123 Tech-Themed Films

Cry Baby: The Pedal That Rocks The World chronicles the history of the wah wah effect pedal, from its creation in 1966 to today. Musicians, engineers, and historians explore the pedal’s influence on popular music and showcase its diverse applications…

"The Startup Kids" is a documentary exploring the lives of young web entrepreneurs in the U.S. And Europe. It features interviews with founders of companies like Vimeo, Dropbox, and SoundCloud, as they recount the beginnings of their ventures and their…

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.

8 BIT is a documentary exploring how video games have shaped today's culture. It blends documentary footage with art and cultural analysis to connect seemingly unrelated things: the 1980s video game demo scene, chiptune music, and modern artists who use…

This documentary film examines claims of election fraud surrounding the 2004 U.S. Presidential election. Electronic voting machines handle roughly 90% of votes in American elections, a technology now used globally. The film reveals controversial evidence from locations across the U.S.,…

Good Copy Bad Copy is a documentary exploring copyright and culture in the digital age, focusing on the impact of the internet and peer-to-peer file sharing technologies.

Unauthorized Access is an early independent documentary exploring the world of the computer underground. Filmed in 15 cities across 4 countries, it presents a wide range of subjects related to hacking culture, including phreaking, lockpicking, conspiracy theories, and people who…

The leading figures in Europe's thriving chip music scene use vintage video game and home computer hardware – like the Nintendo Game Boy and NES, Atari ST, Commodore Amiga and C64 – to create a fresh musical style. They repurpose…

As the American economy faltered and people questioned community, a man abandons his life to test a radical idea: surviving entirely on the generosity of others through Craigslist, the modern online marketplace.

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.…

Set in late 1980s Hannover, Germany, the film follows a group of young hackers. Karl Koch, an orphan who inherits a flat and a home computer, discovers online bulletin boards and becomes fascinated by conspiracy theories from "Illuminatus." He teams…

In 1998, the pinball designers at Williams Electronic Games faced a critical challenge: innovate or risk the company's demise. They delivered a groundbreaking new machine, "Pinball 2000," which blended video elements with traditional pinball, maintaining the core appeal of the…

This documentary features exclusive interviews and archival footage that chronicles Sonic's journey, from his creation to his rise as a defining figure in video game history.

This inspiring documentary follows high school girls from across the globe as they use technology and teamwork to improve their communities. In 2017, the app market will be worth $77 billion, but over 80% of app developers are men. The…

Inspired by true events, the film tells the story of F. Ross Johnson's fight to save his struggling tobacco company, RJR Nabisco. After the failure of a new smokeless cigarette, Premier, Johnson makes a daring decision: he buys the entire…

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…

Director Chris Paine returns with a sequel to *Who Killed the Electric Car?*, revisiting the topic of electric vehicles. While the previous film highlighted the obstacles faced by EVs – including opposition from government, automakers, and energy companies concerned about…

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…

OWNED chronicles the 50-year history of hacking, a movement that rejects legal boundaries and gained prominence in the 1960s with early phone phreaking. The story follows the evolution of this culture, highlighting events like the annual DefCon hacker conventions in…

"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 documentary explores the open-source hardware project known as Arduino.

Rogue Trader tells the story of Nick Leeson, a driven and talented trader at Barings Bank. He initially thrives in the financial world, but his fortunes change when he secretly builds up massive losses of $1.4 billion in a hidden…

This film offers a comprehensive look at all five Batmobiles, presented together for the first time. It explores the development of Batman's iconic vehicle, detailing its creation and how it has become a significant part of popular culture.

In 1985, a groundbreaking computer emerged, poised to challenge industry giants like Microsoft, IBM, and Apple for dominance in the personal computer market. The Amiga revolutionized video, multimedia, and digital art, gaining support from figures like Andy Warhol and becoming…

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…

Râmnicu Vâlcea, Romania, a city of 120,000, is known internationally as Hackerville. In the past year alone, Romanian hackers stole $1 billion from the U.S. Criminals with names like Guccifer and Iceman have been apprehended for hacking into accounts belonging…

This documentary captures interviews conducted over a long weekend at a 1984 hacker conference in Sausalito, California. The interviews were filmed by Stewart Brand and Kevin Kelley of the Whole Earth Catalog. The conference was inspired by Steven Levy's influential…

This drama follows an ambitious businessman who wants to take over a small, family-run company. The company's owner enlists the help of his wife's sharp and attractive daughter – a lawyer – to save his business. As the legal fight…

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…

After a global event called The Reset, humanity is rebuilding society using old technology. Now, constant surveillance monitors their progress as they try to recover from the past. When a young computer expert’s friend dies, leaving behind a cryptic computer…

For years, we've sought to unlock the potential of the human mind, but without success. Now, a revolutionary discovery promises to change everything – surpassing technology, humanity itself, and control. David, Ryan, and Jordan believe this telepathy invention will solve…

GET LAMP is a documentary by computer historian Jason Scott that explores interactive fiction, also known as text adventures.

