80 Films Exploring Informatics

In 2035, robots are everyday tools, programmed with strict rules. A police officer who distrusts technology investigates a possible suicide. He begins to suspect a robot was involved and comes to believe that humanity itself might be at risk.

In Silicon Valley, where technology thrives and pressure is constant, a story unfolds about the engineers at Netscape Communications. They make a daring attempt to rescue their company. *Code Rush* offers a close look at the intense human drama and…

Benjamin, a talented young computer expert from Germany, is recruited by a clandestine hacker collective aiming for international recognition.

This documentary examines the risks of using artificial intelligence to make decisions about life and death in warfare.

This documentary examines the transformation of an initially obscure website into a focal point for widespread disruption, from internet memes like Rickrolling to the emergence of elaborate conspiracy theories that have impacted real-world events.

Web Warriors is a documentary that outlines the growing conflict and its significance in cyberspace, introducing those involved. The film profiles Michael Calce (known as Mafia Boy), a 15-year-old who recounts his experience shutting down major websites like Yahoo, Amazon,…

In 1979, Clive Sinclair, inventor of the pocket calculator, is disheartened by the lack of support for his electric car project. He also disagrees with his former assistant, Chris Curry, who believes he can successfully market a home computer microchip.…

In the near future, Theodore, a solitary writer, buys a new operating system made to fulfill any desire. He's surprised when he develops a romantic connection with it. This unusual love story combines science fiction and romance in a gentle…

After the death of the video game system's creator, a virtual competition is launched to determine the winner of his estate.

This film tells the true story of Alan Turing, a brilliant cryptanalyst, and his team at Bletchley Park. During World War II, they raced against time to break the enemy's codes.

A dedicated lawyer, constantly connected to his phone, struggles to connect with his family. A married couple finds a way to escape their stagnant relationship online. A widowed former police officer faces challenges raising his son, who is cyberbullying a…

Aaron Swartz was a brilliant programmer and advocate for social change. He made significant contributions to online activism and open access to information. However, his efforts led to a complex legal battle, tragically culminating in his death at the age…

Modern life is secretly controlled by algorithms – the programs that power everything from online searches and GPS to credit card security and global travel. Mathematician Professor Marcus du Sautoy explains the hidden world of these algorithms. He explores some…

Atari unexpectedly launched the video game industry years ahead of schedule. This film explores the fortunate partnerships and costly errors that threatened to collapse the nascent industry. It profiles the key figures – the innovators, engineers, and entrepreneurs – examining…

"Video Games: The Movie," from executive producer Zach Braff and director Jeremy Snead, is a documentary that follows the rapid growth of video games, from a hobby for enthusiasts to a major global industry. Narrated by Sean Astin and featuring…

This film examines the harmful effects of social media on people, featuring technology specialists warning about the consequences of their own innovations.

This Xbox Originals documentary investigates the downfall of Atari, focusing on the enduring mystery of the "Great Video Game Burial of 1983." The story goes that millions of unsold E.T. Game cartridges were buried in the desert, but the film…

When video game characters from the 1980s suddenly emerge and attack New York City, the military enlists the help of expert gamers to fight back.

Edward Snowden, a former CIA employee, provides journalists with access to a massive collection of classified government documents.

In Los Angeles, Mr. Fuller's comfortable life is upended when he discovers a shocking truth that changes everything he thought he knew. Fearful and suspicious, he seeks help from someone unexpected as he tries to understand what's happening. This discovery…

Professor Jim Al-Khalili explores how we've developed machines capable of simulating, enhancing, and even surpassing human intelligence, and why this shouldn't be frightening. He recounts the history of artificial intelligence, the rise of machine learning, and recent advancements in artificial…

For over 80 years, humans have competed against Artificial Intelligence in various games, from chess and Go to poker and Jeopardy!, mirroring the progress of computing itself. Now, the newest arena is massively popular online multiplayer games, particularly Dota 2,…

A bank teller learns he's a character in an open-world video game and chooses to take control of his narrative. In a limitless world, he's resolved to become the hero of his own story, saving it his way before time…

Google undertakes an unprecedented project to digitize every book globally, sparking resistance from those who fear their motives extend beyond creating a universal library. While Google presents the initiative as a benefit to all, concerns arise about their ultimate goals.

