ''Limited Edition'' of ''The Ultimate Matrix Collection'' was also released. It encases the ten discs plus a [[resin]] bust of Neo inside an [[acrylic glass]] box.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/13432/ultimate-matrix-collection-limited-edition-the/|title=The Ultimate Matrix Collection: Limited Edition|work=dvdtalk.com|access-date=March 29, 2017|archive-date=March 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330014654/http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/13432/ultimate-matrix-collection-limited-edition-the/|url-status=live}}</ref>

''The Ultimate Matrix Collection'' was later also released on [[HD DVD]] (5 discs) and [[Blu-ray]] (6 discs) in 2007 and 2008, respectively. The HD DVD release added a picture-in-picture video commentary to the three films and the extras that were missing from the previous DVD compilation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/301/matrix_umc.html|title=The Ultimate Matrix Collection HD DVD Review - High-Def Digest|work=highdefdigest.com|access-date=March 29, 2017|archive-date=April 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408214217/http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/301/matrix_umc.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Blu-ray release presented ''The Animatrix'' in [[1080p|high definition]] for the first time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/300/matrix_umc.html|title=The Ultimate Matrix Collection Blu-ray Review - High Def Digest|work=highdefdigest.com|access-date=March 29, 2017|archive-date=April 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417060425/http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/300/matrix_umc.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A pared-down set dubbed ''The Complete Matrix Trilogy'' was also released on HD DVD and Blu-ray (3 discs each), which dropped ''The Animatrix'' and some of the special features.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/405/matrix_ct.html|title=The Complete Matrix Trilogy HD DVD Review &#124; High-Def Digest|website=hddvd.highdefdigest.com|access-date=September 13, 2019|archive-date=August 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809070607/https://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/405/matrix_ct.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bigpicturebigsound.com/matrix-trilogy-collection-hd-dvd-1065.shtml|title=The Matrix Trilogy Comes to High Definition (HD-DVD/Blu-Ray Disc)|website=BigPictureBigSound|access-date=September 13, 2019|archive-date=August 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809031937/https://www.bigpicturebigsound.com/matrix-trilogy-collection-hd-dvd-1065.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Ultra HD Blu-ray]] release of ''The Matrix Trilogy'' came out in 2018 (9 discs),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.warnerbros.com/news/articles/2018/11/03/matrix-trilogy-stunning-4k-uhd/|title="The Matrix" Celebrates 20 Years|website=www.warnerbros.com|access-date=September 13, 2019|archive-date=November 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191130160156/https://www.warnerbros.com/news/articles/2018/11/03/matrix-trilogy-stunning-4k-uhd/|url-status=live}}</ref> and presented the trilogy in [[4K resolution]] and [[high-dynamic-range video]], remastered from the [[original camera negative]] and supervised by Bill Pope. In this release, ''The Matrix'' is presented with a color grade that reportedly comes closer to its theatrical presentation than any of the previous home video releases.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-Matrix-4K-Blu-ray/198328/|title=The Matrix 4K Blu-ray|via=www.blu-ray.com|access-date=September 11, 2019|archive-date=May 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518231949/https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-Matrix-4K-Blu-ray/198328/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIShnPkfuGU| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211028/PIShnPkfuGU| archive-date=2021-10-28|title=CGM - Hors-Série - The Matrix| date=June 30, 2018|via=www.youtube.com}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The set also includes standard Blu-ray copies of the films sourced from the new 4K master, but is missing ''The Animatrix'' and some special features.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thedigitalbits.com/item/matrix-trilogy-uhd-bd|title=Matrix Trilogy, The (4K UHD Review)|first=Bill|last=Hunt|date=October 28, 2018|website=The Digital Bits|access-date=September 11, 2019|archive-date=September 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921113839/http://thedigitalbits.com/item/matrix-trilogy-uhd-bd|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Other media and merchandising==
By August 2000, ''The Matrix'' [[DVD-Video|DVD]] had sold over three million copies in United States, becoming the best-selling of all time.<ref name="dvdsales">{{cite web|url=http://whatisthematrix.warnerbros.com/rl_cmp/rl_press_August_01_00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080305104849/http://whatisthematrix.warnerbros.com/rl_cmp/rl_press_August_01_00.html|archive-date=March 5, 2008|title=Press release – August 1, 2000 – The Matrix DVD: The first to sell 3 million|publisher=Warner Bros., Inc.|work=Whatisthematrix.warnerbros.com|location=Burbank|date=August 1, 2000|access-date=April 10, 2012}}</ref> By November 2003, ''The Matrix'' franchise had generated {{US$|677 million|long=no}} from [[VHS]] and DVD sales, {{US$|162 million|long=no}} from the [[video game]] ''[[Enter the Matrix]]'' (2003), {{US$|37 million|long=no}} from ''[[The Matrix Reloaded: The Album]]'' soundtrack sales, and {{US$|3.5 million|long=no}} from licensed merchandise sales.<ref name="Cliff">{{cite web|last=Pulley|first=Brett|url=https://www.forbes.com/forbes/2003/1110/100.html|title=Cliff-Hanger|website=[[Forbes]]|date=November 10, 2003|access-date=May 5, 2017|archive-date=October 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024045329/https://www.forbes.com/forbes/2003/1110/100.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2006, the franchise has grossed {{US$|3 billion|long=no}} from all sources worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://vforvendetta.warnerbros.com/cmp/bios_natalie_clipboard.php?page=bios_include_crew_2.php&title=bios_title_crew_2.jpg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071021104201/http://vforvendetta.warnerbros.com/cmp/bios_natalie_clipboard.php?page=bios_include_crew_2.php&title=bios_title_crew_2.jpg|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 21, 2007|title=Guy Fawkes|date=October 21, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ramascreen.com/international-buyers-put-blooms-suburbicon-on-the-map-paramount-pictures-acquires-the-u-s-rights/|title=International Buyers Put BLOOM's "Suburbicon" On The Map. Paramount Pictures Acquires The U.S. Rights|website=ramascreen.com|date=February 15, 2016|access-date=March 8, 2017|archive-date=November 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111213722/http://www.ramascreen.com/international-buyers-put-blooms-suburbicon-on-the-map-paramount-pictures-acquires-the-u-s-rights/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Animation===
{{Main|The Animatrix}}
In acknowledgment of the strong influence of Japanese [[Anime]] on the ''Matrix'' series, ''The Animatrix'' was produced in 2003 to coincide with the release of ''The Matrix Reloaded''. This is a collection of nine animated short films intended to further flesh out the concepts, history, characters, and setting of the series. The objective of ''The Animatrix'' project was to give other writers and directors the opportunity to lend their voices and interpretation to the ''Matrix'' universe; the Wachowskis conceived of and oversaw the process, and they wrote four of the segments themselves, although they were given to other directors to execute. Many of the segments were produced by notable figures from the world of [[Anime|Japanese animation]]. Four of the films were originally released on the series' official website, one was shown in cinemas with ''[[Dreamcatcher (2003 film)|Dreamcatcher]]'', one was shown on MTV, MTV2, MTV3, MTV4, and Syfi, and the others first appeared with the DVD release of all nine shorts shortly after the release of ''The Matrix Reloaded''.

