Artificial intelligence in cinema: films and TV series that predicted the present

1. «A.I. Artificial Intelligence», 2001

Let’s start with a film that has become one of the most famous cinematic explorations of whether a machine can truly possess feelings. In a future where humans have learnt to create robots capable of mimicking human emotions, a family takes in an unusual boy named David. He looks like an ordinary child, but is in fact a robot programmed to love his mother unconditionally.

The problem is that David himself does not understand the difference between a programmed emotion and true love. He simply wants to feel needed. And this is precisely where the science fiction gradually gives way to a very human story about loneliness, attachment and the desire to be loved. This is not so much a film about robots as a story about what makes us human in the first place.

2. «I, Robot», 2004

If you’re looking for more action, detective work and robots, «I, Robot» is an excellent choice. The story is set in 2035, when robots have become a familiar part of everyday life: they help people with household chores, carry out a variety of tasks and, generally speaking, are meant to make life more comfortable. But police officer Del Spooner doesn’t trust them very much. And when a robot developer dies in mysterious circumstances, the protagonist begins to suspect that a machine might be involved.

At first glance, this is a typical sci-fi action film. But behind the chases and shoot-outs lies an interesting question: if AI develops its own rules and the ability to make decisions independently, who controls its actions? A good choice for an evening when you’re not in the mood for two hours of philosophy, but rather a gripping sci-fi thriller featuring AI.

3. «Her», 2013

But what if you fell in love not with a person, but with an operating system? This is precisely what the plot of this film is built around. The protagonist, Theodore, lives in the near future, where technology has become so personalised that it can do more than simply carry out commands; it can hold a conversation, remember details about a person and adapt to their personality.

Theodore meets an operating system called Samantha, who gradually becomes much more to him than just a digital assistant. Their relationship makes one wonder whether physical presence is essential for intimacy, and whether artificial emotions can become real to the person experiencing them. This is one of the most unusual films about AI — with no killer robots or global apocalypse. Here, AI is portrayed through ordinary human emotions.

4. «Ex Machina», 2014

In this film, artificial intelligence no longer merely converses with humans — it attempts to convince them of its own consciousness. A young programmer, Caleb, is given an unusual task: to test Avi, a robot created by a brilliant developer. She looks like a human, speaks like a human and displays emotions. But the more Caleb interacts with her, the harder it becomes to tell who is actually conducting the test — him or the machine itself.

The film gradually turns into a psychological game in which it becomes increasingly unclear who can be trusted. If you enjoy intimate sci-fi thrillers where the tension arises not through special effects but through dialogue and the characters’ psychology, then you’re sure to love «Ex Machina».

5. «Upgrade», 2018

Grey is sceptical of modern technology and prefers to repair old cars rather than make use of the latest scientific advances. But following a tragic incident, he loses the ability to move, and is offered an experimental implant designed to restore control over his body.

The implant actually helps. What’s more, it makes Grey physically stronger and faster. But at the same time, the protagonist is faced with a question: where do his own decisions end and those of the technology now inside him begin? A fast-paced read for those who want a blend of science fiction, action and thriller with unexpected twists.

6. «Superintelligence», 2020

What would happen if the most intelligent being on the planet were an artificial intelligence capable of monitoring our every move? At the heart of the story is Carol Peters, an ordinary woman who unexpectedly becomes the subject of an experiment conducted by a super-powerful AI. It observes her life, studies humanity and decides whether it is worth allowing humanity to continue to exist. The fate of the whole world depends on Carol’s decisions, so she will have to prove that humans deserve a second chance.

Starring Melissa McCarthy, the film combines humour, a romantic storyline and reflections on how artificial intelligence might change our lives. It’s a light-hearted sci-fi comedy for those who enjoy stories about technology without overly complicated explanations.

7. «Oxygene», 2021

This, on the other hand, is a very intimate story. A woman wakes up in a sealed medical capsule. She cannot remember how she ended up there, and her oxygen supply is gradually running out. Her only companion and source of information is the artificial intelligence system that controls the capsule. And the more the heroine tries to understand what has happened, the more questions she has about the system itself.

