In 1999, Lana and Lilly Wachowski — aka the Wachowskis — forever revolutionized movies when they invited audiences into the Matrix, a world that blended science fiction and cyberpunk aesthetics with philosophy and Hong Kong-style action.

"We were interested in a lot of things," Lilly said of what inspired them to write The Matrix, "making mythology relevant in a modern context, relating quantum physics to Zen Buddhism, investigating your own life."

The Matrix was released in theaters on March 31, 1999. "Be afraid of the future," warned one tagline. It was one of the highest-grossing films of the year, won four Oscars, and now 25 years later, remains one of the most influential films of all time.