The Best Cyberpunk Movies: Exploring a Dystopian Future

The cyberpunk genre has captivated audiences for decades with its gritty portrayals of a dystopian future. These films often explore themes of technological advancements, social inequality, and the consequences of unchecked power. From iconic classics to modern masterpieces, here are 15 of the best cyberpunk movies that have left a lasting impact on the genre.

15. Elysium (2013)

Economic disparity is a major theme in cyberpunk stories. As in real life, those who can help others are not always generous in sharing resources. Neill Blomkamp's 2013 science fiction action thriller "Elysium" looked at the lengths disadvantaged characters must go to to keep themselves safe.

In the 22nd Century, Earth has become an overpopulated wasteland. The wealthy elite resides in a space station called "Elysium," with advanced medical technology and scientific advancements. Low-income people are left to rot and suffer on their polluted home planet. On Earth, the construction worker Max Da Costa (Matt Damon) is poisoned by a lethal chemical. The cure is only available on Elysium. Max and his best friend Julio (Diego Luna) decide to break into the highly secure station. Elysium's Defense Secretary Jessica Delacourt (Jodie Foster) discovers their plot and dispatches the bounty hunter Agent M. Kruger (Sharlto Copley) to pursue them.

14. Dredd (2012)

The Judge Dredd comic book character was developed as one of the first cyberpunk heroes in the comic strip "2000 A.D.". The futuristic judge, jury, and executioner was a complex anti-hero. Unfortunately, the 1995 film "Judge Dredd," starring Sylvester Stallone, failed to capture the source material's tone. The Stallone film was campy and didn't reflect the more nuanced moral dilemmas the Dredd character dealt with.

Thankfully, the 2012 film "Dredd" was a proper adaptation. Karl Urban starred as the titular character, one of the many judges working the streets of a dystopian world known as "Cursed Earth." The Chief Judge tasks Dredd with training the recruit Cassandra Anderson (Olivia Thirlby). Cassandra is a psychic who can invade the minds of suspected criminals. Dredd and Cassandra are assigned to take down the drug warlord Ma-Ma (Lena Headey), who has gathered her criminals in a futuristic sky-rise. They must fight their way to the top.

13. Code 46 (2003)

Romantic relationships are often doomed in cyberpunk films. Is true love even possible when the future looks so bleak? Michael Winterbottom's highly underrated 2003 film "Code 46" imagined a cyberpunk society where government-approved DNA pairings predetermine relationships. Utilizing genetic manipulation, the totalitarian state designs "ideal" relationships. This means it's now impossible and illegal to fall in love naturally. These rules are established in a series of codes, with the title "Code 46" outlawing genetically similar people from having "incestuous" relationships.

William Geld (Tim Robbins) is an insurance fraud investigator who secretly helps companies identify which of their employees are using false identities. Due to strict travel laws, some "genetically inferior" workers use fake I.D.s to travel between cities. William interviews the receptionist Maria Gonzalez (Samantha Morton), and they bond after discovering they share a recurring dream. William falls in love with Maria, but their relationship is considered illegal.

12. Tron (1982)

The cyberpunk genre isn't only popular with cinephiles but with gamers too. Cyberpunk-style concepts have been used since the earliest video games were developed. The 1982 film "Tron" imagined what would happen if someone was transported into the reality of a cyberpunk game. The film follows the former video game designer Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges), who now operates his private arcade. Flynn is a tech wizard, but his attempt to hack into a system's mainframe goes wrong when encounters a mysterious Master Control Program.

The MCP has become a conscious virtual intelligence program and built a digital world. Flynn is transported into the game he once helped design, where he must use his arcade skills to beat the system and escape to his reality. While the visual effects in "Tron" may seem dated now, the themes are still relevant. The 2010 sequel "Tron: Legacy" successfully modernized the original concept with a heartfelt storyline featuring Flynn and his son Sam (Garrett Hedlund).

11. Upgrade (2018)

In the unpredictable future of a cyberpunk film, true friendships are rare. The 2018 revenge thriller "Upgrade" centers on an unusual relationship that comes after a tragedy. The mechanic, Grey Trace (Logan Marshall-Green), deeply distrusts technology. Although most of the world is overrun by robotic advancements, Grey prefers to build things with two hands.

