In today’s age where artificial intelligence is seeping into every facet of our lives, movies have been gazing ahead to “ How our world will look with AI and robots” for decades.
Movies about artificial intelligence with cinematic glimpses about the future from alien battles where AI merges with extraterrestrial forces to thrillers about advanced tech, cinema spotlights futures both utopian and alarming.
Some AI films imagine amazing benefits while others depict scary scenarios of losing control.
These top picks of AI movies force the audience to think about a world of machines becoming more intelligent than human beings one day.
11: Her (2013)
- Directed by: Spike Jonze
- Written by: Spike Jonze
- IMDb: 8.0
- Budget: $23 million
- Stars: Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Scarlett Johansson
A movie about a sensitive, lonely man (Joaquin Phoenix) who find love and companionship in an AI assistant named Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson)designed with intuitive adaptability.
Over time, he gets so attached that he struggles to accept his companion operating system upgrading itself to serve an expanding user base across devices. Considered to be one of the best films of 2013 and one of the greatest love stories in recent years.
10: Eva (2011)
- Directed by: Kike Maillo
- Written by: Sergi Belbel, Marti Roca, Aintza Serra, Cristina Clemente
- IMDb: 6.6
- Budget: $7.9 million
- Stars: Daniel Bruhl, Marta Etura, Alberto Ammann
Next pick – Eva is a sci-fi drama set in the 2040s about a renowned robot programmer Alex Garel returns to his hometown after a ten-year absence. Tasked with developing a new line of child robots, Alex seeks inspiration from his ten-year-old niece, Eva. As the Story progresses Alex’s feelings for his former lover, Lana, resurface and series of suspicions.
Amidst the complexities of love, family, and technological advancements, the story revolves around these characters and the limits of experimental technologies.
9: Transcendence (2014)
- Directed by: Wally Pfister
- Written by: Jack Paglen
- IMDb: 6.2
- Budget: $100- 150 million
- Stars: Johnny Deep, Rebecca Hall, Morgan Freeman
In a world where the lines between humans and machines blur, this film explores the implications of artificial intelligence. If you are planning to watch it prepare to have your perception of reality challenged as you dive into a captivating tale of consciousness, emotion, and the very essence of humanity.
With its cinematic journey, it might leave you questioning everything about the future of technology and the very nature of existence itself. Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey that will stay with you for some time.
8: Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
- Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
- Written by: Hampton Fancher, Michael Green, Phillip K.Dick
- IMDb: 8.0
- Budget: $150- 185 million
- Stars: Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas
Blade Runner 2049 is a neo-noir sci-fi thriller set thirty years after the original Blade Runner. The film follows a new blade runner who is tasked with hunting down replicants, bioengineered humans who are indistinguishable from real people. Sound Interesting? This sequel will take things to new places and give a deeper view of the world everyone exists in.
7: Chappie (2015)
- Directed by: Neill BlomKamp
- Written by: Neill BlomKamp, Terri Tatchell
- IMDb: 6.8
- Budget: $49 million
- Stars: Charlton Copley, Dev Patel, Hugh Jackman
In a crime-ridden city in South Africa, the government deploys robot cops to restore order. Twist comes when despite being programmed for security, Chappie’s unique ability to learn and feel emotions sets him apart from other machines.
As he navigates the complexities of the human world, Chappie grapples with questions of identity, consciousness, and the very nature of existence. With a funny, entertaining, and surprisingly sentimental movie about a sentient robot is a must-time watch.
6: Automata (2014)
- Directed by: Gabe Ibanez
- Written by: Gabe Ibanez, Igor Legarreta, Javier Sanchez Donate
- IMDb: 6.0
- Budget: $15 million
- Stars: Antonio Banderas, Birgette Hjort, Dylan McDermott
What could be more interesting than a word set in an apocalyptic world? A group of self-preserving robots maintain a desolate city, haunted by the ghosts of their creators.
As they tend to the remnants of human civilization, the robots grapple with their own evolving consciousness and emotions, questioning their purpose and the meaning of their existence, surrounding AI’s existence and its role in a world without humans.
5: I, Robot (2004)
- Directed by: Alex Proyas
- Written by: Jeff Vintar, Akiva Goldsman, Issac Asimov
- IMDb: 7.1
- Budget: $120 million
- Stars: Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Greenwood
An American movie set in 2035, this Will Smith starrer depicts robots as everyday helpers managed by a mega-corporation. When one robot gets accused of murder, a technophobic detective investigates if the security protocols have failed or if something more sinister is at play.
The movie is packed with action, thought-provoking themes about artificial intelligence, and a plot that keeps you guessing. It’s a must-watch for fans of the genre and anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a futuristic twist.
4: A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)
- Written by: Brian Aldiss, Ian Watson, Steven Spielberg
- IMDb: 7.2
- Budget: $120 million
- Stars: Haley Joel, Jude Law, Frances O’Connor
In a Steven Spielberg future where global warming has flooded cities, a couple adopts an android named David programmed to feel love. After they abandon him, David embarks on a quest to become a real boy worthy of his mother’s affection through acts that test the morals of AI. It’s a thought-provoking watch that challenges the boundaries of human control over technology.
3: Bicentennial Man (1999)
- Directed by: Chris Columbus
- Written by: Issac Asimov, Robert Silverberg, Nicholas Kazan
- IMDb: 6.9
- Budget: $90-100 million
- Stars: Robin Williams, Embeth Davidtz, Sam Neill
Starring legend Robin Williams, this movie showcases a beautiful emotional journey of a robot named Andrew designed as a household assistant.
Over two centuries, we witness Andrew’s quest for meaning, challenging the very definition of what it means to be human. This heartwarming story beautifully captures the essence of the human spirit through the eyes of a machine, a great watch.
2: Ex Machina (2014)
- Directed by: Alex Garland
- Written by: Alex Garland
- IMDb: 7.7
- Budget: $15 million
- Stars: Alicia Vikander, Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Issac
The film is a sophisticated and breathtaking exploration of the potential consequences of creating machines in our own image.
This intense psychological game between a programmer and Ava, a humanoid AI whose emotional depth is startlingly human-like. The programmer’s task is to assess Ava, but as the lines between machine and human blur, the story explores the complexities of AI that can think and feel like us.
1: Morgan (2016)
- Directed by: Luke Scott
- Written by: Seth W.Owen
- IMDb: 5.8
- Budget: $8 million
- Stars: Kate Mara, Anya Taylor-Joy, Rose Leslie
In this thrilling sci-fi, scientists have created an artificial human named Morgan. The film introduces us to Morgan, an artificial being with the appearance of a young girl, but with abilities far beyond human limits.
The tension escalates when Morgan’s behavior becomes unpredictable and dangerous, posing a serious question about the safety of AI with emotional capacities. It’s a thought-provoking watch that challenges the boundaries of human control over technology.
The audience shares mixed reviews over forums like Reddit, but 2001: A Space Odyssey, Ex Machina, and The Matrix are at the very top in this category. Audiences feel they were more real, relevant, and thought-provoking points about the near and far future dangers of AI.
AI has influenced the creative process, from scriptwriting to character development, offering new tools and insights for filmmakers. As AI continues to evolve, its impact on the cinema industry is expected to grow, shaping the future of storytelling and cinematic experiences.
You tell us which AI movie is on your watchlist?
