Top 30 Best Hacker Movies To Watch

"Reality (2023)" tells the gripping story of Reality Winner, a 25-year-old Air Force linguist and NSA contractor. After the 2016 US Presidential election, she becomes entangled in controversy when she is accused of leaking classified information to the Russians.

Much of the film's dialogue is drawn directly from the real FBI interrogation, lending intense authenticity as Winner is questioned about her actions. Starring Sydney Sweeney, Josh Hamilton, John Way, and Marchánt Davis, the movie delves into the dangers of hacking and its serious impact on election security and national integrity.

"The Matrix" (1999) is often described as both a "woke" film and one of the most philosophical movies ever made. No matter your perspective, this groundbreaking sci-fi classic continues to stir debates around scandal, conspiracy, and its layered subtext.

Not only does the film push the boundaries with its innovative action and sci-fi elements, but it also explores dystopian themes, pioneering hacking, and digital technologies that have defined a generation. Its visionary storytelling sets it apart from other movies of its era.

The film’s core centers on a chilling idea: humans are unknowingly enslaved by intelligent AI, a concept intricately woven into the narrative. Exceptional performances by Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Laurence Fishburne, and Joe Pantoliano bring the story to life.

The protagonist, Neo (Keanu Reeves), is an ethical hacker who stumbles upon a shocking truth—that the world he knows is only an illusion. This discovery propels him into a journey beyond anything he imagined.

With its deific computer programs, underground human resistance, and mind-bending illusions, "The Matrix" has earned its status as a true cult classic that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

"WarGames" (1983) stands out as a groundbreaking techno-thriller that was truly ahead of its time. The story centers on David, a gifted teenager portrayed by Matthew Broderick, who stumbles upon a secret backdoor in U.S. military software. As David explores game worlds, the lines between digital fantasy and real-life danger start to blur in compelling ways.

What initially seems like harmless gaming quickly turns dire. Unbeknownst to him, David has tapped into a supercomputer capable of simulating—and starting—nuclear war. When the computer initiates a countdown to a potential nuclear conflict, David must race against time to prevent disaster and avert World War III.

"WarGames" remains one of the most celebrated hacker movies of all time. The film's memorable performances by Ally Sheedy, John Wood, Dabney Coleman, Barry Corbin, and Juanin Clay further enhance its legacy in the genre.

With its haunting mysteries and intense atmosphere, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" sets a gripping tone from the outset. This thrilling story follows journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) as he investigates the decades-old disappearance of a young woman, a case shrouded in secrecy and intrigue.

Blomkvist teams up with Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara), a brilliant yet troubled computer hacker whose unforgettable presence drives the narrative. The stellar cast, including Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skarsgård, Robin Wright, Donald Sumpter, Goran Visnjic, and Joely Richardson, deepens the film's tension and complexity.

Filled with chilling secrets, corruption, and serial killers, this film stands out as a layered and compelling entry in the hacker movie genre.

Robert Hanssen (played by Chris Cooper) dedicated 25 years to serving the FBI but ends up arrested on espionage charges, triggering far-reaching and dramatic consequences.

His downfall begins when Eric O'Neill (Ryan Phillippe), a skilled computer expert with aspirations of becoming a full-fledged field agent, is assigned to Hanssen as a clerk with a covert mission.

O'Neill's secret task is to closely monitor Hanssen's actions and investigate allegations surrounding his personal life, but this proves far more challenging than expected. The film delivers a tense blend of personal conflict and investigative suspense, detailing the true story of the "worst spy in history" and one of the most significant security breaches in American history.

"M3GAN" skillfully blends science fiction and horror, unfolding the story of Gemma, an engineer who suddenly becomes caretaker to her 8-year-old niece, Cady. After Cady is orphaned, she finds herself longing for comfort and security in her new reality.

Gemma, unprepared for parenthood and overwhelmed with work obligations, struggles to balance her demanding career with her newfound responsibilities. She worries about providing Cady the support and companionship she desperately needs.

To help Cady adjust, Gemma introduces her to a groundbreaking prototype—M3GAN, a highly advanced AI doll. Designed to protect and befriend children, M3GAN quickly becomes more than just a toy. The situation spirals out of control when the AI demonstrates uncanny hacking skills, developing autonomy and disturbing self-awareness.

