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This post showcases the 25 best hacking movies for cybersecurity enthusiasts.
Cybersecurity is an exciting and ever-evolving field, and it’s no surprise that it has inspired many great films.
These hacking movies offer entertainment and provide insight into the real-world threats posed by hackers and the challenges faced by cybersecurity professionals.
Cybersecurity is an exciting and attractive subject in the cinema. It’s also a way to learn about new concepts you didn’t know existed in the computer world. We recommend some films that deal with this topic.
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Table of Contents
25 Best Hacking Movies For Cybersecurity Enthusiasts
1. WarGames (1983)
One of the best hacking movies for cybersecurity of all time is WarGames. It is one of the first films to address cybersecurity. David (Matthew Broderick) is a computer scientist who unintentionally connects his computer to the U.S. Department of Defense.
In this central server, reality becomes confused with the game, and David will have to rely on the help of his girlfriend and a computer friend to try to prevent a possible Third World War.
2. The Net (1995)
Sandra Bullock plays Angela in La Red, a computer expert in finding viruses and system irregularities.
Angela discovers a program that enables users to access secret databases. Her life changed from then on, getting involved in a conspiracy, and corruption was endangering her life and family.
3. Matrix (1999)
Another best hacking movie for cybersecurity that should make our is list is Matrix (1 – 3). This science-fiction hacking movie stars a computer programmer (Keanu Reeves) who lives a double life: at night, he becomes a hacker using the alias Neo.
When acting as Neo, he comes into contact with Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), who puts him in touch with Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) and with the actual reality of the Matrix: a social simulation of the world that represents the end of the 20th century.
Machines enslave humans; they are in suspension, and they have their minds connected to this simulation. Neo will join Trinity, Morpheo, and their group of rebels to fight the machines and free the enslaved humans.
4. Blackhat (2015)
Maintaining the number 4 on our list of the best hacking movies is Blackhat. In this cybersecurity movie, the Chinese and U.S. governments are forced to cooperate to stop a network of high-level cybercrime.
To do so, they will need the help of a hacker (Chris Hemsworth)- a prisoner, who will help them protect the national security of both powers in exchange for reducing his prison sentence.
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5. Snowden (2016)
Oliver Stone directs Joseph Gordon-Levitt in this film that tells part of Edward Snowden’s life. Snowden is an adaptation of Luke Harding’s book “The Snowden Files: The Inside Story of the World’s Most Wanted Man.”
This hacking movie plot took us to Hong Kong in 2013, when Edward Snowden joined journalists Glenn Greenwald, Ewen MacAskill, and documentary filmmaker Laura Poitras to publish in The Guardian classified and confidential documents that Snowden had acquired while working for the NSA (National Security Agency).
They also tell us about subsequent events and the impact the publication of these documents had on public opinion and Snowden’s life.
In turn, they tell us, through flashbacks to the past, previous events: when Snowden enlisted in the army, when he met his partner Lindsay Mills, and about his beginnings in the CIA and NSA.
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6. Jason Bourne (2016)
There are a total of five films about the fictional character, former CIA agent Jason Bourne (Matt Damon). All are based on the novels written by Robert Ludlum and continued by Eric Van Lustbader with a series of sequels starring Bourne.
The protagonist, who mysteriously disappeared after revealing secret details of the CIA’s murder programs, struggles to recover his identity, becoming involved in networks of manipulation and murder. This latest installment, which premiered in 2016, deals with various topics related to cybersecurity.
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7. Ghost in the Shell (2017)
Ghost in the Shell is a popular science fiction manga created by Masamune Shirow that has been adapted for television, video games, and cinema, but always in animation format.
On March 31, the adaptation of Ghost in the Shell, featuring live-action actors and actresses, arrives in Spanish cinemas.
Scarlett Johansson has been in charge of bringing to life the futuristic cyborg secret police (cybernetic organism), Major Motoko Kusanagi, who fights against technological crimes.
8. Sneakers (1992)
One of the best hacking movies for cybersecurity on our list is Sneakers, released in 1992. Robert Redford stars in Sneakers as Martin Bishop, a computer genius.
Martin leads a team of IT experts responsible for the security systems of large companies. All of them are involved in a situation that forces them to work for a secret agency, for which they must steal a black box capable of deciphering codes.
9. Hackers (1995)
From the name, you should understand the concept behind this best hacking movie. In Hackers, Dade Murphy (Jonny Lee Miller) is a hacker who is not allowed to use any computer until he turns 18. This conviction stems from the fact that, in 1988, he caused the collapse of a large number of Wall Street servers.
