Ever since its release in 1999, The Matrix and its subsequent sequels have become subject to a number of incredible and surprising ideas. Like any property with a fervent cult following, many fan theories about The Matrix are either outright laughable or so flimsy as to be barely worth the message board they're written on. However, hidden behind the wealth of outlandish ideas are some Matrix theses that can make any viewer reappraise their original interpretation and even question the nature of reality itself.
Because of its subject matter, The Matrix naturally lends itself to speculation and theorization. Telling the story of Neo, the movies portray a version of reality where humanity is trapped inside a computer simulation. This "Matrix" is maintained and generated by machines who seek to use humanity as an energy source – keeping most people in a state of suspended animation in order to use their body heat to fuel their civilization. It's an alarming, existential vision that captivated audiences around the world. However, as a result of the franchise's mind-bending premise, there are many Matrix theories that not only undermine events on screen but also have huge implications for the series as a whole. Here are six of the best.
6 Smith Is Actually The One
The central story of The Matrix movies revolves around Neo's status as "the One", a pseudo-mythic figure prophesied to end the human-machine war and save humanity. Throughout the original trilogy, the One's struggle is portrayed as a straightforward good vs evil battle against both the machines as a collective and his malevolent counterpart Agent Smith. However, while Smith – played by Hugo Weaving and Jonathan Groff – is widely regarded as one of cinema's great antagonists, one theory suggests that there was more to the rogue program than meets the eye.
This long-standing theory hinges on Morpheus' original description of the One to Neo when he is extracted from the Matrix. As Morpheus explains, "When the Matrix was first built, there was a man born inside who had the ability to change whatever he wanted, to remake the Matrix as he saw fit... After he died the Oracle prophesied his return and that his coming would hail the destruction of the Matrix, end the war, bring freedom to our people." While many of these descriptors seem to refer to Neo, as the series develops it's clear that they can also be applied to Agent Smith.
Like Neo, Smith was also "born" inside the Matrix. By Reloaded and Revolutions, he is capable of copying himself and spreading to all corners of the simulation – essentially "remaking the Matrix as he saw fit." It is also as a result of these actions that Neo is able to negotiate a truce with the Machines and persuade them to form an uneasy alliance – essentially "ending the war". Like Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader in another venerable science fiction franchise, this theory suggests that evil motivations aren't necessarily an obstacle to becoming a "chosen one".
5 The 'Real' World Isn't Real
The central conflict in the Matrix revolves around the dissonance between the "real" world of Zion and the Matrix simulation. As Morpheus explains in the original 1999 movie, the real fight for humanity's freedom takes place beyond the Matrix in a post-apocalyptic reality stalked by bloodthirsty robots. However, one theory suggests that the supposed "real world" that the protagonists are fighting to protect isn't actually real at all and that Zion is actually just another layer of simulation.
Much of the evidence for this idea comes from The Matrix Reloaded. Advocates argue that Neo's ability to stop the machines through telekinesis, Smith's possession of Bane, and Neo's ability to "see" after being blinded in his fight with Bane/Smith are all evidence that all the action is still taking place somewhere with similar rules to the Matrix. After all, there's nothing in the prophecy about Neo being able to wield supernatural powers outside the simulation. Although subsequent movies have neither confirmed nor denied the plausibility of this theory, it does resolve some apparent inconsistencies with Neo's powers.
4 The Matrix Is Way Smaller Than You Think
The implication throughout the Matrix series is that the Machine's simulation perfectly recreated the human-run world of 1999. However, one fan theory, originally suggested by human/Machine war would have naturally reduced humanity's numbers, meaning that recreating an entire planet for a few million inhabitants would have actually been a waste of resources. Instead, the Matrix is actually just one metropolitan area, surrounded by suburbs and a small amount of wilderness.