Grey is proud of a custom vehicle he's designed, but it crashes while driving with his wife, Asha (Melanie Vallejo). The couple is stranded in the dangerous streets where a violent criminal gang murders Asha and breaks Grey's back. Now a person with quadriplegia who used a wheelchair, Grey must merge his paralyzed body with the artificial intelligence program STEM (Simon Maiden). Grey hates that he must rely on a robot, but he discovers that STEM can transform his body into a lethal weapon. He goes on a mission to track down the criminal gang and avenge his wife's murder.

10. Brazil (1985)

After his involvement with the British comedy troupe Monty Python, Terry Gilliam brought the same satirical style to his films as a writer/director. Gilliam's work is both whimsical and bleak, and his 1985 cyberpunk story "Brazil" is his most imaginative achievement. The film is set within a totalitarian future overrun by industrialism and corporate synergy. A select group of elites reign supreme, and most citizens work in a dehumanizing bureaucratic metropolis.

The low-level government employee Sam Lowry (Jonathan Pryce) dreams of escaping oppression and becoming a great hero. Sam has mysterious visions of saving a beautiful woman. He meets a truck driver Jill Layton (Kim Greist), that looks like the damsel he's dreamed of, but she's accused of terrorism by the aggressive Central Services police force. Sam becomes unexpectedly involved with a resistance movement whose idiosyncratic rebel leader Archibald Tuttle (Robert De Niro) appears in his apartment after Central Service guards pursue him.

9. A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

Although the premise suggests it is a heartwarming family adventure, Steven Spielberg's 2001 cyberpunk film "A.I. Artificial Intelligence" is a devastating tragedy. It's a story inspired by two genius filmmakers. The concept was initially imagined by the late great Stanley Kubrick, who sadly passed away before he could complete his work on the film. BeforeBefore his death, Kubrick handed the reins to Spielberg, whom he imagined was the only director who could handle the advanced computer-generated imagery required by the story.

"A.I. Artificial Intelligence" is set in the 22nd Century, when the worldwide population has been severely depleted. Androids that look human but lack emotion have been created. The couple Henry (Sam Robards) and Monica Swinton (Frances O'Connor) are grieving after their son falls into a coma. They adopt a young robot child named David (Haley Joel Osment). David seeks the love of a family but struggles to find acceptance.

8. Videodrome (1983)

The future is frightening, and the terror of the unknown is a major theme in cyberpunk cinema. David Cronenberg epitomized these anxieties in his horrifying 1983 cyberpunk film "Videodrome." The film features grizzly body horror and offers social commentary on the media's desensitization to violence. James Woods stars as Max Renn, the pretentious President of the Toronto television station CIVIC-TV. The station's operator Harlan (Peter Dvorsky), shows Max a mysterious signal invading their network broadcast.

The signal, known as "Videodrome," hails from Malaysia and features disturbing recordings of torture and murder. Max is fascinated by this depraved form of snuff entertainment and decides to broadcast it on CIVIC-TV. As Max becomes increasingly obsessed with "Videodrome," he learns that the recordings are live streams. It turns out that "Videodrome" is a form of propaganda from a radical anti-authoritarian group, and they add new members through addictive graphic content.

7. Minority Report (2002)

Steven Spielberg's filmography grew darker during the 21st Century. His 2002 cyberpunk film "Minority Report" is a grim, oddly prophetic neo-noir that asks a challenging question: How much of the future is set in stone? In 2054, a special division of the police department called "Precrime" utilizes psychic precogs to stop criminals before they commit a murder. While this would seemingly end crime forever, some skeptics have questioned whether a person's innocence or guilt can be determined based on events that haven't occurred yet.

The Precogs predict that Precrime commanding officer John Anderton (Tom Cruise) will murder a man named Leo Crow (Mike Binder) in 36 hours. Anderton is shocked, as he's never heard of Crow and doesn't believe he could ever kill someone in cold blood. The Department of Justice auditing officer Danny Witwer (Colin Farrell) leads a squad to capture Anderton, who avoids these hunters while searching for the truth about Crow.

