10 Best AI Movies of All Time You Must Watch In 2024

Artificial Intelligence has long captivated filmmakers and audiences, serving as a compelling lens to explore our technological future. 

From sentient robots to virtual assistants, AI in cinema has evolved alongside real-world advancements, offering both cautionary tales and optimistic visions. 

As AI continues to shape our world, these cinematic explorations become increasingly relevant, inspiring audiences to think critically about our relationship with artificial intelligence.

Quick List of Top 10 AI Movies

Here is my curated list of must-watch AI movies, each offering a unique perspective on artificial intelligence. These films range from classic sci-fi to modern philosophical explorations. These are the top 10. The whole list of 14 movies is below the table.

Sr. No.	Movie Title	One-line Plot Description
1.	Ex Machina	A programmer participates in an unusual experiment involving a humanoid AI.
2.	Her	A man develops a relationship with an intelligent computer operating system.
3.	The Matrix	A computer programmer discovers the hidden truth about his simulated reality.
4.	Wall-E	A lonely robot on Earth falls in love and follows his heart into space.
5.	I, Robot	A detective investigates a crime that a robot may have committed.
6.	A.I. Artificial Intelligence	A robotic boy embarks on a journey to become “real” and find acceptance.
7.	Transcendence	A scientist’s mind is uploaded into a computer, leading to unforeseen consequences.
8.	Big Hero 6	A young robotics prodigy forms a superhero team to combat a mysterious threat.
9.	Blade Runner 2049	A blade runner uncovers a long-buried secret that could impact society’s future.
10.	2001: A Space Odyssey	A space voyage to Jupiter turns chaotic when the ship’s computer becomes sentient.

1. Ex Machina (2014)

Feature	Details
Cast	Domhnall Gleeson, Alicia Vikander, Oscar Isaac
Director	Alex Garland
Movie Length	108 minutes
Movie Genre	Science Fiction, Drama, Thriller

In “Ex Machina,” a programmer participates in a strange experiment involving Ava, a highly advanced AI in a humanoid body, leading to a complex exploration of consciousness and manipulation.

This film is a must-watch for its intense examination of AI consciousness, the Turing test, and the ethical implications of creating sentient machines. It challenges viewers to question the nature of humanity and intelligence.

2. Her (2013)

Feature	Details
Cast	Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson, Amy Adams
Director	Spike Jonze
Movie Length	126 minutes
Movie Genre	Science Fiction, Romance, Drama

“Her” tells the story of Theodore, a lonely writer who develops a relationship with an intelligent computer operating system with a female voice and personality.

This film is crucial for AI enthusiasts due to its nuanced exploration of human-AI relationships, the potential for emotional AI, and the philosophical questions surrounding consciousness and love.

3. The Matrix (1999)

Feature	Details
Cast	Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss
Director	The Wachowskis
Movie Length	136 minutes
Movie Genre	Science Fiction, Action

Spoiler alert! “The Matrix” follows Neo, a computer programmer who discovers that reality as he knows it is actually a simulation controlled by sentient machines harvesting human bioelectric power.

This landmark film is essential for its revolutionary depiction of a world controlled by AI. It explores themes of reality vs. simulation, free will, and the potential for AI to subjugate humanity.

4. Wall-E (2008)

Feature	Details
Cast	Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin
Director	Andrew Stanton
Movie Length	98 minutes
Movie Genre	Animation, Adventure, Family

In a distant future, Wall-E, a robot left to clean up a waste-covered Earth, discovers a new purpose when he meets a sleek search robot named EVE and follows her into space.

Wall-E is essential for viewing because of its heartwarming portrayal of AI’s developing personality and emotions. It also offers a stark warning about environmental neglect and over-reliance on technology.