There is some compelling evidence for this idea within the films themselves. In The Matrix Reloaded, for instance, areas beyond the main conurbation are just given nondescript names like "The Freeway" and "The Mountains". This suggests that the Matrix lacks specific regions by which significant landmarks could be identified. Additionally, for a franchise that literally spans realities, almost all the simulated action seems to take place within the same generic city. While there are some strong arguments against this Matrix theory – notably Smith referring to "billions of people just living out their lives" – there is nonetheless compelling evidence that the Matrix is not an exact replica of the world as the audience would know it.
3 Bad CGI Is Actually On Purpose
Although The Matrix and its sequels represent a landmark in CGI action, there are some sequences that featured some fairly ropey special effects. In particular, scenes such as the first Neo/Smith clone fight saw figures rendered with increasingly plastic faces and physics-defying clothing, while the famous Freeway car chase ends with two lorries colliding in a less than believable manner. While this could be put down simply to the limits of technology at the turn of the 21st century, one theory argues that there's actually an in-universe explanation.
According to Reddit luisseg, the reason for dubious CGI during the series' most high-octane moments is that the Matrix itself is struggling to render the action and environment. For instance, in the case of the Smith/Neo fight, the presence of hundreds of Smith clones all moving at lightning speed results in something akin to a buffering issue, causing "video quality" to drop and explaining the increasingly unrealistic appearance of the participants. This also explains how the quality returns to normal whenever the fight slows down. It might seem like an overly convenient explanation for a technological issue, but this theory nonetheless adds an extra layer to The Matrix's limitations as a cinematic experience.
2 Morpheus Is Helping The Machines
Throughout the original trilogy, Morpheus is depicted as a guide and mentor to Neo, as well as the other freedom fighters aboard his hovercraft, the Nebuchadnezzar. However, while his commitment to humanity's freedom and goodness of intent is presented as a fait accomplit, there may be more to Morpheus than meets the eye. In fact, according to one theory, he is actually instrumental in the Machine's plans for control.
As originally stated by KGBkid, it's possible that Morpheus, like the Oracle and the Architect, is another program designed by the machines to ensure that the Anomaly fulfills his primary function, meets with the Architect, and continues the cycle of oppression. Throughout the series, it is Morpheus' direction that dictates the path Neo follows, forcing him into with the Architect and revealing the true nature of the prophecy. Evidence for this idea comes from the fact that Morpheus' ship is rather incongruously called "Nebuchadnezzar" after an ancient Babylonian king who set out to destroy Zion. Equally, Morpheus takes his Matrix name from the Greek god of dreams, implying his status as a manipulator and trickster.
1 John Wick Is Actually A Matrix Sequel
Both The Matrix and John Wick series have cemented star Keanu Reeves' status as an action superstar, but one outlandish theory suggests that there's more to connect the franchise. According to The Red Bulletin's Tom Guise (via IMDb), the reason the two sagas share a leading man is not just because of Reeve's star power, but because they are set within the same universe. Specifically, this theory claims that John Wick 2 is a Matrix sequel.
As evidence, this theory points to the surreal, video-game-like qualities of the John Wick series – particularly in the action sequences. In addition, moments like Winston's ability to seemingly freeze people, as well as the way in which ers-by seem to largely ignore the carnage around them all indicate that there's something not quite right with the John Wick world. Furthermore, it's not just John Wick and Neo that share an actor. Both Morpheus and the Bowery King are played by Laurence Fishburne, who acts as a pseudo mentor for Reeves' protagonist. The fact that John Wick director Chad Stahelski was also Reeves' stunt double in The Matrix movies just adds another intriguing connection between the projects.
All fan theories require an element of credulity. After all, if something isn't explicitly confirmed within a movie then it is inherently speculative – regardless of how likely it may seem. In the case of the best Matrix theories, it's often easier to stick with the explanation provided by the original movies. However, like the "splinter in the mind" originally alluded to by Morpheus, there's an uncomfortable possibility that the original interpretation of the iconic series may have missed another layer of intrigue.