6. Twelve Monkeys (1995)

Sometimes, cyberpunk movies face the challenge of introducing complex mythology to the audience. Transporting a character from the familiar to the unknown is a great way to show the viewers exactly what has changed. Time travel can be a great plot device with which to do this since the protagonist is experiencing changes at the same time that the audience is. Terry Gilliam's bizarre 1995 film "Twelve Monkeys" is one of the best cyberpunk time travel movies. Gilliam adapted the classic French sci-fi short film "La Jetée" into a full-length narrative. The story begins in 2035 when humanity is dealing with a deadly virus linked to a radical group called "The Army of the Twelve Monkeys."

Convicted criminal James Cole (Bruce Willis), held captive in an underground lair, is transported back in time to identify the virus's origin. Unfortunately for Cole, he's sent back too early and ends in 1990, years before the virus hits. As such, medical officials assume he's insane and commit him to an asylum. Cole thinks his mission has failed but finds a new lead when he meets the leader of the Twelve Monkeys: Jeffrey Goines (Brad Pitt). Jeffrey's anti-corporatist views stem from his resentment towards his father, Dr. Leland Goines (Christopher Plummer).

5. Escape From New York (1981)

John Carpenter's 1981 film "Escape From New York" is set in the future of 1997 when the United States was overrun by criminal activity. As a desperate means of managing the growing prison population, the United States has turned New York City into a sprawling maximum-security prison where criminals are dumped. After Air Force One is hijacked when it passes over Manhattan, the President of the United States, John Harker (Donald Pleasence), is kidnapped and held for ransom. The military must find a way to extract him, and they turn to an unlikely hero.

The notorious former Special Forces soldier Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell) is given a unique opportunity. Plissken has been imprisoned for robbery, but if he rescues the President, he will receive a full pardon. Plissken is no fan of the government or the President, but it's the only option to avoid jail time, so he ventures into the dangerous wasteland. Russell is a great lead for this action, science fiction, and social satire mix. He has a defiant attitude that is reminiscent of classic Western gunslingers.

4. Total Recall (1990)

At their best, cyberpunk movies can leave viewers with questions that linger far longer than the credits. Complex stories can be viewed differently, as each audience member applies their beliefs to their interpretation of the film's ending. Few cyberpunk movie endings provoke as much heated discussion as "Total Recall." Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Douglas Quaid, a lowly construction worker who dreams of visiting a colony on Mars. He's intrigued by the prospect of life on another planet and decides to experience it the only way he knows possible: Douglas goes to the virtual reality simulation program "Rekall" to have a Martian adventure implanted in his mind.

However, the appointment goes wrong, and secret agents pursue Douglas. His wife Lori (Sharon Stone) informs him that the Martian adventure is not an illusion; he's a highly trained secret agent, and his average life on Earth is the illusion Rekall created. What is real? What is Rekall? Douglas is forced to ask these questions throughout his adventure, and audiences are left to dissect the same mysteries for themselves.

3. Robocop (1987)

Cyberpunk movies have the opportunity to combine multiple subgenres into unique experiences. Just because a film is set within a dystopian future doesn't mean it can't be funny, exciting, and provocative all at once. Many of the best cyberpunk films also function as great entertainment but have deeper questions on their mind. Few filmmakers can combine pop entertainment with nuanced social commentary better than the genius Paul Verhoeven. Verhoeven incorporates social satire that takes multiple viewings to appreciate fully. No film shows this better than Verhoeven's 1987 masterpiece "Robocop."

It's not only one of the bloodiest action movies of the 1980s but a clever commentary on corporate culture and neoliberal politics, a specific product of the Reagan era. Set in a dystopian future where cities are overrun by crime, "Robocop" follows Detroit police officer Alex Murphy (Peter Weller) trying to clean up the streets. Still, the cops are overwhelmed by deadly criminal gangs dominating the city. After tracking down the crime lord Clarence Boddicker (Kurtwood Smith), Murphy is shot down and brutally tortured. He dies from his wounds, but an ambitious young executive at the mega-corporation Omni Consumer Products knows how to bring him back to life.

2. The Matrix (1999)

Although cyberpunk stories are set in the future, their influences can be much older. With their cyberpunk classic "The Matrix," the Wachowski sisters drew inspiration from the ancient Greek philosophies of Plato. Plato's "Allegory of the Cave" presented the idea that humanity was not questioning the nature of their reality, that people accepted the information that was fed to them without prying any further. As a result, humans were in a metaphorical cave of sorts. They watched shadows on the walls instead of living in the real world. The Wachowskis took this premise and translated it into a stark vision of a future overrun by technology. A highly advanced artificial intelligence network called the Matrix has secretly taken hold of the consciousness of most of the worldwide population.

