Best Cyberpunk Movies: 14 Top Cyberpunk Films Of All Time

Cyberpunk is a subgenre of science fiction that features advanced science and technology in an urban, dystopian future.

But what are the best cyberpunk movies.

The genre originated in the early 1980s, with seminal works like William Gibson’s “Neuromancer” (1984) and Bruce Sterling’s “Schismatrix” (1985).

Cyberpunk is a subgenre of science fiction that features advanced technological and scientific achievements, such as artificial intelligence and cybernetics.

The word cyberpunk was coined in 1983 by author Bruce Bethke, and the term is often used to refer to a subgenre of science fiction that has become popular over the last three decades.

The genre typically features advanced science and technology, such as artificial intelligence and robotics, combined with a degree of breakdown or radical change in society.

In this guide to all things cyberpunk, we’ll list what we believe to be the best cyberpunk movies.

Best Cyberpunk Movies

The most popular cyberpunk movies are often set in a future that is bleak and dark, with high-tech computer networks.

Cyberpunk films have been produced since the early 1980s.

Cyberpunk is a genre of science fiction that features advanced science and technology in an urban, dystopian future.

This article will explore some of the best cyberpunk movies ever made.

In the last few years, cyberpunk movies have been on the rise.

Blade Runner 2049 is just one example of a new release that has been very well received by critics and moviegoers alike.

What’s more, this genre has become increasingly popular in recent years as evidenced by acclaimed series like Westworld.

One common factor among many of these movies is their ability to comment on society without being too heavy-handed about it.

Without further ago, let’s jump into our list of the best cyberpunk movies!

Blade Runner (1982)

Blade Runner is a science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott, released in.

The film is set in a dystopian future Los Angeles in the year 2019, where genetically-engineered humans known as replicants have been created to perform dangerous tasks in off-world colonies.

However, after a group of replicants rebelled, they were banned from Earth and those that have returned are hunted down by special police operatives called “Blade Runners.”

The film follows Rick Deckard, a retired Blade Runner, who is forced to return to duty to track down a group of four replicants who have escaped and made their way back to Earth.

Along the way, Deckard meets a replicant named Rachael, who is unlike any other he has encountered before, and begins to question his mission and his own morality.

The film is known for its visually stunning depiction of a dystopian future and its exploration of themes such as what it means to be human and the ethics of creating artificial life.

The acting is also notable, with Harrison Ford giving a nuanced performance as Deckard and Rutger Hauer stealing the show as the leader of the rogue replicants.

Blade Runner was not a commercial success upon its release, but has since become a cult classic and a highly influential film in the science fiction genre.

Its impact can be seen in films such as The Matrix, Ghost in the Shell, and Ex Machina, and it continues to be celebrated for its groundbreaking visual effects and thought-provoking themes.

Hackers (1995)

Hackers is a techno-thriller directed by Iain Softley.

The film follows a group of young hackers who stumble upon a conspiracy to embezzle millions of dollars from a large corporation.

The protagonist of the film is a teenage hacker named Dade Murphy, also known as “Crash Override.”

After moving to New York City with his mother, he reunites with old friends and forms a new group of hackers.

Their fun and games quickly turn serious when they are targeted by a hacker known as “The Plague,” who has ties to the corporation that they are investigating.

The film is notable for its portrayal of hacking culture and the early days of the internet.

It features flashy visuals and an electronic soundtrack that adds to the film’s high-energy atmosphere.

The cast includes young up-and-comers such as Jonny Lee Miller, Angelina Jolie, and Matthew Lillard, who give energetic and charismatic performances.

Hackers has gained a cult following over the years, particularly among those interested in cyberpunk and techno-thriller genres.

Its depiction of hacking and technology may not always be accurate, but the film’s stylish aesthetic and fun-loving spirit make it an entertaining watch.

 

 

Videodrome (1983)

Directed by David Cronenberg, Videodrome is a psychological horror film that explores the dangerous and disturbing power of media in society.

The film follows Max Renn (played by James Woods), the president of a small television station in Toronto who is on the lookout for new and edgy content to broadcast.

When Max discovers a mysterious and disturbing pirate television broadcast called “Videodrome,” he becomes obsessed with it and begins to investigate its origins.

As he delves deeper into the world of Videodrome, Max begins to experience hallucinations and strange bodily transformations that blur the lines between reality and the fictional world of the broadcast.

Videodrome is a deeply unsettling film that challenges its viewers to consider the impact of media on our minds and bodies.

