A virtual reality experience includes the representation of an idea through computer-generated scenes and objects. It allows the audience to feel immersed in their surroundings. From a long time, films and TV shows have used technologies like VR to create realistic worlds that can give the audience a more believable real-world experience. Virtual reality impacts the viewer’s experience and materially alters film production. This article lists the top 10 Films and TV shows that give the best immersive experience to the audience by using VR technology.
1. Ready Player One
The film Ready Player One is the first film that comes to mind, and rightly so, as it follows the plot of gamers experiencing a life-like environment in the virtual world called ‘Oasis.’ The hero, Wade, can use virtual headsets to teleport to Oasis and resume his character’s progress whenever he wants. The VR users in the film get a more immersive experience by using tactile gloves and bodysuits, which allow the sensors to mimic real-life motions in the virtual world with all the minute details. In Ready Player One, the VR world is virtually indistinguishable from the real world. This film gives an immersive experience for the audience by allowing the users to experience multiple aspects of the virtual world ‘Oasis.’
2. Tron: Legacy
Tron: Legacy is another film that allows the audience to take an immersive dive into the possibilities that come from technological advancements. In the first film of the series, TRON, the virtual world called ‘the Grid’ was a game simulation inside a computer that evolves into a virtual universe in the later films. In Legacy, the virtual world has self-aware, computer-programmed characters that give the virtual world multiple layers of depth and real-world atmosphere. From the landscapes to the character’s struggle to understand the purpose of their existence, Tron: Legacy gives a unique virtual world experience.
3. The Matrix
The Matrix takes a unique approach to virtual reality by making everything we perceive as the real world a simulation or virtual and the machine world the ‘real world.’ This reality is called ‘The Matrix’. It has redesigned virtual reality and makes us ask questions like, what is virtual reality? How far can it be controlled? Some viewers think that we continue to live in The Matrix because of how skillfully the movie constructs both perceived reality and virtual reality.
4. Wreck-It Ralph
In this film, Wreck-It Ralph breaks the virtual walls of his game and enters the virtual world of the internet. It shows how technology has advanced and become a part of our lives when even a kids’ film explores virtual reality. As a virtual character, Ralph goes on a journey that makes him self-aware of his existence as a video game character. Disney uses an imaginative portrayal of a virtual world through the characters. The film has a lasting effect on viewers and does a wonderful job of balancing humor, action, and inventiveness.
5. Ender’s Game
Ender’s Game is an adaptation of Orson Scott Card’s novel of the same name. It is a sci-fi that combines elements of virtual reality and simulation gaming to bring an immersive experience to the audience. The main character has strong strategic gaming abilities and succeeds in the simulation exercises. He feels comfortable using comparable controls to battle the invaders. The film has stunning visuals and multiple exploration adventures of technology. It questions the pros and cons of technology and reassesses what technology could bring. It gives a dark and foreboding sense to the rapid advancements in technology.
6. Playtest: Black Mirror
Playtest is the second episode of the series Black Mirror. In this episode, the developer Cooper tests an augmented reality game in London. The game accesses the player’s mind and studies his fears to give a thrilling horror experience. It uses AR to access real-world objects and fears. It also uses VR, through which the user experiences the game, giving the story a unique blend. It is a must-watch for horror enthusiasts.
7. Upload
Upload is another thrilling TV series that features virtual reality. Here, the characters can choose their own afterlife after their death by uploading their consciousness into a virtual world. There are also characters from the real world present, and they are called angels. It explores the genres of comedy, mystery, and sci-fi and has a relatively lightweight plot. Throughout the series, there is a constant struggle between real-world experiences and their current VR setting. It gives the story much depth. It offers the viewers a unique VR experience.
8. ExistenZ
The film follows Allegra Geller, a video game designer who has created a virtual reality game called eXistenZ. After being attacked by a crazed fan, Allegra attempts to hide her game by the video game pod into Ted’s body. Allegra and Ted fall into an immersive struggle that blurs the lines between Virtual Reality and the real world. It’s a classic struggle between technology and humanity. It borders on horror science fiction. Some details can be disturbing, but the film does a good job of merging the virtual world, eXistenZ, with reality. In fact, It blends it so well that the audience is left confused for the second half.
9. Brainstorm
Researchers developed a system where they can jump into people’s minds and see their thoughts. But when people involved bring their personal problems into the equation, it becomes dangerous and potentially deadly. The film poses the question of ethical morality in technology that arises even today. Should technology advancements be monitored and contained? Who decides how to contain it? And How much can you truly control? Today, we face these questions frequently with rapidly expanding AI technology. The film presents these questions by showing the potential consequences of recklessly using technology. Brainstorm explores virtual reality by infusing real elements. The thoughts of people create the virtual world, unlike traditional gaming-verses.
10. VR.5
VR.5 is a TV series based on the film Brainstorm. The heroine, Sidney, likes to play with virtual reality. She has discovered a way to use VR, or virtual reality 5, to infiltrate people’s minds, and an enigmatic organization is trying to take advantage of her skills. It has 13 short episodes that leave a moving impression on the viewers. With a powerful cast, the TV series is a good experience of VR through the personal life of Sidney.
