Watch The Animatrix

The Animatrix is a 2003 American-Japanese animated science fiction anthology film produced by the Wachowskis, creators of The Matrix franchise. The film consists of nine animated short films, each directed by a different filmmaker, that explore the fictional universe of The Matrix. The first short film, "Final Flight of the Osiris," directed by Andy Jones, serves as a prequel to The Matrix Reloaded. It follows the crew of the Osiris, a hovercraft of Zion, as they attempt to deliver crucial information about a machine army preparing to invade the human city. The film features stunning animation and action sequences, as well as some of the most memorable characters in the entire franchise.

The second short film, "The Second Renaissance," is a two-part anthology directed by Mahiro Maeda. It explores the history of the rise of the machines, the eventual human-machine war, and the subsequent enslavement of humanity. The film is one of the most visually stunning and emotionally resonant pieces of the entire franchise, and offers a wealth of insight into the philosophical concepts that drive the series.

The third short film, "Kid's Story," directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, follows a teenage boy as he discovers that his entire reality is a simulated construct known as the Matrix. The film is a tension-filled, action-packed ride that offers a glimpse into what it would be like to struggle with the concept of reality as most people understand it.

The fourth short film, "Program," directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri, explores the idea of sentient programs within the Matrix. The film follows a group of hackers attempting to discover the truth about the Matrix, as they encounter a mysterious being known only as "the girl." The film is a moody, atmospheric piece that offers a unique perspective on the concept of "self" within the Matrix.

The fifth short film, "World Record," directed by Takeshi Koike, follows a talented Olympic athlete who discovers that he has been living in the Matrix. The film offers a unique and dizzying perspective on what it would be like to possess extraordinary physical abilities within a constructed reality, and features some of the most stylish animation in the entire anthology.

The sixth short film, "Beyond," directed by Koji Morimoto, follows a young girl as she explores a seemingly endless void outside of the Matrix. The film is a beautifully animated and meditative piece that offers a contemplative and often surreal perspective on the limits of human consciousness.

The seventh short film, "A Detective Story," directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, follows a hard-boiled detective as he investigates a case involving a mysterious woman with ties to the Matrix. The film features some of the most striking animation and character designs in the entire anthology, as well as a memorable soundtrack that perfectly complements the film's neo-noir aesthetic.

The eighth short film, "Matriculated," directed by Peter Chung, follows a group of humans who attempt to "convert" a machine to their side through a process of brainwashing and contained interaction. The concept of "matriculation" echoes the themes of the larger Matrix franchise, offering a unique view into the idea of "choice" within a constructed reality.

The ninth and final short film, "The Last Flight of the Osiris," is another prequel to The Matrix Reloaded, directed by Andy Jones. It tells the story of a brave crew of Zion operatives who undertake a dangerous mission to uncover crucial information about the machine army's impending invasion. The film features some of the most innovative and visually stunning digital animation in the entire anthology, and serves as a thrilling conclusion to the film as a whole.

Overall, The Animatrix is a remarkable achievement in the world of animated cinema, offering a diverse and thought-provoking exploration of the concepts that drive the larger Matrix franchise. From its striking visuals to its complex characters, each short film offers something unique and memorable, and allows viewers to delve deeper into the rich and multilayered world of The Matrix.

The Animatrix is a 2003 animated movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.