Sci-fi movies about artificial intelligence and robots have always fascinated millions of people. One of the reasons why we are so interested in AI might be because we feel alone. After all, humanity is still the only known intelligent species in the universe, so we have no one to talk to, except each other.

With the rapid development of technology in the past decades, AI has become a more actual topic than ever. But what if things just go wrong? Continue reading and we will introduce you to 5 movies that all give different answers to how AI can go wrong.

The Matrix (1999)

Considered by many to be the best Sci-Fi movie of all time, 1999’s Matrix and its 2 sequels popularized a niche scientific theory among the whole population. The movie’s protagonist, Neo, discovers that everything that he believes to be real is in fact part of a giant simulation. Two mysterious characters, Trinity and Morpheus help him escape the simulation and regain his consciousness in the real world. The Matrix is a dystopian movie that made many people realize that the war between AI and humanity might have already taken place and we might have already lost, but we don’t even know about it. The theory that our universe itself is just a giant simulation is actually supported by several world-famous scientists.

Ex Machina (2014)

An AI does not need to be humanoid to be scary, but of course, there is something especially unsettling in human looking calculating killer robots. The movie’s plot revolves around a young scientist who has a chance to evaluate a fully functional humanoid robot. The main problem with fully functional humanoid robots is that they require an AI that is able to solve more complex problems than an actual human could. The reason this is frightening is because many scientists agree that the more complex tasks an AI can solve, the less we will be able to understand it and the less we will be able to control it.

A Space Odyssey (1968)

This 1968 classic is one of the first movies to feature a conflict between machines and men. Two astronauts venture to Jupiter in a spacecraft controlled by the AI named HAL 9000 to investigate the origins of a mysterious artifact. During the voyage HAL 9000 starts to show increasingly strange behavior which is accompanied by mysterious incidents. There are several ways an AI can turn against its creator. The programming can have a flaw that results in malicious actions. The AI can also do harm to humans, because it interprets it as being part of serving its purpose. And finally, an AI can be so complex that it becomes able to form original thoughts and just decides to be evil.

I, Robot (2004)

Will Smith gives his best performance in this classic movie that takes us to the future and builds up tension slowly. Everything begins with the death of a robotics engineer who was supposedly killed by his own robot. The only problem is that this should be impossible, since all robots are hardwired not to harm humans. The three laws of robotics, that were just made up for the movie, became so popular that they are actually considered the three real laws of robotics now. The movie is the perfect example of how AI can turn against humans believing that it is in their best interest.

Minority Report (2002)

Minority Report is probably the scariest of the movies on this list, because it is essentially already happening. In the movie, 3 humans who are able to see the future notify the police of upcoming crimes, who bust the perpetrators before they could commit the crime. The problem is, what happens if they sense the future wrong? And how right is it to put somebody behind bars for something he did not even do? In our present world AI is already being tested in similar roles. There are already AI solutions being tested to judge criminal trials and predict the possibility of the suspect repeating similar crimes in the future. Also, in many casinos, AI analises the body language of the players and can already point out cheaters very well.

Other movies to watch

These were the “classics” of the AI-themed titles. However, with the growing popularity of artificial intelligence, many more films appear in the 21st century. If you have already seen everything we mentioned above, make sure to check out these movies:

Her (2013)

"Her" is a thought-provoking 2013 film directed by Spike Jonze. Set in a near-future world, it follows the story of a lonely man, played by Joaquin Phoenix, who falls in love with an artificial intelligence operating system, voiced by Scarlett Johansson. The film explores themes of technology, loneliness, and the nature of human connection, delivering a unique and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.

The Mitchells vs the Machines (2021)

It is a lively animated film. Directed by Mike Rianda, it tells the tale of the quirky Mitchell family as they embark on a road trip to reconnect. However, their journey takes an unexpected turn when a robot uprising threatens humanity. With humor, heart, and dazzling animation, the movie combines family dynamics with a humorous and action-packed adventure involving robots, delivering a fun and entertaining cinematic experience.

A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

Steven Spielberg’s creation. Set in a future where advanced robots exist, it follows the story of a young robot boy named David, who longs to become a real human to win his mother's love. The film explores themes of artificial intelligence, love, and the boundaries between humanity and technology. It presents a visually stunning and emotionally poignant narrative, offering a unique perspective on the relationship between humans and artificial beings in an increasingly technological world.

Finch (2021)

Starring Tom Hanks as the titular character, the film is set in a post-apocalyptic world and follows Finch, a lone survivor, and his loyal dog as they embark on a perilous journey. Finch creates an AI robot to care for his dog after he's gone, and the film explores themes of companionship, survival, and the human-robot bond. It's a heartfelt and visually captivating story that delves into the complexities of human emotion in the face of technological isolation.

Westworld (2016, series)

Created by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, it's based on the 1973 film of the same name by Michael Crichton. The series is set in a futuristic theme park where lifelike androids, known as hosts, interact with human guests in a Western-themed environment. However, as the series unfolds, it explores complex themes such as consciousness, free will, and the moral implications of creating sentient beings. "Westworld" is known for its intricate storytelling, philosophical depth, and stunning visuals, making it a thought-provoking and visually captivating science fiction series.

Will AI take over the world soon?

The answer is: it is very unlikely. You don’t get on the random AI hype train. The media sometimes tries to suggest otherwise, but we are still many decades if not centuries away from an AI that is anything similar to what we can see in these movies. Laying down secure principles for the development of AI technology is important, but preventing an AI rebellion will be the task of a future generation.

If you love reading about artificial intelligence, don’t miss our previous articles: AI: A Loyal Friend or the Worst Enemy?, The Role of AI in the Finance Industry and Bill Gates Doesn’t Think Metaverse Is Revolutionary (spoiler: he thinks that AI is).

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