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The Matrix watch order

Matrix movies in order, release and chronological. Updated October 20, 2026.

Watch The Matrix films in release order: The Matrix (1999), The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, then The Matrix Resurrections (2021). The Animatrix (2003) fills in the machine war and leads into Reloaded, so the best moment for it is between the first and second films.

How to watch the Matrix movies in order: the full guide

All 5 films and series in the The Matrix franchise, in release order and in chronological (story) order. The first in release order is The Matrix (1999); the first in chronological order is The Animatrix (set in The machine war onward).

Release order

  1. The Matrix (Movie, 1999): Neo takes the red pill; the place to start.
  2. The Matrix Reloaded (Movie, 2003): Picks up six months later; best watched back to back with Revolutions.
  3. The Animatrix (Movie, 2003): Nine animated shorts; The Second Renaissance explains the machine war. Optional.
  4. The Matrix Revolutions (Movie, 2003): Ends the original trilogy.
  5. The Matrix Resurrections (Movie, 2021): A sequel 20 years on that comments on the trilogy itself.

Chronological order

  1. The Animatrix (set in The machine war onward): Nine animated shorts; The Second Renaissance explains the machine war. Optional.
  2. The Matrix (set in Around 2199): Neo takes the red pill; the place to start.
  3. The Matrix Reloaded (set in Around 2199): Picks up six months later; best watched back to back with Revolutions.
  4. The Matrix Revolutions (set in Around 2199): Ends the original trilogy.
  5. The Matrix Resurrections (set in 60 years later): A sequel 20 years on that comments on the trilogy itself.

Common questions

What order should I watch the Matrix movies in?

Watch The Matrix films in release order: The Matrix (1999), The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, then The Matrix Resurrections (2021). The Animatrix (2003) fills in the machine war and leads into Reloaded, so the best moment for it is between the first and second films.

How many Matrix movies and shows are there?

There are 5 titles in the The Matrix franchise: 5 films and 0 series, released from 1999 to 2021.

How long does it take to watch all the Matrix movies?

About 11 hours for all 5 titles, counting every episode. The essentials only (4 titles) take about 9 hours.

What is the first Matrix title in chronological order?

The Animatrix, set in The machine war onward. In release order the first is The Matrix (1999).

Which Matrix titles can I skip?

The Animatrix. They are spin-offs, side stories or non-canon entries; the main story holds without them.