Forget The Matrix, It’s The Best Time To Watch Keanu Reeves’ Underrated Cyberpunk Sci-Fi

The Matrix will always remain one of the most defining movies in Keanu Reeves‘ career, but it is a far better time to watch an underrated cyberpunk sci-fi movie that also features him as the lead. In a career spanning over three decades, Keanu Reeves has starred in a vast array of distinct and memorable sci-fi movies.

While he has gained more recognition for his portrayal of the titular lead in the John Wick movies in recent years, there was a time when he was widely known for being the perfect leading man in sci-fi movies like The Matrix, A Scanner Darkly, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, and The Day the Earth Stood Still. Surprisingly, though, among all his sci-fi flicks, there is one that remains grossly underrated.

The movie in question, Johnny Mnemonic, is far campier than The Matrix and most other sci-fi flicks of its time. However, it is a fascinating watch because of its unapologetic cyberpunk aesthetic and surprisingly prescient ideas surrounding date storage and artificial intelligence. It is also the perfect time to revisit the movie because its unofficial sequel is set to premiere soon.

Johnny Mnemonic Is A Cyberpunk Cult Classic That Is Still Enjoyable

Long before The Matrix gave Keanu Reeves a massive career boost, he starred as the titular lead in Johnny Mnemonic. The movie was not only based on a short story written by one of the most influential sci-fi writers, William Gibson, but even its script was penned by the author. When the movie first premiered, it was met with underwhelming reviews from viewers and critics.

It still holds a below-average Rotten Tomatoes score of 19%.

However, over the years, the film has gained somewhat of a cult following purely because of how uncannily ahead of its time its cyberpunk ideas proved to be. While its execution remains divisive, many viewers have come to appreciate its depiction of data couriers, neural implants, cybernetic enhancements, and corporate overreach.

Unlike most modern cyberpunk adaptations, Johnny Mnemonic also does seem to take itself too seriously, and its campiness adds to its appeal. In 2026, the movie should be on everyone’s watch list, not only because it makes some intriguing predictions about the present world, but also because it directly connects to William Gibson’s Neuromancer.

Johnny Mnemonic Is The Prequel To William Gibson’s Neuromancer

William Gibson became a household name after his debut novel, Neuromancer, became one of the most seminal sci-fi books and established the very foundation of cyberpunk. However, even before Neuromancer, traces of his genius could be found in short stories like Johnny Mnemonic.

The original Johnny Mnemonic short story serves as a direct prequel/precursor set in the exact same timeline as Neuromancer.

Molly Millions, who eventually becomes a primary lead in Neuromancer, was also first introduced in Johnny Mnemonic. She acts as Johnny’s bodyguard and partner in the story before reflecting on her history with the character in one of Neuromancer‘s story arcs.

Interestingly, in the movie, Molly’s name was changed to Jane because the rights for Neuromancer and the female character were optioned separately by a different production company at the time.

Johnny Mnemonic and Neuromancer also share several other connections. For instance, they feature similar technology, including everything from SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) to Nerve Attenuation Syndromes.

Apple TV’s Neuromancer Has The Perfect Opportunity To Feature A Keanu Reeves Cameo

Credit: Apple TV

According to the original lore, Johnny Mnemonic is eventually murdered by a vat-grown Yakuza assassin before the events of Neuromancer. However, the Apple TV sci-fi show could still subtly tie itself to the iconic 1995 movie by featuring Keanu Reeves’ Mnemonic in a flashback scene. The show could even retcon the original cyberpunk lore by revealing that, in its universe, Johnny Mnemonic is still alive.

While a Keanu Reeves cameo in the Apple TV sci-fi show seems very less likely, it would be a fun callback to one of William Gibson’s earlier works that paved the way for Neuromancer. Even if Reeves is featured in a different role in the Apple TV series’ future installments, most cyberpunk fans would instantly recognize it as a secret nod to his role in Johnny Mnemonic.

Hopefully, if Apple TV’s Neuromancer gets the opportunity, it will at least feature a subtle reference to the Keanu Reeves character and his history with Molly Millions.