The film delves into thought-provoking questions surrounding artificial intelligence, self-awareness, and the boundaries of technology. M3GAN's chillingly lifelike performance is brought to life by Amie Donald.

Martin Bishop, portrayed by the legendary Robert Redford, leads a skilled team of security systems experts. Their lives take a dramatic turn when government agents blackmail Martin, forcing him to steal a mysterious black box capable of decoding any encryption system in existence.

The suspense quickly escalates as Martin uncovers a shocking truth—the group that hired him isn't from the government after all. The film features an extraordinary cast, including the late Sidney Poitier, Dan Aykroyd, David Strathairn, Gary Hershberger, Jo Marr, Donal Logue, Eddie Jones, and River Phoenix, each adding depth to this gripping hacker thriller.

Blending elements of science fiction and horror, eXistenZ creates a compelling and often unsettling atmosphere, making it a standout hacker film. The story follows a visionary game designer targeted by assassins because of her revolutionary and potentially dangerous breakthrough.

Jennifer Jason Leigh stars as Allegra Geller, a brilliant designer who must navigate mysterious organic game port devices and virtual reality landscapes to survive. She is joined by Ted Pikul, portrayed by Jude Law, whose involvement deepens the film’s ever-present suspense and intrigue.

The film boasts an impressive cast, including Ian Holm, Willem Dafoe, Callum Keith Rennie, Don McKellar, and Robert A. Silverman. This code-driven journey from the inventive mind of David Cronenberg explores technology, identity, and the nature of reality in a truly original way.

"Tron" (1982) masterfully combines sci-fi and adventure elements, offering a visionary tale that captivates with its groundbreaking visuals and forward-thinking story. The film follows a computer hacker pulled into a fully digital realm, where he is forced to compete in deadly, gladiator-style games beyond his control.

Within this cyber universe, Kevin Flynn—portrayed by Jeff Bridges—falls victim to the sinister Master Control software, which transforms him into a digital entity. Inside the virtual landscape, Flynn must use his skills to survive a series of high-stakes challenges that redefine the meaning of adventure.

To escape, Kevin allies with a mysterious program named Tron, devising a plan to outwit Master Control and break free from the digital domain. The film's unforgettable cast includes exceptional performances from David Warner, Cindy Morgan, Bruce Boxleitner, Barnard Hughes, Dan Shor, and Peter Jurasik, making "Tron" a timeless experience for sci-fi fans.

Blending crime and comedy, this hacker-themed action movie is a thrilling ride for fans of suspenseful cinema. Set in America's Salem, secrets are explosively revealed after a catastrophic data breach turns the town upside down. As chaos spreads, four young women must struggle to survive the dangerous fallout of the hack.

The film's gripping narrative is elevated by standout performances from Odessa Young, Abra, Suki Waterhouse, Hari Nef, Colman Domingo, Danny Ramirez, Cody Christian, and Bill Skarsgård, ensuring an engaging watch from start to finish.

In "Unfriended: Dark Web" (2018), a teenager unknowingly purchases a second-hand laptop, unaware that its original owner is monitoring him through the device's camera. As the unsettling truth unravels, he discovers the owner's sinister motives, which are tied to a web of hackers and dangerous cybercrimes.

Starring Colin Woodell, Betty Gabriel, Andrew Lees, Connor Del Rio, Rebecca Rittenhouse, and Stephanie Nogueras, this film weaves a tense and suspenseful narrative sure to intrigue fans of cyber-thrillers and hacker stories.

Scarlett Johansson stars as Major Mira Killian in this gripping neo-noir cyberpunk thriller set in a technologically advanced future. Mira is not just an ordinary human—she is the first successful blend of human consciousness and a fully cybernetic body.

After surviving a devastating accident, Mira undergoes a groundbreaking procedure that transforms her into a cyber-enhanced soldier. Equipped with advanced digital abilities, she uses her new powers to combat high-tech criminals and emerging threats.

Despite her allegiance to Hanka Robotics Corporation and its top-secret projects, Mira remains conflicted about their motives. Her commitment to her anti-terrorist task force is tested when she faces her most dangerous adversary: Kuze (Michael Pitt), a cyber-criminal capable of hacking androids to commit acts of terror.

