Important Update
We all love a good movie! With so many genres to choose from, there is a type of movie for each and every one of us. This particular list is compromised for developers who love modern technology and its possibilities. The list includes intriguing computer science movies and a few classics that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the feature. If you frequently dwell in the programming world then you will definitely enjoy watching any of these top ten movies about programmers.
Movies may be based on personal preference but we can all agree that there are certain ones that cannot be missed and these are them. Grab a bucket of popcorn and start your way through the list before attempting anything else.
We have all heard of this favorite screenplay that came around in 1999. It blew away a few minds with its potential, graphics, and hacker plot. It is brilliantly executed and if you have yet to see it, then you are missing out on a very important programming movie that any enthusiast can appreciate. Watching the sequel should also be done.
This movie revolves around a computer programmer, Neo ( played by Keanu Reeves), who finds out that the reality of this entire world is a complex computer simulation.
Talk about another classic! WarGames is a science fiction movie from 1983 situated in the American Cold War. It focuses on an 80’s kid hacker, and its message can be interpreted into various meanings. Many took it as a message to avoid misusing the possibilities programming gives us.
This movie for programmers hit the screens in 2011 and will keep you watching without blinking till the end. It is intellectually and emotionally stimulating thanks to its secret operation and an out-of-the-body experience. The film was directed by Duncan Jones and the protagonist was played by Jake Gyllenhaal.
One of the newer programming movies that came out in 2014, this historical drama will take you to a world where the first computer was made. Follow a team of coders that try to decode the famous German Enigma code. The film was directed by Morten Tyldum.
Take a trip to the life of Steve Jobs, founder of Apple. Released in 2013, this film was a big hit for programmers and common folk alike. It is an inspiring account of an important figure in the technology industry that should be seen at the very least if not appreciated.
Primer was released in 2004 and its audience specifically targeted engineers, therefore making it one of the few movies that require actual knowledge to understand. It is based on the discovery of time travel, unintentionally of course.
Programming movies do not have to be all drama or action. Take Office Space as a perfect example. It is an American comedy that was released in 1999 that is still favorited and loved by many programmers today. It follows the typical work-life of a software company.
Along with the movie, Tron was first released as a book that is also worth taking a peek at. Tron portrays a story of a computer programmer that gets sucked into the computer world. The classic version that was put on screens in 1982 should be watched first.
Take a ride through the many controversies and incidents that led to the famous WikiLeaks. The film was released in 2013 but still holds a solid position as one of the greatest programming movies.
This computer tech movie will take you on a journey between the infamous competition of Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. The story spans several years, 1971 to 1997 to be exact but it is definitely an important movie to watch if you are a programmer.
Based on Kip Thorne’s book, “The Science of Interstellar”, this movie revolves around a team of NASA scientists and researchers who set out to find a new habitable planet after finding out that the Earth has put humanity on the brink of extinction. This movie is set in the future and takes you on a roller coaster of emotions. It was released in 2014 and is still considered one of the best of its kind.
Alien is a 1979 American science fiction horror film. What makes Alien an incredible and convincing horror movie is the fact that how beautifully the design work is done by HR Giger. This movie is about how an alien spaceship is found by a team of a commercial starship and when they search the spaceship, what they find is astonishing enough for them. What happens next is something no one thought was coming for them.
Released in 2012, this movie revolves around a group of scientists who find out clues about the origin of mankind on Earth. Two scientists set out to find the truth and reality behind them. But little do they know that they are not the least bit prepared for what is coming for them.
The Martian is one of the most amazing computer technology movies ever made. The story is about a team of astronauts who leave behind one of their fellow team members ( Matt Damon) on Mars, assuming him to be dead. With only a small amount of supplies with him, the stranded astronaut must fight for his survival. Back on Earth at NASA institute, everyone is trying their best to pull out a strategy to get him back on Earth. This movie has won several awards including the Golden Globe Award for best actor.
Released in 1968, this movie is considered one of the classics in the history of Science fiction. This movie is about two astronauts who are sent on a secret mission to space but soon after they have left, they start to sense something off about the whole mission. Their computer systems begin to display strange behavior which later on ends up with an extremely tense battle between the machines and the humans.
This movie was released in 1997. It is based on the adaptation of the Carl Sagan novel. This movie is about Dr. Ellie Arroway, played by Jodie Foster, who finds out that there are some uninterpreted messages coming from the Vega star system. She tries her level best to interpret these messages to establish contact with these extraterrestrial beings.
Many other programming movies exist that should also receive a place in the list, but then it would never really end. The top ten movies can potentially change as newer movies come along, with deeper plots and more advanced technologies.
However, there are certain movies that no one can take down a notch and until today, the movies mentioned above are sure to keep you entertained. They are not listed in any particular order so feel free to cross them off as you see fit. Other movies that did not make the original list should be added as a bonus included.
Takedown, is a 200 movie that follows a computer hacker, Kevin Mitnick. This movie challenges the world and lets us face it, many developers wish to do the same. And lastly, The Social Network, released in 2010, depicts the life of the founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg. It leads us to the introduction of social media that has overtaken the world and the potential that many developers have at their disposal. There you have it, twelve movies in total that should keep you busy for a few days.
Check TOP-16 best programming movies in a single video presentation:
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ByteScout Team of Writers
ByteScout has a team of professional writers proficient in different technical topics. We select the best writers to cover interesting and trending topics for our readers. We love developers and we hope our articles help you learn about programming and programmers.
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