Every week, Dateline NBC presents detailed investigations into real crimes and mysteries that have deeply affected people and communities. The newsmagazine series tells compelling stories exploring the complexities of human nature, using expert interviews and re-enactments to examine intricate cases.…

Machine Learning: Living in the Age of AI explores how people are currently engaging with artificial intelligence. From hobbyists to young innovators, individuals are creating technology driven by machine learning. The film examines the effects of AI on students, farmers,…

"The Rubber Keyed Wonder" explores the fascinating story of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum, a pivotal home computer from the early 1980s. The film details its creation, examining the original concepts and technical innovations behind it. It highlights the ZX Spectrum's…

This film explores the evolving partnership between Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, and Daniel Domscheit-Berg, an early supporter who became a key collaborator. It charts how the organization’s rapid rise to prominence and global impact ultimately fractured their friendship…

This film chronicles the intense experiences of video game developers as they bring their creations to life and release them to players worldwide. It’s a story about the process of making video games, fundamentally exploring the act of creative expression…

This documentary offers a look inside the mind of Hideo Kojima, the renowned video game designer. With contributions from artists Guillermo del Toro, Nicholas Winding Refn, Grimes, George Miller, Norman Reedus, Woodkid, CHVRCHES, the film provides an exclusive view of…

In the year 22nd century, advanced artificial intelligence controls all aspects of human life, including our minds. This is the bleak future presented in *The Matrix*. A talented computer hacker discovers a hidden world and joins a group of rebels…

As more people escape the Matrix, they arrive in the city of Zion, where a growing Resistance forms. Neo learns he has extraordinary abilities, including the power to see the Matrix's code. With machines closing in on Zion within 72…

Humanity's last city, Zion, is under siege by a relentless machine army. Amidst the conflict, Neo strives to bring an end to the war while confronting the dangerous Agent Smith.

Werner Herzog examines the Internet and our increasingly interconnected lives.

In 1986, Clifford Stoll, an astronomer turned computer scientist at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, discovers a 75-cent discrepancy in the system's accounting records. Suspecting a hacker, he embarks on a quest to identify the person responsible. The film recounts his journey…

David Lightman is a gifted high school student with a knack for hacking. He enjoys trying to access unreleased video games by hacking into computer systems. One day, while exploring this hobby, he accidentally discovers the Defense Department's top-secret war…

Flynn, a talented video game developer, accesses confidential information within his old company's computer system. He's unexpectedly pulled into the virtual world he's unknowingly creating. Inside this digital realm, Flynn becomes involved in a compelling conflict between artificial intelligences. These…

The ancient Chinese game of Go has long been a major challenge for artificial intelligence. In 2016, Google's DeepMind team announced a match against Lee Sedol, the world's top Go player. *AlphaGo* follows the team's preparations to test the boundaries…

TPB AFK is a documentary about three computer enthusiasts who revolutionized media sharing with their website, The Pirate Bay. The film explores how Tiamo, a beer-loving hardware expert; Brokep, an environmentally conscious activist; and Anakata, a paranoid hacker with libertarian…

Angela Bennett works as a freelance computer systems analyst, fighting a growing number of online threats. While connecting with friends online, she discovers a hidden program within the code of a new video game. This discovery puts Angela in danger…

In 2029, technology has blurred the lines between the real and digital worlds, giving people new abilities but also new risks, especially brain hacking. A mysterious hacker known as The Puppetmaster has increased their activity, now targeting political matters. So,…

Can artificial intelligence help us solve major global issues, or will it lead to our downfall? New A.I. Tools like ChatGPT can now answer complex questions, write essays, and create realistic images almost instantly. In NOVA’s “A.I. Revolution,” correspondent Miles…

DEFCON is the world’s biggest hacking conference, taking place annually in Las Vegas. For its 20th year in 2012, the conference granted unprecedented access to a documentary crew. The film captures four days of the event, showcasing the people –…

This documentary examines the impact of the Commodore Amiga computer. It explores how the Amiga revolutionized video game development, music production, and publishing, fundamentally altering the landscape of the video game industry.

David is a robot boy, designed to feel love. A Cybertronics employee and his wife adopt him as an experiment. As David grows closer to them, unforeseen events force them to realize this arrangement cannot continue.

We all agree to lengthy Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policies without reading them. These agreements grant corporations broad access to our personal information. This film examines the hidden intentions behind these agreements, revealing the extent of data collection by…

Alex Gibney's film examines Stuxnet, a computer virus created in 2010 by international cybersecurity experts. It's believed the virus was developed by the U.S. And Israel to disrupt Iran's nuclear facilities. But the sophisticated malware unexpectedly spread beyond its intended…

Alan Turing was a brilliant British mathematician who played a crucial role in deciphering the German Enigma code during World War II, a feat that likely saved countless lives. Despite his vital contributions, Turing was not recognized during his life.…

This is the true story of Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics, who revolutionized baseball by building a competitive team with limited financial resources. He used innovative computer analysis to identify undervalued players during the draft, proving…

Following the death of his wife in a terrorist attack in London, a highly skilled but reserved CIA code breaker feels abandoned by his superiors. He decides to pursue justice independently when official channels fail to act.

This documentary examines the rise of music downloading. It follows the young people who pioneered the technology, the musicians and companies whose livelihoods were changed, and the broader effects on society.

