Hollywood movies centered around cybersecurity and computer hackers often explore scary theories. However, there are also highly disturbing productions that are based on real events. In this article, we take a look at the best 15 hacker movies of all time that we have prepared for you.
Must-Watch 15 Hacker Movies
The increasing “smartness” of almost everything around us provides great convenience. However, it also necessitates our attention to an important point: data security. It is necessary to remember that every device connected to the internet can be the “digital barrel” of hackers. Research shows that hackers made $25 billion in revenue in 2020 by stealing data.
Hackers, which are the nightmare of private companies and governments, are also popular subjects in Hollywood. Below, you will see the list of the best 15 hacker movies of all time. Let’s get to our list without wasting any time.
The Matrix (1999)
The Matrix is undoubtedly one of the most iconic sci-fi hacker films of all time. The unforgettable trilogy by the Wachowski Brothers revolves around Neo, a computer programmer who discovers that the entire world is actually a simulation.
The trilogy, consisting of three films, is among the most valuable works of science fiction. The cast includes Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Hugo Weaving.
By the way, the fourth film to be added to The Matrix universe will be released on December 23, 2021. Reeves and Moss will return to their roles in the series. However, characters like Agent Smith or Morpheus will not be there. Instead, we will see actors like Neil Patrick Harris, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Jessica Henwick.
WarGames (1983)
Directed by John Badham, WarGames follows the story of David Lightman, a computer hacker who gains access to a military supercomputer. The computer, named War Operations Plan Response, is programmed to carry out a possible nuclear war against the Soviet Union. Our hero tries to access his school’s computer system to change his grades, but unintentionally finds himself in the midst of the nuclear program.
Then the supercomputer activates and begins to activate all systems that could start World War III. The film’s cast includes Matthew Broderick, Dabney Coleman, and Ally Sheedy. WarGames, considered one of the pioneering productions of its time, was nominated for three Academy Awards. If you’re looking for a good hacker film, be sure to check out WarGames.
The Italian Job (2003)
The Italian Job is one of the best action movies that revolves around the concept of hacking. The film follows the adventure of a gang that hacks the city’s traffic lights for a large-scale heist. The Italian Job stars Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, Jason Statham, and Edward Norton. Directed by F. Gary Gray, the film grossed over $176 million worldwide.
Snowden (2016)
Snowden depicts the true story of Edward Snowden, a cybersecurity expert who leaked classified documents from the National Security Agency (NSA). Snowden shares the NSA’s surveillance and monitoring activities with the public, raising questions about whether he is a hero fighting for the privacy rights of U.S. citizens or a traitor exposing government secrets. The film directed by Oliver Stone portrays Snowden’s time in the U.S. Army, CIA, NSA, Japan, and Hawaii.
Eagle Eye (2008)
Eagle Eye is a thrilling hacker film that revolves around two individuals who are forced to follow orders from an unknown source. The mysterious source infiltrates bank accounts, traffic lights, cell phones, and even power lines, turning the life of Jerry Shaw (played by Shia LaBeouf), an unemployed and irresponsible man, into a nightmare. Our protagonist, whose life is turned upside down, teams up with Rachel Holloman (played by Michelle Monaghan), who is also threatened by the same voice, to uncover who is behind this game.
Who Am I (2014)
Who Am I, one of the most successful German films exported abroad, follows the story of Benjamin, a computer genius who wants to join a globally renowned hacker group. Our protagonist receives the expected invitation from an underground hacker group called CLAY. However, this invitation becomes the beginning of the end for him. Who Am I, a true hacker film, is directed by Baran bo Odar, with Tom Schilling in the lead role.
Minority Report (2002)
Minority Report portrays a future where crimes are detected before they are committed, thanks to technology. John Anderton, a successful and intuitive detective, is accused of a crime he hasn’t committed yet. Our protagonist, who is accused of murder, escapes from the police and tries to uncover the reason behind his precognition. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film stars Tom Cruise. Minority Report offers a chilling projection of the future and is definitely a must-watch.
Live Free or Die Hard (2007)
Live Free or Die Hard is the fourth installment of the Die Hard series, starring Bruce Willis. It revolves around the concept of “cyber-terrorism.” A hacker group launches cyberattacks on government institutions using a program, stealing billions of dollars from the Federal Reserve System. Our hero, John McClane, played by Willis, teams up with a former National Security Agency (NSA) hacker to track down the creator of the program.
The Fifth Estate (2013)
Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Daniel Brühl, The Fifth Estate brings to the screen the formation of the news website WikiLeaks, which publishes secret documents obtained from various sources. The film focuses on Julian Assange, the founder of the site, as the main character.
The Fifth Estate delves into the behind-the-scenes of various events, such as the hacking of American politician Sarah Palin’s email account, the exposure of the Church of Scientology, and Chelsea Manning’s leaks of national defense information. Written by Josh Singer and directed by Bill Condon, The Fifth Estate is based on real events and is highly recommended.
23 (1998)
Directed by Hans-Christian Schmid, the hacker film 23 revolves around the life of Karl Koch, a young computer hacker who died by suicide on May 23, 1989. Koch starts seeing the number “23” everywhere and, as he delves deeper into his investigations, he uncovers a global conspiracy.
The hacker asks his friend David for help in accessing the global data network to gather more information. The duo begins to access government and military computers, attempting to reach the KGB by traveling to East Berlin.
Operation Swordfish (2001)
Operation Swordfish, featuring John Travolta, Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, and Don Cheadle, is a highly regarded hacker film that centers around the concept of a “swordfish” or cyber-terrorist. Gabriel Shear, the leader of a covert counter-guerrilla organization called Black Cell, plans to access funds in a bank account opened by various front companies, which have grown to $9.5 billion by 2001 due to interest. To achieve this, Shear, portrayed by John Travolta, sees hacking into the bank’s computer network as the way forward.
The Secret History of Hacking (2001)
The Secret History of Hacking is a captivating documentary film that definitely deserves a place on our list. Focusing on fraud, computer hacking, and social engineering from the 1970s to the 1990s, the documentary consists of archival footage and specially created graphics.
The Secret History of Hacking primarily revolves around the life of Kevin Mitnick. The documentary also sheds light on how the fear of hackers (especially by law enforcement) has increased over time.
The documentary features names such as John Draper, Steve Wozniak, Denny Teresi, Joybubbles, Mike Gorman, Ron Rosenbaum, Steven Levy, Paul Loser, Lee Felsenstein, Jim Warren, and John Markoff, in addition to Mitnick.
Hackers (1995)
As the name suggests, Hackers is a pure hacking film that stands out with its action-packed scenes and chaotic storyline. Filmed during Angelina Jolie’s early rise to fame, the movie revolves around child hackers infiltrating an oil company’s system.
Citizenfour (2014)
Citizenfour, the second film on our list related to Edward Snowden, the former intelligence officer who exposed the secret surveillance and monitoring system conducted by the United States, tells the story of his fight for freedom. This Oscar-winning documentary effectively explores concepts such as the separation of powers in government, the balance between citizens and the government, and the structure of the rule of law.
Sneakers (1992)
Lastly, Sneakers, one of the most influential films of the 90s, features an impressive cast including Robert Redford, River Phoenix, and Dan Aykroyd. The movie revolves around a group of computer experts who are assigned to manage a secret operation by government officials.
As time passes, the experts find themselves involved in a dangerous game, realizing that they have obtained a program capable of deciphering all the world’s codes. Written and directed by Phil Alden Robinson, Sneakers had a tremendous impact despite the limited resources of its time.
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