Cronenberg’s signature body horror elements are on full display, as Max’s descent into madness is depicted through grotesque and disturbing imagery.

At the same time, the film is a fascinating exploration of the intersection between technology, the media, and the human psyche.

Woods delivers a powerful performance as Max, capturing the character’s descent into madness with a convincing blend of intensity and vulnerability.

The supporting cast, including Debbie Harry as Max’s love interest and Sonja Smits as a psychiatrist who becomes embroiled in Max’s investigation, also deliver strong performances.

Strange Days (1995)

Strange Days, directed by Kathryn Bigelow and written by James Cameron and Jay Cocks, is a science fiction film set in a dystopian Los Angeles in the year 1999.

The film follows the story of Lenny Nero (Ralph Fiennes), a former LAPD officer turned black market dealer who specializes in selling virtual reality experiences recorded directly from people’s cerebral cortexes.

As the New Year’s Eve celebrations approach, Lenny finds himself embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy involving corrupt police officers, a powerful businessman, and a mysterious woman named Faith (Juliette Lewis) who has a connection to Lenny’s past.

With the help of his friend Mace (Angela Bassett), Lenny races against time to uncover the truth and stop a plot that threatens to destabilize the city.

Strange Days is a visually stunning and thematically complex film that explores issues such as police brutality, racism, and the dangers of technology.

The film’s depiction of a gritty, dystopian Los Angeles is both chilling and prescient, and the performances of the cast, particularly Ralph Fiennes and Angela Bassett, are top-notch.

However, the film’s use of violence and sexual assault as plot devices has been criticized by some, and the film’s message about the power of virtual reality and its potential dangers can be seen as somewhat heavy-handed.

The Matrix (1999)

The Matrix, directed by the Wachowskis, is a science-fiction action film that explores themes of reality, identity, and power.

The story follows Thomas A.

Anderson (Keanu Reeves), a computer programmer who goes by the alias “Neo” and discovers that the world he lives in is actually a simulated reality created by sentient machines.

After being contacted by the mysterious hacker Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), Neo is awakened to the truth and joins a rebellion against the machines with the help of Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) and other members of Morpheus’s crew.

As Neo trains to become a skilled fighter and learn about his true identity as “The One,” he must also confront the rogue program Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) who seeks to eliminate him and the rest of the human rebels.

The Matrix is a groundbreaking film that popularized the use of “bullet time” visual effects and had a significant impact on science-fiction and action films. Its exploration of philosophical concepts such as the nature of reality and free will have also contributed to its lasting impact and influence on popular culture.

Total Recall (1990)

Directed by Paul Verhoeven, Total Recall is a science-fiction action film that stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as Douglas Quaid, a construction worker who is haunted by recurring dreams of Mars.

In an attempt to live out his fantasies, Quaid goes to Rekall, a company that offers virtual reality experiences that feel real.

However, when the procedure goes wrong, Quaid’s memories of his life as a secret agent on Mars are triggered, and he embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth about his identity and save the planet.

With stunning special effects and a gripping storyline, Total Recall is a classic sci-fi film that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

Schwarzenegger delivers a solid performance as Quaid, and the supporting cast, including Sharon Stone as Quaid’s wife Lori and Michael Ironside as the villainous Richter, provide excellent support.

The film’s futuristic world is brought to life with impressive set designs and practical effects, and the action sequences are thrilling and well-choreographed.

However, what sets Total Recall apart is its clever script, which is full of twists and turns that keep the audience guessing until the very end.

The film also raises thought-provoking questions about memory, identity, and reality, making it more than just a mindless action movie.

eXistenZ (1999)

Released in and directed by David Cronenberg, eXistenZ is a science fiction film that explores the relationship between reality and virtual reality.

The film stars Jennifer Jason Leigh as Allegra Geller, a renowned game designer who has created a new game called eXistenZ, which uses a bio-organic virtual reality system that plugs directly into the player’s body.

When Allegra’s game is attacked by an assassin, she goes on the run with a security guard named Ted Pikul (Jude Law) and they enter the game to try to find out who is behind the attack.

As they navigate the world of eXistenZ, Allegra and Ted encounter a number of characters who blur the line between reality and virtual reality, including a gas station attendant who can’t tell if he’s still in the game or not, and a group of players who are so immersed in the game that they have lost touch with reality.

As the lines between the real world and the game world begin to blur, Allegra and Ted start to question whether they are still playing the game or if they have become trapped inside it.

eXistenZ is a thought-provoking film that delves into the nature of reality and the ways in which technology can blur the line between the real and the virtual.