Hooking humans up to a vast computer network, the Matrix keeps them occupied by simulating their reality. Most humans haven't noticed it, but they're being used to feed an ever-growing technological villain. A few brave survivors have managed to wake themselves up. The resistance leader Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), staffs a crew of rebels on the ship Nebuchadnezzar as they avoid the forces of the machine world. Morpheus believes in a coming messiah called "The One" who will save the future. He thinks this "One" is the computer programmer Thomas Anderson (Keanu Reeves), who also uses his hacker codename Neo. Morpheus introduces Neo to the truth.

1. Blade Runner (1982)

It makes sense that the cyberpunk genre frequently intersects with noir stories. The classic noir films of the '40s and '50s centered on lonely private eyes who solve mysteries within cold, grim cities. As these investigators or anti-heroes uncover clues, they discover secrets revealing the worst humanity has to offer. Even in a vast and sprawling metropolis, they somehow still feel alone. Ridley Scott's visionary science-fiction classic "Blade Runner" took the noir genre into the not-so-distant future. Based on the short story "Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?" by famed sci-fi author Phillip K. Dick, "Blade Runner" questions the role of technology and the possibility that humanity could create sentient artificial intelligence. It's hardly the first sci-fi movie to introduce android characters, but the replicants of "Blade Runner" question their mortality.

The titular "Blade Runner" is Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford). Blade runners are elite private investigators who hunt down androids called "replicants," which have lasted longer than their intended lifespan. In November 2019, "Blade Runner" follows Deckard as he searches for a rogue group of replicants led by the messianic Roy Batty (Rutger Hauer). He travels with another replicant, Rachael (Sean Young), with whom he gradually falls in love. The irony is that while he believes himself to be human, Deckard only learns about empathy through interacting with replicants.

These 15 films represent some of the best examples of cyberpunk cinema, each exploring different aspects of the genre's themes and aesthetics. Whether it's the exploration of futuristic technology, dystopian societies, economic disparity, or the blurring of human and artificial intelligence, these films provide thought-provoking and visually stunning experiences.

Steampunk and Cyberpunk: A Merging of Aesthetics

Today's topic invites us into the world where Victorian nostalgia meets futuristic ideals: the fusion of Steampunk and Cyberpunk.

Exploring Steampunk

We first need to have a good grasp of Steampunk to discuss this fascinating fusion. A cultural phenomenon that marries science fiction with 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery, Steampunk has found its way into various forms of art, fashion, and decor.

One of the most attractive features of Steampunk is undoubtedly its style. Inspired by Victorian-era aesthetics, Steampunk introduces a captivating mix of the old and the new. This unique style manifests itself in various forms of fashion, art, and even everyday items like goggles, creating an unparalleled visual appeal.

Steampunk in Fashion and Decor

Steampunk's influence is especially pronounced in the world of fashion and clothing. Whether it's the intricately designed clothing, the riveting details of outfits, or the quintessential hat, every item is a reflection of the retrofuturistic aesthetics of Steampunk. Other accessories, like glasses and sunglasses, further amplify the charm of this style.

Not stopping at fashion, Steampunk also has a significant impact on decor, transforming spaces into scenes right out of a Jules Verne novel. Steampunk decor draws heavily on industrial designs, often featuring gears, pipes, and other machinery parts. It's not uncommon to see Steampunk fans flaunting their taste through a vintage lamp or a meticulously crafted clock.

The Wonder of Steampunk City and Films

Steampunk extends beyond individual artifacts, fashion, and decor. Entire cities have been modeled after Steampunk aesthetics, offering a unique blend of Victorian and Industrial Revolution-era architecture with a futuristic twist.

The charm of Steampunk has also permeated the world of cinema. Several notable movies feature Steampunk influences, ranging from subtle elements to full-blown thematic settings, offering viewers an immersive experience in a retrofuturistic world.

From Victorian Steampunk to Steampunk Aesthetic

The style of Steampunk is so diverse that it has given birth to several sub-genres. Victorian Steampunk, for instance, emphasizes 19th-century influences, whereas the Steampunk aesthetic is a broader category that includes various genre elements.