5. I, Robot (2004)

Feature	Details
Cast	Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan, Alan Tudyk
Director	Alex Proyas
Movie Length	115 minutes
Movie Genre	Science Fiction, Action, Mystery

“I, Robot” is set in a near future where robots are commonplace. Detective Del Spooner investigates a crime that seems to have been committed by a robot, challenging the fundamental laws of robotics.

This film makes our list for its thrilling exploration of AI ethics, the potential dangers of advanced AI, and the complex relationship between humans and their robotic creations. It raises important questions about AI autonomy and responsibility.

6. A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

Feature	Details
Cast	Haley Joel Osment, Jude Law, Frances O’Connor
Director	Steven Spielberg
Movie Length	146 minutes
Movie Genre	Science Fiction, Drama

“A.I. Artificial Intelligence” follows the journey of David, a highly advanced robotic boy programmed to love. When his human family abandons him, David embarks on a quest to become a real boy and earn genuine love.

This film is a must-watch for its poignant exploration of what it means to be human, the ethical implications of creating sentient AI, and the potential for emotional connections between humans and artificial beings.

7. Transcendence (2014)

Feature	Details
Cast	Johnny Depp, Rebecca Hall, Paul Bettany
Director	Wally Pfister
Movie Length	119 minutes
Movie Genre	Science Fiction, Drama, Thriller

“Transcendence” follows Dr. Will Caster, whose consciousness is uploaded into a quantum computer after an assassination attempt, leading to unforeseen consequences as his power grows.

This film is crucial for exploring the concept of technological singularity, the potential dangers of unchecked AI growth, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding merging human consciousness with machines.

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8. Big Hero 6 (2014)

Feature	Details
Cast	Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Jamie Chung
Director	Don Hall, Chris Williams
Movie Length	102 minutes
Movie Genre	Animation, Action, Adventure

“Big Hero 6” centers on Hiro Hamada, a young robotics prodigy who forms a superhero team with his friends, and Baymax, an inflatable healthcare robot, to combat a mysterious threat.

This film is important for its positive portrayal of AI and robotics in service of humanity. It showcases the potential of AI-driven technology for good, focusing on themes of innovation, teamwork, and empathy.

9. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Feature	Details
Cast	Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana de Armas
Director	Denis Villeneuve
Movie Length	164 minutes
Movie Genre	Science Fiction, Drama, Mystery

Set 30 years after the original, “Blade Runner 2049” follows K, a replicant blade runner who uncovers a secret that leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard, a former blade runner who’s been missing for decades.

This film is essential for viewing because it deep-explores what it means to be human in a world where the lines between humans and machines are increasingly blurred. It raises profound questions about identity, memory, and the nature of consciousness.

10. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Feature	Details
Cast	Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester
Director	Stanley Kubrick
Movie Length	142 minutes
Movie Genre	Science Fiction, Adventure, Mystery

“2001: A Space Odyssey” follows a voyage to Jupiter with the sentient computer HAL after the discovery of a mysterious black monolith affecting human evolution.

This groundbreaking film is a must-watch for its visionary depiction of AI and space travel. It explores themes of human evolution, the dangers of advanced AI, and the mysteries of the universe.

11. Blade Runner (1982)

Feature	Details
Cast	Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young
Director	Ridley Scott
Movie Length	117 minutes
Movie Genre	Science Fiction, Thriller, Drama

In a dystopian future Los Angeles, Rick Deckard, a “blade runner,” must pursue and terminate four replicants who have returned to Earth seeking their creator.

This neo-noir classic is essential for its gritty portrayal of a future dominated by artificial beings. It delves deep into questions of what defines humanity and the ethical implications of creating life-like AI.

12. The Terminator (1984)

Feature	Details
Cast	Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn
Director	James Cameron
Movie Length	107 minutes
Movie Genre	Science Fiction, Action

“The Terminator” depicts a dystopian future where machines rule the world. A cyborg assassin is sent back in time to kill Sarah Connor, whose unborn son will one day become a savior against the machines.