The film is visually stunning, with Cronenberg using a mix of practical and digital effects to create a world that is both familiar and unsettling.

The performances by Leigh and Law are also top-notch, with Leigh in particular bringing a vulnerability and complexity to her portrayal of Allegra.

The Zero Theorem (2013)

“The Zero Theorem” is a science fiction film directed by Terry Gilliam and released in.

The film takes place in a dystopian future where the world is controlled by a powerful corporation called Mancom.

Qohen Leth, played by Christoph Waltz, is a reclusive computer programmer who is tasked with solving a mathematical formula that will unlock the meaning of life.

Qohen struggles with his task as he grapples with the isolation he feels and the intrusive virtual world around him.

He also becomes obsessed with a woman named Bainsley, played by Melanie Thierry, who introduces him to a hedonistic lifestyle that serves as a form of escape from his work.

As Qohen delves deeper into his task, he begins to unravel the true purpose behind the Zero Theorem and the corporation he works for.

The film explores themes of existentialism, technology, and the search for meaning in a world that is increasingly controlled by artificial intelligence.

Robocop (1987)

Robocop, directed by Paul Verhoeven, is a science fiction action film set in a dystopian Detroit in the near future.

The city is overrun by crime, and the police force is unable to handle the escalating violence.

The corporation OCP (Omni Consumer Products) develops a new type of law enforcement officer, a cyborg created from the remains of a slain police officer.

The cyborg, Alex Murphy (Peter Weller), is a blend of man and machine.

He is programmed to follow the three prime directives of his programming: to serve the public trust, protect the innocent, and uphold the law.

As Robocop, Murphy is an unstoppable force against the criminal elements in the city.

As he begins to remember his past life, Murphy struggles to reconcile his humanity with his new existence as a cyborg.

He is haunted by memories of his former life and the loss of his wife and child.

Meanwhile, OCP’s corrupt executive, Dick Jones (Ronny Cox), has his own plans for Robocop, and will stop at nothing to control him.

Robocop is a masterful blend of science fiction, action, and satire. Verhoeven’s direction is both slick and stylish, and the special effects are top-notch.

The film also features an excellent cast, with Weller delivering a standout performance as the conflicted Robocop.

At its core, Robocop is a commentary on the dangers of corporate greed and the dehumanization of society.

The film presents a stark warning of a future where corporations hold all the power, and individuality is sacrificed in the name of progress. Robocop remains a timeless classic and a must-see for fans of the science fiction and action genres.

 

Akira (1988)

Akira is a groundbreaking animated film from Japan that is widely considered a masterpiece of the medium.

Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, who also wrote the original manga on which the film is based, Akira tells the story of a post-apocalyptic Tokyo in the year 2019.

After a mysterious explosion destroys the city, leaving it in ruins, the government is forced to rebuild society from scratch.

The story follows two best friends, Tetsuo and Kaneda, who are members of a biker gang known as the Capsules.

When Tetsuo is captured by the government and subjected to experiments designed to awaken psychic powers, he begins to lose control and becomes a danger to himself and those around him.

Kaneda sets out to rescue his friend and stop the government’s dangerous experiments, but he soon finds himself in the middle of a larger conspiracy that threatens to destroy Tokyo once again.

What makes Akira such a standout film is its stunning animation and its ability to seamlessly blend action, drama, and science fiction.

The film’s visuals are a wonder to behold, with incredibly detailed backgrounds and fluid, dynamic animation that still holds up today.

The story is also masterfully told, with complex characters and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Tron: Legacy (2010)

Tron: Legacy is a visually stunning and entertaining science fiction film directed by Joseph Kosinski.

It is a sequel to the original 1982 film Tron and takes place 20 years later.

The film follows Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund), the son of Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges), who goes on a journey to find his missing father.

The story begins with a young Sam witnessing his father’s disappearance, leaving him with a legacy of his father’s technological advancements.

When Sam receives a message from a mysterious source, he is drawn back into the world of the Grid, the digital world where his father has been trapped for decades.

With the help of a powerful ally, Quorra (Olivia Wilde), Sam must face his father’s nemesis, the corrupt Clu (also played by Jeff Bridges), and fight to free his father and save the Grid.

The film features impressive special effects and stunning visuals that transport the audience to a futuristic world where humans and programs coexist.

The soundtrack, composed by Daft Punk, perfectly complements the film’s futuristic aesthetic.

Tron: Legacy is a film that successfully builds upon the original Tron while also standing on its own as a visually striking and engaging sci-fi adventure.

