Hackers have always been popular figures in movies, and there are plenty of great hacking movies out there. They have appeared in almost every robbery or mystery movie, becoming the go-to villains for filmmakers. But why have hackers become such popular movie characters?
One reason may be that hacking is still a relatively new phenomenon. It was only in the last few decades that hacking emerged as a major issue. As such, it is still shrouded in mystery for many people. This makes it an ideal plot device for filmmakers looking to add an element of suspense to their stories.
Another reason may be that hackers are often portrayed as highly skilled and intelligent individuals. This is certainly appealing to audiences who enjoy seeing smart characters outwit their opponents. In addition, hackers are often shown using cutting-edge technology, which also helps to captivate viewers.
In a world where technology is constantly evolving, it’s no surprise that hacking has become a popular topic in movies. While some hacking movies are based on true stories, others are complete works of fiction. Here are the 17 best hacking movies list of all time:
17 Best Hacking Movies Of All Time
Algorithm (2014)
In the 2014 film “Algorithm”, Will, a freelance computer hacker, breaks into a top-secret government contractor and downloads their entire database. The film follows Will as he tries to evade capture by the authorities, while also trying to sell the information he has acquired. The film is a tense and exciting thriller that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Tron (1982)
Tron is a cult classic hacking movie from 1982. The story follows a computer programmer who is transported inside the computer world and has to compete in gladiatorial games to escape. The movie was ahead of its time in many ways, accurately predicting the rise of the internet and virtual reality.
It also had a strong message about the dangers of corporate control over our lives. Despite its low budget, Tron was a visually stunning movie that used cutting-edge special effects. It was also one of the first movies to feature an all-digital soundtrack.
Tron is an important part of pop culture history and remains hugely popular to this day. It is considered one of the best hacking movies ever made and continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers and coders alike.
WarGames (1983)
WarGames was a 1983 American science fiction film directed by John Badham and written by Lawrence Lasker and Walter F. Parkes. The film stars Matthew Broderick as David Lightman, a young hacker who unwittingly accesses WOPR (War Operation Plan Response), a United States military supercomputer originally programmed to predict possible outcomes of nuclear war.
Lightman hacks into the computer and tells it to play Global Thermonuclear War, believing it to be a computer game. The computer, taking the command literally, begins launching missiles at the Soviet Union. Realizing the situation, Lightman and his girlfriend Jennifer try frantically to stop the computer before an all-out nuclear war breaks out between the superpowers.
Hackers (1995)
Hackers is a 1995 American thriller film directed by Iain Softley and starring Jonny Lee Miller, Angelina Jolie, and Fisher Stevens. The film follows a group of young computer hackers in New York City who are recruited by a government agent to track down a mysterious super hacker known as “The Phantom.”
Hackers were one of the first films to realistically portray hacking and the underground world of computer hacking. The film was ahead of its time in terms of its depiction of hacking culture and the lengths that hackers would go to in order to gain access to sensitive information. Despite being panned by critics, Hackers has gone on to become a cult classic, with many people citing it as one of their favorite films.
The Matrix (1999)
The Matrix is a 1999 American science fiction action-adventure film written and directed by the Wachowskis, starring Keanu Reeves as Neo, a computer programmer who is drawn into a rebellion against the machines who have enslaved humanity in an alternate reality known as “the Matrix”.
Neo is recruited by Morpheus, a rebel leader who believes that Neo is “the One” who will end the war between humans and machines. Neo learns that the Matrix is actually a simulated reality created by intelligent machines to keep humans under control.
As he comes to believe in his destiny, Neo fights alongside Morpheus and the Trinity against the agents of the machine world. The Wachowskis’ use of Hong Kong action cinema influences was evident throughout the film, particularly in their use of slow motion and wire fu techniques for the fight scenes.
Takedown (2000)
Hacking movies are few and far between, but Takedown aka Track down (2000) is one of the best. Based on the true story of Kevin Mitnick, the world’s most wanted hacker, it’s a fascinating look at the world of hacking and cybercrime. Mitnick was arrested in 1995 after a three-year manhunt and was sentenced to five years in prison. He was released in 2000 and now works as a computer security consultant.
Takedown aka Track down (2000) is an excellent hacking movie that is based on a true story. It provides insight into the world of hacking and cybercrime through the eyes of Kevin Mitnick, the world’s most wanted hacker.
CitizenFour (2014)
Citizenfour is a 2014 hacking movie that tells the story of Edward Snowden, the man who leaked classified information from the National Security Agency (NSA). The film follows Snowden as he flees to Hong Kong and then to Russia, where he remains in exile.
The film was directed by Laura Poitras and featured interviews with Snowden himself and journalists Glenn Greenwald and Ewen MacAskill. It won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Citizenfour is a fascinating look at one of the most controversial figures of our time. It’s sure to leave viewers with plenty to think about long after the credits have rolled.
The Italian Job
When it comes to hacking movies, The Italian Job (2003) is one of the best. This heist flick follows a group of professional thieves as they attempt to steal $35 million worth of gold from a rival gang.
To pull off the heist, the thieves must use their skills to hack into the city’s traffic control system and create a massive traffic jam. This will allow them to get the gold out of the city undetected.
The Italian Job is a thrilling ride from start to finish and features some of the best hacking scenes in any movie. If you’re looking for a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then this is definitely one to check out.
Live free or Die hard (2007)
In 2007, the fourth installment in the Die Hard franchise was released, titled Live free or Die hard. The movie follows John McClane (played by Bruce Willis) as he tries to stop a group of hackers from taking control of America’s computer infrastructure.
