Top 10 Best Hacker Movies Every Tech Enthusiast Should Watch

Hacking has always fascinated the curious minds of tech enthusiasts, computer programmers, and casual movie-goers alike. From cyber-attacks that threaten national security to young hackers exposing government secrets, the genre of hacker movies keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

This Mysterium VPN blog will dive into some of the best hacker movies, TV shows, and documentaries that every tech geek and anyone who loves a good hacked-up movie should watch. However, these aren’t just thrilling tales of computer engineers furiously typing away at their systems (although there's plenty of that).

These movies, shows, and documentaries all highlight the vulnerabilities in the modern world’s digital infrastructure while shining a light on the mysterious world of hacker culture. With engaging plots, fantastic performances, and a deep dive into cybersecurity, these picks will make even the most secure systems feel a little less safe.

Introduction to Hacker Movies

Hacker movies have been a staple of the film industry for decades, captivating audiences with their portrayal of the dark and mysterious world of computer hacking.

From the early days of the internet to the present day, hacker movies have evolved to reflect the changing landscape of technology and cybersecurity. These films often feature complex characters, intricate plots, and a mix of action, suspense, and drama.

In this section, we will explore the world of hacker movies, examining their history, themes, and impact on popular culture.

The Evolution of Hacker Movies

The evolution of hacker movies can be traced back to the 1960s, with films like “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Colossus: The Forbin Project” exploring the themes of artificial intelligence and computer control.

However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that hacker movies began to gain mainstream popularity. Films like “WarGames” and “Hackers” introduced audiences to the world of computer hacking, showcasing the skills and exploits of young hackers.

The 1990s saw a surge in hacker movies, with films like “The Net” and “Sneakers” exploring the darker side of the internet. In recent years, hacker movies have continued to evolve, with films like “The Social Network” and “Mr. Robot” examining the impact of technology on personal and professional lives.

Hacker Movies You Can’t Miss

These TV movies provide an in-depth look at the lives of computer hackers, exploring their personal and professional struggles as they navigate a world where a single keystroke can expose corporate crimes, reveal government surveillance, or unleash a powerful hacking tool on the world's most secure systems.

The Matrix (1999)

• Release Year: 1999;
• Director: The Wachowskis;
• Main Actors: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss;
• Where to Stream: Max, Hulu;
• Awards: 4 Academy Awards (Best Film Editing, Best Sound, Best Sound Effects Editing, Best Visual Effects);
• Accuracy: While "The Matrix" leans more on the fictional side of simulated reality, it does touch upon concepts of artificial intelligence and control over computer systems;
• IMDB Rating: 8.7/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 87%.

Keanu Reeves plays Neo, a computer programmer who stumbles upon a group of rebels fighting against a simulated reality controlled by artificial intelligence. What starts as an investigation into a mysterious government computer program leads Neo into a world he never expected.

This movie dives deep into a futuristic world where the digital and real worlds collide. It introduces us to the puppet master pulling the strings behind the illusion of reality.

"The Matrix" isn't just about hacking computers, but hacking the very fabric of reality itself. And let’s be honest, who didn’t love the phrase: “Hacker, I’m in?”.

WarGames (1983)

• Release Year: 1983;
• Director: John Badham;
• Main Actors: Matthew Broderick, Ally Sheedy, Dabney Coleman;
• Where to Stream: Peacock;
• Awards: Nominated for 3 Academy Awards;
• Accuracy: Pretty accurate, especially in its portrayal of early computer hacking techniques and military central computer systems;
• IMDB Rating: 7.1/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 93%.

A young computer hacker, played by Matthew Broderick, accidentally hacks into a military supercomputer, thinking it’s just another game. Modern computing and cybersecurity development has roots in the work done during World War II, which laid the foundation for these advanced fields.

Little does he know, his simulated war game might just kick off World War III. This film brilliantly combines tension, technology, and a lesson on how easily secure systems can be breached by talented hackers.

After watching this, you’ll probably think twice before using free software to connect to the deep web.

Hackers (1995)

• Release Year: 1995;
• Director: Iain Softley;
• Main Actors: Jonny Lee Miller, Angelina Jolie, Jesse Bradford;
• Where to Stream: Max;
• Awards: Cult classic status; no major awards;
• Accuracy: Highly stylized, with a lot of embellishments on real hacking techniques, but it captures the spirit of hacker culture from the ‘90s;
• IMDB Rating: 6.2/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 33%.

