The film industry is constantly evolving, along with technology. As innovations arise, we are also getting the best movie experiences along with it. One of these innovations is virtual reality or commonly known as VR. Aside from using it in gaming, VR movies are now widely being developed as well.
How Is watching VR Movies Possible?
VR uses computer technology to create a simulated environment. It places the user inside an experience. So, instead of 3D glasses, we use VR goggles to immerse and interact within a 3D environment. And with the headphones and hand controllers, VR makes it possible to experience anything, anytime, anywhere.
Companies are investing billions in VR technology today due to its promising future. Some of the best devices to use while watching VR movies include the Oculus Quest, Samsung Gear VR, and Google Daydream View.
We’re expecting to see more innovations in virtual reality in the future.
Here Are The Top 10 Movies To Watch On VR
1. Ready Player One (2018)
Renowned filmmaker Steven Spielberg has wowed audiences yet again with the VR movie Ready Player One. Set in the year 2045, it depicts a dystopian world where everything is in chaos. People found a way to escape the real world through the OASIS, a virtual reality universe where they can be anyone and go anywhere. It was created by the brilliant and eccentric James Halliday, who designed one last contest before his death. Whoever wins the three-part contest will inherit his immense fortune and gain total control over the OASIS.
One of the hopefuls, Wade Owen Watts, enters the contest along with his friends. As they uncover each clue one by one, they also struggle to stay alive despite the growing danger. Ready Player One is an action-packed film that is considered one of the best VR movies of all time.
2. The Matrix (1999)
Another movie that has plunged its audiences into the world of virtual reality is The Matrix franchise. In this film, humans are unconscious and trapped inside a simulated reality created by artificial beings called the Matrix. Moreover, it distracts the humans while artificial beings are using their bodies as an energy source. Thomas Anderson, a computer program, discovers the truth and leads a revolution against the machines along with other humans who have escaped the Matrix.
One of the best science fiction movies of the 90s, The Matrix has received several accolades after its launch. It has won four Academy Awards for its brilliant cinematography, visual effects, and ingenious storyline. Without a doubt, this is one of the movies on VR that you should not miss.
3. Avatar (2009)
With a different take on virtual reality, Avatar is also one of the greatest science fiction movies of all time. The story takes place in Pandora, an Earth-like moon rich with precious minerals known as unobtanium. Primitive, blue-bodied humanoids called Na’vi are living there. The humans from Earth are interested in mining unobtanium, and to do this, they must interact with the Na’vi using genetically-engineered Na’vi bodies. Also, the bodies are remotely controlled through their consciousness using a machine. Hence, the title of the movie “Avatar” since it is like controlling a character in a simulated environment.
Avatar held the record for the highest-grossing movie of all time before Avengers: Endgame surpassed it this year. Thus, it’s guaranteed to be one of the best 3D VR movies to watch. Furthermore, it has also won an impressive list of awards, including three Academy Awards and two nominations.
4. Inception (2010)
One of Christopher Nolan’s masterpieces is also a must-watch in the movie industry. Inception follows the story of Dom Cobb, who calls himself an ‘extractor’ and steals people’s secrets through their subconscious. Along with his team, they have gained several clients for performing corporate espionage. Cobb gets a chance at rebuilding his life when he is hired to plant an idea in a businessman’s mind called “inception.” By using experimental military technology, they set on a dangerous mission to complete the task.
The end part of the movie leaves audiences hanging, making it one of the best 3D VR movies. Director Christopher Nolan is known for mind-bending films, and Inception is no exception. With its ensemble of talented actors and amazing storyline, this movie should be on your movie list.
5. Zootopia (2016)
Take a break from the science fiction movies above and be entertained with this animated film from Disney. Zootopia features the most adorable anthropomorphic animals in an equally charming world. The story revolves around the rabbit Judy Hopps, who fulfills her childhood dream of becoming a police officer in urban, Zootopia. Feeling unfulfilled from her mundane tasks at work, she accidentally uncovers a crime along with a con artist fox named Nick. Together, they crack the case and save Zootopia.
While it’s not a movie about virtual reality, it is one of the best movies for VR goggles. The colorful animation will surely bring out the kid within you.
6. A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984)
If you’re brave enough to watch a slasher film on VR, then this movie is definitely for you. From the well-known horror film director Wes Craven, A Nightmare on Elm Street will make you jump and scream. In this movie, a group of teenagers experiences nightmares about a disfigured man with bladed gloves who keeps attacking them. They realize that whatever happens to them in their dreams also happens in real life, resulting in death. The disfigured man is revealed to be the vengeful ghost of Freddy Krueger, a psychopath who seeks to quench his thirst for murder.
A Nightmare on Elm Street is a classic slasher film which gained several sequels, TV series, and crossovers. Still, the first and original film is one of the most thrilling VR movies that is better to watch in virtual reality.
7. Life Of Pi (2012)
Based on the best-selling book by Yann Martel, Life of Pi is a magical adventure movie that will make you view life from a different perspective. In this movie, an Indian couple boards a freighter ship with their sons and a few zoo animals. A terrible storm sinks the ship, leaving Pi as the sole human survivor on a lifeboat. Pi later realizes that he is not alone, as there is also a ferocious Bengal tiger onboard. Pi and the tiger go on a long and perilous journey on the ocean, learning to trust each other to survive.
Watching a Bengal tiger on VR seems cool, and even more so if it’s in the middle of the ocean with special effects. Life of Pi is one of the many VR compatible movies that will take you on an elevated cinematic experience.
8. The Martian (2015)
What happens when an astronaut is stranded and alone on a planet with very limited resources? Director Ridley Scott depicts the journey of an astronaut left behind on Mars and his struggle to survive. Mark Watney got left behind by his crew after an accident during an emergency evacuation. With no communications to Earth, he creates a video diary of his experience in trying to survive the harsh conditions of Mars while waiting for the next expedition.
Getting on an expedition to Mars might not be possible for everyone yet, but watching this in VR will give you the experience. There are a lot of space travel films, but The Martian is one of the best astronaut VR movies you should watch.
9. Finding Nemo (2003)
Relieve your childhood with this heartwarming animated movie by Pixar and Disney. Kids and kids-at-heart had probably watched Finding Nemo. In this movie, an overprotective clownfish named Marlin tries to keep his son Nemo away from danger all the time. Nemo’s curiosity has led him to be caught by a scuba diver. Marlin sets on a life-changing adventure to find Nemo along with Dory, a blue tang with short-term memory loss.
If you can’t get enough of Finding Nemo, then you should queue Finding Dory, the sequel to this beloved movie. These aren’t just good VR movies – they’re some of the best.
10. Black Hawk Down (2001)
Another movie masterpiece by Ridley Scott, Black Hawk Down is more than just a war film. It tells the story of U.S. forces sent to Somalia to capture the faction leader and bring humanitarian aid to the locals. Unfortunately, the Black Hawk helicopters used to transport soldiers to the ground were brought down by Somalian forces. The soldiers begin a perilous journey to survival amidst the heavy gunfight.
Based on the Battle of Mogadishu, Black Hawk Down is a must-watch on VR. If you’re looking for action VR movies, make sure to watch this one first.
