Key films and literature in Cyberpunk history

Pink Floyd

Jan 1, 1965

One of the most influential and succesfull bands in modern pop culture. Originating from the London underground scene the band can be catagorised as progressive and psychedelic sporting a space rock twist. The band is known for its large influence in the genre of cyberpunk.
Reference: Unknown. "Pink Floyd." Pink Floyd. N.p., 2012. Web. 20 Aug. 2012. http://www.pinkfloyd.com/.

Blade Runner

Jun 25, 1982

Based on Phillip K. Dick's novel "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" (1968), the film directed by Ridley Scott depicts a dytopic future where machine reigns over man. Blade runner is named as one of the forefathers of cyberpunk for its dystopic, raw and technological themes.
Reference: Unknown. "Blade Runner." Cyberpunk Review. N.p., Jan. 2006. Web. Aug. 2012. http://www.cyberpunkreview.com/movie/decade/1980-1989/blade-runner/.

"1984" By George Orwell

Jun 8, 1984

George Orwell's novel is one of the most well known and succesful cyberpunk themed novels to date. Orwell predicts a future of an opressed land where the government (big brother) watches the every move of every individual. The influence of power and technology over the people is one of the main themes in the story that in many ways opens a window to the possible future.
Reference: Unknown. "1984 Nineteen Eighty-Four: Theme Analysis." Novel Guide. N.p., 2011. Web. 20 Aug. 2012.

"Neuromancer" by William Gibson

Jul 1, 1984

This novel is considered another large player in the origins of science fiction. Gibson's novel dips into dark themes such as technology, youth, pop culture and philosophy and transports this combination into a genre of its own: Cyberpunk. Reference: Evans, Josh. "Why Neuromancer Is One of the Greatest Cyberpunk Novels." Science Fiction .com. N.p., Aug. 2011. Web. 20 Aug. 2012. http://sciencefiction.com/2011/08/03/why-neuromancer-is-one-of-the-greatest-cyberpunk-novels/.

"The Matrix" by Andy & Larry Wachowski

Mar 31, 1999

One of the newer additions to the cyberpunk genre being released in 1999, the film holds similar themes in comparison to 1984 and Blade Runner. The futuristic film depicts a dangerous world controlled by the government and where technology is used for evil. Such characteristics place this film as one of the pivotal moments in cyberpunk history. Reference: Unknown. "The Matrix and Cyberpunk." Cyberpunk Review. N.p., 26 Feb. 2006. Web. 20 Aug. 2012. <http://www.cyberpunkreview.com/movie/decade/19