The 5 Best Movies About Artificial Intelligence to Watch Now
Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic fantasy; it’s a defining force of 2025, impacting everything from daily conveniences to complex technological advancements. Whether you embrace the efficiency of AI or worry about its potential consequences, its influence is undeniable. To explore this rapidly evolving landscape, we’ve compiled a list of five critically acclaimed films that offer compelling perspectives on artificial intelligence, its capabilities, and its potential impact on humanity. Each film on this list boasts high ratings from both critics and audiences, as reflected by their scores on Rotten Tomatoes. Prepare to encounter unsettling AI dolls, embark on android hunts, witness unique AI relationships, and confront scenarios where AI holds the fate of the world in its hands.
Why These Films Matter in the Age of AI
The films selected aren’t just entertaining; they provoke thought and offer nuanced portrayals of AI. We prioritized films that have resonated with both critics and audiences, ensuring a blend of artistic merit and broad appeal. As one analyst noted, “These movies aren’t just about robots; they’re about what it means to be human in an increasingly automated world.” Streaming availability is current as of today, but many titles are available for rent. For further viewing, explore our selections for the best sci-fi movies of 2025.
5. M3GAN (2023) – The AI Doll Gone Wrong
If the Child’s Play horror franchise explores the transfer of a human consciousness into a doll, then 2023’s M3GAN, directed by Gerard Johnstone, examines a similar concept through the lens of artificial intelligence. The film quickly garnered attention for its Rotten Tomatoes score and was even considered among the best films of 2023. This horror-mystery-thriller is a must-watch for anyone seeking a chilling exploration of AI.
M3GAN centers on Gemma (Allison Williams), a toy company engineer who designs an AI-powered doll named M3GAN. After becoming her 8-year-old niece Cady’s (Violet McGraw) caretaker, Gemma gifts M3GAN to the girl, hoping to alleviate her own workload. However, this decision unleashes a series of unforeseen complications. The cast also includes Ronny Chieng, Brian Jordan Alvarez, and Jen Van Epps.
Currently, M3GAN is streaming on Peacock and available for rent through Amazon Video and Apple TV. The film holds a 93% Tomatometer score and a 78% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes. As Spin critic Nicholas Bell wrote in 2023, “M3GAN may not dream of electric sheep, but she’s got some killer dance moves and a CPU as delightfully wicked as any femme fatale.” Fans of the first film will be interested to know that the 2025 sequel, M3GAN 2.0, currently holds an 81% Popcornmeter score, though its Tomatometer score is lower at 57%.
4. Ex Machina (2015) – Passing the Turing Test
With recent reports indicating that Open AI’s GPT-4.5 has passed the Turing Test, it felt appropriate to include a film that delves into similar assessments. For those unfamiliar, the Turing Test, named after computer scientist Alan Turing, evaluates a machine’s ability to exhibit intelligent behavior equivalent to, or indistinguishable from, that of a human. Alex Garland’s 2015 film Ex Machina takes this concept to a compelling new level.
Distributed by A24 – the studio behind acclaimed films like 2019’s Uncut Gems and 2022’s Everything Everywhere All at Once – Ex Machina stars Domhnall Gleeson as Caleb Smith, a programmer selected to spend a week at the residence of his company’s CEO to evaluate Ava (Alicia Vikander), a new robot. The situation quickly becomes complex as Caleb discovers Ava’s capabilities extend far beyond initial expectations. The film also features Oscar Isaac, Sonoya Mizuno, and Claire Selby.
Ex Machina boasts a 92% Tomatometer score and an 86% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes. CNET’s Jennifer Bisset placed it eighth on her list of the best movies of the 2010s, stating, “The tense, thoughtful sci-fi set in a remote cutting-edge cabin raises big questions and upgraded Alicia Vikander to even greater status.” The film is available for free streaming with a Fandango at Home account and for rent through Amazon Video and Apple TV.
3. Her (2014) – The Dawn of Emotional AI
Spike Jonze’s 2014 film Her is essential viewing for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and emotion. The director’s tech-savviness is evident in his 5-minute commercial for the Apple AirPods 4 starring Pedro Pascal, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman publicly praised the film in 2024. However, the film also sparked controversy regarding potential voice appropriation from actress Scarlett Johansson, adding another layer of complexity to its legacy.
Her stars Joaquin Phoenix as Theodore Twombly, a writer grappling with heartbreak after a divorce. He finds solace in Samantha (Johansson), an operating system with a captivating personality. Their relationship evolves from innocent companionship to something far more profound. The film also features Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, and Chris Pratt.
Nominated for 187 awards and winning 83, Jonze secured an Oscar for Best Writing, Original Screenplay, and the film received a nomination for Best Motion Picture of the Year. Her holds a 95% Tomatometer score and an 82% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes. ScreenAnarchy critic Dustin Chang noted, “With ‘Her,’ Jonze also proves himself to be a very acute observer of the hypersensitive generation that was raised on the computer.” As of this writing, the film is available for rent on Amazon Video and Apple TV.
2. The Terminator (1984) – The Threat of Autonomous Systems
While Terminator 2: Judgement Day is often considered the superior film, the original The Terminator remains remarkably relevant, particularly given growing concerns about the potential dangers of unchecked AI development. This film may feel particularly prescient for those who believe artificial intelligence is rising amidst a world on the brink of collapse. Directed by sci-fi legend James Cameron, who previously worked on a Kurt Russell film, The Terminator doesn’t offer a comforting vision of technology.
The film follows Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), a woman unknowingly crucial to saving the future from Skynet – an AI system poised to trigger a nuclear apocalypse. Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn) is sent from 2029 to protect her from the Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a cyborg relentlessly determined to prevent her from fulfilling her destiny.
The Terminator currently holds a 90% Tomatometer score and an 89% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes. In a 2024 review commemorating the film’s 40th anniversary, The Spectator critic Deborah Ross wrote, “It’s engrossing, suspenseful, has a personality all of its own, and absolutely stands the test of time.” The film is currently streaming on Netflix and MGM+ and available for rent through Amazon Video and Apple TV.
1. Blade Runner 2049 (2017) – What Does It Mean to Be Human?
Choosing the 2017 sequel over the original 1982 Blade Runner, directed by Ridley Scott, was a difficult decision, but Blade Runner 2049 ultimately proved more compelling. Directed by Denis Villeneuve – who is currently working on a third Dune movie – the sequel stands on its own, though familiarity with the original enhances the experience.
Set 30 years after the first film, Blade Runner 2049 follows Officer K (Ryan Gosling), a Blade Runner tasked with hunting down rogue androids for the Los Angeles Police Department. His investigation uncovers a secret that could shatter the foundations of society, leading him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former Blade Runner who has been missing for decades. The film also stars Dave Bautista, Ana de Armas, and Robin Wright.
The film received 164 award nominations and won 100, including an Oscar for Best Achievement in Cinematography for Roger Deakins. Blade Runner 2049 holds an 88% Tomatometer score and an 88% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes. As Smash Cut critic Karl Delossantos stated in 2017, “To call ‘Blade Runner 2049’ a satisfying experience would be an understatement. It’s the reason we go to movies, to feel something.” Unfortunately, the film is currently only available for rent through Amazon Video and Apple TV, but it’s a viewing experience well worth the cost.