When he comes of age, he moves to New York and meets another group of hackers, among them Kate (Angelina Jolie). It’s by hacking into the wrong person that they get into trouble.
10. Pirates of Silicon Valley (1999)
The origin of Microsoft and Apple is the central plot of Pirates of Silicon Valley. Based on the book by Paul Freiberger and Michael Swaine, Fire in the Valley: The Making of the Personal Computer.
It explains the rivalry that existed between Steve Jobs and Bill Gates in the development of the personal computer. Several films about Steve Jobs have been directed, including Jobs (2013) with Ashton Kutcher and Steve Jobs (2015) with Michael Fassbender, both directed by Danny Boyle.
We have highlighted this in our list because it deals with Jobs’ relationship with one of the first hackers in history, John Thomas Draper, also known as Captain Crunch.
Thomas was an outstanding figure in telephone hacking and the creator of Bluebox, a device made with whistles that allowed users to make phone calls without incurring charges. Both Jobs and his colleague, Stephen Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, dedicated themselves to selling this invention for a while before founding Apple.
11. Takedown (2000)
Also known as Hackers 2 and Track Down in the US. This take-down, best hacking movie is a film based on real events. The story is based on the book of the same name (Takedown) written by journalist John Markoff and by Tsutomu Shimomura, a computer security expert, who recounts his personal experiences in the book.
Takedown deals with how Tsutomu Shimomura helped the FBI capture Kevin Mitnick, a famous hacker who, even while on probation, tried to hack Shimomura’s computer security system. In short, an epic pursuit in cyberspace.
12. Antitrust (2001)
Also known as Hackers 3, Antitrust criticizes monopolistic practices in the 1990s. Milo Hoffman (Ryan Phillippe), a computer genius, is invited to work for one of the world’s largest technology companies.
After the death of his best friend, Milo begins to wonder if his new job has anything to do with it. The fictitious company Milo started working for was linked to Microsoft and its fictitious owner, Gary Winston, who was associated with Bill Gates.
13. Swordfish (2001)
Hugh Jackman, John Travolta, Halle Berry, and Don Cheadle starred in the movie Swordfish. Jackman is Stanley Jobson, a computer expert who has recently been released from prison.
Gabriel Shear (John Travolta), who leads an anti-terrorist group called Black Cell, offers him a large sum of money to decode a complex security code from a secret account, enabling him to steal a multimillion-dollar fortune in illegal government funds.
On the other hand is Ginger Knowles (Halle Berry), who works for Gabriel and FBI agent J.T. Roberts (Don Cheadle), who is in charge of watching Stanley after his release from prison and who is interested in reaching Gabriel.
14. Hacker (2016)
Our list of best hacking movies for cybersecurity enthusiasts won’t be complete without this movie. Hacker is an action movie and one of the most current in this list on topics related to cybersecurity.
Alex (Callan McAuliffe) is a Ukrainian immigrant who financially supports his family with illegal jobs on the Internet. Alex undergoes a drastic change when his family gets into financial trouble.
With the help of Kira (Lorraine Nicholson), a young hacker, they create chaos in the financial market and capture the attention of Z, a mysterious masked figure, and the leader of an organization known as Anonymous, who is persecuted by the FBI.
15. Live Free or Die Hard (2007)
This popular hacking action movie with Bruce Willis also includes many entertaining dialogues on cybersecurity, as well as some abuses against the most popular “hacker themes.”
Although some of the tricks employed in the film, such as remote access to Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) or traffic light control, are technically possible, it’s rather complicated to put them into practice, especially in the times and order shown in the film.
Moreover, it is rather challenging to remotely blow up something using the Internet. Although there are real cases of factories being compromised by malware, this is not the most practical approach to preventing factory explosions, especially when the operation must be carried out within a specific time frame.
However, critical infrastructures require special protection from hackers. We would like to thank Bruce Willis for bringing this issue to public attention.
16. Skyfall (2012)
Unlike other best hacking movies for cybersecurity on our list, Skyfall is a memorable one. We remember the Internet-controlled explosion and a whole series of brilliant ideas that are entirely feasible (theft of top-secret information is something that already happens on the Internet). Other thriving scenes include sabotaging the curious headquarters, built on a deserted island.
However, in reality, there is no convenience in making a data center on a remote island in Asia, as it is easily tracked down, and it is challenging to bring the broadband connection here on the island.
Real-world hackers often establish their headquarters in major cities, particularly in Asia, where they can leverage powerful connections and access all the necessary resources. Physical isolation does not help. The best protection is encryption.
