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I’m currently watching the new Matrix movie on HBO Max, so I thought why not give some suggestions to those of you looking for something similar. For those of you who may not know Cyberpunk beyond the poorly received game, just think “High tech, low life”. Essentially futuristic setting but without the living utopia which, in our opinion, accompanies it.
1. Blade Runner 2049 – HBO Max – 99/100:
Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD’s Officer K, uncovers a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what remains of society into chaos. K’s discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard, a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years.
The first Blade Runner movie is a benchmark for both sci-fi and cyberpunk. The late sequel takes what was already great about that movie and did it better.
2. Akira – Hulu – 95/100:
A secret military project puts Neo-Tokyo in danger when he transforms a member of a motorcycle gang into a raging psychic psychopath that only two teenagers and a group of psychics can stop.
This movie is considered one of the best anime ever made by anyone with a brain, and for good reason. It’s incredibly done and really exciting. It also has a pretty big influence on American pop culture as one of the first great Cyberpunk genre films:
– This is one of Kanye’s favorite movies and the direct inspiration for his ‘Stronger’ music video. He is also shown in Michael Jackson’s ‘Scream’ video.
– The Matrix, one of the greatest science fiction films ever made, is inspired almost to the point of pulling both Akira and another anime, “Ghost in the Shell”.
– Stranger Things took a lot of inspiration from Akira, especially the character of Eleven in the series against Tetsuo in the movie.
3. Ghost in the Shell – Roku – 95/100:
In 2029, the barriers to our world have been broken down by the internet and cybernetics, but it brings new vulnerability to humans in the form of brain hacking. When a highly wanted hacker known as “The Puppetmaster” begins to involve them in politics, Section 9, a group of cybernetically enhanced cops, are called in to investigate and arrest the Puppetmaster.
(Note that this is the anime and not the trash version of ScarJo). As with Akira, you’ll see a lot of similarities with future American films that ripped this off. It’s a cool, futuristic storyline that explores humanity, what it even means to be human, and more. AND, there is some really lively action and violence to boot.
4. The Matrix – HBO Max, Hulu – 90/100
Set in the 22nd century, The Matrix tells the story of a hacker who joins a group of underground insurgents fighting the vast and powerful computers that now rule the earth.
This one does not need an introduction or a pitch.
5. Dredd – Hulu – 87/100
America is a dystopian wilderness in the future. The latest plague is Ma-Ma, a prostitute turned drug dealer with a dangerous new drug who aims to take over the city. The only way to stop him is an elite group of urban policemen called judges, who combine the functions of judge, jury and executioner to deliver brutal and swift justice. But even leading judge Dredd discovers that defeating Ma-Ma isn’t as easy as it looks in this explosive adaptation of the hugely popular comic book series.
I recommended it last week and it applies perfectly here.
6. Ready Player One – HBO Max – 78/100
When the creator of a popular video game system dies, a virtual competition is created to compete for his fortune
It might stretch the generally austere tone that comes with Cyberpunk, but it’s definitely low tech life with an emphasis on evil overlord societies. .
7. Elys̩e РStarz Р76/100
In the year 2159, there are two classes of people: the very wealthy who live on a pristine man-made space station called Elysium, and the rest who live on an overcrowded and ruined Earth. Hard-line secretary Rhodes (Jodie Foster) will stop at nothing to enforce anti-immigration laws and preserve the luxurious lifestyle of the citizens of Elysium. This does not prevent the inhabitants of Earth from trying to enter, by any means possible. When the hapless Max (Matt Damon) is put in a corner, he agrees to take on an intimidating mission that, if successful, will not only save his life, but could bring equality to these polarized worlds.
I’ll go to war for any Neill Blomkamp movie that isn’t called Chappie. This one has a weird but cool performance from Damon and an incredible villainous performance from the underrated Sharlto Copley. By the way, the concept of Elysium is 1,000,000% something that billionaires around the world are envisioning. And only if they’re not already in intro production on it.