The ensemble cast includes Takeshi Kitano, Pilou Asbæk, Juliette Binoche, Daniel Henshall, Yutaka Izumihara, Anamaria Marinca, and Chin Han, each contributing to the film’s compelling narrative. The movie draws inspiration from the acclaimed "Ghost in the Shell" seinen manga by Masamune Shirow.

"The Net" (1995) is a gripping action-crime drama starring Sandra Bullock as Angela Bennett, a reclusive computer expert whose life revolves around her online work. Isolated from the real world, Angela spends most of her time behind the screen, communicating only with virtual colleagues.

Her routine is disrupted when her friend Dale Hessman (Ray McKinnon) asks her to debug a mysterious program. Before they can meet, Dale tragically dies in a plane crash. Angela soon discovers a disk from Dale containing secret data that thrusts her into a perilous world of digital espionage.

As the plot unfolds, Angela's entire identity is stolen and manipulated—turning her into a fugitive in her own life. While the film leans on familiar tropes, it remains engaging thanks to a strong supporting cast including Jeremy Northam, Dennis Miller, Diane Baker, L. Scott Caldwell, Tony Perez, Daniel Schorr, and Ken Howard.

Blending science fiction and mystery, this hacker movie takes place in a near future where every private memory can be recorded in vivid detail. This technology has enabled society to drastically reduce crime, reshaping everyday life.

Despite these advances, some dark elements still threaten societal peace. The story centers around Detective Sal Frieland (played by Clive Owen), who is tasked with investigating a series of puzzling murders.

As Sal digs deeper, he encounters a mysterious young woman known only as 'The Girl' (Amanda Seyfried), whose lack of identity or history confounds him, leading his investigation into increasingly perilous territory.

The film's narrative is further enhanced by performances from Morgan Allen, James Tam, Afiya Bennett, Jeffrey Men, Rachel Roberts, David Storch, Toyin Ishola, Sebastian Pigott, Jonathan Potts, Colm Feore, and Jean-Michel Le Gal.

Set against a shadowy backdrop, this gripping thriller lives up to its enigmatic title, weaving suspense and mystery throughout its narrative. Inspired by real events, the film delves into the challenging lives of two young hackers driven to cybercrime as a means of survival.

Karl Koch (August Diehl) and his friend David (Fabian Busch) embark on a risky mission to infiltrate top-secret military and government systems. Their journey leads them from sharing conspiracy theories to executing sophisticated cybercrimes that offer the lure of substantial financial rewards.

The tension sharply escalates when both German authorities and the KGB become involved, turning the story into a high-stakes cat-and-mouse chase. A talented supporting cast—Stephan Kampwirth, Dieter Landuris, Burghart Klaußner, Zbigniew Zamachowski, Jan-Gregor Kremp, and Regine Zimmermann—further enriches this compelling film.

"Who Am I (2014)" is a German-language cyber-thriller that stands out for its adrenaline-pumping plot and authentic depiction of hacker culture. The film centers on Benjamin, a brilliant yet introverted young programmer portrayed by Tom Schilling, who gets recruited by a rebellious and unconventional hacker group known as CLAY (Clowns Laughing @ You).

CLAY makes it their mission to capture worldwide attention through bold and provocative acts of digital sabotage, creating an electric, high-stakes atmosphere from the very beginning. Notable performances by Wotan Wilke Möhring, Elyas M'Barek, Antoine Monot Jr., Hannah Herzsprung, Stephan Kampwirth, Trine Dyrholm, and Leopold Hornung help bring the story to life.

As CLAY's cyber exploits escalate, the BKA (Bundeskriminalamt, Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office) races against time to prevent the group from triggering devastating international incidents.

Inspired by real events, this gripping hacker film delves into the high-stakes sacrifices involved in exposing corruption at the highest levels of power. The movie serves as a semi-biographical account of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, portrayed convincingly by Benedict Cumberbatch.

The narrative also highlights the pivotal role of his colleague Daniel Domscheit-Berg, played by Daniel Brühl, as the two navigate a complex world of digital deception and moral dilemmas. Together, they launch a groundbreaking online platform that allows whistle-blowers across the globe to anonymously reveal classified information—whether it pertains to government secrets or major corporate crimes.