The movie was well-received by critics, with many praising its action sequences and Bruce Willis’ performance. It was also a box office success, grossing over $390 million worldwide. Live free or Die hard is considered one of the best hacking movies ever made. It’s an adrenaline-fueled thrill ride that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
Blackhat (2015)
In the film Blackhat, a furloughed convict and his American and Chinese partners hunt a high-level cybercrime network from Chicago to Los Angeles to Hong Kong to Jakarta.
Released in 2015, Blackhat was directed by Michael Mann and stars Chris Hemsworth, Tang Wei, Viola Davis, and Holt McCallany. The plot follows a group of hackers who are recruited by the U.S. government to track down a terrorist organization responsible for cyberattacks against American infrastructure.
While the film was not well-received by critics, it was praised for its depiction of hacking culture and techniques.
Untraceable (2008)
In the movie Untraceable (2008), an FBI Special Agent is tasked with tracking down a serial killer who targets victims through the internet. The killer streams live videos of his victims being tortured and killed, and the more people that watch, the faster the victim dies. The agent must use all of his skills to track down the killer before more lives are lost.
The movie Untraceable (2008) is a thrilling ride from start to finish. It will have you on the edge of your seat as you try to figure out who the killer is and how they can be stopped. This film is a must-see for anyone who loves a good mystery or crime thriller.
Eagle Eye (2008)
Eagle Eye is a 2008 American thriller film directed by D. J. Caruso and starring Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan, Rosario Dawson, Michael Chiklis, Anthony Mackie, and Billy Bob Thornton. The plot follows two strangers who are brought together by a mysterious phone call from a woman they have never met. The caller threatens to kill them unless they follow her instructions.
The film was released in the United States on September 26, 2008. It received mixed reviews from critics and grossed $101 million worldwide. Eagle Eye is a gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Hacking plays a big role in the movie as the characters use it to their advantage to get ahead of the game.
Fifth Estate (2013)
The Fifth Estate is a 2013 American biographical thriller film about Julian Assange and the WikiLeaks organization. The film stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Assange and Daniel Brühl as Daniel Domscheit-Berg. The film was directed by Bill Condon, written by Josh Singer, and produced by DreamWorks Pictures.
The film premiered at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2013. It was released on October 18, 2013, in the United States. The film received mixed reviews from critics, but Cumberbatch’s performance was widely praised.
The Fifth Estate grossed $8 million in its opening weekend in the United States and Canada. Overall, the film grossed $8 million worldwide against its $28 million budget.
Snowden (2016)
In 2016, a movie was released about the life of Edward Snowden, who is a former CIA employee. The movie is called Snowden, and it stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Snowden. Oliver Stone directed the movie, and it is based on the book The Snowden Files by Luke Harding.
Snowden was not the first movie to be made about hacking. In 2013, the movie Fifth Estate was released. It starred Benedict Cumberbatch as Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks. Assange helped Snowden to leak classified information from the NSA to the public. Both movies are about how ordinary people can use technology to fight against government corruption. They both show how one person can make a difference in the world.
The Net (1995 film)
The Net is a 1995 American thriller film directed by Irwin Winkler. The film stars Sandra Bullock as Angela Bennett, a computer systems analyst who is framed for stealing software from her boss after she discovers a plot to sell classified government information.
The Net was released in the United States on July 28, 1995, and received mixed reviews from critics. However, the film was a box office success, grossing over $110.6 million worldwide against its $22 million budget.
23 (1998)
23 is a 1998 German hacking movie directed by Hans-Christian Schmid. The film follows the story of Karl Koch, a young hacker in the 1980s who gets caught up in the world of international espionage.
Karl Koch is a young hacker who becomes involved in the world of international espionage. The KGB recruits him to help them steal sensitive information from the United States government. However, Karl’s activities are discovered by the CIA and he is arrested. 23 is a fascinating look at the world of international espionage and hacking. It is also a cautionary tale about the dangers of getting involved in such activities.
Who am I (2014)
In the 2014 film “Who am I”, we follow the story of Benjamin, a young German hacker who is recruited by a group of international hackers. The group is planning to take down a major corporation, and Benjamin is eager to prove himself.
But as he gets deeper into the world of hacking, he begins to question his own motivations. Why does he want to help these strangers? What does he hope to gain from this? As Benjamin starts to uncover the secrets of the group, he also starts to discover more about himself.
Honorable Mention for Hacking Television Series: Mr. Robot
Mr. Robot (2015)
Mr. Robot is an American television series that premiered on the USA Network in 2015. The series follows Elliot Alderson, a cybersecurity engineer, and hacker who suffers from social anxiety disorder and clinical depression. Alderson is recruited by an anarchist known as “Mr. Robot” to join a group of hacktivists called “society”.
The group’s goal is to overthrow the corrupt conglomerate, E Corp, which they believe is responsible for the world’s financial inequality. The series has been praised for its writing, directing, acting, and overall tone. It has received multiple awards, including the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re looking for some best hacking movies to watch, the list above should give you some great options. Whether you want to learn more about hacking, be entertained by a thrilling story, or both, there’s a movie on this list that’s perfect for you. So grab some popcorn and enjoy! Each of these movies offers a different perspective on the world of hacking and the role it plays in our lives. As we become more reliant on technology, it is important to understand the implications of our actions and the potential for misuse. These movies are entertaining and thought-provoking, and they offer a glimpse into a world that is often hidden from view.