===Video games===
On May 15, 2003, the game ''Enter the Matrix'' was released in North America concurrently with ''The Matrix Reloaded''. The first of three video games related to the films, it told a story running parallel to ''The Matrix Reloaded'' and featured scenes that were shot during the filming of ''The Matrix Reloaded'' and ''The Matrix Revolutions''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/02/20/technology/from-projector-to-polygons-a-thin-line-between-film-and-joystick.html|title=A Thin Line Between Film And Joystick|date=February 20, 2003|work=The New York Times|access-date=March 31, 2017|archive-date=October 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027030406/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/02/20/technology/from-projector-to-polygons-a-thin-line-between-film-and-joystick.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Two more ''The Matrix'' video games were released in 2005. The MMORPG ''[[The Matrix Online]]'' continued the story beyond ''The Matrix Revolutions'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/03/19/the-matrix-online-4|title=The Matrix Online|first=Tom|last=McNamara|date=March 18, 2005|work=ign.com|access-date=March 31, 2017|archive-date=April 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401151849/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/03/19/the-matrix-online-4|url-status=live}}</ref> while ''[[The Matrix: Path of Neo]]'' allowed players to control Neo in scenes from the film trilogy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/07/21/path-of-neo-the-matrix-interview|title=Path of Neo: The Matrix Interview|first=Jeremy|last=Dunham|date=July 21, 2005|work=ign.com|access-date=March 31, 2017|archive-date=February 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208064545/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/07/21/path-of-neo-the-matrix-interview|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Matrix Online'' was shut down in 2009.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/05/29/the-matrix-online-shutting-down|title=The Matrix Online Shutting Down - IGN|date=November 2021|via=www.ign.com|access-date=September 11, 2019|archive-date=April 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424173103/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/05/29/the-matrix-online-shutting-down|url-status=live}}</ref>

