10 Best Movies That Used AI — And Succeeded

Artificial intelligence is changing how movies are made, bringing fresh possibilities to the screen. From crafting lifelike digital characters to tweaking voices or even reviving actors from the past, AI is a powerful tool in modern filmmaking.

This article dives into ten films that used AI in creative ways and still delivered compelling stories. Each one shows how technology can enhance art without overshadowing it. I’ll break down how AI was used and why these movies stand out.

The Irishman (2019)

Martin Scorsese’s crime epic ‘The Irishman’ used AI to make its aging stars look decades younger. The film follows Frank Sheeran, played by Robert De Niro, through his life as a mob hitman, spanning several eras.

AI-driven software called FaceSwap scanned old footage of De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci to create younger versions of their faces. This let the actors perform naturally without heavy makeup, keeping their expressions authentic. The result was a seamless blend of past and present that grounded the film’s long timeline.

Emilia Pérez (2024)

The musical drama ‘Emilia Pérez’ used AI to fine-tune its lead actress’s singing. Karla Sofía Gascón stars as a cartel leader turned woman, navigating a complex emotional journey through song.

Sound mixers employed AI voice cloning to adjust Gascón’s vocals, hitting notes outside her natural range. This careful tweak kept her performance raw but polished, earning praise at Cannes. The AI work blended so well that it enhanced the film’s emotional depth without feeling artificial.

The Brutalist (2024)

‘The Brutalist’ is a historical drama about a Hungarian architect in post-war America. AI helped perfect the film’s authenticity by refining the actors’ accents and designing sets.

Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones used AI to sharpen their Hungarian dialogue, making every word sound native. The film also used AI to create detailed architectural visuals, bringing the protagonist’s designs to life. These touches made the story’s world feel vivid and real.

Here (2024)

‘Here’ tells a multi-generational story in one living room, with Tom Hanks and Robin Wright playing characters from youth to old age. AI made this possible by altering their appearances in real time.

Using Metaphysic’s AI tools, the crew transformed Hanks and Wright’s faces to match different ages during filming. This saved months of post-production and kept costs down. The technology let the actors focus on their performances, creating a heartfelt narrative across decades.

Alien: Romulus (2024)

The sci-fi horror ‘Alien: Romulus’ brought back a familiar face from the 1979 original using AI. The film follows a new crew facing xenomorphs, with a nod to the franchise’s past.

AI recreated the late Ian Holm’s android character, Rook, with his estate’s approval. Metaphysic’s facial mapping tools analyzed old footage to craft a lifelike digital double. This eerie revival added nostalgia while keeping the film’s tension high.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)

‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’ is a prequel to the Mad Max series, showing the origins of its fierce heroine. AI helped bring back a deceased actor’s character for a key role.

The late Richard Carter’s character was recreated using AI facial replacement, ensuring continuity with the franchise. The technology also blended Anya Taylor-Joy’s face with Charlize Theron’s to smooth the character’s transition. This kept the film’s gritty world consistent and immersive.

The Electric State (2024)

The Russo brothers’ sci-fi adventure ‘The Electric State’ used AI to enhance its futuristic world. Set in a retro-futuristic America, it follows a girl and her robot companion.

AI was used for voice modulation, subtly altering dialogue to fit the film’s robotic characters. The technology also helped create dynamic digital environments, saving time on set design. These elements made the film’s world feel alive and unique.

The Fall Guy (2024)

Action-comedy ‘The Fall Guy’ used AI to tweak a single line of dialogue without reshoots. The film stars Ryan Gosling as a stuntman caught in a wild conspiracy.

Hannah Waddingham’s character, Gail Meyer, had a line changed using AI software called Revize. This fused machine learning with artistic input to make the edit seamless. The subtle use of AI kept the film’s fast pace intact while showing how tech can solve small production challenges.

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

‘Top Gun: Maverick’ brought back Tom Cruise as the daring pilot Maverick. AI was almost used to alter Val Kilmer’s voice but ended up enhancing it instead.

Kilmer, who lost much of his voice due to cancer, had his dialogue digitally clarified using AI tools. This preserved his authentic performance as Iceman, adding emotional weight to his scenes. The choice to blend his real voice with AI made the film’s heart shine through.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ revived a classic Star Wars villain using AI. The film follows rebels stealing plans for the Death Star, with a nod to the original trilogy.

Peter Cushing’s Grand Moff Tarkin, who died in 1994, was recreated using AI and deepfake technology. With his estate’s approval, the team mapped Cushing’s face onto a stand-in actor. This bold move sparked debate but added a thrilling link to the Star Wars legacy.

Which film’s AI use surprised you the most, or is there another movie I missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments!