The 15 best cyberpunk films
Cyberpunk, these are the cool science fiction films. Dystopian, dirty and therefore, in case of doubt, closer to reality. The term has only been around since the 80s and the first real cyberpunk cult film in my eyes is Blade Runner, based on the Philip K. Dick short story “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?”. Here’s a list of the 20 best cyberpunk films, ordered chronologically from newest to oldest. The films are recognised not only for their cinematic quality, but also for their contribution to cyberpunk genre development and culture:
Blade Runner 2049 (2017) – Denis Villeneuve
Sequel to the classic Blade Runner, expands on the dystopian world and profound themes of the original.
Ghost in the Shell (2017) – Rupert Sanders
Based on the manga of the same name, a visually stunning, if controversially received, adaptation.
Upgrade (2018) – Leigh Whannell
A brutal and intelligent film about body modification and artificial intelligence.
Dredd (2012) – Pete Travis
Based on the comic “Judge Dredd”. A hard-hitting action film with dystopian elements and strong cyberpunk overtones.
Inception (2010) – Christopher Nolan
A visually stunning film that deals with dream manipulation and identity.
Minority Report (2002) – Steven Spielberg
Based on a short story by Philip K. Dick. A dystopian future in which crimes are stopped before they are committed.
A Scanner Darkly (2006) – Richard Linklater
Based on the novel by Philip K. Dick. An animated, stylistic film about surveillance and drugs.
eXistenZ (1999) – David Cronenberg
A film that explores virtual realities and biotechnological games.
The Matrix (1999) – Lana and Lilly Wachowski
A genre-defining film that questions reality and perception.
Dark City (1998) – Alex Proyas
A neo-noir thriller that plays with memory and identity.
Strange Days (1995) – Kathryn Bigelow
A film that deals with virtual reality and its social consequences.
12 Monkeys (1995) – Terry Gilliam
A post-apocalyptic science fiction film that deals with time travel and its consequences.
Johnny Mnemonic (1995) – Robert Longo
Based on a short story by William Gibson. A classic cyberpunk film about information smuggling in the brain.
Akira (1988) – Katsuhiro Otomo
Based on the manga of the same name. A milestone in anime history, set in a post-apocalyptic world.
Tetsuo: The Iron Man (1989) – Shinya Tsukamoto
A disturbing film about the fusion of man and machine, stylistically unique and dark.
Hardware (1990) – Richard Stanley
A dystopian science fiction film about a murderous robot, famous for its soundtrack.
Videodrome (1983) – David Cronenberg
A groundbreaking film about media, reality and physical transformation.
Blade Runner (1982) – Ridley Scott
Based on the novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” by Philip K. Dick. A defining film of the cyberpunk genre.
Tron (1982) – Steven Lisberger
One of the first films to make extensive use of computer animation to explore a world within a computer.
The Rattlesnake (1981) – John Carpenter
Also known as “Escape from New York”, a film that has many elements of cyberpunk, particularly in its depiction of a dystopian future.
These films are not just entertainment, but cultural artefacts that offer deep insights into the fears and hopes of their respective times.
