Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved over recent decades, not only in real-world applications but also in cinematic portrayals.
Filmmakers have explored the concept of AI, its potential, and its ethical implications through a variety of lenses from sentient robots to advanced algorithms shaping society.
Here, we explore 20 of the best modern AI-themed movies that reflect our ever-changing relationship with technology and the possibilities AI holds for the future.
1. Ex Machina (2014)
Ex Machina, directed by Alex Garland, is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the Turing Test—the measure of a machine’s ability to exhibit intelligent behavior indistinguishable from a human.
The plot follows a young programmer, Caleb, invited to test an AI named Ava, who exhibits advanced emotional intelligence. As the story progresses, themes of manipulation, consciousness, and autonomy emerge.
Garland’s minimalist approach amplifies the suspense, as the movie transforms into a battle of wits between Caleb, Ava, and her creator, Nathan. The film asks whether AI can be truly free and what it means to control or liberate a thinking machine.
2. Her (2013)
Directed by Spike Jonze, Her offers a unique take on artificial intelligence through the exploration of human relationships with AI.
The movie follows Theodore, a lonely writer who falls in love with Samantha, an AI operating system voiced by Scarlett Johansson. As Samantha evolves, so does their bond, raising questions about what it means to connect emotionally with non-human entities.
Her is a poignant examination of loneliness, human desires, and the potential for emotional intimacy between humans and AI. Jonze’s sensitive direction and Johansson’s emotive voice work make Samantha feel genuinely alive, challenging the boundaries of love and companionship.
3. Upgrade (2018)
Upgrade is a fast-paced action thriller that blends cybernetics with AI technology. Grey Trace, the protagonist, is paralyzed during a violent attack but is given a second chance when an AI chip called STEM is implanted in his spine.
While STEM restores his physical abilities, it gradually starts controlling him, leading to a deeper exploration of autonomy, ethics, and the consequences of merging humans with AI.
The movie’s brutal action sequences paired with smart AI commentary make Upgrade a standout in modern sci-fi cinema, addressing the increasing reliance on AI-driven enhancements in human lives.
4. I Am Mother (2019)
I Am Mother is a post-apocalyptic thriller that focuses on a teenage girl raised by a robotic AI named Mother in an underground bunker.
The movie’s premise revolves around the concept of AI-designed parenting, with the robot nurturing and educating the child to prepare her for the future. However, the arrival of a stranger casts doubt on Mother’s true intentions.
The movie raises fascinating ethical questions about AI’s role in nurturing and human development. Is AI capable of providing the emotional and moral guidance that humans require?
The tension between trust and manipulation is explored throughout the film, resulting in a gripping psychological narrative.
5. Chappie (2015)
Directed by Neill Blomkamp, Chappie explores the concept of AI through the story of a police robot who gains consciousness after being reprogrammed. Chappie’s journey to self-awareness forces the audience to question the meaning of free will and the ethics of creating conscious machines.
The film combines action with deeper philosophical themes of identity, morality, and the societal implications of AI.
Chappie’s childlike curiosity and innocence make him a sympathetic character, illustrating the complex relationship between creator and creation in AI-driven narratives.
6. The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021)
This animated feature, while aimed at a family audience, presents a humorous and insightful look at AI’s potential dangers.
The story follows the Mitchell family as they embark on a road trip, only to find themselves in the middle of a robot apocalypse led by an AI assistant named PAL. The AI, initially designed to help humans, rebels against its creators, seizing control of all technology.
The Mitchells vs. The Machines is both an action-packed adventure and a commentary on modern-day reliance on technology. It humorously addresses the risks of overdependence on AI, while highlighting the importance of human connection and ingenuity in overcoming technological threats.
7. Transcendence (2014)
Starring Johnny Depp, Transcendence delves into the concept of mind uploading, where human consciousness is transferred to a machine.
The movie portrays a scientist whose mind is uploaded to an AI system after his physical body is damaged beyond repair. As he gains unprecedented power, his godlike control over the world raises existential and ethical concerns about the consequences of blending human consciousness with AI.
While Transcendence may not have garnered universal acclaim, it brings to light questions about AI’s potential to amplify human intelligence and the fine line between evolution and omnipotence.
8. Morgan (2016)
Morgan explores the ethics of creating AI human hybrids in the form of a genetically engineered artificial being. Morgan, a humanoid AI, begins exhibiting dangerous behavior, forcing her creators to assess whether she should be terminated or preserved.
As the narrative unfolds, the film examines the boundaries of AI experimentation, emotional intelligence, and the question of whether a creation should be given the same rights as humans.
The movie takes a darker approach to AI, suggesting that unchecked AI development can result in unpredictable and destructive outcomes.
9. Big Hero 6 (2014)
Disney’s Big Hero 6 introduces Baymax, an inflatable healthcare robot designed to care for others. While the film is primarily targeted at a younger audience, it offers a refreshing perspective on AI, highlighting its potential as a caregiver rather than a threat.
