Why the “The Matrix” never should have had a series of sequels

Of the top five highest-grossing rated R films of all time, few have made a bigger cultural impact than The Matrix franchise. 

From its entry into the world’s political and cultural discourse via the concept of “red pill” awakenings to its role as an allegorical touchstone for what to expect in the coming virtual realities of the metaverse, The Matrix has extended far beyond its cinematic origins. 

But ask a film fan what they think of the Matrix films and, generally, they are quick to tell you, somewhat aloofly, that they only like the first film, not the sequels. However, the numbers don’t support those claims. The Matrix Reloaded, the second film in the series, is the most successful of them all, grossing $741 million at theaters around the world. 

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