It has

I think it earned that title a long time ago.

I loved the first Matrix, have watched it quite a few times since it's release. Couldn't really get into the second one, and avoided the third one altogether even though I am a huge Keanu Reeves fan.

Yes but if only I could forget the sequels!!!

I'd consider it a classic, but not 'cult' classic. That's reserved for movies like Ferris Bueller's Day Off or Napolean Dynamite; films that sort of flew under the radar but have incredible ratings from the few that have seen it. Not saying the two examples aren't well known, but they're certainly nowhere near the all times list as the Matrix itself.

I think I have to agree with the poster above. It's a 'classic' rather than a 'cult classic'.

I think it had too much mainstream success to be a "cult classic." By definition, such films weren't terribly well-known or popular when initially released and only gained favor over time. Wikipedia recognizes that the term has become less well-defined over time, but initially that was the general consensus. I think that the Matrix can be qualified as an "unexpected" movie, where nobody knew how important it would be until it was released, but it gained a very rapid and VERY wide following.

@DePastino said:

I'm curious to see what others think about this. The underlying social commentary, the appeal to a specific demographic and the loyal following that it has maintained all earn it this label.

I think it was instant classic just after release, not so sure about word "cult", I think that's reserved for Star Wars and such.

I agree with the others. Cult Classic is usually a definition reserved for movies that dont have a mainstream following, but do have an enthusiastic smaller fanbase that often develops much later after the movies release.

The Matrix has had a large fanbase ever since it came out and it is fairly regularly regarded as a mainstream science fiction classic.

'Cult status' is for films shunned by the mainstream distribution channels or those that initially were a box office flop but were rediscovered later and earned themselves a small but passionate fanbase. The Matrix got a wide mainstream release and was a hugely successful blockbuster right from the start. Thus, I wouldn't call it a 'cult classic' in the narrow sense.

However, it is definitely a 'classic' and a very influential one: it pioneered the now omnipresent slow-motion shootout sequences, and popularized the concept of Plato's cave, which was explored in numerous other movies since, most notably Inception, while the word 'red-pilled' is in common use even two decades later: few other movies can boast of so much cultural impact.

The Matrix had such an impact on me, the first time I saw it. Had me doubting my own Self! The whole concept of living an unreal existence, goes back to ancient Indian Philosophy....but nowhere has it been made so understandable and exciting!! I too would argue the 'cult' - but it's certainly a classic ....And Keanu was made for the part!! Lovely man.

It's a rare case where the film is a modern classic that did very well on first release, clearly appealing to a mainstream audience, while also being a favourite of the various subcultures that inspired it - spirituality groups, nerds, goths, pop-philosophy nuts and even Buddhists.

It's a full-blown masterpiece and nobody should touch the property other than the Wachowskis.

1st movie alone is not cult. It's a sci fi blockbuster! When you consider the sequels it steps into cult territory.

1st movie alone is not cult. It's a sci fi blockbuster! When you consider the sequels it steps into cult territory.

The sequels busted more blocks than the first film, and didn't make it into the subcultures that the first did. The Matrix is the cult classic.

@NotoriousRio said:

Yes but if only I could forget the sequels!!!

Agreed... the sequels did dilute it too much and almost turned it into another starwars nerd-fest with people obsessing over the minutia and completely missing the point...