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.

Director Bryan Fogel delves into the hidden world of sports doping, forming a connection with Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov, a former leading scientist for Russia's anti-doping agency. Through extensive conversations and evidence, Fogel and Rodchenkov develop a close relationship, amidst serious…

Hackers 95 is a 90-minute film that blends documentary and comedy to explore the hacker scene of 1995. Phon-E and R.F. Burns chronicle events like Summer Con 95, DEF CON III, Operation Cyber Snare, and a visit to Area 51.…

3D printing is transforming industries, enabling everything from the creation of weapons and human organs to the potential disruption of global manufacturing through widespread home production. The 3D printing revolution is underway. But who will control its future?

This film explores the world of hacking. It aims to challenge common assumptions and media portrayals by giving hackers a voice and introducing their community to a wider audience.

Hackers Wanted examines the beginnings and essence of hacking by charting the experiences of Adrian Lamo, while juxtaposing his story with those of notable figures from the past.

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…

A global phenomenon is taking shape in the world of video games. Thousands gather in arenas to watch tournaments, while tens of millions more tune in online. The most popular competitive game is played by one percent of the world's…

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…

Werner Herzog examines the Internet and our increasingly interconnected lives.

A group of dedicated hackers are driven by a constant pursuit of new challenges and their resolutions. Filmmaker Alexander Biedermann spent time immersed in their world, a relentless flow of data and information, to capture their reality. His work offers…

This inspiring documentary follows acclaimed artist Vik Muniz as he journeys from the world's largest landfill in Rio de Janeiro to international fame. Muniz collaborates with the "catadores," the landfill's waste pickers – resourceful individuals who offer a unique perspective…

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…

Twenty-five years after the internet's creation, a major controversy has emerged: surveillance. Concerns are growing that governments and corporations are monitoring people's online activity. "Horizon" explores the hackers and scientists developing technology to counter this surveillance. This technology is controversial,…

Spam - The Documentary offers a funny and informative exploration of spam's worldwide phenomenon – a deeply irritating and damaging creation of the 20th century that affects everyone.

The film recounts the hacking of the Ashley Madison website, which caters to people seeking extramarital affairs, and the consequences that arise when the users' private emails are made public.

In 1982, the top players in the video game world offer their perspectives on everything from game controllers to celebrity admirers and the meaning of life itself.

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 –…

The film explores the controversial history of "The Anarchist Cookbook," a book created by a 19-year-old in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It examines the book's origins and the creator's experiences during a time of counterculture and social change.…

Master sushi chef Jiro Ono relentlessly pursues perfection in his craft. His eldest son, Yoshikazu, struggles to measure up to his father's renowned legacy.

In 1982, three friends in a Houston diner founded Compaq Computer with a goal: to create a portable PC that could compete with IBM, then the dominant force in technology. Previous attempts to copy IBM's technology had failed due to…

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.

In western Pennsylvania, the film follows Hunt Stevenson, a mediator hired to help an American auto plant integrate with its new Japanese owner. Hunt faces many challenges bridging the gap between the two companies' very different cultures. He deals with…

"Welcome to Macintosh" is a documentary that blends history, analysis, and enthusiastic celebration of everything Apple. Whether you're a longtime Mac user or new to computers, the film examines the many ways Apple Computer (now Apple, Inc.) Has impacted the…

This film explores the history of the Amiga computer, from its beginnings to the latest models from Commodore. It features insights from Jay Miner, the "Father of the Amiga," who shares stories about the early days and the first prototypes.…

A quiet arcade champion faces off against the legendary Donkey Kong world record holder in an epic gaming battle that captures the attention of the entire industry. For two decades, Billy Mitchell has held the top score, considered unbeatable. But…

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…

A computer hacker searching for the meaning of life is repeatedly thwarted by his employers. This time, they deploy a young woman as a distraction.

This true story follows John McAfee, a former tech billionaire who experienced a series of extraordinary events. His life shifts from successful entrepreneur to secluded yogi in the jungle, echoing themes from Joseph Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness'. McAfee's story takes…

In a future dominated by technology, Edgar, an advanced computer, begins to develop feelings after champagne spills on his surface, mirroring those of his owner, Miles, a kind but somewhat clumsy man. As their connection deepens, they become involved in…

This documentary follows a Swedish DJ who consistently sells out massive arenas. It chronicles his rapid ascent to international fame and his unexpected choice to stop performing live in 2016.

