Common Sense Media Review
Fans will enjoy it. Others might be bored.
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The Animatrix
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say that while the animated collection offers intriguing stories and varying animation styles, it contains graphic violence that many feel is inappropriate for younger viewers, particularly in episodes like "The Second Renaissance." Some praise specific shorts for their depth and excitement, but others criticize the lack of cohesion and depth in several segments, emphasizing the necessity for more action in line with the original trilogy's hallmark.
- graphic violence
- mixed quality
- inappropriate for kids
- varied animation
- limited character depth
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Based on the popular sci-fi thriller The Matrix, THE ANIMATRIX is a collection of nine short animated films. "The Second Renaissance" is a history lesson told in anime. The short develops an inspired and complex back-story, including the how's and why's of the war between humans and machines, as well as the genesis of the Matrix itself. It makes for a cyberpunk mini-epic that helps The Matrix transcend blockbuster fad status. The other seven shorts revolve around the world of the Matrix in a similar manner. One of the better films is "Kid's Story" -- from the creator of the hit anime Cowboy Bebop -- which re-tells the opening of the first movie through the eyes of an alienated adolescent.
Is It Any Good?
Some tasty bait for fans of The Matrix, this collection broadens the movie trilogy's world, but not as much as they could. In fact, only two of the entries really flesh out the overall story. The other seven-ninths are like chum -- albeit, quality chum. For fans, the two-part "The Second Renaissance" might be the main draw. The other seven shorts also taste great, they're definitely less filling.
The Animatrix should be a veritable feast that extends the story's universe, as should the video games. But after "The Second Renaissance" closes, more or less it devolves into a series of entertaining yet disposable ten-minute morsels. Like the end of Matrix: Revolutions, one can't help feeling there could be something more to it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the impact of technology on our lives, or how it has affected our relations with one another. Another topic could be the commercialism of franchises like The Matrix or Star Wars.
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 1, 2003
- On DVD or streaming : June 3, 2003
- Cast : Akio Otsuka , Carrie-Anne Moss , Keanu Reeves
- Directors : Andy James , Peter Chung
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Polynesian/Pacific Islander Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Home Video
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Run time : 89 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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