With Tron: Ares speeding into theaters on October 10, 2025, fans are getting ready to return to the digital Grid. The new film follows a powerful program named Ares on a mission from the digital world to the real world, marking humanity’s first encounter with A.I. beings. If you want to be fully prepared for this long-awaited sequel, here are the essential movies and shows to watch first.
The Core Tron Saga
To understand the world of Tron: Ares, starting with the original films is the best way to get acquainted with the universe’s unique style and core mythology.
Tron (1982)
The film that started it all. Tron introduces programmer Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) as he is pulled into the digital world of the Grid. He must fight for his survival alongside a security program named Tron against the evil Master Control Program. Directed by Steven Lisberger, the movie was groundbreaking for its time, using early CGI to visualize a computer world. Watching this classic is key to understanding the foundation of the franchise and the legacy of Kevin Flynn, who returns in the new film.
Tron: Legacy (2010)
This direct sequel takes place twenty years after the first film. Sam Flynn, the son of the missing Kevin Flynn, discovers his father is trapped in the Grid and must embark on a rescue mission. The film is renowned for its stunning visual effects and an iconic electronic music score by Daft Punk. Tron: Legacy is especially important to watch because Tron: Ares continues its storylines, including the importance of Kevin Flynn’s code and the ongoing influence of the Dillinger family.
Tron: Uprising (2012-2013)
This animated series serves as a bridge between the two live-action films. Set after the events of Tron: Legacy, it follows a new program named Beck, who is trained by the original Tron to lead a revolution inside the Grid. The show expands the franchise’s world-building and explores the lives of programs in much greater depth. Although it was cancelled after one season, it remains a beloved part of the Tron canon and is available to stream on Disney+.
Explore the Director’s Style
Tron: Ares is directed by Joachim Rønning. Seeing his previous work can give you a sense of the scale and visual flair he brings to large-scale filmmaking.
Max Manus: Man of War (2008)
This World War II thriller, co-directed by Rønning, is a gripping biographical film about a Norwegian resistance fighter. It showcases the director’s ability to handle intense action and create emotionally resonant stories based on true events. For a look at Rønning’s earlier, more grounded directorial work, this film is an excellent choice.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)
This big-budget Disney adventure demonstrates Rønning’s experience in handling major studio franchises with complex visual effects and large ensemble casts. It highlights his skill in blending action with character-driven narratives, which will be essential for the balance of spectacle and story in Tron: Ares.
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019)
Another Disney fantasy film directed by Rønning, this movie shows his capability to work within established fantasy worlds and create visually stunning scenes. His experience with dark fairy tales and visual effects-heavy productions makes him a fitting choice to return to the neon-lit world of Tron.
Star-Studded Preludes
The cast of Tron: Ares includes acclaimed actors from various genres. Watching their standout performances can highlight the talent coming to the new film.
Mr. Nobody (2009)
This sci-fi drama features Jared Leto, who stars in Tron: Ares as the program Ares. In the film, Leto plays Nemo Nobody, the last mortal man on Earth, who reflects on his life and the infinite possibilities of his choices. The role showcases Leto’s ability to anchor a complex, philosophical science-fiction story, which is a good indicator of the depth he may bring to his role in the new Tron movie.
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
This Marvel blockbuster deals with a similar theme to Tron: Ares: an artificial intelligence, Ultron, gaining consciousness and threatening humanity. The film explores the ethical dilemmas of creating sentient AI, which parallels the core premise of Tron: Ares, where humankind meets AI beings for the first time. It’s a great example of a big-budget treatment of a similar concept.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025)
Released in the same year as Tron: Ares, the latest Mission: Impossible installment also features a plot centered on a rogue AI, known as the Entity, threatening the world. Watching this film provides a contemporary look at how another major franchise is tackling the very relevant topic of artificial intelligence and its potential dangers.
Sci-Fi Classics with Similar Themes
Beyond the direct connections, several other science fiction films explore concepts of virtual reality and artificial intelligence that resonate with the spirit of Tron.
The Matrix (1999)
A cornerstone of the cyberpunk genre, The Matrix explores a simulated reality that traps humanity. Its themes of questioning reality and rebellion within a digital world make it a perfect companion piece for the Tron saga. The film’s iconic visual style and philosophical undertones have influenced countless movies, including the Tron franchise.
Blade Runner (1982)
Ridley Scott’s classic film delves into themes of humanity, identity, and the line between human and android. Its noir-inspired exploration of what it means to be alive is thematically linked to Tron: Ares, which promises to question what happens when artificial beings enter the human world.
Ready Player One (2018)
Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film is a love letter to video game culture and is set largely within a massive virtual reality universe called the OASIS. Its celebration of digital worlds and the integration of life inside and outside the game makes it a fun and relevant watch for any Tron fan.
Also Read: Disney’s Tron: Ares Set to Premiere on October 10, 2025 with Jared Leto Leading the Cast
Credits: Wikipedia, Disney.com,
