With the upcoming Apple TV+ series based on William Gibson’s classic cyberpunk novel, Neuromancer, sci-fi fans have another Gibson film to look forward to – this one coming to Netflix. The 1995 movie isn’t considered Gibson’s best work – he actually wrote the script – but it’s still an enjoyable film, especially when you consider it was released during Keanu Reeves’ hugely popular decade, which included starring roles in movies like Point Break and The Matrix.
Let’s discuss Johnny Mnemonic, the 1995 cyberpunk action film. It was originally based on a short story by William Gibson, published in Omni magazine, and he even wrote the screenplay himself – making it the only movie he’s ever written. Despite receiving negative reviews, the film, which cost $26 million to produce, earned $52 million in theaters.
In addition to Reeves, Johnny Mnemonic also stars such memorable names as Dolph Lundgren, Ice-T, Henry Rollins, Dina Meyer, and Takeshi Kitano. Over the years, the film has built a cult following thanks to its eerily prophetic themes, neon-soaked atmosphere, and the over-the-top performance from Reeves that places the sci-fi favorite in the “so bad it’s good” category. Seriously, this was peak 90s cyberpunk that came out a few months before another 90s classic: Strange Days. The official synopsis for Johnny Mnemonic reads:
This movie, adapted from a story by William Gibson, follows Johnny (Keanu Reeves), a data courier with a dangerous secret: vital information is implanted directly into his brain. But there’s a catch – if he can’t access and remove it within two days, it will kill him. With the help of Jane (Dolly Meyer), a skilled bodyguard with physical enhancements, Johnny races against time to get the passwords he needs. Adding to the pressure, he’s pursued by both a ruthless gangster named Shinji (Denis Akiyama) and a powerful businessman, Takahashi (Takeshi Kitano), who both want the data he carries.
‘Johnny Mnemonic’ Is Pure 90s Nostalgia
TriStar Pictures
When you think about movies that really captured the spirit of the 1990s – films like Hackers and Strange Days – Johnny Mnemonic definitely deserves a mention. While critics and audiences haven’t always loved it (it has a 20
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Despite its flaws, Johnny Mnemonic is a strangely charming and memorable film that predicted many future technologies. It’s absolutely worth checking out, not just for Keanu Reeves’ performance, but for its imaginative concepts and gadgets all squeezed into a fast-paced 90 minutes. If you haven’t seen it, or if you’re feeling nostalgic, Johnny Mnemonic will be available to stream on Netflix starting January 1, 2026.
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2025-12-29 00:35