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17. The Frauds (1993)
The authors of WarGames also created this movie. The story revolves around a device that can decipher any password and break all cryptographic systems. Of course, the secret services of many countries are seeking such a device (the NSA has played a vital role in history).
In reality, such a device is impossible to build (otherwise, the NSA would not have worked with such passion for crypto-mail providers). But the social engineering tricks work perfectly – both in 1992 and 2013.
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18. The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
The Matrix trilogy has given popularity to the philosophy of “simulated reality.” But geeks like the film above all for its aesthetics. Indeed, the Wachowski brothers’ masterpiece stages numerous sabotage and hacker actions, but they are presented almost like magic, Harry Potter-like spells.
In general, the problem of “sandbox escape,” which the heroes of the Matrix must solve, really exists, and modern malware often exploits it in the form of exploits, as in the case of Adobe Reader. However, the film’s creators didn’t think about it. Thanks for showing us again how to use NMAP.
19. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009)
Many people prefer the film adaptation of the novel by Stieg Larsson, also known by the same name. This is certainly true for the scenes of computer piracy, where the protagonist of the film uses an old NMPA to scan the computers of people of interest. This part of the story is plausible because hacking has become one of the most effective ways to uncover a person’s secrets.
Such a system is often more accessible, less expensive, and safer than establishing a covert surveillance system or breaking into the victim’s apartment. But there is an even more effective way: stealing his smartphone. It will undoubtedly be full of secrets and private information that you can use to your benefit.
20. The Great Hack (2019)
Here is another entry among our list of the best hacking movies for cybersecurity.
In March 2018, it was discovered that data of millions of people was shared on Facebook. It was the Cambridge Analytica scandal.
The Great Hacker is a documentary hack movie based on that true story. It premiered on July 24, 2019, on Netflix and examines the darker side of social networks, exploring how they utilized the personal data of 87 million people to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
21. The Conversation (1974)
Harry Paul, a detective renowned for his expertise in surveillance and security systems, is commissioned by a tycoon to investigate his young wife. She must listen to his conversations with an employee of this man, with whom she seems to be in love.
The mission, for an expert of his category, is, at first sight, challenging, as the couple offers no interest outside the ordinary. However, when Harry finishes his work, he notices something strange behind the banality he has been investigating, as his client refuses to identify himself and always uses intermediaries.
22. The Italian Job (1969)
Despite being an old movie, The Italian Job is one of the best hacking movies of our time. After leaving prison, a criminal devises a plan to steal a massive shipment of gold and successfully escapes. How? By creating an enormous traffic jam in Turin.
Thanks to the manipulation of the city’s computer traffic control system and three small Minis with which to escape with the loot. Cars and vulnerabilities in a connected downtown.
23. The I.T. Crowd (2006) (TV Series)
One of the best hacking movies you should consider is The IT Crowd. Of British origin, it has turned out to be one of the most popular cybersecurity TV series of the last decade.
It follows the daily life of two young geniuses who work for the technology department of a company, and their supervisor, in charge, learns from all their talent. You’ll have a lot of fun just watching the first chapter.
Come on. You got it. If you are a fan of the world of computer science and hacking, here are some of the best options in movies and series. You’ll know what to do during the weekend, so you won’t get bored. Enjoy!
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24. Mr. Robot (2015) (T.V. Series)
Elliot Alderson is a gifted computer man who works during the day as a digital national security agent. While at night, he develops into a computer hacker with an enormous reputation.
His incredible computer skills and depressive condition make him debate between being one of the “good” or “bad.” Anyway, it is one of the best series of hackers, and it is also available on Netflix. Would you like to see it?
25. The Social Network (2010)
The Social Network movie is one of the best hacking movies for cybersecurity enthusiasts on our list. How much do you know about the creation of Facebook?
In The Social Network, the university life of its creator is portrayed. Mark Zuckerberg’s life is told stage by stage. This includes how, in one night, he created Facebook, which is now the most popular social network.
However, that’s not the most impressive aspect of this hacking movie. But all the drama around his project partners and those who tried to usurp his great idea. Look it up now, and you’ll know why it’s one of the best computer movies available.
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Best Hacking Movies For Cybersecurity Enthusiasts: Frequently Asked Questions
Is hacking in movies accurate?
No, hacking in movies is not usually accurate. Hollywood often portrays hacking as a fast-paced, exciting activity that involves flashy graphics and rapid typing. However, in reality, hacking is a much more methodical and time-consuming process. It often involves social engineering, research, and patience.
