Movies About Genetic Engineering

Updated May 1, 2024

For Movies About Genetic Engineering, there is no limit to the directors who explored this topic. We put together 14 of our favorites.

The Matrix (1999)

★★★★

3.5 out of 4 stars

From Directors: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving
Rated R

The Matrix is a science fiction action film released in 1999. It stars Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Hugo Weaving. The film tells the story of Thomas Anderson, a computer programmer living a double life under the hacker alias "Neo". He discovers that the world he lives in is a simulated reality created by sentient machines to enslave humanity, as part of a system of control called The Matrix. Neo is drawn into a rebellion against the machines, and joins a group of freedom fighters led by Morpheus and Trinity. Together they must fight against the agents and machines of The Matrix in order to free humanity from enslavement. The Matrix is a thrilling, visually stunning and thought-provoking film that has become one of the most influential and popular science fiction films of all time.

District 9 (2009)

★★★★

3.2 out of 4 stars

From Neill Blomkamp, starring Sharlto Copley, David James, Jason Cope, Nathalie Boltt
Rated R

District 9 is a science fiction film set in Johannesburg, South Africa, in the year 1982. The story follows an extraterrestrial race of aliens, referred to as "Prawns," who have been forced to live in a refugee camp called District 9 due to their arrival on earth many years prior. After a failed attempt to relocate the aliens to a new camp, one of the administrators of the camp, Wikus van der Merwe, is exposed to a mysterious alien substance which begins to alter his genetic makeup. With the help of an alien known as Christopher Johnson, Wikus embarks on a journey to find a way to reverse the transformation and restore his humanity. Along the way, Wikus must fight off the military forces of the Multi-National United Corp, which seeks to capitalize on the alien technology, as well as a local Nigerian warlord who is using the aliens as slaves. As Wikus begins to understand the plight of the aliens, he also begins to sympathize with them, ultimately leading him to help them escape and find a new home.

Gattaca (1997)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Andrew Niccol, starring Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law, Gore Vidal
Rated PG-13

Gattaca is a sci-fi drama released in 1997, directed by Andrew Niccol. The story follows Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke), an 'in-valid' who dreams of one day traveling to space. In a world where genetic engineering has become the norm, and those with the best genetics are considered 'valid', Vincent is seen as a lower class citizen. In order to achieve his dreams, Vincent assumes the identity of Jerome Morrow (Jude Law), a 'valid' with perfect genetics. Vincent must now mask his 'in-valid' identity and use extreme caution to prevent being exposed as an 'in-valid'. Complicating matters further, a murder investigation at the Gattaca Corporation where Vincent works reveals that his true identity may have been discovered. With the help of his brother and the recently-released Irene (Uma Thurman), Vincent is able to achieve his dream of going into space. In the end, Vincent is able to go to space and experience the joy of free-falling in zero gravity. Along the way, he teaches us an important lesson – that no matter what limitations are placed on us, we should never give up on our dreams.