The Top 52 Computer Science Movies of All Time

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In the world of technology, Hollywood has often looked to the future, portraying cutting-edge computer science concepts in classic films. From AI-driven robots and dystopian futures to hacktivists and digital viruses, these movies explore the possibilities—and potential consequences—of using computers for entertainment, control, and more. So what are the best computer science movies?

The best Computer Science movies are The Social Network, The Matrix, Hackers, War Games, Tron, and Snowden. Plus, we have a list of 52 best Computer Science movies of all time. Also, check out the best movies for the entire family.

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We have a list of the best computer science movies so if you’re looking for a great movie night that celebrates all things tech-related, this is the perfect list for you. This is the perfect list for computer science students. 

Best Computer Science Movies

1. The Matrix (1999) Rated R

The Matrix

 

One of the best computer science movies of all time, The Matrix follows Neo (Keanu Reeves) as he learns that the world he knows is an illusion created by machines. As Neo navigates his way through this virtual reality landscape with help from Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), and others, viewers are taken on a thrilling journey into an alternate universe where technology reigns supreme. 

2. Ex Machina (2014) Rated R

Ex Machina

 

Ex Machina tells the story of Caleb Smith (Domhnall Gleeson), a programmer invited to a remote estate by Nathan Bateman (Oscar Isaac), the CEO of a large technology company who needs help testing his new artificial intelligence program. As Caleb interacts with Ava (Alicia Vikander), Nathan’s creation, he discovers that she may be more than just a robot—and he begins to question whether or not her newfound sentience is real or just another illusion. 

3. Hackers (1995) Rated PG-13

Hackers [Blu-ray]

 

Hackers follow Dade Murphy (Jonny Lee Miller) as he attempts to prove his innocence after being accused of hacking into one of the world’s largest banking systems. With help from his friends Kate Libby (Angelina Jolie) and Joey Pardella (Matthew Lillard), Dade must use his vast knowledge of programming skills to outwit rival hackers and stay one step ahead of law enforcement to clear his name. 

4. WarGames (1983) Rated PG

WarGames [Blu-ray]

 

WarGames stars Matthew Broderick as David Lightman, a high school student who accidentally hacks into a United States military supercomputer while trying to cheat on an upcoming test. When David unknowingly launches World War III protocols that could potentially destroy humanity, he must race against time—with help from fellow hacker Jennifer Mackenzie (Ally Sheedy)—to save the world before it’s too late. 

5. The Social Network (2010) Rated PG-13

The Social Network [Blu-ray]

 

Written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by David Fincher, The Social Network is one of the best computer science movies of all time. It chronicles Mark Zuckerberg’s rise from a Harvard University student programmer to CEO of Facebook as seen through flashbacks during two separate legal proceedings involving Zuckerberg’s former business partners Eduardo Saverin and Sean Parker.

A compelling look at how far people will go for success in Silicon Valley, this film won three Academy Awards including Best Adapted Screenplay. Andrew Garfield was runner-up in the awards circuit community awards for best performance for an actor in a supporting role in The Social Network. Justin Timberlake also appeared in The Social Network.

Best Programming Movies of All Time

6. The Terminator 2 (1984) Rated R

Terminator 2: Judgment Day

 

Terminator 2 follows the events of its predecessor as Sarah Connor and her son John must fight to protect themselves against a new, more advanced Terminator sent from the future. As their lives are at stake and time is running out, they must also find a way to prevent Judgment Day – an event that could spell doom for mankind.

7. Ender’s Game (2013) Rated PG-13

Ender’s Game (Edition 1st) by Card, Orson Scott [Paperback(2002£©]

 

Enders Game (2013) tells the story of a young boy named Ender who is chosen for his potential as a leader and tasked with defending humanity from an alien invasion. As he navigates through intricate battles, Ender must discover if what it takes to be a hero comes at too great of a cost.

8. Tron (1982) Rated PG

Tron: The Original Classic / Tron: Legacy [Blu-ray]

 

The acclaimed movie Tron tells the story of a computer programmer in search of his long-lost father, who is trapped inside an innovative virtual world. As he discovers secrets about himself and battles with wicked adversaries, this thrilling adventure leaves viewers on the edge of their seats!

9. Blade Runner 2049 (2018) Rated R

Blade Runner 2049

 

The highly anticipated sequel, Blade Runner 2049, follows the story of Officer K, a blade runner who discovers a deadly secret that could plunge society into chaos. With only Deckard and his new-found allies to help him along the way, he must find out what this mystery means for humanity’s future before it is too late.

10. Minority Report (2002) Rated PG-13

Minority Report

 

Minority Report is a sci-fi thriller that tells the story of a future in which technology has advanced to allow for crime prevention before it even happens. Set amidst the confusion and moral dilemmas raised by this fascinating concept, audiences are invited on an exciting journey where justice may not be what you expect.

