Sci-Fi On Location: Real-World Settings from Your Favorite Films

11. Sydney Opera House, Australia – The Alien Invasion Look of The Matrix

Though The Matrix never names its setting, the unmistakable presence of Sydney’s skyline—including the world-famous Opera House—grounds the film in a sleek, modern reality subtly askew. The futuristic geometry of the Opera House’s sail-like design, paired with surrounding glass skyscrapers, helped create the illusion of a hyper-structured, coded world. The juxtaposition of classic Australian landmarks and dystopian themes gives the city an uncanny quality onscreen. Today, fans of The Matrix can walk the same city blocks as Neo and Trinity, with stops like Martin Place, the Colonial State Bank Centre, and the recognizable rooftops of central Sydney offering immersive nostalgia. While other sci-fi films like Superman Returns and Star Wars: Episode II also used Sydney’s modernist features, it’s The Matrix that turned the city into a backdrop for digital rebellion. Whether you’re a fan of the film or just drawn to striking architecture, Sydney offers a grounded glimpse into a stylized sci-fi universe.