AI has long been a favorite subject with filmmakers. Much of it has also got to do with the fact that filmmakers can let their imagination run wild and get a free hand with their creativity. Many on screen portrayals of AI have similar far-fetched tropes like machines or robots taking over humanity look far-fetched and implausible. While we do not know what it will be yet or the full potential of AI, some movies and TV series offer grounded and thoughtful depictions that feel genuine and relatable.
Read on to learn about the 11 most realistic portrayals of AI in TV and movies.
Black Mirror: Metalhead (2017)
In the Black Mirror episode Metalhead, we come across a world where autonomous robotic “dogs” relentlessly hunt humans. It is a chilling reminder of the real-life Boston Dynamics robots that can automatically sense and inspect, capture limitless data, and explore without boundaries; in short, they can be hyper-efficient, logical killers, an extension of today’s military and security technologies. The dystopian setting feels depressingly possible, portraying how AI can be weaponized and misused.
Her (2013)
Her presents an AI operating system named Samantha that develops an emotional bond with its user, Theodore. While a fully conscious, self-aware AI that can think and emote like humans is still outside the reach of existing technology, the film explores the theme of loneliness, a slow-spreading epidemic in our society.
Unlike typical depictions of AI as a menace to humanity, Samantha’s interactions show that advanced conversational AI is plausible, which is a growing area of research in AI development, especially in the fields of therapy and caregiving.
Swan Song (2021)
Swan Song imagines a future where AI-driven clones can replace terminally ill individuals to spare their loved ones pain. Though a complete replication of a person’s consciousness through cloning is beyond the realms of current technology, the film portrays AI as intimate, focusing on the moral and emotional implications of AI.
Colossus: The Forbin Project (1970)
This classic sci-fi film tells the story of a supercomputer designed to manage nuclear defense systems. When the computer gains self-awareness, it begins asserting control to prevent war, challenging human authority. Though computers don’t have the capability of being sentient or self-aware, the film’s premise is rooted in the realistic possibility of over-reliance on AI in critical systems, making it eerily relevant as automation grows in military applications.
Moonfall (2022)
Moonfall presents an AI antagonist but its approach feels realistic compared to typical “AI rebellion” tropes. The AI depicted is a rogue technology rather than a sentient overlord, reflecting how unchecked development and unintended consequences can be dangerous. It highlights how human error and poor oversight can lead to catastrophic outcomes when dealing with complex AI systems.
The Artifice Girl (2022)
This indie film explores the ethical dilemmas of using AI to trace and arrest online assaulters and predators. The Artifice Girl is an intelligent sci-fi where the AI is designed as a digital persona to lure and catch creeps, raising questions about exploitation and moral responsibility. When Cherry, the AI, replies in a monotone voice, “Human nature is not something I aspire to,” it silently touches a chord with millions of viewers. The film’s realistic depiction of AI’s capabilities and limitations makes it a thought-provoking take on the technology’s potential uses.
After Yang (2021)
After Yang is a quiet and introspective film that explores life with an AI helper named Yang, who serves as a companion and mentor to a young girl. Rather than focusing on AI as a threat, the story explores its emotional and social integration into human life. A powerful, moving drama that explores themes of love, connection, memory loss, and death with the android AI as the fulcrum.
Aniara (2018)
The jury is still hung on whether Anaira, a Swedish sci-fi film, is a realistic portrayal of AI. Let us delve into it and see it for ourselves. The AI in Aniara named ‘Mima’, experiences deep human emotions like despair, grief, and existential fear, and makes conscious decisions to end her own existence when she loses all hope, which is not currently possible with the capabilities of today’s AI. However, Mima assists with personalized virtual reality experiences based on individual memories and emotions, which can be considered realistic as the future AI is being designed to provide highly tailored experiences for its users.
Robot & Frank (2012)
In this charming and understated film, an elderly man forms an unlikely partnership with a caregiving robot. The AI is designed to help with daily tasks but lacks human-like emotions or autonomy. Touted as one of the most realistic AI films, Robert & Frank portrays AI as a helpful yet limited tool, emphasizing how machines can enhance human lives without overstepping their boundaries.
Person of Interest (2011–2016)
This TV series is a treasure trove of realistic AI scenarios, focusing on “The Machine,” an AI designed to predict crimes using surveillance data. The show portrays issues like privacy, government overreach, and the ethical complexities of autonomous decision-making. Its realistic take on AI surveillance mirrors modern discussions about data privacy and predictive algorithms.
A.I.: Artificial Intelligence (2001)
Steven Spielberg’s A.I. tells the story of a robotic child programmed to love. While it veers into fantasy at times, the movie’s exploration of emotional AI and its impact on humans feels realistic and plausible. It raises questions about attachment, the ethics of creating “feeling” machines, and the societal consequences of integrating these machines into families.
16 Things Siri Can Do That You Didn’t Know
The unexpected rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed every sector, from retail to automobile, healthcare to banking, etc. Its impact is also being seen in the performance of stocks listed on varying exchanges. This article lists the 12 best AI stocks to help you capitalize on the AI trend and earn great returns.
16 Unexpected ChatGPT Capabilities You’ve Probably Never Tried
ChatGPT has 200 million weekly active users across the globe, 67.7 million in the US alone. You must have used ChatGPT for research, email writing, or social media content creation. However, ChatGPT can do some insane things that we bet you didn’t know. Read further to know.