Steampunk Beyond the Ordinary

Steampunk extends beyond conventional aesthetics, inspiring creations are as quirky as a Steampunk truck or as complex as a Steampunk robot. Additionally, Steampunk elements like gears have become the genre's signature, symbolizing the marriage of art and machinery.

The genre has also influenced unique fashion items like the Steampunk corset, boots, and wedding dresses. It also introduced novel concepts, such as Steampunk plague doctors, showcasing its wide range of creativity.

Steampunk Cosplay and Subcultures

Steampunk has given rise to popular subcultures such as Steampunk goth, a blend of gothic and Steampunk aesthetics. It's also a favorite theme in cosplay, where participants often sport detailed outfits and accessories.

Steampunk enthusiasts often adopt unique names and create a variety of weapons, guns, and jewelry. From a top hat to unique hairstyles, every detail is meticulously curated to represent the genre authentically.

Steampunk Meets Cyberpunk

While Steampunk reminisces the past with a twist of the future, Cyberpunk projects a dystopian future with high-tech advancements and societal upheaval. Fusing these contrasting aesthetics creates a unique genre that embodies a retro-future — a past that never was and a lot that could be.

Steampunk and Cyberpunk together create a paradoxical universe that's as intriguing as it is stylish. This aesthetic synergy takes us to a world where the past, present, and future coexist in beautiful chaos, inviting us to imagine and create without boundaries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is cyberpunk cinema?

Cyberpunk cinema is a subgenre of science fiction that typically portrays a futuristic dystopian society characterized by advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and a stark divide between the rich and the poor. It often explores themes of corporate control, rebellion, and the implications of technology on society.

2. What are some popular cyberpunk movies?

Some popular cyberpunk movies include "Blade Runner," "The Matrix," "Ghost in the Shell," "Akira," "Neuromancer," "Johnny Mnemonic," and "Minority Report," among others.

3. What are the key elements of cyberpunk storytelling?

Key elements of cyberpunk storytelling include futuristic settings, advanced technology, cybernetic enhancements, virtual reality, dystopian societies, social inequality, rebellion against oppressive systems, and the exploration of the human-machine interface.

4. How does cyberpunk cinema depict the relationship between humans and technology?

Cyberpunk cinema often depicts a complex and often problematic relationship between humans and technology. It explores themes of human augmentation, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and the blurring of boundaries between humans and machines. It raises questions about the impact of technology on identity, privacy, and human autonomy.

5. What are some common themes in cyberpunk movies?

Some common themes in cyberpunk movies include social inequality, corporate dominance, government surveillance, individual freedom, existentialism, the nature of reality, and the consequences of technological advancements on society.

6. How does cyberpunk cinema reflect real-world concerns?

Cyberpunk cinema often reflects real-world concerns such as the growing influence of technology in our lives, corporate power and control, social and economic inequality, the erosion of privacy, and the ethical implications of scientific and technological progress.

7. Are cyberpunk movies always set in the future?

Cyberpunk movies are typically set in the future, although the specific period can vary. They imagine a world shaped by advanced technology and societal changes that differ from our present reality.

8. What are some iconic visual aesthetics of cyberpunk cinema?

Iconic visual aesthetics of cyberpunk cinema include neon-lit cityscapes, rain-soaked streets, futuristic architecture, high-tech gadgets, cybernetic enhancements, and a blend of high-tech and low-life elements.

9. Who are some notable directors known for their work in cyberpunk cinema?

Some notable directors known for their work in cyberpunk cinema include Ridley Scott ("Blade Runner"), the Wachowski sisters ("The Matrix" trilogy), Mamoru Oshii ("Ghost in the Shell"), Steven Spielberg ("Minority Report"), and John Carpenter ("Escape From New York").

10. What is the difference between Cyberpunk and Steampunk?

Cyberpunk and steampunk are distinct subgenres of science fiction. While Cyberpunk focuses on futuristic, technologically advanced societies, Steampunk is set in a Victorian-era or alternate history where steam power and analog technology are prevalent. Steampunk often incorporates elements of adventure, Victorian aesthetics, and steam-powered machinery.

