The Animatrix
Straight from the creators of the groundbreaking Matrix trilogy, this collection of short animated films from the world's leading anime directors fuses computer graphics and Japanese anime to provide the background of the Matrix universe and the conflict between man and machines. The shorts include Final Flight of the Osiris, The Second Renaissance, Kid's Story, Program, World Record, Beyond, A Detective Story and Matriculated.
The Animatrix Movies: Timeline & Franchise Overview
The The Animatrix franchise spans roughly 0 years, featuring 9 interconnected films that build a shared narrative universe.
From its earliest installment to the most recent release, the series has expanded its world-building while introducing new characters and story arcs. Notable entries such as The Second Renaissance Part I demonstrate the franchise’s ability to maintain audience interest over time.
Franchise Quality Benchmark
Across all entries, the series holds an average audience rating of 7.1. While many long-running franchises experience declining reception, this series continues to deliver memorable cinematic moments.
Viewing Order Strategy
Most viewers prefer watching the films in release order, which reflects how audiences originally experienced the evolving story.
However, a chronological viewing order can provide deeper insight into the timeline of events within the The Animatrix universe.
Timeline & Watch Order
We recommend watching the The Animatrix franchise in the following order to fully experience the narrative expansion.
The Second Renaissance Part I
Tells the early history of how conflict began between the humans and machines. Part 1 of 2....
Final Flight of the Osiris
Immediately before the events of The Matrix Reloaded, the crew of the hovercraft Osiris discovers a quarter of a million sentinels drilling through the surface ...
A Detective Story
A private detective is hired to find the elusive computer hacker "Trinity." Part of the Animatrix collection of animated shorts in the Matrix universe....
The Second Renaissance Part II
The battle for Earth turns against the humans, despite their infamous desperate act of blackening the skies....
Beyond
While looking for her cat, a young woman and some kids find an abandoned building where strange things happen and the rules of physics don't always apply. Part ...
Kid's Story
A high school student is haunted by thoughts of "The Matrix" and a person named "Neo"....
Program
Cis and Duo discuss leaving the real world while during a samurai sword fight. Part of the Animatrix collection of animated shorts set in the Matrix universe....
World Record
A record-breaking competitive runner begins to stretch the limits of the Matrix. Part of the Animatrix collection of animated shorts set in the Matrix universe....
Matriculated
The human resistance works to convert a sentinel to their side. Part of the Animatrix collection of animated shorts set in the Matrix universe....
Common Questions about The Animatrix
How many movies are in the The Animatrix?
There are currently 9 movies in the The Animatrix, starting from The Second Renaissance Part I to the latest release, World Record.
What is the best order to watch the The Animatrix?
The best way to watch the The Animatrix is usually in release order: starting with The Second Renaissance Part I and ending with World Record. Check our timeline for the full chronological breakdown.
Which is the highest-rated movie in the The Animatrix?
According to movieMx ratings, the fans have a strong preference for The Second Renaissance Part I in this franchise.