Set in the 1980s and early 1990s, Halt and Catch Fire chronicles the rise of the personal computer era, the internet, and the cutthroat world of tech startups in Texas and later Silicon Valley. While its focus is broader than just hacking, it delves into the minds of brilliant engineers, programmers, and visionaries. It explores the creation of hardware and software from the ground up, touching upon the foundational elements that enable both innovation and, eventually, the more complex digital landscapes where hacking thrives. It's a character-driven drama about the people behind the tech revolution.

This spin-off of the popular CSI franchise focuses on the FBI's Cyber Crime Division, investigating cases that originate from online activities and impact the real world. The show tackles various forms of cybercrime, from hacking and identity theft to online extortion. While often simplifying technical concepts for a broad audience, it brings the world of cyber forensics and digital investigation to a procedural format, attempting to show the consequences of virtual crimes in physical reality.

The Fifth Estate focuses on the controversial early days of WikiLeaks, depicting the relationship between Julian Assange and Daniel Domscheit-Berg and the events leading up to the release of classified documents. The film deals with the technical aspects of receiving, encrypting, and publishing massive amounts of sensitive data, showcasing how information and technology can be used for activism and transparency, or perceived as a threat, depending on your perspective. It highlights the power of leaks facilitated by digital means.

Directed by Michael Mann, Blackhat follows a furloughed master hacker who is tasked with helping American and Chinese authorities track down a high-level cybercrime network responsible for attacks on a nuclear power plant and global markets. The film attempts a more grounded portrayal of international cybersecurity threats and the on-the-ground work involved in tracking digital footprints, though it blends technical elements with a standard action-thriller format. It provides a look at the global scale of modern hacking threats.

While not strictly a 'hacking' movie, The Social Network chronicles the tumultuous founding of Facebook and features scenes depicting early programming, data scraping, and maneuvering in the digital realm that could be considered forms of hacking or at least pushing technological boundaries for personal gain. Directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin, the film is critically acclaimed for its sharp dialogue and compelling narrative about ambition, betrayal, and the digital revolution. It shows how groundbreaking tech often begins with unconventional methods.

The fourth installment in the Die Hard series brings John McClane into the 21st century, pitting him against a cyber-terrorist orchestrating a 'fire sale' – a three-stage attack on the United States' infrastructure (transportation, finance, utilities). While heavy on action and classic McClane antics, the plot is driven entirely by a sophisticated, large-scale hacking operation. It explores the vulnerability of modern society's reliance on interconnected digital systems, making the invisible threat of hacking as dangerous as any physical enemy McClane has faced before.

This late '90s thriller taps into fears of government surveillance and the power of technology to track individuals. Will Smith plays a lawyer who unknowingly comes into possession of evidence of a politically motivated murder, making him the target of a rogue NSA unit using advanced hacking and surveillance tools. Directed by Tony Scott and featuring a supporting role by Gene Hackman that echoes his character in The Conversation, the film is a high-octane chase flick that uses hacking and digital surveillance as the primary engine for its plot, highlighting how technology can erase privacy.

Released in 1983, WarGames was a groundbreaking film that brought the concept of computers and potential global conflict into the mainstream consciousness. A young hacker accidentally connects to a military supercomputer programmed to predict possible outcomes of nuclear war, mistaking it for a game. The film raised serious questions about artificial intelligence, automation, and the dangers of escalating conflict, influencing public debate and even reportedly prompting actual policy changes in the US government regarding computer security. It's a tense, thought-provoking thriller that feels surprisingly relevant decades later.

Hackers is pure '90s cyber-punk spectacle! While its technical accuracy is... stylized, to say the least, this film is iconic for capturing the burgeoning hacker culture of the era with vibrant energy and a killer soundtrack. It's less about realistic code and more about the attitude, the community, and the fight against corporate control. Starring Angelina Jolie and Jonny Lee Miller early in their careers, the movie's visual flair and over-the-top digital representations are part of its enduring charm. It's a time capsule that defines the aesthetic of hacking for a generation, proving that sometimes, style can be just as impactful as substance.

Before cybercrime was a household term, Sneakers delivered a smart, witty thriller centered on a team of security experts hired to steal a mysterious black box. This isn't about flashy graphics; it's a masterclass in social engineering, technical prowess, and old-school espionage wrapped in a genuinely fun package. The ensemble cast is phenomenal, featuring Robert Redford, Sidney Poitier, Dan Aykroyd, River Phoenix, and Ben Kingsley. It predicted many real-world cybersecurity issues and remains a beloved classic for its intelligence, humor, and surprisingly relevant take on the power of information.

Dive deep into the mind of Elliot Alderson, a cyber-security engineer who moonlight as a vigilante hacker. Mr. Robot stands out for its gritty realism (relative to Hollywood) and psychological depth, exploring themes of corporate control, mental health, and the nature of reality itself. The show features surprisingly accurate depictions of hacking techniques, thanks to technical consultants, making it a favorite among real-world tech enthusiasts. Rami Malek's performance as Elliot earned him an Emmy, and the show's unique visual style and unreliable narration create an intense, paranoia-inducing atmosphere that's utterly captivating from the first episode.