The Matrix (franchise)#Influences and interpretations

{{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 bioelectric and thermal energies by enclosing people in pods, while their minds are controlled by cybernetic implants 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 laws. 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.

| 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 & Aleksandar Hemon

| Grant Hill, Lana Wachowski & James McTeigue

|-

|}

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".{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} 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, reboots, and adaptations, in preference to original material.{{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}} 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".{{cite web|url=http://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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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/}}

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.{{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 }}{{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 |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 }} 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.{{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}}

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.{{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}} In response to the report, Penn refuted all statements regarding a reboot, remake, or continuation, remarking that he was working on stories set in the pre-established continuity.{{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}}

Potential plotlines being considered by Warner Bros. Pictures included a prequel film about a young Morpheus, or an alternate storyline with a focus on one of his descendants.{{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}}{{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}} By April 2018, Penn described the script as "being at a nascent stage".{{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}}{{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}} Later, in September 2019, Jordan addressed the rumors of his involvement by saying he was "flattered", but without making a definitive statement.{{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|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}} In October 2019, Penn confirmed the script he wrote is set within an earlier time period than the first three films in the franchise.{{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}}

{{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

! 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;"|

|-

! rowspan="3" | Neo (The Matrix)

| 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)

| 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

| 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;"|  

|-

| {{N/A|Laurence Fishburne}}{{ref|archive|A}}{{ref|movie|M}}

|-

! Niobe

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| colspan="4" | Jada Pinkett Smith

| Gina Torres

| Kimberly Brooks

| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

|-

! Link

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| colspan="2" | Harold Perrineau

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| colspan="2" | Harold Perrineau

| Keith Ferguson

| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

|-

! Cdr. Lock

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| colspan="2" | Harry Lennix

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| colspan="2" | Harry Lennix

| colspan="3" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

|-

! The Kid
{{small|Michael Karl Popper}}

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| colspan="2" | Clayton Watson

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Clayton Watson

| colspan="3" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Clayton Watson

|-

! Cllr. Hamann

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| colspan="2" | Anthony Zerbe

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Anthony Zerbe

| colspan="4" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

|-

! Cpt. Roland

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| colspan="2" | David Roberts

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| David Roberts

| colspan="4" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

|-

! Bane

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| colspan="2" | Ian Bliss

| colspan="3" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Gideon Emery

| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

|-

! Zee

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| colspan="2" | Nona Gaye

| colspan="6" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

|-

! Cpt. Mifune

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| colspan="2" | Nathaniel Lees

| colspan="6" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

|-

! Cis

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| {{TBA|Appeared}}

| colspan="4" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Hedy Burress

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Hedy Burress

|-

! Thadeus

| colspan="4" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Kevin Michael Richardson

| colspan="3" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Kevin Michael Richardson

|-

! Duo

| colspan="6" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Phil LaMarr

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Phil LaMarr

|-

! colspan="10" style="background:lightblue;"|

|-

! rowspan="3" | Agent Smith

| rowspan="3" | Hugo Weaving

| colspan="2" | Hugo Weaving

| Jonathan Groff{{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}}

| rowspan="3" | Hugo Weaving

| rowspan="3" {{TBA|Appeared}}

| rowspan="2" | Christopher Corey Smith

| rowspan="3" colspan="1" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| 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

| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Stephen Dunlevy

| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| James M. Connor

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Kevin Michael Richardson

|-

! Agent Brown

| Paul Goddard

| colspan="5" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Michael Gough

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Matt McKenzie

|-

! Agent Johnson

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Daniel Bernhardt

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Daniel Bernhardt{{ref|extend|E}}

| Daniel Bernhardt

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Fred Tatasciore

| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

|-

! Agent Jackson

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| David A. Kilde

| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| David A. Kilde

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Stephen Stanton

| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

|-

! Agent Thompson

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Matt McColm

| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Matt McColm

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Robin Atkin Downes

| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

|-

! Agent White

| colspan="3" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Amadei Weiland

| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| {{TBA|Appeared}}

| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

|-

! colspan="10" style="background:lightblue;"|

|-

! 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;"|  

|-

! Woman in Red

| Fiona Johnson

| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Dani Swan

| colspan="5" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

|-

! Seraph

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| colspan="2" | Collin Chou

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| colspan="2" | Collin Chou

| Michael Gough

| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

|-

! The Merovingian

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| colspan="4" | Lambert Wilson

| Robin Atkin Downes

| colspan="3" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

|-

! Persephone

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| colspan="2" | Monica Bellucci

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| colspan="2" |Monica Bellucci

| colspan="3" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

|-

! Keymaker

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Randall Duk Kim

| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Randall Duk Kim

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Peter Renaday

| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

|-

! The Architect

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| colspan="2" | Helmut Bakaitis

| colspan="6" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

|-

! Rama Kandra

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| colspan="2" | Bernard White

| colspan="6" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

|-

! rowspan="2" | Sati

| rowspan="2" colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| rowspan="2" | Tanveer K. Atwal

| Priyanka Chopra Jonas

| rowspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"| 

| rowspan="2" | Tanveer K. Atwal

| rowspan="2" colspan="3" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

|-

| Tanveer K. Atwal{{ref|archive|A}}{{ref|movie|M}}

|-

! Trainman

| colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Bruce Spence

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Bruce Spence

| colspan="4" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

|-

! Io

| colspan="3" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| {{TBA|Appeared}}

| colspan="3" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Felicia Simone

| style="background:lightgrey;"|  

|-

! The Analyst

| colspan="3" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

| Neil Patrick Harris

| colspan="6" style="background:lightgrey;"|  

|}

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

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 into humanity's rebellion against sentient machines.

