If you were captivated by the dark, cyberpunk world of 'Wetware' (2018), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that share its themes of bioengineering, dystopian futures, and moral dilemmas. Whether you loved its gritty atmosphere or thought-provoking narrative, these recommendations will keep you hooked.

Blade Runner (1982)
Description: Explores themes of artificial intelligence, human identity, and the blurred lines between man and machine, set in a dystopian future with a noir aesthetic.
Fact: The film's iconic 'tears in rain' monologue was partially improvised by Rutger Hauer. It initially received mixed reviews but later became a cult classic.


Ghost in the Shell (1995)
Description: Delves into cybernetic enhancements, consciousness, and the nature of the soul, featuring a visually striking cyberpunk world.
Fact: The film heavily influenced 'The Matrix' and other sci-fi works. Its animation was groundbreaking for its time, blending traditional and computer-generated techniques.


Dark City (1998)
Description: A visually stunning neo-noir sci-fi that questions reality, memory, and human nature, with a mysterious, ever-changing cityscape.
Fact: The film was rushed to theaters before 'Titanic', causing it to be overlooked. Director's Cut removed the opening narration that some felt gave away too much.


The Matrix (1999)
Description: A high-octane exploration of simulated reality, free will, and human resistance against machine overlords, with a distinct cyberpunk visual style.
Fact: The 'bullet time' effect revolutionized action cinematography. The film's philosophy draws from Jean Baudrillard's 'Simulacra and Simulation'.


The Thirteenth Floor (1999)
Description: A mind-bending exploration of simulated realities and identity, featuring a noir-inspired mystery within a virtual world.
Fact: The film was overshadowed by 'The Matrix' released the same year. It's based on the 1964 novel 'Simulacron-3' by Daniel F. Galouye.


A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)
Description: A poignant examination of artificial consciousness, love, and what it means to be human, set in a future where robots seek emotional fulfillment.
Fact: Originally a Stanley Kubrick project, later directed by Steven Spielberg. The film's ending was highly debated for its emotional ambiguity.


Westworld (2016)
Description: A complex narrative about artificial consciousness, free will, and the ethics of creation, set in a high-tech amusement park.
Fact: The show's opening title sequence changes subtly each episode to reflect themes. It's based on Michael Crichton's 1973 film of the same name.


Her (2013)
Description: A tender, near-future story about human-AI relationships and the nature of love, with a focus on emotional rather than physical connections.
Fact: The film's OS voices were recorded before filming to help actors react authentically. It won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.


Black Mirror (2011)
Description: An anthology series that explores dark, near-future scenarios involving technology's impact on society and human relationships.
Fact: The show's title refers to the dark reflection seen in blank screens of turned-off devices. Each episode functions as a standalone story with different casts.


Upgrade (2018)
Description: A gritty, tech-noir thriller about human-machine integration, revenge, and loss of bodily autonomy, featuring brutal, inventive action sequences.
Fact: The film's unique 'camera follows the character' fight scenes were achieved with clever rigging and editing. Made on a modest $3-5 million budget.