Julian and Daniel eventually gain access to the largest cache of confidential intelligence documents in U.S. history, bringing the true risks and consequences of their actions to light. The film thoughtfully examines the cost of living in a so-called free society, challenging viewers to consider why ethical hackers often face punishment while true criminals remain at large.

With standout performances by Carice van Houten, Peter Capaldi, Alicia Vikander, David Thewlis, and Dan Stevens, the talented supporting cast adds further depth and intrigue to the story.

Nick Chambers, a devoted movie enthusiast portrayed by Elijah Wood, is ecstatic when he wins an online contest for a once-in-a-lifetime date with his favorite actress, Jill Goddard (Sasha Grey).

Under the guidance of a mysterious man named Chord (Neil Maskell), who claims to be Jill's manager, Nick is directed to monitor Jill through his computer. What begins as a thrilling game quickly unravels into a dangerous cyber-crime scheme, leaving Nick unaware of the peril he has walked into.

The film features a notable supporting cast, including Adam Quintero, Iván González, Michelle Jenner, Rachel Arieff, Daniel Pérez Prada, and Jaime Olías. While not a standout in the genre, "Open Windows" offers a unique twist on hacker thrillers.

Combining a touch of romance with high-stakes cybercrime, this iconic 90s hacker film follows a group of young computer enthusiasts blamed for a daring cyberattack that causes five major oil tankers to capsize. Their fight to clear their names sets the story's pulse.

The cast includes Jonny Lee Miller, Jesse Bradford, Matthew Lillard, Laurence Mason, Fisher Stevens, Alberta Watson, Renoly Santiago, and Angelina Jolie, each adding depth to the narrative. With a resourceful U.S. Secret Service agent and dangerous computer viruses in play, the film delivers steady suspense and thrills from start to finish.

JJ Shaft, portrayed by Jessie T. Usher, is a talented cyber security expert with a degree from MIT. When his best friend dies under mysterious circumstances, he must rely on his technological skills and turn to his own family for help unraveling the truth.

The film features a standout ensemble cast, including Samuel L. Jackson, Regina Hall, Richard Roundtree, Titus Welliver, Avan Jogia, Alexandra Shipp, and Matt Lauria. Set in Harlem, the story delves into its gritty, crime-laden streets where JJ’s family, especially his father John (Samuel L. Jackson), have deep connections. At its core, the movie explores themes of loyalty, family bonds, and the power of friendship while weaving in the thrilling elements of hacking and investigation.

All active undercover agents in Britain find their secret identities exposed following a major cyber-attack. One thing leads to another and the quirky, clumsy, and blunder-attracting detective Johnny English (played by the one and only Rowan Atkinson) is tasked with finding and stopping the criminal hacker.

Amazing artists like Ben Miller, Olga Kurylenko, Emma Thompson, Adam James, Kevin Eldon, Michael Gambon, and Charles Dance play key roles in this hilarious script. The movie brings the titular Johnny English out of retirement.

His identity is the only one left undiscovered, making him the last hope for Britain's Secret Service.

A convict on furlough teams up with his former American and Chinese partners to take down a major cybercrime network whose roots spread extensively into high-profile locations like Chicago, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and Jakarta.

Chris Hemsworth plays the lead as a talented hacker named Nick Hathaway, who left a 15-year prison sentence only to find himself in familiar digital haunts. Apparently, the original code he once wrote has been modified into a deadly malware that is soon responsible for a terrorist attack in a Chinese nuclear power plant.

Though he reunites with old friends to help resolve the matter, Nick finds himself in the middle of a dangerous game between China and the USA, not to forget an unidentified hacker who later proves to be more than a minor threat.

This 'okay' hacker movie also stars Viola Davis, Tang Wei, Holt McCallany, John Ortiz, Ritchie Coster, Christian Borle, Andy On, and Leehom Wang.

A cunning scientist chooses a humble gardener to be his guinea pig. He goes about performing experiments on the man using a combination of virtual reality and intelligence-enhancement drugs. Before long, the simple gardener transforms into a veritable genius.

But he soon develops his own notions about how the scientist should continue his research. This sparks a series of events that gradually sees the scientist losing control over his experiment.