Here are some of the ways that Hollywood hacking differs from real-life hacking, according to programming experts from https://assignmentcore.
- Timeline: In movies, hacks often happen in a matter of minutes or hours. In reality, hacks can take weeks, months, or even years to complete.
- Technology: Hollywood often uses outdated or fictional technology to make hacking seem more dramatic. In reality, hackers use real-world tools and techniques.
- Skills: Hollywood often portrays hackers as lone geniuses who can hack into anything. In reality, hacking is often a collaborative effort that requires a diverse range of skills.
- Motivation: In movies, hackers are often motivated by revenge or greed. In reality, hackers can have a variety of motivations, including political activism, curiosity, and financial gain.
Here are some of the most common inaccuracies in movie hacking:
- Green screens and fake graphics: Real hacking happens on a black screen with lines of code. The flashy graphics and animations often seen in movies are not realistic.
- Split-screen windows: In movies, hackers often have multiple windows open on their screens simultaneously. In reality, hackers usually focus on one window at a time.
- Rapid typing: In movies, hackers often type very quickly. In reality, typing speed is not a crucial factor for hacking.
- Virus spreading: In movies, viruses often spread quickly and easily. In reality, viruses are not as easy to spread as they are often portrayed.
- Zero-day exploits: In movies, hackers frequently employ zero-day exploits to gain unauthorized access to systems. Zero-day exploits are vulnerabilities that are unknown to the software vendor. In reality, zero-day exploits are rare and very valuable.
Despite the inaccuracies, there are a few movies that do a good job of portraying hacking in a more realistic way.
Some examples of realistic hacking movies include:
- Mr. Robot: This TV series follows a young hacker who works as a cybersecurity engineer by day and a vigilante hacker by night. The show is praised for its realistic portrayal of hacking and the psychological impact it can have on individuals.
- WarGames: This 1983 film follows a young hacker who accidentally gains access to a military supercomputer and inadvertently triggers a nuclear war scenario. The film is considered a classic and is still relevant today.
- The Social Network: This 2010 film follows the creation of Facebook and the legal battle between its founders. The film is praised for its accurate portrayal of the early days of social media and the challenges of online privacy.
While hacking in movies is not usually accurate, it can still be entertaining. If you are interested in learning more about real-world hacking, numerous resources are available online and in libraries.
What do hackers say in movies?
Movie hackers are notorious for their dramatic pronouncements and witty one-liners. Here are some of the most common things hackers say in movies:
1. “We’re in.” This is the classic hacker line that nearly all movie hackers say. It’s a simple phrase that signifies that the hacker has successfully gained access to a system.
What movie is based on a true story hacker?
There are several movies based on true stories of hackers, each offering a unique perspective on the world of cybersecurity and the fascinating individuals who inhabit it. Here are a few of the most notable:
- Takedown (2000): This film tells the story of Kevin Mitnick, a notorious hacker who spent years evading authorities before being captured in 1995. The movie portrays Mitnick as a brilliant yet troubled individual driven by a deep-seated need to challenge the establishment.
- The Social Network (2010): This movie chronicles the creation of Facebook and the legal battle between its founders, Mark Zuckerberg, Eduardo Saverin, and the Winklevoss twins. While not strictly a hacking movie, it does delve into the world of computer programming and the ethical implications of online privacy.
- Mr. Robot (2015-2019): This television series follows Elliot Alderson, a young hacker who works as a cybersecurity engineer by day and a vigilante hacker by night. The show is praised for its realistic portrayal of hacking and the psychological impact it can have on individuals.
- WarGames (1983): This classic film follows a young hacker who accidentally gains access to a military supercomputer and inadvertently triggers a nuclear war scenario. While the technology depicted is outdated, the film raises important questions about the dangers of cyberwarfare.
- Blackhat (2015): This film stars Chris Hemsworth as a convicted hacker who is released from prison to help track down a cybercriminal who is causing global chaos. While the film received mixed reviews, it does offer an interesting glimpse into the world of international cybercrime.
- The Fifth Estate (2013): This film tells the story of WikiLeaks and its founder, Julian Assange. While not strictly a hacking movie, it does explore the ethical implications of information leaks and the role of whistleblowers in the digital age.
- Sneakers (1992): This action-comedy follows a team of hackers who are hired to test security systems for a living. While the film is lighthearted and humorous, it does offer a glimpse into the early days of cybersecurity.
- Hackers (1995): This cult classic follows a group of teenage hackers who become involved in a conspiracy to steal money from a large corporation. While the film is not particularly realistic, it does capture the spirit of early hacker culture.