The film's mainstream success had backed up the initial idea of making a trilogy.{{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}} The sequels, The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, were filmed simultaneously during one shoot (under the project codename "The Burly Man"),{{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}} and released in two parts in 2003. They tell the story of the impending attack on the human enclave of 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.

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

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 R-rated film in history,{{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}}{{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}} a title which it held for 13 years until it was surpassed by the film Deadpool;{{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}} Revolutions had the world's first simultaneous release across major cities all over the world,{{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 }} which for the first time in history included both a release in China,{{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 }} and a release in IMAX theaters.{{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 }} Its five-day opening at $204 million broke the previous record, but ultimately the film made $427 million, a little less than the original.

The Matrix and The Matrix Reloaded received positive reviews, the critical response to The Matrix Revolutions was more negative. One complaint was that Revolutions did not give answers to the questions raised in Reloaded.{{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}}

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

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".{{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|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}}{{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}} The court allowed the lawsuit to move forward in 2005,{{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}} 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."{{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}} 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.{{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 }} Despite the ruling, the case became the subject of "Internet legend", with many sources claiming Stewart had actually won the lawsuit.{{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}}{{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}}

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 defendants, 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."{{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}}{{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}}{{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|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}}{{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}}

{{Quote box|width=376px|salign=right|tstyle=font-size:100%|source=—Lana Wachowski, Movie City News, October 13, 2012{{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}}|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?"

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 deconstructionist philosophy. I mean, Derrida and 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 Hinduism, Christianity, Messianism, Judaism, Gnosticism, existentialism, obscurantism, and nihilism. The films' premise resembles Plato's Allegory of the cave, René Descartes's evil demon, Kant's reflections on the Phenomenon versus the Ding an sich, 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,{{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}} although Lana Wachowski claims the point the reference was making was misunderstood.{{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}} There are similarities to cyberpunk works such as the 1984 book Neuromancer by William 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}} who has described The Matrix as "arguably the ultimate 'cyberpunk' artifact".{{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}}

Japanese director Mamoru Oshii's 1995 film Ghost in the Shell was a strong influence.{{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}} 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."Joel Silver, interviewed in "Scrolls to Screen: A Brief History of Anime" featurette on The Animatrix DVD.Joel Silver, interviewed in "Making The Matrix" featurette on the Matrix DVD. 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".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] Similarities to the 1985 anime film Megazone 23 have also been noticed, but the Wachowskis stated they have never seen it.{{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}}

Reviewers have commented on similarities between The Matrix and other late-1990s films such as Strange Days, Dark City, and The Truman Show.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} 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." 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.{{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 }} The Wachowskis responded that they enjoy the comic, but did not use it for inspiration. 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 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.Condon, Paul. The Matrix Unlocked. 2003. Contender. p.141-3. {{ISBN|1-84357-093-9}}

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).{{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}} 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.{{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 }} 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.{{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}}{{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}}

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 in the closet.{{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]){{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}} In 2016, Lilly Wachowski acknowledged this analysis by calling it "a cool thing because it's an excellent reminder that art is never static".{{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}}

File:Ultimate Matrix Collection poster.jpg

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 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 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.{{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}}

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.{{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}} The Blu-ray release presented The Animatrix in high definition for the first time.{{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}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/405/matrix_ct.html|title=The Complete Matrix Trilogy HD DVD Review | 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}}{{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}}

The Ultra HD Blu-ray release of The Matrix Trilogy came out in 2018 (9 discs),{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}}

By August 2000, The Matrix DVD had sold over three million copies in United States, becoming the best-selling of all time.{{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}} 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.{{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}} As of 2006, the franchise has grossed {{US$|3 billion|long=no}} from all sources worldwide.{{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}}{{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}}

{{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 Japanese animation. Four of the films were originally released on the series' official website, one was shown in cinemas with 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.

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.{{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}}

Two more The Matrix video games were released in 2005. The MMORPG The Matrix Online continued the story beyond The Matrix Revolutions,{{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}} while The Matrix: Path of Neo allowed players to control Neo in scenes from the film trilogy.{{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}} The Matrix Online was shut down in 2009.{{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}}

The Matrix official website also provided several original Adobe Flash-based browser games.{{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 }}{{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}}

An interactive technology demonstration, titled The Matrix Awakens, was released on December 9, 2021.{{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}}

{{Main|The Matrix Comics}}

The Matrix Comics is a set of comics and 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.{{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}} The comics and stories were originally presented for free on the Matrix series' website between 1999 and 2003.{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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,{{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}} in two printed trade paperback volumes in 2003 and 2004 and a deluxe hardcover twentieth-anniversary edition in 2019.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}

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.{{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}}{{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}} The screensaver was reported to have a password security problem.{{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}} The "Matrix digital rain" also inspired the creation of many unofficial screensavers.{{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}}

• 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}}

• 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}}

{{Portal|Film|United States|Australia}}

• Religion and the Internet
• The Meatrix, 2003 parody

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

• {{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}}
• {{cite journal |last1=Mischoulon |first1=David |last2=Beresin |first2=Eugene V. |date=2004 |title="The Matrix": An allegory of the psychoanalytic journey |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15140812/ |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 }}

{{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}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Matrix, The (franchise)}}

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Category:Fiction about artificial intelligence

Category:Fiction about virtual reality

Category:Fiction about malware

Category:Fiction about memory erasure and alteration

Category:Fiction about brain–computer interface