The ''Matrix'' official website also provided several original [[Adobe Flash]]-based [[browser game]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/03/23/the-matrix-revolutions |title=The Matrix Revolutions |date=March 22, 2004 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=June 9, 2017 |archive-date=November 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128120119/https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/03/23/the-matrix-revolutions |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Matrix Arcade|url=http://whatisthematrix.warnerbros.com:80/cmp/rl_game_index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051216102005/http://whatisthematrix.warnerbros.com/cmp/rl_game_index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 16, 2005|publisher=[[Wayback Machine]]|access-date=July 8, 2017}}</ref>

An interactive technology demonstration, titled ''[[The Matrix Awakens]]'', was released on December 9, 2021.<ref name="Variety">{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=December 10, 2021 |title=Inside 'The Matrix Awakens': Epic Games Releases a Massive, Playable Free Demo to Showcase Unreal Engine 5 |url=https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/matrix-awakens-epic-games-unreal-engine-5-demo-1235129348/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210173515/https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/matrix-awakens-epic-games-unreal-engine-5-demo-1235129348/ |archive-date=December 10, 2021 |access-date=December 12, 2021 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>

===Comic books===
{{Main|The Matrix Comics}}
''The Matrix Comics'' is a set of [[comics]] and [[short story|short stories]] based on the series and written and illustrated by figures from the comics industry; one of the comics was written by the Wachowskis and illustrated by the films' [[concept artist]] [[Geof Darrow]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.grovel.org.uk/reviews/matrix01/matrix01.htm|title=The Matrix Comics - Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski, Geof Darrow, Bill Sienkiewicz, Neil Gaiman, Ted McKeever, John Van Fleet, Dave Gibbons, David Lapham, Peter Bagge, Troy Nixey, Paul Chadwick, Ryder Windham, Kilian Plunkett, Gregory Ruth - Graphic novel review|website=www.grovel.org.uk|access-date=October 12, 2019|archive-date=March 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305180505/https://www.grovel.org.uk/reviews/matrix01/matrix01.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The comics and stories were originally presented for free on the ''Matrix'' series' website between 1999 and 2003.<ref name="comics20th">{{Cite web|url=http://previewsworld.com/Article/233339-The-Matrix-Comics-Based-on-the-Film-Return-to-Print-This-Autumn|title=The Matrix Comics, Based on the Film, Return to Print This Autumn|website=previewsworld.com|access-date=October 5, 2019|archive-date=September 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926205109/https://previewsworld.com/Article/233339-The-Matrix-Comics-Based-on-the-Film-Return-to-Print-This-Autumn|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=comics>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070815230811/http://whatisthematrix.warnerbros.com/rl_cmp/comics_new_front.html|url=http://whatisthematrix.warnerbros.com/rl_cmp/comics_new_front.html|title=Comics|work=whatisthematrix.warnerbros.com|access-date=April 11, 2012|archive-date=August 15, 2007}}</ref> One of them was printed in 1999 to be given away at theaters as a promotional item for ''The Matrix'', but Warner Bros. recalled it due to its mature content.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/comics-recalled-sent-back-to-printer/|title=Totally Recalled: 15 Comics the Stores Had to Send Back|date=November 18, 2018|website=CBR|access-date=December 28, 2019|archive-date=December 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228114154/https://www.cbr.com/comics-recalled-sent-back-to-printer/|url-status=live}}</ref> Most of them were later republished by the Wachowskis' [[Burlyman Entertainment]], along with some new stories and updates with color to some of the existing ones,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.grovel.org.uk/reviews/matrix-02/matrix-02.htm|title=The Matrix Comics: Volume 2 - Graphic novel review|website=www.grovel.org.uk|access-date=October 12, 2019|archive-date=February 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227015558/https://www.grovel.org.uk/reviews/matrix-02/matrix-02.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> in two printed [[Trade paperback (comics)|trade paperback]] volumes in 2003 and 2004 and a deluxe hardcover twentieth-anniversary edition in 2019.<ref name="comics20th"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://icv2.com/articles/comics/view/3348/the-matrix-comics-mid-october|title=The Matrix Comics in Mid-October|website=icv2.com|access-date=October 12, 2019|archive-date=September 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926205139/https://icv2.com/articles/comics/view/3348/the-matrix-comics-mid-october|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://icv2.com/articles/comics/view/5551/matrix-comics-volume-2|title=Matrix Comics Volume 2|website=icv2.com|access-date=October 12, 2019|archive-date=September 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926205122/https://icv2.com/articles/comics/view/5551/matrix-comics-volume-2|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/44118/burlyman-release-matrix-comic-hardcover-all-star-talent|title=Burlyman to Release 'Matrix' Comic Hardcover, with All-Star Talent|website=icv2.com|access-date=September 26, 2019|archive-date=September 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926205110/https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/44118/burlyman-release-matrix-comic-hardcover-all-star-talent|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Screensaver===
The ''Matrix'' official website provided a free [[screensaver]] for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X, which simulates the falling "[[Matrix digital rain]]" of the films.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://ew.com/article/1999/05/14/decoding-matrix/|title=Decoding ''The Matrix''|last=Essex|first=Andrew|date=May 14, 1999|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|access-date=June 22, 2017|archive-date=February 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204223133/http://ew.com/article/1999/05/14/decoding-matrix/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Matrix official screensaver|url=http://whatisthematrix.warnerbros.com:80/cmp/m1_screensaver_index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051216102005/http://whatisthematrix.warnerbros.com/cmp/m1_screensaver_index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 16, 2005|publisher=[[Wayback Machine]]|access-date=July 8, 2017}}</ref> The screensaver was reported to have a password security problem.<ref>{{cite web|title="The Matrix" Screensaver is insecure|url=http://www.securiteam.com/windowsntfocus/3G5PRRFPPS.html|last=Boyce|first=Nick|date=October 6, 1999|publisher=SecuriTeam|access-date=June 22, 2017|archive-date=March 15, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060315060908/http://www.securiteam.com/windowsntfocus/3G5PRRFPPS.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The "Matrix digital rain" also inspired the creation of many unofficial screensavers.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Saver the Moment: movie inspired screen savers|url=http://ew.com/article/2001/03/02/saver-moment-movie-inspired-screen-savers/|last=Podolsky|first=Erin|date=March 2, 2001|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|access-date=June 22, 2017|archive-date=February 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222050358/https://ew.com/article/2001/03/02/saver-moment-movie-inspired-screen-savers/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Books==
===Official===
* ''The Art of the Matrix'' by various ([[Newmarket Press]], 2000) {{ISBN|978-1557044051}}
* ''The Matrix Shooting Script'' by the Wachowskis (with introduction by [[William Gibson]]) (Newmarket Press, 2001) {{ISBN|978-1557044907}}
* ''The Matrix Comics, Vol. 1'' by various (Burlyman Entertainment, 2003) {{ISBN|1-932700-00-5}}
* ''The Matrix Comics, Vol. 2'' by various (Burlyman Entertainment, 2004) {{ISBN|1-932700-09-9}}
* ''Enter the Matrix: Official Strategy Guide'' by Doug Walsh ([[BradyGames]], 2003) {{ISBN|978-0744002713}}
* ''The Matrix Online: Prima Official Game Guide'' ([[Prima Games]], 2005) {{ISBN|978-0761549437}}
* ''The Matrix: Path of Neo: Official Strategy Guide'' (BradyGames, 2005) {{ISBN|978-0744006582}}
* ''The Matrix Comics: 20th Anniversary Edition'' by various (Burlyman Entertainment, 2019) {{ISBN|978-1932700572}}

