As virtual reality continues to permeate the real world, it has become an increasingly used plot point in the fictional one. Often great films use this as the premise to explore some kind of science fiction or fantasy theme, or perhaps will utilize this method of storytelling in order to create a twist no one was expecting.
These films all use virtual reality in a different way, but each time the protagonist ends up in a world that has been artificially created around them. Whether it's related to their memories or is the classic use of a hero entering a video game, there's a lot of brilliant films from multiple genres that utilize this idea effectively.
The Matrix (1999)
While the newest sequel to the hit 1999 film is perhaps one of the most anticipated movies of the last few years, fans will not easily forget the original Matrix and how it completely changed cinema forever. From its visuals to its action sequences, this movie was ground-breaking.
While its sequels so far have been far less well-received, the idea of this computer-based world becoming a new reality is an interesting one. It's based on a lot of philosophical debates, with the narrative bringing Neo into the forefront of this discourse, forcing him to make a number of difficult choices.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
The world of Blade Runner isn't based on a narrative that brings in virtual reality but is instead taking place in a dystopic world with working robots operating throughout. The replicants actually live in a virtual reality of their own.
The second film takes a look at Officer K, who believes he is rediscovering his past memories. This reality is an illusion though, something created by a unique technology that is shown later in the movie. It's a different use of virtual reality but just as powerful.
Jumanji (2017)
The original Jumanji saw a family get drawn into the land of a board game. To update it for modern-day audiences the soft reboot took players of a video game and sucked them into the virtual world. In many ways, this is one of the best video game movies out there.
Playing off of weaknesses, multiple lives, and the strange tropes of a video game, the movie effectively puts the audience in this make-believe world, while still reminding everyone that it is far from reality. It also allows the teenagers to become quirky virtual characters, each totally unique and charismatic in their own way.
Ralph Breaks The Internet (2018)
The plot of Wreck-It Ralph takes place entirely from inside a virtual world. It may seem unfair therefore to say the protagonist ends up in one when they had been born and always lived within this video game world.
But in the sequel, Ralph and Vanellope actually go into a brand new virtual reality they have never visited before; the internet. Allowing for a lot of jokes about Ebays, Amazons, and Twitters, while also having that super fun Disney Princess team up, the film defied many expectations.
Tron (1982)
Tron is a classic in every sense of the word. Completely groundbreaking in its vision and use of visual effects, the movie was far ahead of its time. The sequel added to this cult mythos surrounding the franchise and another installment is seemingly on the way.
This virtual reality is unlike any other. Not simply a video game, or perhaps a replication of something like the internet, this is a completely separate functioning society, with its own tyrannical regime and complex history.
Ready Player One (2018)
The idea behind Ready Player One is that society has started to retreat to a virtual world since the real world is in such a dire situation. It's an idea that's not all too far from reality and based on the best selling novel of the same name.
The film allows audiences to be greeted by pop culture characters from across the world. Whether they are comic book villains, well-known video game heroes, or perhaps movie characters, Ready Player One's universe allows them all to interact.
Spy Kids 3: Game Over (2003)
The Spy Kids franchise has taken some twists and turns over the years, but none were more unexpected than when they entered into some kind of virtual reality, a bit like a huge game but far more dangerous.
Taking on the roles of digital characters, they had to try and complete their mission, all while attempting to survive the crazy things that were happening. This film is great in a cult kind of way and is one of the most discussed movies of the series.
Total Recall (1990)
One of the classic science fiction films from the 90s came from the action legend himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger. The film offered people the chance to really explore the idea of not knowing which world was real and which one was a virtual creation.
The reboot of the film tackled this idea again but somehow didn't quite portray it as the original did. For a hard-hitting action flick, this blockbuster actually raises a number of interesting questions.
Enders Game (2013)
Ender's Game might have been a flop at the box office, but fans of the books felt like this was a good attempt at an adaptation of the classic material. What's more, the movie actually conveyed a lot of huge ideas to those unfamiliar with the novels.
With a young boy training to be one of the best war commanders in the universe, he undertakes a number of training sessions that he ultimately comes to realize are not as VR as he expected. It cleverly twists this genre completely on its head.
Bloodshot (2020)
Bloodshot may be debated when it comes to great films, but it was a valiant attempt to bring the Valiant Universe to the big screen. It went in a few different directions unexpectedly and may be looked back on with fondness down the line.
This underrated action blockbuster has a huge number of virtual reality elements throughout, with the protagonist not realizing how far he is being controlled in order to carry out the necessary hits.