The Matrix

After such lacklustre outings as Johnny Mnemonic and The Devil's Advocate, Keanu Reeves reclaimed his action-hero crown in this super-smart science-fiction adventure set across two dimensions. Thematically complex, yet intelligently integrating eastern philosophy, Lewis Carroll and ancient mysticism, the film has Reeves as Neo, a reclusive computer hacker who may be able to save the world from the evils of cyberspace slavery. Taking a quantum leap beyond anything the fantasy sensation seeker had seen before in the special-effects department, the Wachowskis mix ultra-cool visuals, vertigo-inducing kung fu and a deliciously paranoid scenario for an adrenaline-pumping rollercoaster ride of extraordinary vision and astounding power. The result is a genre milestone that spawned three sequels and pushed the boundaries of imagination and digital-effects technology further than ever before.