How to Watch The Matrix Movies in Order (and Where to Watch Them)

In 1999, The Matrix became an overnight sensation when the directorial duo Lana and Lilly Wachowski unveiled their soon-to-be sci-fi classic to the world. Starring Keanu Reeves as Neo, Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity and Laurence Fishburne as Morpheus, this groundbreaking movie marked the beginning of a hugely successful blockbuster franchise that now includes a trilogy (The Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions), an anthology of anime short films (The Animatrix) and a soft meta-reboot (The Matrix Resurrections). There's also a documentary about the making of the original film, and canonical stories in video games and comic books.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to watch The Matrix movies in order and show you where to watch them on popular streaming services in the United States. We’ll also let you know if there are options to stream The Matrix movies legally for free.

If you want to watch the franchise in chronological order, you'll have to navigate a mind-altering multimedia franchise. The Wachowskis have always been ambitious storytellers, expanding The Matrix lore with canonical stories in video games (Enter the Matrix, The Matrix Online and Path of Neo) and The Animatrix – which offers some of the franchise’s best storylines. So, if you’re ready to see how far the rabbit hole goes, here’s how to watch the Matrix franchise chronologically.

• The Animatrix: The Second Renaissance, Part I and II

• The Animatrix: A Detective Story

• The Matrix

• The Animatrix: Kid's Story

• The Animatrix: Final Flight of the Osiris

• Enter the Matrix – Video game

• The Matrix Reloaded

• The Matrix Revolutions

• The Matrix: Path of Neo – Video game

• The Matrix Online: The Matrix Online – Video game

• The Animatrix: Beyond

• The Matrix: Resurrections

• The Animatrix: World Record – Exact timeframe unknown

• The Animatrix: Matriculated – Exact timeframe unknown

• The Animatrix: Program – Exact timeframe unknown

But there's a much easier way to enjoy The Matrix franchise, especially for first-time viewers. I'd recommend watching the entire franchise in its release order because this is how viewers got to experience it in theaters. It means you'll start with The Matrix, which is the only logical choice if you're new to the franchise. You'll be introduced to the concept of the Matrix and its most important characters in the most natural way, making everything that comes after it far more enjoyable. Here's the complete list of how to watch The Matrix in release order.