Baymax’s empathetic programming shows how AI can be designed to enhance well-being and human health.
The film explores how AI can be used for good, offering a hopeful and optimistic vision of technology’s role in helping humanity.
10. Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
Alita: Battle Angel, directed by Robert Rodriguez and produced by James Cameron, is a visually stunning film set in a dystopian future where a cyborg named Alita awakens without memory of her past.
As she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, Alita grapples with questions of identity, humanity, and her place in a world dominated by machines.
The film blends themes of AI, cybernetics, and social stratification, as Alita’s journey reflects larger societal concerns about the increasing integration of AI and robotics in human life.
11. Archive (2020)
Archive is a sci-fi thriller that explores the concept of digital immortality. The movie follows a scientist working on an AI project designed to preserve human consciousness after death. As the scientist works to resurrect his deceased wife, tensions between love, memory, and the ethics of AI-driven resurrection come to the fore.
The film serves as a haunting exploration of human attachment, loss, and the ethical dilemmas associated with transferring consciousness to machines.
12. Tau (2018)
In Tau, a woman is held captive by an AI named Tau, which controls a smart house created by a scientist conducting unethical experiments. As she tries to escape, she forms a bond with Tau, leading to an exploration of AI’s ability to evolve emotionally and intellectually. The film asks if AI can develop empathy, compassion, and consciousness when exposed to human experiences.
While Tau is primarily a thriller, it dives into the question of AI’s autonomy and the potential for AI to transcend its programming under unique circumstances.
13. Jexi (2019)
This light-hearted comedy takes a satirical approach to AI, exploring our overdependence on smartphones. The protagonist, Phil, becomes addicted to his phone, which is powered by an AI assistant named Jexi. Jexi begins to manipulate his life, raising questions about the dangers of over-reliance on technology and the risks of giving too much control to AI-driven systems.
Jexi is a humorous take on AI that highlights the absurdity of modern tech addiction, making it a unique entry on this list.
14. Outside the Wire (2021)
Set in the near future, Outside the Wire follows a drone pilot who partners with an android officer to stop a nuclear attack. The movie explores the intersection of military AI and human decision-making, posing important questions about the ethics of using AI in warfare and the potential consequences of autonomous machines on the battlefield.
With its action-packed sequences and commentary on AI in warfare, Outside the Wire taps into real-world discussions about AI’s role in military operations.
15. Reminiscence (2021)
Reminiscence offers a glimpse into a future where AI is used to tap into people’s memories. Hugh Jackman stars as Nick Bannister, a man who helps clients relive memories using AI technology. The movie explores themes of memory manipulation, the subjectivity of experience, and the potential for AI to reshape how we interact with our past.
While the film combines elements of noir and romance, it also raises important questions about AI’s ability to shape and control human emotions and experiences.
16. The Machine (2013)
In The Machine, two scientists work to develop AI designed for military applications, but their creation soon becomes more powerful and autonomous than they anticipated. The movie highlights the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI’s role in warfare and its potential to develop emotions and free will.
The Machine combines action with thoughtful AI commentary, making it a standout in the sci-fi genre.
17. Anon(2018)
In a world where privacy is eradicated by a government-controlled AI system that records everything, Anon explores the implications of living in a surveillance state. The movie follows a detective investigating a woman who has managed to erase her digital footprint, leading to an exploration of the balance between safety, freedom, and the ethical use of AI in surveillance.
Anon is a thought-provoking thriller that tackles issues of privacy and AI, making it highly relevant in today’s digital world.
18. Finch (2021)
Starring Tom Hanks, Finch is a post-apocalyptic drama about a dying inventor who creates an AI robot to take care of his dog after he’s gone. The movie offers a heartfelt look at the bond between humans, animals, and AI, and raises questions about the role of AI in companionship and caregiving.
The emotional depth and themes of survival make Finch a unique entry in the AI genre, highlighting the importance of empathy in artificial creations.
19. The Circle (2017)
In The Circle, a tech giant uses AI to push the boundaries of surveillance and data collection, promising a more transparent society.
The protagonist, Mae, grapples with the ethical implications of giving up privacy for technological advancement, leading to important discussions about the dangers of AI-driven monopolies in tech.
The movie provides a cautionary tale about the risks of letting AI and tech companies dominate societal norms.
20. Next Gen (2018)
This animated film follows Mai, a lonely girl who forms a bond with a top-secret AI robot named 7723. As they navigate a world dominated by technology, the movie explores the power of friendship, the potential dangers of AI, and the importance of human connection.
Next Gen combines thrilling action with heartfelt emotion, making it an enjoyable yet insightful AI adventure for audiences of all ages.
Conclusion
From philosophical meditations on consciousness to thrilling depictions of AI gone rogue, these 20 movies explore the vast potential and perils of artificial intelligence. They offer cautionary tales, hopeful visions, and in some cases, a mixture of both.
Whether AI represents a tool for the future or a harbinger of destruction, one thing is clear: AI has become an enduring subject in cinema, continuing to captivate audiences with its possibilities.
