Directed by Michael Mann, Blackhat attempts to bring the cyberthriller into the modern era with a story about a furloughed master hacker (Chris Hemsworth) who must help the FBI and Chinese authorities track down a dangerous cybercriminal responsible for attacks on a nuclear power plant and global markets. The film tries to ground its hacking sequences in a degree of realism and takes viewers to various international locations. While perhaps not as critically acclaimed as some other films on this list, it offers a look at large-scale cyber warfare and the global implications of digital threats through Mann's signature stylish direction. It's a contemporary take on the genre.

The fourth installment in the Die Hard series brings John McClane into the 21st century, facing a terrorist threat driven by a sophisticated cyberattack. A group of hackers initiates a 'fire sale' – a systematic takedown of the nation's infrastructure (transportation, utilities, finance). Bruce Willis's classic analog hero must team up with a young, genuine hacker (Justin Long) to combat the digital villains. It's an action movie first and foremost, but it effectively uses the concept of widespread digital vulnerability as its central threat, showcasing how interconnected systems can be exploited on a catastrophic scale. It's a fun, high-stakes entry that shows even John McClane isn't safe from cybercrime.

Also known as Track Down, this film is based on the true story of notorious hacker Kevin Mitnick and his pursuit by FBI agent Tsutomu Shimomura. The movie chronicles Mitnick's exploits, his ability to penetrate seemingly secure systems, and the cat-and-mouse game between him and Shimomura. While the film takes liberties with the actual events (leading to some controversy regarding its accuracy from both Mitnick and Shimomura), it provides a dramatized look at one of the most famous hacking sagas of the 1990s. It attempts to delve into the mindset of a hacker driven by curiosity and the thrill of the challenge.

Swordfish is an action-packed thriller that puts a stylish, explosive spin on the hacker genre. Hugh Jackman plays a super-hacker fresh out of prison who is coerced by a charismatic and ruthless spy (John Travolta) into pulling off a massive bank heist using his digital skills. While it leans heavily into Hollywood dramatization of hacking (remember the infamous scene requiring impossibly fast decryption?), it's undeniably entertaining thanks to its slick visuals, over-the-top action sequences, and the magnetic performances of its leads, including Halle Berry and Don Cheadle. It's less about realism and more about high-octane digital espionage.

David Fincher's intense adaptation introduces us to Lisbeth Salander, one of cinema's most compelling hacker characters. Played with fierce intensity by Rooney Mara, Lisbeth is a brilliant, troubled, and resourceful computer expert who uses her skills to investigate complex and disturbing cases alongside journalist Mikael Blomkvist. Her hacking isn't just a plot device; it's integral to her character and her ability to uncover hidden truths and protect herself. The film is dark, gritty, and suspenseful, using Lisbeth's digital prowess as a key tool in navigating a world filled with secrets and corruption. While part of a larger mystery, her hacking skills are portrayed with a grounded, almost utilitarian realism.

An often-overlooked gem in the tech thriller genre, Sneakers boasts an incredible ensemble cast including Robert Redford, Sidney Poitier, Ben Kingsley, Dan Aykroyd, and River Phoenix. The film centers on a team of security experts, many with past hacking ties, who are hired to retrieve a mysterious black box capable of decoding any encryption system. It's a smart, witty caper that focuses less on flashy code and more on the human element of security, social engineering, and cryptography. The film's depiction of security vulnerabilities and the potential power of information feels remarkably relevant even today. It's a fun, suspenseful ride with great chemistry between the actors.

David Fincher's The Social Network might not feature hooded figures typing furiously in dark rooms, but it's a fascinating exploration of the birth of a digital empire and the coding and 'hacking' (in a social engineering sense) that went into it. The film chronicles the tumultuous creation of Facebook by Mark Zuckerberg, portrayed with complex intensity by Jesse Eisenberg. Aaron Sorkin's whip-smart, rapid-fire dialogue captures the ambition, rivalry, and legal battles behind the platform. While it's more of a biographical drama, it offers a compelling look at the brilliant, often ruthless minds that built the foundations of our modern online world, starting with late-night coding sessions and exploiting university networks.

The Matrix isn't just a hacker movie; it's a philosophical sci-fi action masterpiece that redefined visual effects and storytelling. While its core concept revolves around breaking free from a simulated reality, the protagonists, particularly Neo, use skills akin to hacking (understanding the system, bending its rules) to navigate and eventually manipulate the digital world they discover. The Wachowskis created a universe steeped in cyberpunk aesthetics, martial arts, and deep questions about reality, control, and freedom. Its influence on film, philosophy, and even fashion cannot be overstated. While less about keyboards and code and more about bending physics, its themes resonate strongly with the idea of uncovering hidden systems and fighting against overwhelming control.

If you want the quintessential 90s hacker aesthetic, look no further than Hackers. This cult classic follows a group of stylish, young, and rebellious computer enthusiasts who get caught up in a corporate conspiracy after one of them is framed for creating a devastating computer virus. Featuring a young Angelina Jolie and Jonny Lee Miller, the film might take some creative liberties with technical accuracy (hello, 'typing' while skateboarding!), but it absolutely nails the counter-cultural spirit and the feeling of a new, exciting digital frontier. The soundtrack is iconic, the fashion is unforgettable, and it perfectly captures the techno-optimism and paranoia of the early internet era. It's pure cyber-punk fun!

A true classic that helped define the hacker movie genre! WarGames stars Matthew Broderick as a young computer whiz who accidentally hacks into a military supercomputer programmed to predict potential outcomes of nuclear war. Believing it's just a game simulation, he initiates a scenario that could lead to World War III. Released in 1983, this film was surprisingly prescient about the dangers of interconnected systems and artificial intelligence. Its impact was so significant it's credited with influencing real-world policy, prompting President Reagan to commission a study on cybersecurity, which led to the first computer security laws in the US. It's a thrilling look back at the dawn of the digital age and the chilling possibilities it presented.

Considered by many to be one of the most realistic portrayals of hacking and cybersecurity in popular media, Mr. Robot is an absolute must-watch. Rami Malek delivers an Emmy-winning performance as Elliot Alderson, a brilliant but unstable cybersecurity engineer who gets drawn into an underground hacker group aiming to take down corporate America. The show is celebrated for its technical accuracy (often consulting with experts), its deep dive into complex themes of identity, mental health, and anti-capitalism, and its stunning, often unsettling cinematography. Creator Sam Esmail crafted a visually distinctive and narratively intricate series that keeps you guessing until the very end. It's more than just a hacker show; it's a psychological thriller that holds a mirror up to our digital society.