The 5 Best Movies About AI

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As artificial intelligence technologies become more integrated into our lives, our familiarity and ease with them grow. Nowadays, AI is involved in art creation, writing, and even human-like narration. But the journey to this acceptance has been a fascinating one.
Films about artificial intelligence offer a window into how humanity's view of this technology has evolved. These movies might even have been an inspiration for the developers of ChatGPT, Bard, and other AI systems.

Her (2013)

Joaquin Phoenix in the movie "Her." Source: cnet.com

Joaquin Phoenix in the movie "Her." Source: cnet.com

"What if AI becomes an essential part of our lives?" Spike Jonze's film "Her" tackles this question. It stars Joaquin Phoenix as Theodore and Scarlett Johansson as a virtual assistant. The plot revolves around Theodore developing feelings for an AI, skillfully blending elements of science fiction and romance.

The film uses deep philosophical narratives to discuss AI's place in our daily lives. As Theodore's relationship with the AI evolves, the movie explores intimacy, loneliness, and the complexity of human connections in the digital age.

IMDb Rating: 8/10.

The Terminator (1984)

Movie poster for "The Terminator." Source: sweet.tv

Movie poster for "The Terminator." Source: sweet.tv

James Cameron's "The Terminator" illustrates how great ideas can emerge from dreams. Although it may sound fanciful, the film's concept originated from a dream Cameron had. 

This inspiration led to the creation of the iconic 80s film, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as a deadly robot dispatched by the AI Skynet with a mission to destroy humanity.

The film is often cited as the first to introduce the concept of a cybernetic assassin driven by AI. "The Terminator" showcases a dystopian future where machines have taken control. Upon its release, it was seen as one of the darkest depictions of AI in Hollywood cinema.

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10.

I, Robot (2004)

A scene featuring Sunny the robot in "I, Robot". Source: film-grab.com

A scene featuring Sunny the robot in "I, Robot". Source: film-grab.com

"I, Robot," released in 2004 and starring Will Smith, narrates the tale of Del Spooner, a detective in the Chicago Police Department. Set in a future where humanity is served by intelligent AI-powered robots, the film delves into Spooner's life. 

Spooner grows resentful of these robots after one chooses to save him instead of a young girl during a car accident, calculating survival odds. His animosity deepens when a renowned robotics scientist dies mysteriously, leaving a request for Spooner to investigate his death.

More than just a movie with impressive graphics and action, "I, Robot" acts as a cautionary tale about the dangers of over-reliance on AI. It subtly explores a world where humans are increasingly dependent on artificial intelligence.

IMDb Rating: 7.1/10.

Ex Machina (2014)

Poster for "Ex Machina". Source: empireonline.com

Poster for "Ex Machina". Source: empireonline.com

"Ex Machina," taking its name from the Greek phrase "Deus ex machina," meaning "God from the machine," is a thought-provoking film about a machine that develops a god-like complex. It stars Oscar Isaac as the CEO of Blue Book, a company that echoes Facebook.

The film revolves around an employee testing a new AI, leading to a narrative that questions the perils of artificial intelligence. A tense and unsettling atmosphere is built throughout the film, especially through intense character dialogues. It challenges viewers to contemplate the consequences if robots were to learn deception.

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10.

Blade Runner

Main character in "Blade Runner" (1982). Source: imdb.com

Main character in "Blade Runner" (1982). Source: imdb.com

"Blade Runner," adapted from Philip K. Dick's "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?," was released in 1982 and remains a pinnacle in AI cinema. 

Harrison Ford stars as Rick Deckard, a "blade runner" tasked with eliminating humanoid androids that have returned to Earth.

The challenge lies in the fact that these replicants are almost indistinguishable from humans, identified only through empathy tests. 

Initially, it seems like a typical good vs. evil narrative, with Deckard pitted against a band of 7 criminal replicants. However, the film evolves into a complex exploration of morality, making it a compelling watch for those intrigued by the human-robot dichotomy.

A sequel featuring Ryan Gosling was released in 2017, shifting the focus from a human to a replicant's perspective.

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

Movie poster for "A.I. Artificial Intelligence". Source: impawards.com

Movie poster for "A.I. Artificial Intelligence". Source: impawards.com

When discussing films about virtual reality, we must highlight Steven Spielberg's "A.I. Artificial Intelligence." Though it didn't make our top-5 list, this film is highly recommended for its unique narrative.

The story unfolds in a world where artificial intelligence has seamlessly integrated into human daily life. The main character is David, a robotic boy and the first of his kind, named "Mecha," engineered specifically to feel human emotions, particularly love.

David is introduced into Monica's family, filling the void left by her ill son. He lives contentedly with Monica and her husband until their biological child recovers. Despite his predetermined destiny by his creators, David is on a heartfelt quest to become more human, offering a profound commentary on the intersections of AI, emotions, and what it means to be truly human.

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10.

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Vlad Vovk
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Writes about DeFi and cryptocurrencies from a technological perspective.