A young hacker named Dade “Zero Cool” Murphy, played by Jonny Lee Miller, teams up with other hackers, including a young Angelina Jolie, to uncover a corporate conspiracy involving a dangerous computer virus that leads to significant consequences.

This movie highlights the rise of hacker culture, the hacker community, and, of course, features some very cool hacker names. It’s a bit exaggerated but fun and nostalgic for anyone who remembers the early days of the internet.

The Fifth Estate (2013)

• Release Year: 2013;
• Director: Bill Condon;
• Main Actors: Benedict Cumberbatch, Daniel Brühl, Alicia Vikander;
• Where to Stream: Hulu;
• Awards: Nominated for various international awards;
• Accuracy: Based on the real-life story of Julian Assange and WikiLeaks, it’s relatively accurate in its depiction of exposing government secrets;
• IMDB Rating: 6.2/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 37%.

Benedict Cumberbatch portrays Julian Assange, the infamous figure behind WikiLeaks, which exposed compromising government secrets and documents.

The film explores the tension between the freedom of information and the risks of leaking national security agency files. The Fifth Estate delves into the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by modern-day hackers.

Live Free or Die Hard (2007)

• Release Year: 2007;
• Director: Len Wiseman;
• Main Actors: Bruce Willis, Justin Long, Timothy Olyphant;
• Where to Stream: Max;
• Awards: Nominated for several awards; no wins;
• Accuracy: Slightly exaggerated but still fascinating in its depiction of modern-world cyberattacks;
• IMDB Rating: 7.1/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 82%.

John McClane (Bruce Willis) teams up with a young computer hacker (Justin Long) to stop a cyber-terrorist who has hacked into government and corporate systems to steal millions and initiate World War III.

If you’re looking for action-packed hacker movies, this one will not disappoint. Plus, who can forget the iconic “Live free or die hard” tagline?

The Social Network (2010)

• Release Year: 2010;
• Director: David Fincher;
• Main Actors: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake;
• Where to Stream: Netflix;
• Awards: 3 Academy Awards (Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Film Editing);
• Accuracy: Highly accurate, based on the true story of Facebook’s founding;
• IMDB Rating: 7.7/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 96%.

This movie focuses on Mark Zuckerberg's (Jesse Eisenberg) rise from a Harvard student to one of the top 10 hackers in the world.

It highlights the creation of Facebook, the lawsuits that followed, and the ethical challenges of social networking site dominance in today’s digital age.

While not your typical hacker movie, it explores the power of a computer genius in shaping the modern world.

Blackhat (2015)

• Release Year: 2015;
• Director: Michael Mann;
• Main Actors: Chris Hemsworth, Viola Davis, Tang Wei;
• Where to Stream: Peacock;
• Awards: None;
• Accuracy: Moderate accuracy, especially when it comes to portraying hacking skills and government surveillance;
• IMDB Rating: 5.4/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 32%.

Chris Hemsworth plays a convicted hacker who’s released from prison to help the government stop a massive cyberattack on a nuclear power plant.

His exceptional hacking skills are reminiscent of a young German computer whiz from the movie '23', who was known for his involvement in early cyber activities and recruitment by the KGB.

The movie explores how hacking skills can be used for good or evil and the risks associated with living in a world where computer software controls everything from national security to utilities.

Swordfish (2001)

• Release Year: 2001;
• Director: Dominic Sena;
• Main Actors: John Travolta, Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry;
• Where to Stream: HBO Max;
• Awards: None;
• Accuracy: Highly stylized, with several inaccuracies in how hacking is portrayed;
• IMDB Rating: 6.5/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 25%.

A wanted computer outlaw (John Travolta) enlists a young hacker (Hugh Jackman) to steal millions from the government’s covert bank accounts.

The film touches on themes of government corruption and the use of hacking as a powerful tool.

Although some scenes may seem over-the-top for computer programmers, it’s a fun ride through the world of cyber-crime.

The Italian Job (2003)

• Release Year: 2003;
• Director: F. Gary Gray;
• Main Actors: Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, Edward Norton;
• Where to Stream: Paramount+;
• Awards: None;
• Accuracy: Minimal hacking accuracy, but it’s still a great heist film with computer hacking elements;
• IMDB Rating: 7.0/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 73%.

In this slick heist film, a hacker named Lyle (Seth Green) uses his computer hacking skills to help a team steal millions of dollars worth of gold from a former ally.