Ghost In The Shell (1995)

Directed by Mamoru Oshii, Ghost in the Shell is a cyberpunk anime film set in a future world where the line between humans and technology has become increasingly blurred.

The story follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg agent who works for a government agency known as Section 9.

When a powerful hacker known as the Puppet Master begins to wreak havoc on the city, Kusanagi and her team are tasked with tracking him down and stopping him.

One of the most notable aspects of Ghost in the Shell is its stunning visuals. The animation is highly detailed and richly textured, creating a vivid and immersive world that is both beautiful and eerie.

The film’s soundtrack, composed by Kenji Kawai, is also a standout feature, combining haunting vocals with electronic beats to create a sense of otherworldly unease.

Beyond its impressive technical achievements, Ghost in the Shell is also a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be human in a world where technology is becoming increasingly integrated into our lives.

The film raises questions about identity, consciousness, and the nature of reality, and explores the relationship between humanity and the machines we create.

The Lawnmower Man (1992)

The Lawnmower Man is a science-fiction film directed by Brett Leonard and released in.

It is loosely based on a short story by Stephen King and features Jeff Fahey as a scientist named Dr. Lawrence Angelo and Pierce Brosnan as a government agent named Jobe Smith.

Dr. Angelo is a scientist who has been conducting experiments on chimpanzees in an attempt to increase their intelligence through the use of virtual reality technology.

He is hired by Jobe to use his experiments on a mentally disabled man named Jobe Smith.

Dr. Angelo’s experiments are successful and Jobe’s intelligence increases dramatically, but the side effects are unpredictable and dangerous.

As Jobe’s intelligence continues to grow, he becomes more and more unhinged, eventually developing telekinetic and telepathic powers.

He also develops a god complex and decides to take revenge on those who have wronged him.

Dr. Angelo realizes that he has created a monster and tries to stop Jobe before it’s too late.

The Lawnmower Man was groundbreaking for its time, with its use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) and virtual reality technology.

However, the film has not aged well and some of the special effects are now considered dated.

The film’s plot is also criticized for being too formulaic and predictable, although Fahey’s and Brosnan’s performances are generally praised.

What Is Cyberpunk?

The term “cyberpunk” was first used in the 70s and is now often considered a subgenre of science fiction.

Cyberpunk stories are typically set in gritty, near-future urban settings that feature advanced technological developments and social change.

The genre has grown to include many different styles such as steampunk and biopunk.

Cyberpunk is a subgenre of science fiction that often focuses on the dark and criminal side of technology.

The genre emerged in the 1980s with novels like Neuromancer, Blindsight, and Snow Crash.

Cyberpunk can also be found in movies such as Blade Runner, Ghost in the Shell, and Minority Report.

The term cyberpunk was first used by author Bruce Bethke for his story “Cyberpunks,” which was published in 1983 to describe an underground group of computer hackers who work outside the law to fight corporate tyranny.

It became popular in the 1980s and 1990s with movies such as Blade Runner (1982), The Matrix (1999), and Ghost in the Shell (1995).

Cyberpunk does not focus on destruction or survival but instead on what happens after everything has gone wrong.

The future is depicted in these types of books is often bleak with corporations controlling all aspects of life, humans are enhanced with technology (both organic and mechanical), and everyone uses implants that allow them to interface with networks through their brains.

Common Motifs Of Cyberpunk Genre

Cyberpunk is a literary genre that first emerged in the 1980s.

It features an anti-hero protagonist who often battles against oppressive forces, typically corporate or government control.

Cyberpunk literature is usually set in a gritty near future and includes advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, virtual reality, and human augmentation.

These themes are explored through both technological advances and social problems with the intent of exploring possible directions for civilization to take at its current point in time.

Cyberpunk often depicts a world where people are connected to each other through technology, but the social order has been disrupted by rapid technological change.

Outside forces such as corporations have more power than governments in some cyberpunk worlds.

Cyberpunk is a literary genre that emerged in the early 1980s and was popularized by William Gibson’s 1984 novel Neuromancer.

Cyberpunk works often take place in dystopian societies with few laws and where corporations have more power than governments.

In these worlds, computers are omnipresent and connect people to each other at blinding speeds, but they come at the price of having your personal information sold for profit or exposed through data breaches.

The cyberpunk genre is one that depicts a future world in which the social order has collapsed.

As technology advances, society and government are unable to keep up with these changes.

This causes people living in this future society to become more isolated from each other and eventually lead to the breakdown of law enforcement agencies.

In most cases, there will be an underground network of hackers who work together for their own benefit as well as others they deem worthy.
 

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