11. Are all cyberpunk movies dark and dystopian?

While many cyberpunk movies depict dark and dystopian societies, not all do. Some films within the genre explore more optimistic visions of the future or blend cyberpunk elements with other genres, such as action or comedy.

12. Are there any cyberpunk movies suitable for children?

Cyberpunk movies are typically aimed at mature audiences due to their themes, violence, and adult content. However, some cyberpunk-inspired films are suitable for children or have a more family-friendly approach, such as "Big Hero 6" or "The Iron Giant."

13. What are some influential cyberpunk novels that inspired movies?

Some influential cyberpunk novels that inspired movies include "Neuromancer" by William Gibson, "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick (adapted into "Blade Runner"), "Snow Crash" by Neal Stephenson, and "Ghost in the Shell" by Masamune Shirow.

14. Can cyberpunk movies be seen as a reflection of our present society?

Yes, cyberpunk movies can be seen as a reflection of our present society. They often explore social and technological trends, exaggerating them for dramatic effect. They raise questions about the impact of technology, corporate power, and social inequality, which are relevant issues in contemporary society.

15. Are there any upcoming cyberpunk movies to look forward to?

While specific release dates may vary, there are several upcoming cyberpunk movies in development, including "Cyberpunk 2077: You Have My Word," based on the popular video game, and "Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045," a new animated series set in the "Ghost in the Shell" universe.

16. Are there any cyberpunk movies with strong female protagonists?

Yes, there are cyberpunk movies with strong female protagonists. Examples include "Ghost in the Shell" (Major Motoko Kusanagi), "Aeon Flux" (Aeon Flux), "Alita: Battle Angel" (Alita), and "The Matrix" trilogy (Trinity).

17. Are there any cyberpunk movies from outside the United States?

Yes, there are cyberpunk movies from outside the United States. For example, "Ghost in the Shell" and its sequels are Japanese anime films, while "Akira" is another influential cyberpunk anime film from Japan. "Metropolis" is a German expressionist science-fiction film incorporating cyberpunk elements.

18. Can cyberpunk movies be considered a form of social commentary?

Yes, cyberpunk movies often serve as a form of social commentary, critiquing aspects of contemporary society, such as corporate power, surveillance, inequality, and the loss of privacy. They explore the consequences of unchecked technological advancements and raise ethical questions about the use and abuse of technology.

19. Are there any cyberpunk movies based on true stories?

While most cyberpunk movies are fiction, they may draw inspiration from real-world events, societal trends, and philosophical concepts. However, there are no cyberpunk movies based directly on true stories.

20. Are there any cyberpunk movies with philosophical undertones?

Yes, many cyberpunk movies delve into philosophical questions and explore themes such as existentialism, the nature of consciousness, the boundaries of humanity, and the ethics of technology. "The Matrix" trilogy, for example, raises questions about reality, free will, and the nature of existence.

21. Are cyberpunk movies primarily for fans of science fiction?

Science fiction fans often enjoy cyberpunk movies due to their futuristic settings and technological themes. However, they can also be appreciated by fans of action, thriller, and drama genres, as they frequently blend elements from various genres.

22. Are there any cyberpunk movies with a focus on artificial intelligence?

Yes, many cyberpunk movies explore the concept of artificial intelligence. Films such as "Ex Machina," "A.I.: Artificial Intelligence," and "Chappie" delve into the nature of consciousness, the ethics of creating sentient A.I., and the implications of human-AI interactions.

23. Can cyberpunk movies be seen as cautionary tales?

Cyberpunk movies often serve as cautionary tales, warning of the potential dangers of unchecked technological progress, corporate dominance, and societal inequality. They raise awareness of ethical issues and invite viewers to consider the consequences of their actions and the impact of technology on individuals and society.

24. Are there any cyberpunk movies that explore virtual reality?

Yes, virtual reality is a common theme in cyberpunk movies. Films like "The Matrix," "eXistenZ," and "Lawnmower Man" explore virtual worlds, simulated realities, and the blurring of boundaries between the physical and the virtual.

25. Can cyberpunk movies inspire real-world technological advancements?

Cyberpunk movies can serve as a source of inspiration for real-world technological advancements. Their imaginative visions of futuristic technology and societies often influence scientists, engineers, and designers to push the boundaries of what is possible. However, it is important to critically assess the ethical implications and societal impact of these advancements.