His exceptional hacking skills are reminiscent of a young German computer whiz from the movie '23', who was known for his involvement in early cyber activities and recruitment by the KGB.

While the movie focuses more on the heist than on hacking, it still showcases some classic hacking moments. Plus, it’s always fun to see how hacking can be integrated into high-stakes thefts.

Tron (1982)

• Release Year: 1982;
• Director: Steven Lisberger;
• Main Actors: Jeff Bridges, Bruce Boxleitner, David Warner;
• Where to Stream: Disney+;
• Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design;
• Accuracy: It's more of a fantasy adventure inside a computer system rather than a realistic portrayal of hacking;
• IMDB Rating: 6.8/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 72%.

Jeff Bridges plays Kevin Flynn, a computer programmer who is sucked into a virtual reality world ruled by a computer program called the Master Control Program.

While not a conventional hacker movie, "Tron" was a groundbreaking film in its time for exploring the concept of digital worlds, virtual reality, and computer-generated environments.

The movie is iconic for its vision of the future of the internet and gaming.

Hacker Movies Based on Real-Life Events

Many hacker movies are based on real-life events, drawing inspiration from the exploits of famous hackers and cybersecurity threats.

Films like “The Imitation Game” and “Snowden” tell the stories of real-life hackers and whistleblowers, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity and the impact of hacking on global politics.

Other films, like “The Fifth Estate” and “We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists,” explore the world of hacktivism and the role of hackers in shaping public opinion. These films offer a unique perspective on the world of hacking, highlighting the complexities and nuances of the digital age.

Cybersecurity Threats in Hacker Movies

Hacker movies often feature a range of cybersecurity threats, from malware and viruses to phishing and social engineering. Films like “The Matrix” and “Die Hard 4: Live Free or Die Hard” showcase the dangers of cyberterrorism, highlighting the potential for hackers to disrupt critical infrastructure and compromise national security.

Other films, like “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” and “Blackhat,” explore the world of cybercrime, examining the motivations and methods of hackers who engage in identity theft, fraud, and other forms of cybercrime.

These films offer a glimpse into the world of cybersecurity, highlighting the importance of protecting personal and confidential information in the digital age.

Portrayal of Hackers in Movies

The portrayal of hackers in movies is often stereotypical, with hackers depicted as young, male, and socially awkward. However, this portrayal is not always accurate, and many films have sought to challenge these stereotypes.

Films and shows like “The Social Network” and “Mr. Robot” feature complex and nuanced characters, highlighting the diversity and complexity of the hacker community.

Other films, like “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” and “Hackers,” feature female hackers, challenging the stereotype that hacking is a male-dominated field.

These films offer a more realistic portrayal of hackers, highlighting the skills, motivations, and personalities of individuals who engage in computer hacking.

Hacker TV Shows You Should Watch

Hacker culture has also made its way into TV shows, providing deeper narratives and more time to explore the complexities of hacking, government secrets, and the moral dilemmas that hackers face.

Mr. Robot (2015-2019)

• Release Year: 2015;
• Director: Sam Esmail;
• Main Actors: Rami Malek, Christian Slater, Carly Chaikin;
• Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video;
• Awards: Golden Globe for Best TV Drama Series, Emmy Award for Rami Malek (Best Actor);
• Accuracy: Very accurate; praised by real hackers for its realistic depiction of hacking skills and the online black market;
• IMDB Rating: 8.6/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 94%.

Elliot, a young computer hacker, struggles with mental health issues while being drawn into a subversive hacker group aiming to take down corporate crimes.

The show dives deep into the hacker community and the personal and professional lives of hackers. “Mr. Robot” portrays hacking in a raw and realistic manner, reflecting today's digital age where corporate systems are vulnerable to digital threats.

Halt and Catch Fire (2014-2017)

• Release Year: 2014;
• Director: Christopher Cantwell, Christopher C. Rogers;
• Main Actors: Lee Pace, Scoot McNairy, Mackenzie Davis;
• Where to Stream: AMC+, Netflix;
• Awards: Nominated for multiple awards;
• Accuracy: Focuses more on the PC revolution than actual hacking, but still a must-watch for tech enthusiasts;
• IMDB Rating: 8.4/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 90%.

Set during the 1980s tech boom, this show follows the rise of a computer engineer and young programmer during the early days of the PC revolution.

