Exciting films about intelligence
(c) cc-by-sa | Glen Scarborough
A picture paints a thousand words and a movie even more. In this article I want to present some films about intelligence and Artificial Intelligence to you. All films are sorted in a chronological order. Thus it is worth re-checking this list from time to time.
The Prototype (expected for 2014)
Future technology enables artificial life. The invention of a military robot with awareness is a possible consequence. In the film “The Prototype” such a robot escapes and causes a thrilling pursuit.
Lucy (2014)
Similar to Limitless Lucy is about advancing human thought capacity. Lucy is a casual woman on party vacation in Taipei. A man she just recently met asks her to deliver a suitcase with unknown content. When she realizes that she is caught in a dark deal a thrilling story begins to unfold…
Transcendence (2014)
Johnny Depp plays a scientist working on Artificial Intelligence. His success in this field raises fear and causes some anti-technology groups to start countermeasures. This film is about mind uploading and therefore about merging human beings with technology. Attention: I recommend this film only to genre lovers…
Her (2013)
A new operating system allows people to interact with an artificial intelligence. In the film Her a lonely man begins a relationship with such an artificial intelligence. This film is very profound and shows how such a relationship could look like and what consequences it has on your social life. I strongly recommend this film.
Robot & Frank (2012)
An old man called Frank lives alone until his son buys him a really advanced robot. This new kind of elder care is presented in a funny and interesting way.
Limitless (2011)
Imagine you could improve your intelligence by taking special drugs (Nootropics/cognitive enhancers) and you would be able to fulfil tasks with a very high precision and efficiency. Would you continue to do your old job or would you start a new one? What about climbing up career ladders in areas you had no education before? The following film is one of my favorites, because it reveals what role intelligence can have and what opportunities it can unlock.
Transcendent Man (2011)
A documentary film about the future of mankind and life/ideas of Raymond Kurzweil. Technology will enable common wealth. For example Nanotechnology respectively Nanobots will flow in your blood and undertake basic somatic functions to extend your lifetime.
Eagle Eye (2008)
Imagine you go to a cash machine and there are suddenly 750.000$ on your bank account. After arriving home you find weapons, top secret documents and other risky stuff in your apartment. Your mobile rings and a female voices tells you to run. What would you do?
I, Robot (2004)
Human like robots are used as servants for several activities in the year 2035. Based on the Three Laws of Robotics of Isaac Asimov you might think there is no place for evil robots. Guess what!
A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)
David an Android that is produced by a big corporation becomes integrated into a real family. I have never seen a film that is dealing so much with human emotions like love connected with the topic Artificial Intelligence. A very thought-provoking and profound movie.
Bicentennial Man (1999)
An extraordinary android develops emotions and desires. It has the wish to become an ordinary human being and hence starts an adventurous journey. This film is very emotional and is delightful to watch.
Contact (1997)
Jodie Foster playing a search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) researcher. One day she receives an alien signal from outer space. What does the signal mean and what consequences will it have on human life? Very nice film!
Phenomenon (1996)
John Travolta lives the life of an ordinary man until one day a bright light appears in the sky. This event advances his intelligence and gives him further fascinating skills. This one is a rather less known film that is definitively worth watching!
Lawnmower Man (1992)
A scientist working on increasing the cognitive abilities of chimpanzees for military purposes tries his experiments on a rather below-average intelligent man. Due to some unforseen circumstances these capabilities lead to uncontrolled power and a devastating crusade.
Colossus, The Forbin Project (1970)
Very oldschool but cool film about an advanced Artificial Intelligence. One possible horror scenario that highlights the risks of a better than human intelligence.
Westworld (1973)
You can play a freely chosen role in amusement parks filled with androids. One example is being a cowboy in the wild west. Killing and harming androids is allowed and won’t be punished. A malfunction in one of the androids turns the tables and a dangerous game begins.
2001 : A space odysse (1968)
This film is on the list of films considered the greatest ever. It is about the human evolution, space travel and Artificial Intelligence.
This list is continuously being updated with further cool intelligence movies. I hope you enjoy it and I hope you will post more films that are not already listed here.
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Thanks Luke. I haven't updated this article for a long time. My opinion regarding this topic [...]
In your conclusion, you suggest that AGI's must be developed to obtain empathy for the human race. [...]
Robin Terlouw
April 26, 2016 at 14:14perhaps the movie idiocrazy is something for this list? altough its about a man waking up in the future and the whole world has become dumb becouse of 'evolution', its still about intelligence.
Ruslan H.
April 26, 2016 at 14:50Hello Robin, thanks for this suggestion! I will add this film and some more like Chappie until the end of next week :).
Joey
February 21, 2015 at 02:03I thought it could be cool if you recommended some shows about intelligence.
Judge John Deed
Bones
Law and Order
NCIS
Death Note
Blue exorcist
The Big Bang Theory
Log Horizon (main character is pretty nerdy)
Ruslan H.
February 21, 2015 at 06:07Hello Joey and thank you very much for your comment and your suggestions.
I will think about adding a seperate article about Shows on Intelligence where I can add your suggestions and some other that I have in mind.
Tim
January 14, 2015 at 19:48Rain Man
Bud295
September 9, 2014 at 02:50Another one to toss in there perhaps would be Lawnmower Man. It has a similar premise to Lucy.
Ruslan H.
September 9, 2014 at 18:01Hello Bud295 thank you for your comment. Another film I have just recently watched is "Her". I can strongly recommend it if you haven't seen it yet. I will add both films as soon as possible to the list.
Stan
February 26, 2013 at 00:59I just watched both anime movies "Ghost in the Shell" 1/2. I think they fit perfectly into this list since they are dealing with the topic of artificial intelligence and conquer the question what life exactly is and when systems are considered as living entities.
fourtrax
November 20, 2012 at 15:03congrats on the nice list sir ;) maybe you could add "Bicentennial Man" . Not the best movie ever made in my opinion but the story seems to be very relevant to the topics that are discussed on this site.
Stan
November 16, 2012 at 15:11Another oldschool movie called "Westworld" could be added to the list.
Ruslan H.
November 16, 2012 at 16:51Thank you. Done.
FirstPost
November 14, 2012 at 21:51What I am missing is definitely "Eagle Eye" (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1059786/). It's one of my favorites dealing with AGI. Great article btw, I'm looking forward to your next articles.
Ruslan H.
November 15, 2012 at 00:48Hi FirstPost, thank you for this hint. Eagle Eye is really a cool film. I will add it to the list above :)