10 Best Movies About Computer Technology

In the movie industry, one premise that consistently resonates with audiences is the incorporation of computer technology. This concept fits perfectly into a variety of genres, whether it is action, thriller, comedy, or even horror. The reason behind its popularity comes from the inherent fascination that computer technology has with viewers.

The complexity it brings to the plot sucessfully create a tense and gripping situation, which ultimately captivates the audience. As a result, there are many movies, over a hundred of them, that revolve around computer technology. Showpoiler has compiled a list of the 10 best movies in this category. If you're curious to know which movies made the cut, read on!

1. Missing

Grace (Nia Long) and her daughter June (Storm Reid) have a strained relationship, especially after Grace started dating a new boyfriend named Kevin (Ken Leung). One day, Kevin takes Grace on a vacation to Colombia. Upon their return, June picks them up at the airport and can't find her mom and boyfriend.

In a state of panic, June tries various ways to find her mother once again, but her efforts are blocked by international bureaucracy as she is thousands of miles away from Colombia. Cleverly, June utilizes computer technology to find her mother before it's too late.

2. Searching

Searching is a prequel to the movie Missing (2023), which still portrays the life of a family. This time, the Kim family faces a sad turn of events when the father, David Kim (John Cho), becomes suspicious because his only child, Margot (Michelle La), does not return home one night and is declared missing.

Despite asking for help from the local authorities, David remains calm and continues to search for his daughter using computer technology, from search engines to social media networks. A clue appears, which leads to an investigation that reveals a connection to the local chief of detectives.

3. The Net

Angela Bennett (Sandra Bullock) lives a simple life as a freelance IT systems analyst, spending most of her time at home, engrossed in her computer and cell phone. Her routine takes an unexpected turn when a coworker sends her a disk containing the game "Mozart's Ghost," along with a mysterious back door labeled "π."

Without realizing the implications, Angela accesses a computer security system known as "Gatekeeper," developed and sold by Gregg Microsystems, a software company led by CEO Jeff Gregg (Gerald Berns). Tragically, her life begins to unravel once she enters this system.

4. Live Free or Die Hard

John McClane (Bruce Willis) is assigned to capture a master hacker, Matt Farrell (Justin Long), for interrogation regarding a state hacking threat. At the same time, a criminal named Thomas (Timothy Olyphant) who is equipped with highly advanced computer technology is also targeting Matt.

In an attempt to catch Matt before the authorities do, Thomas launches an attack on America's computer infrastructure to weaken the government's defenses. However, McClane refuses to remain passive, despite his limited understanding of technology. He teams up with Matt to counterattack and defend against cyber threats.

5. Unfriended: Dark Web

Matias (Colin Woodell) finds a laptop in an internet cafe and decides to keep it, using it for personal use and online interaction with his five friends. As he explores the laptop, he finds disturbing files containing gruesome videos.

Realizing the potential danger, Matias thought of taking the laptop to the police. However, their plans took a terrifying turn when they received an anonymous message warning them that they would face death if they dared to cut ties or involve the police. Tragically, the threat became a grim reality as Matias' friends began to give up one by one.

6. Eagle Eye

Jerry Shaw (Shia LaBeouf) and Rachel Holloman (Michelle Monaghan) are ordinary people living their lives. However, they find themselves entangled under the control of a mysterious woman who forces them to obey her every command through voice instructions.

The stakes are high as the caller threatens Rachel with harming her son and Jerry with a false identity that will make him an international fugitive. Utilizing sophisticated computer technology, the caller manipulates events to keep Jerry and Rachel on the run and out of reach of the authorities.

7. Hardwired 

Luke (Cuba Goodling Jr.) wakes up from a prolonged coma caused by a car accident that tragically took the life of his pregnant wife. To keep him alive, a large computer technology company inserts an implant in Luke's brain, but this leaves him with amnesia.

As Luke begins to recover, he realizes that the implant in his brain has a problem and is capable of doing dangerous things. Luke then turns to a skilled hacker named Han (Michael Ironside) to seek for help. However, executives from the company that implanted the technology learn of his actions.

8. Transcendence

Artificial intelligence gains widespread popularity and becomes the focus of A.I. expert Will Caster (Johnny Depp), who aims to create a living robot. Although this experiment is considered dangerous and highly controversial, Will remains undeterred, even in the face of threats from extremists.

When his life is threatened, the extremists accidentally accelerate Will's experiment. As a result, Will's intention to advance the knowledge of artificial intelligence takes an unexpected turn, leading to a greed of power.

9. I.T.

Mike Regan (Pierce Brosnan) is a wealthy aviation tycoon who lives in a sophisticated mansion with his wife and daughter. To manage the complicated technology, he hires a skilled IT systems analyst named Ed Porter (James Frecheville), who unknowingly puts his family in danger.

With Ed's expertise in smart home computer technology, he begins to infiltrate their lives, wreaking havoc by sending fake emails, violating their privacy, and sharing intimate videos online. To fight back, Mike calls on the help of other IT experts to counterattack.

10. Firewall

Jack Stanfield (Harrison Ford) is the head of security at Landrock Pacific Bank, which gives him insight into the bank's vulnerabilities through the computer technology implemented. His family's safety is threatened when a criminal syndicate, led by Cox (Paul Bettany), forces Jack to wire $100 million.

During the complicated heist, Jack and his family remain under the watchful eye of Cox and his men. However, Jack uses unconventional, old-fashioned methods to defeat the tech-connected criminals and get things back to normal.

Of the ten movies mentioned above, none can be considered a failure. Each director skillfully packaged the storyline, ensuring an enjoyable experience for the audience. Many of these computer technology narratives revolve around large-scale hacking and robbery experiments. Have you watched any of these movies?