Cyberpunk is a subgenre of science fiction that takes place in a dystopian future. If you enjoy watching movies in this genre, you have landed in the right place. In this post, we will share some of the best cyberpunk movies of all time. Keep on reading to find the one you like and add it to your watch list!
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What Is Cyberpunk?
Cyberpunk is a subgenre of science fiction that typically juxtaposes advanced technological and scientific achievements, such as artificial intelligence and cybernetics in an urban, dystopian future.
While cyberpunk elements aren’t a recent phenomenon and have been anticipated by the great visionaries of the last century. The name is derived from cybernetics and punk and was first coined by Gardner Dozois to describe the work of James Tiptree Jr., Bruce Sterling, and William Gibson — authors who gave the genre its present-day form.
What Are the Best Cyberpunk Movies?
In the last few years, cyberpunk movies have been on the rise. Also, this genre has become increasingly popular in recent years as evidenced by acclaimed series like Westworld. Without further delay, let’s jump into our list of the best cyberpunk movies now!
Blade Runner and Blade Runner 2049
Visually, Ridley Scott’s masterpiece is the quintessential cyberpunk movie that defines the genre. The contrast between the neon and the sewer, the echoing shouts lost at night and the advancing technology that at the same time blinds and shows that social inequality continues to exist.
And then are its deeper layers of interpretations, full of symbolism, religious allegories, and dreamlike scenarios. Its rewatch value is eternal. Blade Runner 2049 is a visually upgraded Blade Runner. Beautiful cinematography and an extended story through the Blade Runner universe with an excellent cast.
The Matrix
This Wachowski sisters’ hit movie suggests that humanity is trapped inside a simulated reality and used as power sources for evil robot beings. Bearing an iconic mono-green aesthetic, incredible special effects, and visceral fight scenes, The Matrix has achieved legendary status as a story for good reason. This is the absolute cinematic peak of all that the Cyberpunk spirit embodies, visually and conceptually.
Alita: Battle Angel
If you are a fan of science fiction action films, you will also find a lot to love in Alita: Battle Angel, even if some aspects of its screenplay seem rote and predictable.
With dazzling visual effects and a star-studded cast, the film is a triumph of the cyberpunk genre and manages to explore many of the body transformation themes associated with the genre. Adapted from a Manga by Yukito Kishiro, this movie has much in common with Japanese anime adaptations as well as western animated films.
Robocop
Cyberpunk movies have the opportunity to combine multiple subgenres into unique experiences. Much has been written about the political views of Paul Verhoeven’s work. RoboCop has its place assured in the history of sci-fi thanks to its brutal entertainment, crude sense of humor, and cynical but effective vision of the future of the first world’s most depressed cities.
This movie tells the story of Alex Murphy, who is viciously murdered in the line of duty and resurrected as the next generation of law enforcement: Robocop. Not only painting a pretty brutal picture of the US of the future, but RoboCop is also a deep tale about what comes after man and machine merge.
Elysium
The story in this movie is about in 2154, the wealthy live on a space station while the rest of the population are struggling to survive on a ruined earth.
The script deals with heavy subjects, such as the environment, pollution, wars, and immigration. Overall, it is a visually gorgeous film with excellent cinematography. The CGI effects are futuristic, gritty, and believable. Also, the acting is top-notch considering it stars Matt Damon and Jodie Foster.
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More Cyberpunk Movies
Here are a few additional cyberpunk movies that deserve your attention:
- Escape From New York (1981) is about a future where Manhattan has been turned into a maximum security prison.
- Brazil (1985) is about a man who wants to escape bureaucracy and technology to be with the woman he loves. Both Jonathan Pryce and Robert De Niro have starring roles.
- Dark City (1998) is about a man who is wanted for a series of brutal murders. However, things take a turn when he meets a group of people who possess the ability to put humans to sleep and alter the city.
- Metropolis (2001) is an animated movie about a robot girl. It was in production for a total of five years.
- Dredd (2012) is about a group of police officers trying to take down a gang that deals with a reality-altering drug.
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Conclusion
After reading this post, we have some of the best cyberpunk movies and get to know what cyberpunk is. What is your favorite cyberpunk movie? Welcome to share your ideas in the comments below!