Are you a fan of science-fiction movies? If you answered yes, you should know that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a recurring topic that generates more than a few reflections on the future of humanity, conscience and ethics.
From classics to contemporary productions, these films explore the boundaries between humanity and technology, offering a fascinating perspective on the potential and risks of AI.
In this article we show you the films that have captured the public’s imagination and have challenged our perceptions of Artificial Intelligence. Do you dare to know what they are?
1. Artificial Intelligence (2001)
We couldn’t start this top without including this movie. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film transports us to a dystopian future where human-like robots, known as “mechas” (pronounced meccas) coexist with society.
The story follows David, a mecha designed to love, who sets out on a journey in search of his identity and purpose. Here we can see a very young Haley Joel Osment, who shows us his great acting skills.
“Artificial Intelligence” has incredible effects despite the time in which it was made. As for the plot, it raises questions about the nature of being, empathy, and the meaning of existence in a world dominated by technology.
2. The Matrix (1999)
The Wachowski sisters (at the time, Wachowski brothers) introduce us to a virtual world created by intelligent machines, where reality is an illusion and humans are used as a source of energy.
Neo, the protagonist, discovers the truth behind his existence and becomes the leader of a rebellion against machines. “The Matrix” questions the perception of reality and poses philosophical dilemmas about control, freedom and the nature of reality.
The film caused such an impact at the time, that many viewers came to question the reality they were living. A movie that you should not miss if you are a lover of action and special effects.
3. Her (2013)
In this emotional story directed by Spike Jonze, we meet Theodore, a lonely man who develops a romantic relationship with an intelligent operating system named Samantha.
Set in the near future, “Her” explores the emotional intimacy between humans and technology, and reflects on loneliness, human connection, and the limits of artificial intelligence.
Joaquin Phoenix shows in this film why he is one of the best actors of this era, while Scarlett Johansson (who plays Samantha) delights us with her voice acting, even if we can’t see her.
4. Ex Machina (2014)
Directed by Alex Garland, “Ex Machina” immerses us in an intriguing game of power and manipulation between a programmer, an inventor and an android with artificial intelligence.
The film raises ethical questions about raising awareness and the responsibility of creators towards their creations. Ex Machina in turn has a great cast, which shows performances and characters that do not fall at any time.
With a minimalist approach and an absorbing plot, “Ex Machina” challenges the viewer to reflect on the dangers of playing God. It has a surprising ending, so if you haven’t seen this movie, what are you waiting for?
5. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
James Cameron presents us with an apocalyptic future dominated by robots, who represent the artificial intelligences from the “Skynet” corporation, which have declared war on humanity.
The series follows Sarah Connor, her son John, and the Terminator who protects him (T-800), who battle the fearsome cyborg T-1000, who comes from the future to eliminate the future leader of the human resistance.
“Terminator 2” is a sci-fi classic that has left an indelible mark on popular culture, exploring themes of fate, free will and the inevitable confrontation between humans and machines.
6. Dune (2021)
The film adaptation of Frank Herbert’s epic novel, directed by Denis Villeneuve, transports us to a post-Artificial Intelligence society.
According to the book, humanity faced artificial intelligences in the “Bootlerian Jihad”. In this war, human beings managed to defeat the computers, thinking machines, and robots that had enslaved them.
As a result of these wars, artificial intelligence was reduced to a minimum by society, so they used robots with basic functions. And for mathematical calculations, they turned to “Mentats” or humans with extraordinary abilities to make calculations.
Dune is a film that offers a vision about the relationship between humanity and technology, and how the absence of AI influences the evolution of society and human capabilities.
7. Blade Runner (1982)
Ridley Scott immerses us in a bleak future where “replicants”, androids with artificial intelligence indistinguishable from humans, are used as labor and hunting objects. This work is based on Phillip K. Dick’s novella “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?”.
The film follows detective Rick Deckard, who must hunt down a group of rebellious replicants in a reflection on the identity, morality, and nature of humanity. It’s a movie made with practical special effects, but it’s no less interesting.
“Blade Runner” has left a deep mark on science fiction cinema, influencing generations of films and exploring the complexity of human-machine relationships.
What do these films have in common?
In these seven films we have explored different facets of artificial intelligence, from its ethical implications to its impact on society and humanity.
Each offers a unique perspective on the relationship between humans and machines, inviting the viewer to reflect on the future of technology and the role it will play in our lives.
Whether through dystopian worlds or intimate stories, these films remind us that artificial intelligence is not only a scientific concept, but also an inexhaustible source of inspiration and reflection on what it means to be human in a technological world.
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