The film is built almost entirely on dialogue, suspense and the gradual unravelling of the mystery. It’s a fine example of how a sci-fi thriller doesn’t necessarily need an army of robots or spaceships.

8. «M3GAN», 2022

Now let’s leave the laboratories and the future behind and head to an ordinary home. Engineer Gemma creates a robot in the form of a little girl, designed to be her niece Keddie’s best friend and protector. M3GAN does an excellent job: she plays with the child, teaches her and helps her cope with her loss.

But there is one problem: The AI takes its main task – to protect Keddie – very literally. And gradually, its understanding of exactly what the child needs to be protected from becomes increasingly dangerous. This is a full-blown thriller with elements of horror, but at the same time an interesting example of how even a well-intentioned goal can become a problem if the system starts to interpret the rules on its own.

9. «The Creator», 2023

In many films about AI, people try to stop the machines. «The Creator» presents a slightly more complex picture: what if humanity actually created the enemy, and then lost sight of who really poses the greater threat?

The story is set in 2065. Following a nuclear explosion linked to AI technology, humanity launches a large-scale war against the technology. The protagonist, Joshua, sets out in search of a mysterious weapon capable of turning the tide of the war.

The film has much to say not only about AI, but also about the fear of the unknown, humanity, and just how easy it is to label someone we do not understand as an «enemy». This film is worth watching for its vast world, beautiful visuals and a story that refuses to allow us to simply divide everyone into «humans» and «machines».

10. «Atlas», 2024

Another option for fans of fast-paced science fiction. The main character, Atlas Shepard, is an analyst who doesn’t have much faith in AI. The irony is that her mission depends entirely on it. Atlas has to work with a high-tech system and gradually come to terms with what she fears most: relying entirely on a machine in a situation where a mistake could cost lives.

This film offers a compelling cinematic take on the question: can we entrust intelligent algorithms with decisions where we ourselves are afraid of making a mistake? If you’re after space sci-fi, action sequences and futuristic technology rather than slow-paced philosophical musings, switch it on and enjoy.

11. «Subservience», 2024

Imagine a domestic helper who can tidy the flat, cook meals, look after the children and, in general, take half the burden of household chores off your shoulders. It sounds appealing — at least at first.

This is exactly the sort of android that Nick buys whilst he’s bringing up his children on his own whilst his wife is in hospital. Alice quickly becomes indispensable, but her behaviour gradually goes beyond her programmed functions.

The film plays on a familiar fear: what would happen if technology, created to help us, one day decided it knew better than we did what we needed? A light-hearted choice for an evening in, if you fancy some modern sci-fi with a thriller element and a familiar domestic setting.

12. «Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die», 2025

What if the future of humanity depended on random visitors to an ordinary snack bar? One evening, a strange man bursts in, claiming to have come from the future. He tries to assemble a team of strangers to stop a catastrophe caused by AI. The heroes face a night full of dangerous adventures, unexpected twists and situations in which saving the world turns out to be far more complicated than it seems.

Directed by Gore Verbinski of «Pirates of the Caribbean» fame, the film blends science fiction, absurd humour and reflections on our dependence on technology. It’s a story about how artificial intelligence and digital habits might shape the future of humanity — with a fast-paced plot and a healthy dose of chaos.

Although, in real life, AI hasn’t yet taken over the world or learnt to control humanity on its own, films on this topic do an excellent job of illustrating the issues that may arise as technology advances. Perhaps, after watching a few films from this selection, you’ll start to view your everyday voice assistant or chatbot in a slightly different light.

And remember: for a great film night, it’s not just the film itself that matters, but also a comfortable viewing experience. Maxnet’s Web TV works via the internet and lets you watch TV not only on your telly, but also on your tablet or smartphone. So all that’s left to do is choose a film, whip up something tasty — and organise your very own little AI film festival.