This film is crucial for exploring the potential dangers of AI and machine learning. It presents a stark warning about the possible consequences of creating AI systems without proper safeguards.

13. WarGames (1983)

Feature	Details
Cast	Matthew Broderick, Ally Sheedy, John Wood
Director	John Badham
Movie Length	114 minutes
Movie Genre	Science Fiction, Thriller

In “WarGames,” a young hacker inadvertently accesses WOPR, a U.S. military supercomputer programmed to predict possible outcomes of nuclear war, and initiates a game that could trigger World War III.

This film is important for its early exploration of AI in military applications. It highlights the potential dangers of autonomous systems in critical decision-making roles and the importance of human oversight.

14. Ghost in the Shell (1995)

Feature	Details
Cast	Atsuko Tanaka, Akio Ōtsuka, Iemasa Kayumi
Director	Mamoru Oshii
Movie Length	83 minutes
Movie Genre	Animation, Science Fiction, Action

Spoilers ahead! Set in a futuristic Japan, “Ghost in the Shell” follows cyborg federal agent Motoko Kusanagi as she hunts a mysterious and powerful hacker, the Puppet Master.

This anime classic is crucial for exploring the merging of human consciousness with AI. It delves into themes of identity, the nature of consciousness, and the ethical implications of cybernetic enhancements.

15. Upgrade (2018)

Feature	Details
Cast	Logan Marshall-Green, Betty Gabriel, Harrison Gilbertson
Director	Leigh Whannell
Movie Length	100 minutes
Movie Genre	Science Fiction, Action, Thriller

“Upgrade” follows a technophobe in a utopian near-future when computers control nearly everything. After his wife is murdered, he undergoes an experimental computer chip implant called STEM that enables him to control his body with unprecedented precision.

This film is noteworthy for its unique take on human augmentation through AI. It explores the potential benefits and dangers of integrating AI directly with the human body and mind.

Impact of AI Movies on Public Perception

AI movies have significantly shaped public perceptions of artificial intelligence and raised awareness about the potential benefits and risks of AI development. 

Many of these films have inspired real-world innovations and research in AI and robotics. Moreover, they have encouraged important discussions about the ethical considerations necessary in AI development, influencing public opinion and policy decisions.

Conclusion: Ex Machina Is A Must Watch For Its Gripping Exploration Of AI And Human Emotion

My top 3 picks that you must watch are “Ex Machina” for its intense exploration of AI consciousness and ethics and “Her” for its nuanced portrayal of human-AI relationships and emotional AI. 

Last but not least, “The Matrix“—for its groundbreaking depiction of a world controlled by AI and its philosophical depth.

The role of cinema in shaping our understanding of AI. Cinema has played a crucial role in shaping our understanding and expectations of AI. These films have brought complex technological concepts to the mainstream, sparking essential discussions about AI’s future and its impact on society.

As AI advances in the real world, these movies can be a good reference point for laymen, designers, moviemakers, and people working with AI.

Future films can expect to explore even more nuanced and complex scenarios involving AI. These include deeper explorations of AI rights, the potential for AI to solve global problems, and the philosophical implications of super-intelligent AI.

The future of AI is being written now, and staying informed is the best way to participate in the conversation.

FAQs

Which movie should I watch AI? 

For a comprehensive understanding of AI in cinema, start with “2001: A Space Odyssey ” and then move on to more recent films like “Ex Machina” or “Her.”

What Netflix movie is based on AI? 

As of my last update, “I Am Mother” and “The Mitchells vs. the Machines” are popular AI-themed Netflix movies. A series I particularly like is “Black Mirror.”

What movie has AI in it? 

Many movies feature AI, including all those listed in this article. Some popular ones include “The Terminator,” “I, Robot,” and “Ex Machina.”

What is the best AI avatar? 

The concept of “best” can vary, but some notable AI avatars in movies include Ava from “Ex Machina,” Samantha from “Her,” and JARVIS/Vision from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.