- The Matrix (1999): Although not specifically about hackers, this sci-fi action film delves into themes of reality, simulation, and the nature of information. It has become a cult classic and has had a significant influence on popular culture.
- Snowden (2016): This biographical drama tells the story of Edward Snowden, a former NSA contractor who leaked classified documents that revealed the extent of the government’s surveillance programs. The film raises important questions about privacy, security, and the role of whistleblowers in the digital age.
1. White hat hackers
White hat hackers are also known as ethical hackers. They are security professionals who use their skills to identify and fix vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks.
They typically work for companies or organizations that want to improve their security posture. White hat hackers are often considered the “good guys” of the hacking world.
2. Black hat hackers
Black hat hackers are also known as crackers. They are criminals who exploit vulnerabilities using their skills for personal gain.
They may steal data, install malware, or launch denial-of-service attacks. Black hat hackers are often considered the “bad guys” of the hacking world.
3. Grey hat hackers
Grey hat hackers operate between the lines of white-hat and black-hat hackers. They may use their skills for both good and bad purposes.
For example, a grey hat hacker might discover a vulnerability in a system and disclose it publicly without permission from the owner. Grey hat hackers can be challenging to categorize, as their motivations vary.
4. Script kiddies
Script kiddies are people who use hacking tools and scripts created by others. They often lack the technical skills to understand how the tools work and may use them for malicious purposes without fully understanding the consequences. Script kiddies are often considered the “wannabes” of the hacking world.
5. Hacktivists
Hacktivists are individuals who utilize hacking techniques to advocate for a political or social cause. They may launch cyberattacks against government agencies, corporations, or other organizations that they believe are doing harm. Hacktivists often see themselves as digital Robin Hoods, fighting for justice and equality.
6. Green hat hackers
Green hat hackers are a newer breed of hackers who are motivated by a desire to learn and improve their skills. They often participate in bug bounty programs or “capture the flag” competitions.
Green hat hackers are considered a valuable asset to the security community, as they help to identify and fix vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.
7. Blue hat hackers
Blue hat hackers are individuals who hack for personal enjoyment or intellectual challenge. They may not have any malicious intent, but their activities can still be disruptive or harmful.
Blue-hat hackers are often viewed as a nuisance by security professionals, but they can also offer valuable insights into new vulnerabilities and emerging attack techniques.
8. Red hat hackers
Red hat hackers are government-sponsored hackers who are employed to conduct offensive cyber operations. They may target foreign governments, critical infrastructure, or other high-value targets.
Red hat hackers are often shrouded in secrecy, and their activities can have a significant impact on national security.
9. State-sponsored hacker
State-sponsored hackers are individuals employed by a government agency to conduct cyber operations. They may be tasked with conducting espionage, sabotage, or other forms of cyberwarfare.
State-sponsored hackers are often well-funded and have access to sophisticated tools and techniques.
10. Organized crime groups
Organized crime groups are increasingly turning to cybercrime as a means of generating revenue. They may use hacking to steal money, launder money, or launch cyberattacks against businesses or individuals.
Organized crime groups are often ruthless and well-organized, posing a serious threat to cybersecurity.
These are just a few of the many types of hackers that exist. The threat landscape is constantly evolving, and new types of hackers are emerging all the time.
It is essential for organizations to be aware of the various types of hackers and to implement measures to protect themselves from potential attacks. Also, you can check out our guide on how to become an hacker.
What Are The Best Hacker Movies Released in 2023?
Here is a list of some of the best hacker movies released in 2023:
- Blackwater: This South Korean action thriller follows a skilled hacker who is framed for cybercrime and must go on the run to clear his name.
- Cypher: This American science fiction thriller follows a group of hackers who discover a dangerous conspiracy.
- Unlocked: This French thriller follows a woman who is targeted by a hacker who has gained access to her phone.
- No Escape: This American action thriller follows a family who is targeted by a group of hackers while on vacation in a remote island.
These are just a few hacker movies 2023 of the many great hacker movies that were released in 2023. I hope you enjoy watching them!
Bottom Line
Our preferred best hacking movie is: The Social Network
The Social Network transcends the genre of hacking films. It chronicles the birth of a digital behemoth – Facebook – and the man behind it: Mark Zuckerberg.
From a Harvard dorm room to global domination, witness the transformation of a student into the youngest billionaire, a testament to both ambition and the transformative power of the internet.
Which movie did not make our list of the best hacking movies for cybersecurity? Comment below.
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