===Unofficial===
* ''Jacking In to the Matrix Franchise: Cultural Reception and Interpretation'' by [[Matthew Kapell]] and William G. Doty (Continuum International, 2004) {{ISBN|0-8264-1587-3}}
* ''Taking the Red Pill: Science, Philosophy and Religion in "The Matrix"'' by Glenn Yeffeth (Summersdale, 2003) {{ISBN|1-84024-377-5}}
* ''Matrix Warrior: Being the One'' by Jake Horsley (Gollancz, 2003) {{ISBN|0-575-07527-9}}
* ''The "Matrix" and Philosophy: Welcome to the Desert of the Real'' by William Irwin (Open Court, 2002) {{ISBN|0-8126-9502-X}}
* ''More Matrix and Philosophy'' by William Irwin (Open Court, 2005) {{ISBN|0-8126-9572-0}}
* ''Like a Splinter in Your Mind: The Philosophy Behind the "Matrix" Trilogy'' by Matt Lawrence (Blackwell, 2004) {{ISBN|1-4051-2524-1}}
* ''The Matrix'' ([[British Film Institute]], 2004) {{ISBN|1-84457-045-2}}
* ''Matrix Revelations: A Thinking Fan's Guide to the Matrix Trilogy'' by Steve Couch (Damaris, 2003) {{ISBN|1-904753-01-9}}
* ''Beyond the Matrix: Revolutions and Revelations'' by Stephen Faller (Chalice Press, 2004) {{ISBN|0-8272-0235-0}}
* ''The "Matrix" Trilogy: Cyberpunk Reloaded'' by Stacy Gillis (Wallflower Press, 2005) {{ISBN|1-904764-32-0}}
* ''Exegesis of the Matrix'' by Peter B. Lloyd (Whole-Being Books, 2003) {{ISBN|1-902987-09-8}}
* ''The Gospel Reloaded'' by Chris Seay and Greg Garrett (Pinon Press, 2003) {{ISBN|1-57683-478-6}}
* ''The "Matrix": What Does the Bible Say About...'' by D. Archer (Scripture Union, 2001) {{ISBN|1-85999-579-9}}
* ''[Journey to the Source: Decoding Matrix Trilogy]'' by Pradheep Challiyil (Sakthi Books 2004) {{ISBN|0-9752586-0-5}}
* ''Exploring the Matrix: Visions of the Cyber Present'' by Karen Haber (St. Martin's Press, 2003) {{ISBN|0-312-31358-6}}
* ''Philosophers Explore The Matrix'' by Christopher Gray (Oxford University Press, 2005) {{ISBN|0-19-518107-7}}
* ''The Matrix Cultural Revolution'' by Michel Marriott (Thunder's Mouth Press, 2003) {{ISBN|1-56025-574-9}}
* ''The Matrix Reflections: Choosing between reality and illusion'' by Eddie Zacapa (Authorhouse, 2005) {{ISBN|1-4208-0782-X}}
* ''The One'' by A.J. Yager & Dean Vescera (Lifeforce Publishing, 2003) {{ISBN|0-9709796-1-4}}
* ''Matrix og ulydighedens evangelium'' (Danish for: "Matrix and the Evangelium of disobedients") by Rune Engelbreth Larsen (Bindslev, 2004) {{ISBN|87-91299-12-8}}
* ''The Third Eye: Where It All Begins'' by Sophia Stewart (All Eyes on Me, 2006) {{ISBN|0-9785396-4-8}}
* ''The Matrix 4 – The Evolution of Consciousness: Cracking the Genetic Code'' by Sophia Stewart (All Eyes on Me, 2010) {{ISBN|0-9785396-7-2}}
* ''The Matrix and the Alice Books'' by Voicu Mihnea Simandan (Lulu Books, 2010) {{ISBN|978-0557258079}}

