All Matrix movies in order, and which ones still hold up in 2025

The emergence of The Matrix in 1999 launched a pop cultural storm and marked a great paradigm shift.

It introduced topics like simulated reality and bullet time to the table conversations. It also set new fashion trends with leather trench coats and edgy sunglasses. The Wachowskis changed the cinematic landscape, and the franchise continued to be relevant even two decades later.

In today’s world, as we get even more surrounded by devices, virtual and simulated realities, the Matrix saga still resurfaces in popular discussion. This brings up a necessary debate: which Matrix movies still hold up in 2025?

Here’s a look at all the Matrix movies in order of release, and how they fare in 2025.

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All Matrix movies in order, and which ones still hold up in 2025

1. The Matrix (1999)

Still holds up: Absolutely

This marked the beginning of the saga in 1999. Starring iconic Keanu Reeves as Neo, the film traces him as a hacker who realizes that the reality he is living in is simulated in order to take humanity under control.

The film presented a fresh mix of cyberpunk aesthetics and deeply philosophical themes. With its thought-provoking cinematic commentary on mind-body duality and the adrenaline-packed martial arts choreographed by Yuen Woo-ping, this film created a sensation

So, to answer the titular question, in an age where topics like digital control and constructed reality are at the center of pop cultural debates, this 1999 movie definitely holds up.

2. The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

Still holds up: Partially

This film came 4 years after the first movie in the series. The film had to reload itself with the ethos of the first movie. This movie expanded the world-building and introduced more philosophically rich monologues while ramping up the action.

One of the most iconic action sequences in the film is the highway chase, but some CGI used in the film speaks to its age. The complex philosophical concepts were explored through dialogues that sometimes got dense to the point of alienating.

Reloaded deserves praise for its ambition. Of course, the first film had an air of nostalgia around it, but the reloaded version still provokes thought and entertains.

3. The Matrix Revolutions (2003)

Still holds up: Not really

The trilogy delves headfirst into the war between humans and machines in its final, third part, The Revolutions. It delved deeper into the lore of Zion and the prophecy of The One.

The film was loaded with action-heavy battle sequences; from this point of view, the film places more focus on action than on the philosophical layers. The pacing is clunky, cutting the human characters off of their development arcs.

Neo’s arc becomes even more symbolic without emotional payoff. In hindsight, Revolutions suffers abrupt tonal shifts and heavy expositions. As of 2025, this entry does not hold up well.

4. The Matrix Resurrections (2021)

Still holds up: Depends on your tolerance for meta

Lana Wachowski returned solo for this film, and audience opinions were divided from the moment it hit screens. Resurrections tried to build on the reboot culture and the nostalgia of the first trilogy.

This film projects Neo as a game designer who thinks The Matrix was just a game he created. Trinity becomes Tiffany. The Resurrections manages to walk on a tightrope between a brewing love story and corporate satire. It also added occasional call-backs and the breaking of the 4th wall.

Critics were split when it came to the pop cultural verdict. However, Resurrections have held up better than anyone had expected.

The film has its own shortcomings, like the missing punch in many of the action sequences and erratic pacing, but it's worth a watch for its subversive, brave efforts.

Bonus: The Animatrix (2003)

Still holds up: Yes and maybe even better now

This was not a theatrical release, but The Animatrix makes for an entertaining viewing. This anthology consists of a total of nine animated shorts that catch up to the universe with style, pathos, and creativity.

From the chilling The Second Renaissance (which explored how machine war began) to the thrilling Final Flight of the Osiris, The Animatrix delved into territories that the original movies barely touched.

The 2003 short film series was inventive and varied enough to appeal to different moods. Thus, it holds well in 2025.

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