If you want to watch The Matrix movies in order, there are two main ways: chronological order (the Matrix story timeline) and release order (how the movies were released in theaters). Below you’ll find both lists so you can pick the best viewing experience.
This page explains the correct way to watch Matrix movies in order so you can follow the story without missing important events.
This guide shows the complete list of Matrix movies in order, including both the story timeline and the official release order.
Quick answer: For first-time viewers, release order is usually the best. For rewatches, try chronological order.
The best way to watch Matrix movies in order is release order for first-time viewers and chronological order for rewatches.
Matrix Movies in Order – Table of Contents
- Matrix Movies in Chronological Order
- Matrix Movies in Release Order
- Matrix Movies Checklist (Printable PDF)
- The Matrix Timeline Explained
- How Many Matrix Movies Are There?
- FAQ
Matrix Movies in Chronological Order
Chronological order follows the story timeline inside the Matrix universe.
- The Animatrix – The Second Renaissance Part I (the origins of the war between humans and machines)
- The Animatrix – The Second Renaissance Part II (the rise of the machines and fall of human civilization)
- The Animatrix – A Detective Story (a side story set before the original movie)
- The Animatrix – Kid’s Story (connects directly to Neo’s legend before Reloaded)
- The Matrix (1999)
- The Animatrix – Final Flight of the Osiris (takes place shortly before Reloaded)
- The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
- The Matrix Revolutions (2003)
- The Matrix Resurrections (2021)
Note: The exact placement of some Animatrix segments can vary slightly depending on how you interpret the timeline, but this order works well for most viewers.
Matrix Movies in Release Order
Release order is the recommended way for first-time viewers.
- The Matrix (1999)
- The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
- The Animatrix (2003)
- The Matrix Revolutions (2003)
- The Matrix Resurrections (2021)
Matrix Movies Checklist (Printable)
This checklist helps you track all Matrix movies in order while watching the series.
- ☐ The Matrix (1999)
- ☐ The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
- ☐ The Animatrix (2003)
- ☐ The Matrix Revolutions (2003)
- ☐ The Matrix Resurrections (2021)
Download printable checklist (PDF):
The Matrix Timeline Explained
The Matrix timeline begins long before Neo learns the truth. Humanity created intelligent machines, but conflict eventually broke out between humans and artificial intelligence. That war ended in disaster for mankind, and the machines built the Matrix as a simulated reality to control the surviving human population.
The original movie introduces Neo, Morpheus, Trinity, and the idea that the world is a prison made of code. From there, the story expands into a much larger conflict involving Zion, the Architect, the Oracle, and the repeating cycle behind “The One.”
The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions continue this story directly, while The Matrix Resurrections returns to the universe many years later with a more reflective and meta approach. The Animatrix is not mandatory, but it adds important background and gives much better context to the world.
How Many Matrix Movies Are There?
There are currently four main Matrix movies: The Matrix (1999), The Matrix Reloaded (2003), The Matrix Revolutions (2003), and The Matrix Resurrections (2021). There is also The Animatrix, an animated anthology that expands the Matrix universe with multiple short stories.
If you only want the essential experience, watch the four live-action films. If you want the fuller lore, add The Animatrix to your viewing order.
FAQ
What is the best order to watch the Matrix movies?
The best order for most people is release order: The Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded, The Animatrix, The Matrix Revolutions, and The Matrix Resurrections.
Should I watch The Animatrix before or after the movies?
For first-time viewers, it works best after The Matrix or after Reloaded. It is not required, but it adds useful lore and makes the world richer.
Is The Animatrix necessary?
No, it is optional. You can understand the main story without it. However, fans who want more detail about the machine war and side characters will enjoy it.
How many Matrix movies are there in total?
There are four main live-action Matrix movies and one major animated anthology, The Animatrix.
For official movie information, you can visit the official Matrix page.
Why Watching Matrix Movies in Order Matters
- You understand Neo’s journey from the beginning.
- You follow the philosophy and worldbuilding more clearly.
- You see how Zion, the machines, and the Matrix connect across the series.
- You avoid confusion about the timeline and side stories.
Matrix Movies in Order Explained
This section gives a short spoiler-free explanation of each Matrix movie in order so you can decide the best way to watch the series.
The Matrix (1999)
The movie that started it all. Neo discovers that reality is an illusion and begins his journey into the truth behind the Matrix.
Viewing note: This is still the best entry point for first-time viewers.
The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
The story expands with deeper lore, larger action sequences, and major questions about fate, control, and choice.
Viewing note: Best watched immediately after the first movie.
The Animatrix (2003)
An animated collection of short stories that explores the history, side characters, and hidden corners of the Matrix universe.
Viewing note: Great for viewers who want more lore and context.
The Matrix Revolutions (2003)
The war between humans and machines reaches its climax as Neo faces his final role in the conflict.
Viewing note: Watch directly after Reloaded for the most natural flow.
The Matrix Resurrections (2021)
A return to the Matrix universe many years later, blending nostalgia, new ideas, and a more self-aware approach to the franchise.
Viewing note: Best watched after the original trilogy.
Where to Start the Matrix Series
If you are watching the series for the first time, the best place to start is The Matrix (1999). This movie introduces Neo, Morpheus, Trinity, and the core idea that reality is actually a simulated world created by machines.
Starting with the original film helps viewers understand the philosophy and structure of the Matrix universe before moving into the larger conflict shown in the sequels.
After that, simply continue watching the rest of the films in release order to experience the story exactly as audiences did when the movies first came out.
Should You Watch The Animatrix?
The Animatrix is optional, but it is worth watching if you want a deeper understanding of the Matrix universe. It adds extra context about the machine war, side characters, and the world outside the main films.
If you only want the essential story, you can stick to the four main live-action movies. If you enjoy lore and background details, The Animatrix is a great addition to your Matrix viewing order.
Final Thoughts
Watching Matrix movies in order helps you understand the full story of Neo, the machines, and the hidden structure of the Matrix universe. For first-time viewers, release order is still the best choice. For rewatches, chronological order can make the wider lore even more interesting.