==See also==
{{Portalbar|United States|Australia|Film|Television|Anime and manga|Comics|Video games|Science fiction|Speculative fiction|1990s|2000s|2010s|2020s}}
* [[Religion and the Internet]]
* ''[[The Meatrix]]'', 2003 parody

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite journal |last1=Currin |first1=Joseph M. |last2=Lee |first2=Fallyn M. |last3=Brown |first3=Colton |last4=Hammer |first4=Tonya R. |date=2017-07-03 |title=Taking the Red Pill: Using The Matrix to Explore Transgender Identity Development |url=https://doi.org/10.1080/15401383.2016.1249815 |journal=Journal of Creativity in Mental Health |volume=12 |issue=3 |pages=402–409 |doi=10.1080/15401383.2016.1249815 |s2cid=151921189 |issn=1540-1383|url-access=subscription }}
* {{cite journal |last1=Mischoulon |first1=David |last2=Beresin |first2=Eugene V. |date=2004 |title="The Matrix": An allegory of the psychoanalytic journey |journal=Academic Psychiatry: The Journal of the American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training and the Association for Academic Psychiatry |volume=28 |issue=1 |pages=71–77 |doi=10.1176/appi.ap.28.1.71 |issn=1042-9670 |pmid=15140812|s2cid=40381307 }}

==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
{{Commons category}}
* {{cite web |url=https://integrallife.com/many-meanings-matrix/ |title=The Many Meanings of The Matrix |last1=Wachowski |first1=Lana |author-link1=The Wachowskis |last2=Wilber |first2=Ken |author-link2=Ken Wilber |date=July 19, 2004 |website=[[Integral Life]]}}
** {{cite web |url=http://www.kenwilber.com/blog/show/230 |title=The Many Meanings of The Matrix--Transcript |last=deVos |first=Corey W. |date=February 12, 2007 |website=[[Ken Wilber]] |access-date=March 27, 2017 |archive-date=May 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200516060833/http://www.kenwilber.com/blog/show/230 |url-status=dead }}

{{The Matrix}}
{{Warner Bros. franchises}}

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[[Category:Fiction about memory erasure and alteration]]
[[Category:Fiction about brain–computer interface]]
[[Category:Tentacles/tentacle monsters in fiction]]