The top 7 best movies about cybersecurity and technology

Are you, by any chance, a fan of action movies set in a cyberpunk-ish world? 

Do you love exploring concepts like our relationship with technology, cybercriminals, espionage, and even cyborgs? 

Then, let’s step into the fascinating realm of hackers and cybersecurity!

How? Through movies, of course. 

These 7 films are the best when it comes to guessing what exactly technology would be like in the future, or even in dystopian realities. 

They’re also perfect for when you just want to grab some popcorn and enjoy the ride!

#1. “WarGames” (1983)

Release Year: 1983

Starring: Matthew Broderick, Ally Sheedy

Step into the world of this timeless film, where a teenage computer whiz named David Lightman (Matthew Broderick) unwittingly gains access to a powerful military supercomputer. 

Engrossed in a simulated nuclear war game, David finds himself entangled in a gripping race against time as the boundaries between the game and reality blur. 

Brace yourself for a thrilling experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat, preventing a catastrophic global conflict. Recommended for enthusiasts of suspenseful techno-thrillers and fans of nostalgic ’80s movies.

(If you enjoy TV shows like Stranger Things, you might also like this movie!)

#2. “The Matrix” (1999)

Release Year: 1999

Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss

This movie might be one of the most famous in the science fiction genre, and it certainly gained a lot of fans when it came out. 

It goes something like this: 

The world has ended: all we have left is the Matrix. In this dystopian scenario, our reality is managed by computers —AI, without our knowledge. Neo, a genius hacker, suddenly discovers what’s really happening. 

Once he does, things start heating up: a group of rebels takes him in, and they start fighting against the machines’ hold on our perception. 

One thing I have to highlight from this film (and the sequels) is the cutting-edge CGI. The action sequences are so gripping that, even today, seeing it in the cinema would be worth it. 

This movie is for you if you love a hero’s journey throughout a ravaged world dominated by octopus-like machines. If you just love Keanu Reeves, I can only agree and encourage you to watch it as well. 

#3. “Hackers” (1995)

Release Year: 1995

Starring: Angelina Jolie, Jonny Lee Miller

Now we enter into the realm of cult classics: in this movie, a group of hackers discovers a conspiracy that runs much deeper than their thoughts. 

This can have terrible consequences, not only for themselves but for the world. 

There are three things that I take away from this film: one, the aesthetic. It’s such a 90’s vibe that I simply can’t get enough of it. 

Two, the portrayal of the hackers themselves and their particular sub-culture. 

And three, the cast! Who doesn’t want to see Angelina and Jonny Lee Miller hacking through every bad guy? 

#4. “The Social Network” (2010)

Release Year: 2010

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake

If there’s one thing to remember from the end of the 00’s era, it is this movie. Facebook was created only a few years ago, and we were all following the lives and stories of people like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. 

It was, of course, time to know more about Mark Zuckerberg. 

This movie doesn’t focus on dystopian futures or hacking, but it explores the world of programming, working with friends and making lots of money in a very short amount of time. 

The tech industry has never been this big, but there is always human drama behind it. 

#5. “Mr. Robot” (TV Series, 2015-2019)

Release Year: 2015-2019

Starring: Rami Malek, Christian Slater

Ok, you got me: Mr. Robot isn’t a movie. 

It is, however, one of the best TV shows that I’ve seen about cybersecurity, and that’s why it’s worth mentioning it. 

Elliot Anderson (Rami Malek) is a depressed tech expert and hacker who gets involved with a group of anarchists. 

Their goal? 

Taking down corrupt institutions with the help of technology and a few tricks up their sleeve. 

This is a thought-provoking show that leaves nobody indifferent. If you enjoy psychological thrillers and complex stories, Mr. Robot is definitely for you. 

#6. “Blackhat” (2015)

Release Year: 2015

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Viola Davis

Contrary to popular belief, Chris Hemsworth isn’t actually Thor. 

In this film, he plays Hathaway, a hacker recruited from prison to catch a cybercriminal who’s a danger to the entire world. 

They chase each other across the globe, and there are more cybercrimes (and criminals) to discover in their hunt. 

If you consider yourself an “adrenaline junkie,” this movie won’t disappoint. 

#7. “Sneakers” (1992)

Release Year: 1992

Starring: Robert Redford, Sidney Poitier, Dan Aykroyd

Let’s get back in time again, before the year two thousand, to talk about “Sneakers.” 

This film enters the world of hackers and security experts with the task of stealing a device that breaks every code. This would allow anyone to steal valuable information from every industry and every computer in the world. 

It’s a great mix between a comedy and a suspense movie, and it was one of the first films to be promoted on the internet! 

To sum up

Gear up for a thrilling expedition through the realm of hackers and cybersecurity with these 7 mind-blowing movies. 

Brimming with action, suspense, and captivating narratives, they deliver an incredible fusion of entertainment and theories about our world and our actions in it. 

Whether you’re captivated by the genius intellect of hackers, the intricate landscape of cybercrime, or the moral quandaries woven into technology, these films will grip you from start to finish.

So relax, find one of these movies, use a VPN network to surf the web safely, and get ready to get your mind blown by great directors and ever-better actors. 

See you on the other side of the Matrix!