The Matrix 1999
Start here. Neo, a hacker, learns that his world is a machine-built simulation; the simulated world is set in 1999 and the real world, Morpheus says, in about 2199. Directed by the Wachowskis.
The Matrix movies in order
5 filmsNext: Untitled fifth Matrix film (in development, no date)
There are four Matrix films and no series, all in one continuity, plus The Animatrix, a direct-to-video collection of nine animated shorts. This page recommends release order: each film is a direct sequel to the one before it, so release order and story order are the same. The Animatrix is optional and sits between The Matrix and The Matrix Reloaded, where most of its shorts are set. A fifth film is in development with Drew Goddard writing and directing, with no release date.
10h 53mTotal runtime
3Evenings
1999First release
2021Latest release
The release order
Checked 28 Oct 2026 · Runtimes are theatrical cutsThe Matrix Reloaded 2003
Direct sequel set six months after The Matrix. Filmed back to back with Revolutions. Directed by the Wachowskis.
The Animatrix 2003
Nine animated shorts released direct to video; optional. The Second Renaissance is backstory set before The Matrix, Kid's Story is set between The Matrix and Reloaded, and Final Flight of the Osiris sets up the game Enter the Matrix. Seven directors.
The Matrix Revolutions 2003
Continues directly from the end of Reloaded and closes the original trilogy. Released worldwide on the same day. Directed by the Wachowskis.
The Matrix Resurrections 2021
Fourth film, set sixty years after Revolutions. Directed by Lana Wachowski alone; released in US cinemas and on HBO Max on the same day.
Questions
Answers come from the entries aboveWhich Matrix entries are optional or spin-offs?
The Animatrix is a spin-off. The release order above says where each one fits.
Which Matrix film should you start with?
Start with The Matrix (1999). It introduces Neo, Morpheus and Trinity, and the three later films follow on from it in order.
Is a new Matrix film announced?
An untitled fifth Matrix film is in development; no release date has been announced.
Is The Matrix Resurrections a sequel to The Matrix Revolutions?
Yes. The Matrix Resurrections (2021) is the fourth film and is set sixty years after The Matrix Revolutions (2003). Lana Wachowski directed it alone.
Is The Animatrix set before or after The Matrix?
Both. The Animatrix (2003) is nine animated shorts: The Second Renaissance is backstory set before The Matrix (1999), Kid's Story is set between The Matrix and The Matrix Reloaded (2003), and Final Flight of the Osiris sets up the video game Enter the Matrix.
What year is The Matrix set in?
The simulated world of The Matrix (1999) is set in 1999. In the real world, Morpheus says the year is approximately 2199.
Who is directing The Matrix 5?
Drew Goddard is set to write and direct the fifth film, announced by Warner Bros. in April 2024, with Lana Wachowski as executive producer. It has no release date.
Chronological order
Story order, left to right, top to bottomStory order. Years are story settings where the films state them, otherwise release years.
1c. 2199
The Matrix
Neo, a hacker, learns that his world is a machine-built simulation; the simulated world is set in 1999 and the real world, Morpheus says, in about 2199.
22003
The Animatrix
Nine animated shorts released direct to video; optional.
32003
The Matrix Reloaded
Direct sequel set six months after The Matrix.
42003
The Matrix Revolutions
Continues directly from the end of Reloaded and closes the original trilogy.
52021
The Matrix Resurrections
Fourth film, set sixty years after Revolutions.
Next: Untitled fifth Matrix film (no date)
- In developmentAnnounced by Warner Bros. in April 2024 with Drew Goddard set to write and direct and Lana Wachowski as executive producer; it would be the first film in the series not directed by a Wachowski. No release date. Source.
This page updates the week a date is confirmed.
Edit history
- 28 Oct 2026Page created and checked against Wikipedia.
Every date and runtime on this page was checked against the sources listed below. Report a correction.