Gallery: Recreating The Matrix and Top Gun With Stock Footage

  • Image may contain Building Hotel and Motel
    Dissolve
    01

    final-psycho-gif

    *Psycho* — In just three cuts, Dissolve conveys the big beats of Hitchcock's masterpiece.
  • Image may contain Sphere Helmet Clothing and Apparel
    Dissolve
    02

    final-matrix-gif

    *The Matrix* — Color-coded pharmaceuticals and streaming green hieroglyphs have become a part of the visual lexicon and made recreating this movie relatively simple.
  • Image may contain Animal Rodent Mammal Bunny and Rabbit
    Dissolve
    03

    final-alice-gif

    *Alice in Wonderland* — A white rabbit, cat, caterpillar, undersized tea parlor, and a queen of hearts retells the story in an economical fashion.
  • Image may contain Human Person Building Tower Architecture Control Tower Airport and Terminal
    Dissolve
    04

    final-topgun-gif

    *Top Gun* — The Cold War politics and impressive aerial dogfights make it a great 80s movie, the awkward beach volleyball makes it *Top Gun*.
  • Image may contain Vehicle Transportation Boat Cruise Ship Ship Outdoors and Nature
    Dissolve
    05

    final-titanic-gif

    *Titanic* — A boat, outstretched arms, and an ice berg retrace the plot in Cliff Notes fashion, but feel flat without CélineDion's pipes.
  • Image may contain Human Person Outdoors Building Nature Countryside Field Grassland and Bunker
    Dissolve
    06

    final-lotr-gif

    *The Lord of the Rings* — Like *The Matrix*, a recreation of this movie wouldn't be possible without CG versions of Mt. Doom made by ardent fans of Arwen.
  • Image may contain Nature and Outdoors
    Dissolve
    07

    final-shining-gif

    *The Shining* — A hotel, Big Wheel, twins, and axe can only be Stephen King's masterpiece.
Read More
The Best Greens Powders for Drinking Your Veggies
I did the research and taste-testing to find the best greens powders worth your money. Bloom Nutrition’s Superfood Greens Powder is my tried-and-true pick.
Louryn Strampe
The Best Automatic Litter Boxes Tested by Our Spoiled Cats
With these high-tech automatic litter boxes, gone are the days of scooping and smells. Welcome to the future.
Molly Higgins
20 Best Gifts for Men, Manly Men, and Menly Man Men
When you need something that’s as mannishly masculinized as you can get for the Man™ in your life, we have you covered.
Matthew Korfhage
Give Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office Chairs
Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.
Julian Chokkattu
The Best Drip Coffee Makers Now Rival Café Pour-Over
The old-fashioned drip coffee maker has come a long way. These impressive machines can turn your barista into a stranger.
Matthew Korfhage
The Best Qi2 and MagSafe Wireless Chargers for Your Phone
Top up your Qi2 Android phone or MagSafe iPhone with a magnetic wireless charging stand, pad, car charger, or power bank.
Simon Hill
The Best Mattresses You Can Buy Online in 2026
WIRED has tested 100-plus bed-in-a-box mattresses for a week each. Our top pick, the Helix Midnight Luxe hybrid, is the best bed you can buy online.
Julia Forbes
Give Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office Chairs
Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.
Julian Chokkattu
The Best Hiking Boots and Shoes for Any Adventure
From strenuous hikes and serious summits to weekend rambles in the park, these boots help you make the most of your time outdoors.
Chris Haslam
Give Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office Chairs
Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.
Julian Chokkattu
The Best Portable Power Stations for Blackouts, Camping, or Van Life
Whether you’re going off-grid or safeguarding against blackouts, these beefy, WIRED-tested batteries can keep the lights on.
Simon Hill
The Best MagSafe and Qi2 Power Banks for Your Phone
Keep your iPhone or Qi2 Android phone topped up with one of the best portable chargers.
Simon Hill