"The Secret History of Hacking," released in 2001, explores the history of phreaking, computer hacking, and social engineering from the 1970s to the 1990s. The film combines archival footage with computer-generated graphics, all narrated with commentary from those who directly…

"In The Realm of the Hackers" documents a prominent hacker community based in Melbourne, Australia, from the late 1980s to the early 1990s. The film follows Australian teenagers known as "Electron" and "Phoenix," members of an elite hacking group called…

This film explores the intricate connection between us and the things we make – examining the world of design and the individuals who shape it.

In 1989, Julian Assange and two friends founded a group called the International Subversives, known as Mendax. Using early home computers, they identified themselves as "white hat" hackers – those who expose vulnerabilities without stealing. The group successfully infiltrated some…

For decades, science fiction has explored the possibility of artificial intelligence, and now advanced self-learning computers are rapidly changing how we live. Will this new era of AI bring incredible advancements, or will it ultimately lead to our downfall?

This historical and scientific film explores the incredible story of how ancient Greeks created a computer over 2,000 years ago. Against the stunning backdrop of classical Greece, an international research team, nominated for a Grierson Award, finally unlocks the mystery…

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.

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…

Following a late 18th-century legal ruling that established corporations as legal persons, they have become a powerful force in global economics, politics, and society. This film offers a psychological exploration of this corporate "person" through various real-world examples. The analysis…

Consuming Kids exposes the practices of a powerful marketing industry that targets children and their parents with products ranging from unhealthy food and violent video games to misleading educational items and family vehicles. Featuring perspectives from healthcare experts, child advocates,…

Just before the first activation of the Large Hadron Collider, scientists stand at a pivotal moment: potentially the most significant scientific breakthrough ever achieved, or a monumental disappointment.

This documentary traces the history of money and the exchange of value, leading to the emergence of Bitcoin.

"Web" is a thoughtful film exploring technology, connection, and the internet. For ten months, director Michael Kleiman lived with families in remote villages in the Peruvian Andes and Amazon, documenting their initial experiences with computers and the internet through the…

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.

In the evolving world of cyber warfare, the National Security Agency is both admired and feared globally.

Graffiti art becomes a global phenomenon, fostering a widespread culture.

This film explores the Free Kevin movement and the online community of hackers.

This documentary examines the development of mechanistic philosophy and how it led to the exploitation of people within modern hierarchies. It explores topics like behaviorism, scientific management, workplace democracy, education, the frustration-aggression hypothesis, and unethical human experimentation.

Inside The Dragon's Lair explores the history of the groundbreaking video game, Dragon's Lair. The film offers a detailed look at the extensive creation of this revolutionary title, which utilized laserdisc technology to amaze audiences when it launched in 1983…

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

The atomic bomb, fears of nuclear war, and events like Fukushima have linked nuclear energy with modern anxieties. But what if our understanding of nuclear power is fundamentally flawed? What if there exist reactors that are inherently safe and controllable,…

Julian Assange, Bradley Manning, collateral damage, Cablegate, and WikiLeaks – these names and concepts have dramatically reshaped how democratic societies handle privacy, secrecy, and the public's right to know, with potential long-term consequences. *We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks*…

CODE 2600 chronicles the emergence of the Information Technology Age, focusing on the individuals and events that shaped its development and control.

Bitcoin is a revolutionary technology unlike anything seen since the internet. Its creators aimed to challenge traditional financial systems and national control. After years of secret development, Bitcoin gained widespread attention and drew opposition from those who felt it threatened…

RiP!: A Remix Manifesto is a 2008 documentary film directed by Brett Gaylor that explores the evolving idea of copyright.

This program explores the ongoing conflict between those who exploit the internet and the hackers who defend against them. It follows their efforts to prevent cyberattacks, train professionals, and monitor cyberspace for potential information warfare. Through interviews with experts from…

This documentary series explores the captivating history of personal computers through the stories of the people who created them. It features the often-overlooked individuals whose innovative work dramatically reshaped technology. Filmmaker Bob Cringley films these industry pioneers in their environments,…

In 1996, electric cars first appeared on California roads. They were quiet, fast, and emitted no exhaust, running entirely on electricity. Ten years later, they were all destroyed.

"Indie Game: The Movie" continues with "Life After," a short film anthology offering updates on the filmmakers featured in the original documentary, alongside stories of new game creators. This collection features over 100 minutes of fresh footage.

This documentary explores today's computer hacker community in New York City, documenting their gatherings, conferences, and political views. It also examines the origins of the term "hacking," tracing it back to its beginnings among model train enthusiasts at MIT.

WikiRebels explores the formative years of Julian Assange and his subsequent creation of an organization enabling anonymous information sharing from whistleblowers. Assange aims to expose injustice, exemplified by the leaked film "Collateral Murder." The documentary showcases other releases from WikiLeaks…

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…

Fourteen teams of hackers compete for funding. They have three minutes to present their ideas. This is their only chance to get their projects off the ground at Angelhack, a highly competitive global hackathon.