Is your family ready for a potential cyber attack? If not, now is the time to start converting them! Cyber Security movies and series offer a reality check for anyone who thinks they’re immune to online threats. In this post, we’ve selected some of the best hacker/cyber security movies and series you can watch this festive season.
“A lot of the cyberattacks that we have witnessed from our investigations, almost all of them could have been prevented by doing fundamental cyber hygiene” – FBI Supervisory Special Agent Michael Sohn
According to the FBI, cybercriminals have recently been pivoting and now targeting softer targets, such as small and medium businesses, which are often run by families and friends who may not be aware of the risks they face. These businesses may not have the resources to invest in cybersecurity or preventive measures, unlike larger corporations that have more money to put toward keeping themselves secure.
However, staying informed about the types of cyber-attacks happening and learning how to protect yourself can go a long way toward keeping your business safe. By watching these computer hacking movies and shows, you can learn skills such as spotting a hacker, protecting your computer and internet-connected devices, and more cyber threats out there.
Top 10 Recommendations (Movies & Series)
1. “Mr. Robot” (TV Series)
This popular series follows the story of a young hacker who gets recruited by an underground hacking group to bring down a corrupt corporation. “Mr. Robot” has a rating of 8.6/10 on IMDb, the highest in our list for a tv series, receiving critical acclaim for its writing, acting, and unique visual style. According to IMDb, it has scored 21 awards, including 3 Primetime Emmys, and 86 nominations. It’s all four seasons are available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
2. “The Imitation Game” (Movie)
One of the best cyber security related movies, this Benedict Cumberbatch starrer tells the true story of Alan Turing and his team of codebreakers who helped crack the German Enigma code during World War II. This movie has a rating of 8.0/10 on IMDb, the highest in our list for a movie, and has received widespread acclaim for its writing, direction, and performances. It scored 49 wins, including an Oscar for “Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay” in 2015, and 165 nominations, including 7 Oscar nominations, according to IMDb. This movie is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
3. “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” (Movie)
Starring Daniel Craig, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is a 2011 psychological thriller movie based on the book of the same name by Stieg Larsson and follows the story of a journalist and a computer hacker who team up to solve a decades-old murder case.
This movie has a rating of 7.8/10 on IMDb and has received positive reviews for its acting, direction, and adaptation of the source material. According to IMDb, it scored 27 awards, including an Oscar and 91 nominations. This movie is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
4. “Snowden” (Movie)
A 2016 biographical political thriller movie directed by Oliver Stone. This cyber movie is based on the true story of Edward Snowden, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, a former National Security Agency (NSA) employee who leaked classified information about government surveillance programs to the media. This movie has a rating of 7.3/10 on IMDb and has received mostly positive reviews from critics.
The movie has been praised for its performances, direction, and subject matter, with some reviewers noting that it raises important questions about privacy and government surveillance. According to IMDb, it scored four wins, including “Best Screenplay, Adapted” by Satellite Awards 2017 (source), and seven nominations. This movie is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix.
5. “Live Free or Die Hard” (Movie)
It is the fourth installment in the “Die Hard” franchise. It follows the story of John McClane (played by Bruce Willis), a New York City police officer who takes on a group of terrorists who attack the country’s computer systems and communications networks, causing widespread chaos and disruption.
It has a rating of 7.1/10 on IMDb and has received mostly positive reviews for its action sequences and performances. According to IMDb, it scored three wins, including “Top Box Office Films” by ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards 2008 (source), and 16 nominations. This movie is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
6. “WarGames” (Movie)
This classic movie, a 1983 science fiction directed by John Badham, follows the story of a young hacker who accidentally breaks into a military computer and starts a simulated nuclear war. This movie has a rating of 7.1/10 on IMDb and has received mostly positive reviews for its performances and storytelling. According to IMDb, it scored four wins and 14 nominations, including 3 Oscar nominations. This movie is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
7. “Sneakers” (Movie)
This movie follows the story of a group of security experts who are hired to steal a top-secret black box. This movie has a rating of 7.1/10 on IMDb and has received mostly positive reviews for its cast, writing, and direction. It was nominated “Best Motion Picture” at Edgar Allan Poe Awards in 1993 (source). This movie is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video and Roku.
8. “Scorpion” (TV Series)
This series follows the story of a team of geniuses who work to solve complex global problems and protect against high-tech threats. This series has a rating of 7.0/10 on IMDb and has received mixed reviews. Some reviewers praised the cast’s performances and the high-tech action, while others criticized the writing and plot. It has also won the “Best Action and Science Fiction TV series” at Monte-Carlo TV Festival 2018 (source). It’s all four seasons are available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
9. “The Fifth Estate” (Movie)
Another Benedict Cumberbatch starring computer hacker movie in this list is based on the true story of Julian Assange and the founding of WikiLeaks. This movie has a rating of 6.3/10 on IMDb and has received mixed reviews.
Some reviewers praised the lead actors’ performances, while others criticized the writing and pacing. Benedict won “British Artist of the Year” at BAFTA/LA Britannia Awards 2013 (source). He was also nominated “Actor of the Year” at Central Ohio Film Critics Association 2014 along with Leonardo DiCaprio (source). This movie is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
10. “Ghost in the Shell” (Movie)
Starring Scarlett Johansson, this movie is set in the future, where humans can enhance their bodies with cybernetic implants. It’s based on the Japanese manga series of the same name and follows the story of a special ops cyborg who is on a mission to stop a hacker from causing chaos.
This movie has a rating of 6.3/10 on IMDb and has received mixed reviews. Some reviewers praised the visuals and action, while others criticized the plot and pacing. This movie is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max.
Honorable Mentions
1. “Hackerville” (TV Series)
It follows the story of a Romanian hacker who is recruited by the German police to help track down a cybercrime network. This series has a rating of 7.1/10 on IMDb and has received generally positive reviews for its writing and performances. This 6-episode series is available to watch on HBO Go.
2. “Takedown” (Movie)
This movie is based on the true story of the capture of hacker Kevin Mitnick and follows his pursuit by the authorities. This movie has a rating of 6.2/10 on IMDb and has received mixed reviews. Some reviewers praised the lead actors’ performances, while others criticized the plot and pacing. This movie is available to watch on Apple TV.
3. “Blackhat” (Movie)
Some cybercrime movies deserve merit, and the Chris Hemsworth starter movie is one such. A convicted hacker, is released from prison to help track down a dangerous cybercriminal. This movie has a rating of 5.4/10 on IMDb and has received mixed reviews. Some reviewers praised the lead actors’ action and performances, while others criticized the plot and pacing. This movie is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix.
4. “CSI: Cyber” (TV Series)
It is the fourth spin-off of the famous “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” franchise. The series follows a team of FBI agents who work to solve cyber crimes and bring down high-tech criminals. This series has a rating of 5.4/10 on IMDb and has received mixed reviews. Some reviewers praised the cast’s performances, while others criticized the writing and plot. You can purchase a digital copy of the series on Google Play or Apple iTunes.
Conclusion
I hope you find these recommendations, ratings, and reviews helpful in helping you decide which movies and series to watch. Keep in mind that these are just a few of the many reviews available and that everyone has their own opinions and preferences regarding movies and TV shows. Watching titles of a specific genre also helps develop a security-first acumen.
Don’t forget to enjoy watching these movies and series! 🙂