It’s not just a story about hacking but about the birth of the modern computer industry. It’s also a fantastic look at how technology and innovation intersect in the digital world.

Silicon Valley (2014-2019)

• Release Year: 2014;
• Director: Mike Judge;
• Main Actors: Thomas Middleditch, T.J. Miller, Kumail Nanjiani;
• Where to Stream: HBO Max;
• Awards: Multiple Emmy Awards nominations;
• Accuracy: Although it's a comedy, it has been praised for its somewhat accurate depiction of the startup world;
• IMDB Rating: 8.5/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 94%.

A group of young programmers tries to navigate the complicated world of Silicon Valley, where one powerful hacking tool can make or break a company.

The show blends humor with technology, making it a light-hearted look at hacker culture and the modern world of startups.

Documentaries and Docuseries on Hacking and Cybersecurity

For those wanting to dive deeper into the real-world ramifications of hacking, these documentaries are must-watches.

The Great Hack (2019)

• Release Year: 2019;
• Directors: Karim Amer, Jehane Noujaim;
• Where to Stream: Netflix;
• Awards: Nominated for an Emmy Award;
• Accuracy: Highly accurate, with real-world implications for cybersecurity and government surveillance;
• IMDB Rating: 7.0/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 85%.

This docuseries focuses on the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal, which exposed how personal data is harvested and used to influence elections, including the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

It explores the power that data holds in today's digital age and the lengths to which corporations will go to manipulate it.

Zero Days (2016)

• Release Year: 2016;
• Director: Alex Gibney;
• Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video;
• Awards: Nominated for an Emmy Award;
• Accuracy: Very accurate; explores real-world government secrets;
• IMDB Rating: 7.8/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 93%.

This gripping documentary delves into the Stuxnet virus, a powerful hacking tool used to attack Iran's nuclear facilities.

"Zero Days" reveals the intersection between cyber warfare, government secrets, and the role hacking plays in modern geopolitics.

We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists (2012)

• Release Year: 2012;
• Director: Brian Knappenberger;
• Where to Stream: Free on YouTube, Vimeo;
• Awards: None;
• Accuracy: This is a very accurate portrayal of the hacker community and hacktivism;
• IMDB Rating: 7.3/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 73%.

This documentary takes an inside look at the hacktivist group Anonymous and its role in the online black market and exposing government secrets. It’s a fascinating exploration of how hacking can be used as a form of social protest in the modern world.

Citizenfour (2014)

• Release Year: 2014;
• Director: Laura Poitras;
• Where to Stream: HBO Max;
• Awards: Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature;
• Accuracy: Extremely accurate, as it’s a firsthand account of Edward Snowden’s revelations about government surveillance;
• IMDB Rating: 8.0/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 96%.

This gripping documentary follows the NSA spying scandal. Whistleblower Edward Snowden reveals classified information about the National Security Agency's (NSA) extensive surveillance programs.

"Citizenfour" offers an unprecedented look into the global impact of government spying and its implications for privacy in today's digital world.

The film captures the tension, danger, and moral dilemmas surrounding Snowden’s decision to expose the truth, making it one of the most important documentaries about cybersecurity and government secrets.

Lessons in Cybersecurity from Hacker Movies and Shows

After watching these hacker movies, TV shows, and documentaries, there are a few key lessons to be learned about cybersecurity:

1. No system is truly secure – Whether it’s a corporate system, a government server, or a personal device, hackers are always finding vulnerabilities to exploit.
2. Data is the new gold – As we saw in The Social Network and The Great Hack, data has become the most valuable resource in today's digital world. Protecting it should be a top priority.
3. Always use a VPN – Using a VPN can help secure your internet connection and protect your privacy when browsing online. Hackers love to exploit unsecured networks, but a VPN can serve as an extra layer of protection.
4. Trust no one – In the world of hacking, even your closest allies can betray you for the right price or power (Mr. Robot, anyone?).
5. Stay updated – Outdated systems and software are often the first targets for cyberattacks. Make sure all your systems are up-to-date with the latest security measures.

Hacker movies may dramatize things, but they often reflect real-world issues in cybersecurity. Whether you're a computer technician, a curious high school student, or a computer genius, the digital age requires constant vigilance.

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Conclusion: Best Hacker Movies

So, if you're ready to dive into the world of famous hackers, digital espionage, and cyber heists, grab some popcorn and check out these top hacker movies, TV shows, and documentaries. And remember, in the words of John McClane, "Live free or die hard!"

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