March 31, 1999 saw the release of The Matrix, the sci-fi action film directed by the Wachowskis that went on to massive financial and critical success, spawning sequels and a host of other related media. The Onion looks back at big moments in the franchise on its 20-year anniversary.


Octodecuplets eventually cast as Agent Smith born.



Advances in CGI technology enable any piece of clothing to be rendered onscreen as leather.


Will Smith declines role of Neo to pursue other career mistakes.

Film’s success sparks summer craze for sunglasses.

Batch of “Matrix babies” born nine months after film’s release.

Release of The Matrix Reloaded results in dozens of teens going to hospital after attempting bullet-time dodge of a BB gun.


Neil and Adrian Rayment worry they’re becoming typecast as albino twins who can self-heal gunshot wounds.


Warner Brothers issues 10th-anniversary edition featuring a multi-disc set that includes zero footage from the sequels.


The Nebuchadnezzar sells at auction for $1.6 million.

Men’s rights activists refer to being “red-pilled” as becoming aware of the truth that they are absolutely full of shit.