Summary
- Morpheus and Neo's first encounter sets the stage for The One's journey and introduces iconic elements like the red and blue pill.
- The Oracle's meeting with Neo provides crucial guidance and sets the stage for his transformation into The One.
- Neo's ability to stop sentinels and Trinity's sacrifice in the Machine City are pivotal moments that lead to the climax of the trilogy.
The Matrix original trilogy is plagued with important and iconic moments, but some of them transcend the movie or are crucial to the plot in ways that make them even more relevant. Lana and Lily Wachowski's saga was born in 1999 with the first installment of the trilogy. The Matrix became an instant classic because of its philosophical approach to a sci-fi action movie and its unique aesthetic. The film spawned two more films that completed the original trilogy and an additional fourth film that doesn't add anything relevant to the story.
The Matrix presents a world in which machines have taken over the Earth and have created a human life simulation where people are connected in order to obtain the necessary energy to survive. Within this universe, the saga follows the story of The One. Morpheus, a religious man, is convinced of the veracity of the prophecy that states that a chosen one will save Zion, the only remaining human city, from the machines. Through this three-movie journey, there are a great number of scenes that have a special place in the franchise's story, whether it's because of their importance to The One's story or what they represent in popular culture.
10 Morpheus And Neo's First Encounter In The Matrix Saga
The One's Path Starts At The Moment Neo Takes The Red Pill
Morpheus and Neo's first scene together in The Matrix is one of the most important for several reasons. Morpheus' introduction lives up to the expectations built ahead of that moment. Additionally, the scene is plagued with iconic elements that have transcended the franchise: the blue and red pill issue, the melting mirror, and some of the best Morpheus' quotes in The Matrix. However, what makes this scene one of the key scenes in the franchise is its importance to the plot, as it could be considered the beginning of The One's path, around which the whole saga revolves. After all, if Neo takes the blue pill, there is no movie.
9 The Oracle and Neo's First Meeting
The Oracle Tells Neo Exactly What He Needs To Hear
Neo's first meeting with The Oracle also displays the introduction of one of The Matrix's cast. Additionally, the scene's importance to the plot is what makes it crucial. To be able to reach his full potential, Neo needs to believe that he is not The One. The Oracle tells Neo exactly what he needs to hear so that the path of The One unravels the way it is supposed to, which synthesizes one of the main philosophical statements of the film.
8 Neo Dodges The Bullets In The Matrix
Neo's Mind Potential Is Shown For The First Time
Neo's dodging bullets is arguably the most iconic image of the saga, as it displays for the first time in the franchise The Matrix's freeze time effect, which marked a milestone in modern cinema. However, what makes this moment so exciting to see on the screen is the fact that this is the first time Neo demonstrates what he's capable of. Prior to this, the last thing he knew was that he wasn't The One. This scene brings him closer to the confirmation that he is indeed The One, making it even more memorable than when he resurrects at the end of the first movie.
7 The Matrix Reloaded's Freeway Chase
One Of The Greatest Chase Scenes In Movie History
Narratively, The Matrix Reloaded's freeway chase scene isn't as significant as some of the other schemes in the franchise, yet it's importance cannot be denied. This moment is an amazing display of the crew's ability to create a magnificent action sequence. Even today, it's often cited as one of the best car-chase scenes in movie history. Considering that CGI was in a more primitive form, the handling of the digitally generated images in these scenes amounts to a brilliant touch.
6 The Architect Scene In The Matrix Reloaded
The Matrix Saga Is Explained
Although The Architect scene in The Matrix Reloaded might be a little heavy and hard to follow, it's certainly a scene worth revisiting. Neo and the Architect's encounter serves as an explanation for many things in the franchise. The reason behind The One's existence is explained, as well as some curious facts such as the cyclic quality of the Matrix and the way to save Zion.The scene is packed with key revelations that help define the lore of The Matrix universe.
5 Neo Saves Trinity In The Matrix 2
Neo's Choice Changes History In The Matrix
This scene's main appeal lies in making the story covered in the saga unique within the universe. Although the entire trilogy revolves around the prophecy of The One, Neo and Trinity's relationship plays a massive role in the plot. As told by The Architect, Neo's love for Trinity is what makes him different to his predecessors. Neo's choice guided by love of saving Trinity is what makes the subsequent events different from what they are supposed to be and that creates a considerable amount of excitement ahead of the final movie of the original trilogy. Additionally, the scene gives The Matrix movies one of their most romantic and epic moments.
4 Neo Stops The Sentinel In The Matrix Reloaded
Neo's Powers Outside The Matrix Are Revealed
Neo stopping sentinels with his mind works similarly to the scene in which he dodges bullets for the first time. It is unexpected, and it opens up a great number of new and intriguing developments. It is for that very reason that it works as an excellent hook for the third movie. Even though, in The Matrix Revolutions, The Oracle reveals to Neo that he is connected to the source and that allows him to control sentinels, the importance of the scene remains the same as it is a crucial piece of information that allows Neo to see that his path ends in the Machine City.
3 Niobe Piloting Through a Mechanical Pipe in The Matrix Revolutions
Niobe's Feat Gives Neo Enough Time To Reach The Machine City And Save Zion
The mechanical pipe sequence granted Niobe a perfect opportunity to shine while also allowing her to serve the wider story. After giving her ship to Neo and Trinity, she takes a step further by taking the rest of the crew back home. As the only ship chase scene in the whole franchise, combined with Niobe's unprecedented achievement of piloting through a mechanical pipe make it an extremely innovative sequence for the movie. However, what ultimately takes it to another level is Niobe saving the day by reaching Zion in one piece and giving Neo time to reach the source and negotiate Zion's salvation.
2 Neo And Trinity Reach The Machine City In The Matrix 3
Trinity's Death And The Discovery Of The Machine City Make This Scene Shocking And Moving
Neo and Trinity reaching Machine City is a pre-climax moment ahead of the end of The One's path. The visual impact of the scene is remarkable considering that the Earth's surface is something barely shown during Morpheus' training program in the first film. What's more, the Machine City itself was never really shown until this moment, and it doesn't disappoint in of visual power. Furthermore, Trinity's death taints the scene with a great deal of emotion. The lead couple's farewell is one of the most heartbreaking moments of the franchise, leading to the climax of the entire original trilogy, which is the final battle to save Zion.
1 Agent Smith And Neo's Final Battle
An Epic Battle Between Neo And Smith Is The Climax Of The Trilogy
Despite not being the best Neo and Agent Smith fight, the final battle between them is an integral part of the franchise, given that it's the ending of The Matrix's longest-running rivalry. Interestingly, the franchise uses this fight to conclude not one, but two major storylines. While the trilogy's main plot revolves around the prophecy of The One and Zion's salvation, Smith works as a separate antagonist, as he does not respond to the Matrix's control system. The climax of both plots is conveyed in this scene, as Neo's way of saving Zion is offering the Machines to eliminate Smith, which has become a major problem. In other words, The Matrix saga comes to an end in this scene.