A skilled game designer is hunted by deadly assassins. Racing to uncover why, she enlists an unsuspecting marketing trainee to play her latest virtual reality game. Inside the immersive world, they must discover if the game has been altered or…

This film delves into the world of Anonymous, the influential "hacktivist" group that has changed how people protest online. It begins by examining early hacktivist groups like Cult of the Dead Cow and Electronic Disturbance Theater, then follows Anonymous' emergence…

The prototype [TEST TYPE • 154] is a highly advanced artificial intelligence designed to learn from its environment and eventually think for itself. Because it learns in a way very similar to a human, the team that created it hires…

In 2003, Harvard student and computer programmer Mark Zuckerberg develops an idea that evolves into Facebook, the world's largest social network. By 2009, Zuckerberg has become one of the youngest billionaires, but his rapid success brings unexpected challenges. He faces…

The story explores the creation of a highly addictive game, detailing its intense competition, pressure tactics, and resulting legal battles. The game's development unfolds against the backdrop of Cold War rivalry between Eastern and Western nations.

Dr. Hannah Fry and a virtual host introduce a fresh approach to television programming, with the BBC employing artificial intelligence to explore the vast contents of its archive.

"The Art of the Game" follows a group of college students vying for jobs in the growing video game industry, documenting a shift in popular entertainment. The film weaves together their stories to explore the passion, creativity, and evolving artistic…

This film chronicles the story of Commodore computers throughout the 1970s and 1980s, told by those who built the company and its groundbreaking technology.

Following a violent mugging that leaves him paralyzed and his wife dead, Grey Trace is offered a radical solution by a billionaire inventor: an AI implant called STEM, designed to enhance his physical abilities. Regaining the ability to walk, Grey…

"PlayStation Revolution" is an independent documentary that explores the remarkable story of how Sony created the PlayStation. It's a must-see for anyone interested in video games and the history of the world’s largest entertainment industry. The film examines Sony's decision…

In June 2013, filmmaker Laura Poitras and journalist Glenn Greenwald traveled to Hong Kong to meet Edward Snowden. Poitras documented their meetings with her camera.

CNBC offers an inside look at Google, a leading technology company. The program explores the company's origins, addresses privacy concerns surrounding its search engine, and examines its entry into the mobile phone business. It also details Google's use of advertising…

This film examines how the internet has reshaped society over the last fifty years, featuring interviews with the creators of pioneering platforms like AOL, Craigslist, Friendster, Match.com, and Tinder.

In 1984, a young programmer starts to doubt what's real while working on a video game adaptation of a dark fantasy novel. This is a thought-provoking story with several possible outcomes.

Data, now considered the world's most valuable resource, is being used to fuel cultural and political conflict. The hidden world of data manipulation is revealed through the unexpected, individual stories of people involved on both sides of the controversial Cambridge…

Pixel Poetry is a documentary film exploring how video games have shaped progressive creative culture. The film uses common debates surrounding video games – such as whether they are art or influence violent behavior – as a starting point. It…

Caleb, a coder for the biggest internet company, wins a contest for a week-long stay at the secluded mountain retreat owned by Nathan, the company's secretive CEO. Upon arrival, Caleb discovers he's part of an unusual experiment: he must interact…

Ada Lovelace, an unexpected pioneer in computing, is the subject of this film. Dr. Hannah Fry recounts Ada's extraordinary life. Born in the early 1800s, Ada was a countess, a controversial figure in society, and known for her exceptional mathematical…

This film explores the remarkable story of two young innovators who transformed the tech industry and helped shape today's world. It follows their journey from college students facing many obstacles as they pursue ambitious goals. The movie details the founding…

Garry Kasparov is widely considered the greatest chess player of all time. In 1997, he competed against IBM's Deep Blue, then the world's most powerful chess computer, and lost. This film offers a look at the drama surrounding that match,…

In 1990, the upstart arcade company SEGA challenged the dominant video game giant, Nintendo, assembling an unlikely team for an epic competition. This unprecedented clash involved personal rivalries, generational divides, and a battle between Sonic the Hedgehog and Mario. It…

In 1988, American video game salesman Henk Rogers discovers Tetris. Determined to release the game globally, he becomes entangled in a perilous world of deceit and corruption hidden behind the Iron Curtain.

Deep Web offers an inside look at one of the most significant digital crime stories of the decade: the arrest of Ross William Ulbricht, the 30-year-old entrepreneur convicted of being "Dread Pirate Roberts," the creator and operator of the online…

Before desktop computers became common, all graphic design was done by hand, using analog equipment. The design and printing industries used various techniques to transfer images and text to film and plates for printing. Graphic Means follows this period, reminiscent…

"The UNIX Operating System" is a 1982 documentary by Bell Labs exploring the importance, influence, and ease of use of UNIX. Even a decade after its initial release, it served as a primary guide to the system. Targeted at software…

"The Code" is a documentary from Finland that explores Linux, featuring prominent figures in the free software movement.

"The Bit Player" chronicles the life of Claude Shannon, the brilliant mind known as the "Father of Information Theory." He fundamentally changed the world, yet retained a persistent sense of wonder.

The rise of artificial intelligence has ignited a global competition between China and the United States. Experts caution that a lack of timely regulation could lead to a loss of control over AI technology.