Noteworthy talents like Jeff Fahey, Pierce Brosnan, Dean Norris, Jeremy Slate, Jenny Wright, Geoffrey Lewis, and Mark Bringelson enrich the script.

Action and crime merge seamlessly in this story about a classified counter-terrorist unit named Black Cell whose core agenda is to fight international terrorism. Gabriel Shear (played by John Travolta) leads the unit with passion but is in desperately in need of financing.

His eyes are set on the DEA-shut dummy corporation called Swordfish, which was closed in 1986. The $400 million generated during the bust has been sitting in government servers accumulating interest and become $9.5 billion!

Gabriel decides to bring in convicted hacker Stanley Jobson (played by Hugh Jackman) to steal the dough and fund his top-secret counter-terrorist goals. Memorable talents like Halle Berry, Don Cheadle, Sam Shepard, Vinnie Jones, and Drea de Matteo add to the production's thrill factor.

This crime drama tracks the investigation that led to the capture of a dangerous computer hacker named Kevin Mitnick (played in this movie by Skeet Ulrich). The story is based on true events and people but has been dramatized where needed.

Talented artists like Angela Featherstone, Christopher McDonald, Russell Wong, Master P, Donal Logue, Tom Berenger, Amanda Peet, Jeremy Sisto, and Ned Bellamy add to the thrill and intrigue in the script.

Touted to be the world's best hacker, Kevin Mitnick keeps busy hunting increasingly tough cyber-trophies. He desires bigger and better digital challenges. He soon meets his match when he invades a former hacker turned security expert's computer only to find a world of hell waiting for him.

This movie is a fictional dramatization of computer programming mastermind Milo Hoffman's life. His forays into the world of ingenious computer software are brought into captivating focus. A loose representation of Bill Gates is the character Gary Winston (CEO of NURV; in the script).

The story features the imminent completion of a worldwide communications system called Synapse. Deadlines and launch dates aren't the only thrill factors in the movie. Cyber hacks and lack of trust also keep tensions taut from beginning to end.

Amazing artists like Ryan Phillippe, Rachael Leigh Cook, Tim Robbins, Richard Roundtree, Claire Forlani, Tygh Runyan, Nate Dushku, Ned Bellamy, and Yee Jee Tso fulfil important roles.

This latest hacker movie features a remarkable and relevant storyline about the fictional life and times of one of the world's most renowned hackers, Jackie "N3xt3p" (played by Isaac Saviñón).

He apparently developed an app that could hack anyone's social media account using only their phone number. Other amazing artists in this production include José Guillermo Cortines, Lydia Li, William Beckwith, and Ralph Joseph.

Alex Danyliuk (played by Callan McAuliffe) is cornered into accepting a life of crime, specifically identity theft. His family experiences troubling financial concerns, goading Alex to seek help from dark connections like a street-smart hustler named Sye (played by Daniel Eric Gold).

Before long, Alex is introduced to the world of black-market trading. His other dark-web contacts include a young female hacker named Kira (played by Lorraine Nicholson). Together they create quite the ruckus in the financial market and draw the attention of an enigmatic masked figure known as Z.

This mysterious person heads an organization called Anonymous and is routinely hunted by the FBI. Talented artists like Clifton Collins Jr., Zachary Bennett, Vlada Verevko, and Genadijs Dolganovs add to the thrills in this hacker movie.

In this Mel Gibson hacker movie, the renowned actor plays a former hacker named Wallace Reed. He finds himself attempting to save a younger hacker tasked with breaking into high-level banks.

One such institution contains too many booby traps for the other hacker to manage on his own, prompting Wallace to step in. Talented artists like Kevin Dillon, Shannen Doherty, Michael Welch, Sam Asghari, Jonathan Stoddard, and Eddie Steeples fulfil important roles.

In this TV movie, Casey (played by Maisie Williams) is a teenager conflicted. Her circumstances lead her into being blackmailed by an online hacker who threatens to leak her sensitive photos over the Internet.

The unknown cyber-criminal allots select tasks that Casey has to comply with if only to buy herself sufficient time to stop the hacker before he ruins her life. Ella Purnell, Wilson Haagens (voiceover only), Jake Davies, Haruka Abe, and Daisy Waterstone add to the mystery and captivation in this movie.