11. Ghost in the Shell (1995) Rated PG-13

Ghost in the Shell (2017)

 

Ghost in the Shell is a thrilling sci-fi journey set in the future, where people and technology have become inseparable. It follows Major Motoko Kusanagi of Section 9 on her mission to track down an enigmatic hacker who’s wreaking havoc throughout cyberspace!

12. AI Artificial Intelligence (2001) Rated PG-13

A.I. Artificial Intelligence [Blu-ray]

 

AI Artificial Intelligence tells the touching story of an android boy striving to become a real human to win back his ‘mother’s’ love. He embarks on a journey through time, space, and humanity as he searches for acceptance that is ultimately out of reach.

13. The Imitation Game (2014) Rated PG-13

Imitation Game, The

 

The Imitation Game is a stirring drama about the brilliant mathematician, Alan Turing. Showcasing his groundbreaking work in cryptology during World War II and ultimately leading to him breaking Germany’s notorious Enigma code, it highlights how one man changed history with his revolutionary thought processes.

14. Jurassic Park (1993) Rated PG-13

Jurassic Park is an action-packed adventure flick that tells the story of a billionaire and his team’s ambitious attempt to create a theme park featuring living, breathing dinosaurs. But when chaos ensues at the dino-filled destination, those involved must fight for survival in this thrilling tale.

15. Sneakers (1992) Rated PG-13

Sneakers [Blu-ray]

 

In the classic 90s film “Sneakers,” a motley crew of former hackers and security experts is tasked with an important mission – steal back a revolutionary black box that holds top-secret information. Along their journey, they must evade law enforcement officers, professional criminals, and spies from both sides of the Cold War to save potentially dangerous tech from falling into enemy hands.

16. The Fifth Element (1997) Rated PG-13

The Fifth Element [Blu-ray]

 

The Fifth Element is a good movie from 1997 about a cab driver in the 23rd century who teams up with divine forces to save humanity. On his quest, he must find the five elements – Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water – which will help him restore balance to the universe.

17. The Net (1995) Rated PG-13

The Net (1995)

 

The Net is a thrilling movie about computer analyst and programmer Angela Bennett, who stumbles upon an illegal conspiracy while attempting to debug her company’s software. After uncovering secrets that powerful people would do anything to keep hidden, she suddenly finds herself the target of relentless cyber-stalking and must outwit danger at every turn to survive.

18. EXistenZ (1999) Rated R

eXistenZ

 

EXistenZ tells the story of an immersive virtual reality video game that questions our perception of what is real and what isn’t. Enter a world where technology has advanced to such extremes, that one can be immersed in thrilling adventures or deadly traps! What will you discover when your boundaries between fantasy and reality become blurred?

19. Surrogates (2009) Rated PG-13

Surrogates [DVD]

 

Surrogates is a sci-fi thriller that explores what happens when humans control robotic avatars to fulfill their wildest dreams. Set in a future society, the movie questions whether technology has gone too far as users are faced with modern-day choices and consequences of controlling remote replicas of themselves.

20. The Circle (2017) Rated PG-13

The Circle (2017)

 

The Circle follows Mae Holland’s journey as she joins a powerful tech company, only to find out their dark secret and be confronted by the difficult choices that come with unchecked ambition. Along her path of self-discovery, Mae finds herself questioning the morality of her decisions in this social media-era thriller.

Best Computer Science Movies

21. Transcendence (2014) Rated PG-13

Transcendence (2014)

 

Transcendence is a thought-provoking sci-fi film about Dr. Will Caster, an artificial intelligence researcher on the cusp of creating sentient technology that will revolutionize humanity. With enemies intent on stopping him at any cost and his mortality looming nearby, he must fight to find redemption in this timely exploration of science versus morality.

22. Code 46 (2003) Rated R

Code 46

 

Code 46 is a captivating science fiction movie that follows the story of William, an insurance investigator who travels to Shanghai and uncovers a mystery while falling in love with his subject. As he unravels this strange puzzle concerning cloning technology, it becomes clear there are hidden dangers beneath every corner.

23. Primer (2004) Rated PG-13

Primer

 

Primer tells the story of two inventive engineers who, with a limited budget and no outside help, build an unexpected machine that grants its users access to time travel. Follow their journey as they grapple with complex consequences brought about by tampering with events from the past and future.

24. Ultraviolet (2006) Rated PG-13

Ultraviolet

 

In the world of Ultraviolet (2006), a lethal virus has been unleashed, altering humans and leaving them with superhuman abilities. An ex-elite soldier must battle her way through an underground organization to save humanity from certain destruction. With action-packed fight sequences and deep underlying themes about identity and morality, this movie is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!

25. Infernal Affairs (2002) Rated R

Internal Affairs

 

Infernal Affairs tells the tale of a riveting showdown between two men – one an undercover cop and the other a mole planted in police ranks. As both strive to identify each other’s true identities, their cat-and-mouse game will have you on the edge of your seat!

26. Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (2004) Rated PG-13

Ghost in the Shell 2.0

 

Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence is a captivating sci-fi film that follows the story of Mechatech cyborgs Batô and Togusa as they investigate illegal activities conducted by advanced robots, all while fighting to protect their humanity.

27. Passengers (2016) Rated PG-13

Passengers tell the story of two strangers aboard a spacecraft traveling to a distant colony planet. Stranded in space, they must rely on each other for survival as their journey takes unexpected turns and reveals secrets that could put them both at risk.

28. Avatar (2009) Rated PG-13

Avatar

 

Avatar is a science fiction epic set in the year 2154 when humans have exhausted Earth’s resources and must look to Pandora – an alien moon rich with life forms they hope to exploit. What follows is an action-packed journey of discovery as two skeptical cultures clash amidst breathtaking landscapes filled with awe-inspiring creatures.

29. Ready Player One (2018) Rated PG-13

Ready Player One is a thrilling sci-fi movie set in the future, where people can escape reality and immerse themselves in an expansive virtual world. Its engaging plot follows the main character Wade Watts on his quest to find an Easter egg within this digital universe before it’s too late.

30. Black Mirror/ Bandersnatch interactive on Netflix

Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, Netflix’s specially-crafted interactive film, offers an immersive and mind-boggling experience. The story follows the journey of young programmer Stefan as he attempts to create a groundbreaking video game based on his choosing – but viewers will be tasked with making the decisions for him! With its unique blend of sci-fi thriller elements blended in unexpected ways, Black Mirror: Bandersnatch is sure to keep you engaged and guessing until the very end!

31. 2001: Space Odyssey (1968) Rated G

2001 – A Space Odyssey (Two-Disc Special Edition)

 

2001: Space Odyssey is a groundbreaking science fiction classic that follows the remarkable story of an interstellar journey into space and beyond, exploring humanity’s relationship to technology and its impact on our future.

32. Pixels (2015) Rated PG

Pixels

 

Pixels is an action-packed movie that follows the story of aliens who attack Earth using classic video game characters. In a race against time, it’s up to our heroes to save humanity from destruction by defeating these seemingly unstoppable foes.

33. Free Guy (2021) Rated PG-13

Free Guy DVD [2021]

 

Free Guy is an action-packed, comedic adventure about a down-on-his-luck regular guy who suddenly discovers he’s living in the world of a video game! He must use his newfound knowledge to battle against evil forces and save both himself and his home city.

34. The Internets’ Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swart (2014) Documentary

The Internet’s Own Boy

 

The Internets’ Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swart chronicles the life and legacy of programmer, writer, political organizer, and Internet activist Aaron Swartz. It takes an in-depth look at his groundbreaking work to make information free for everyone as well as his fight against what he saw as an oppressive legal system that sought to silence him.

35. Jobs (2015) Rated PG-13

Steve Jobs is the story of an iconic innovator and entrepreneur, who explored his life from early childhood to industry-changing successes. Experience a remarkable journey filled with triumphs, defeats, dreams, and ambition as it reveals what drove him on one of history’s greatest creative streaks.

36. 12 Monkeys (2008) Rated R

12 Monkeys: Season One [Blu-ray]

 

12 Monkeys tells the story of a time traveler from 2035 sent back to discover the origin of a deadly virus and stop it before it wipes out humanity. An action-packed journey through multiple timelines ensues, as our hero battles against forces determined to see mankind destroyed.

37. Moneyball (2011) Rated PG-13

Moneyball (Three-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack Including Bonus DVD) [Blu-ray]

 

Moneyball is a captivating story about the ambition and determination of Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane as he attempts to build an unexpectedly successful team by relying on analytics instead of conventional wisdom.

38. Back to the Future (1985) Rated PG

Back to the Future: The Complete Trilogy [DVD]

 

An iconic classic, Back to the Future tells the tale of a teenaged Marty McFly who is sent on an out-of-this-world adventure when his friend Dr. Emmett Brown invents a time machine! Together they must navigate through past and future obstacles to save Hill Valley from complete chaos!

39. Source Code (2011) Rated G

Source Code

 

Source Code is an exciting thriller that follows the story of a soldier sent on a mission to track down and stop terrorist activity by jumping into another man’s consciousness. It keeps viewers guessing around every turn as this unlikely hero races against time to save countless lives.

40. Pi (1998) Rated R

Pi

 

Pi, a groundbreaking psychological thriller, follows the story of one man’s dream to uncover mathematical patterns in nature and his quest for understanding. In this film journey filled with suspense and mystery, viewers will explore an exploration into questions about reality itself.

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41. We are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists (2012) Not Rated

We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists is a thrilling documentary about an emerging phenomenon known as “hacktivism” – where computer hackers take justice into their own hands by disrupting digital systems for political change. Taking us behind the scenes with Anonymous, this emotive film dives deep into the lives and motivations of its members to explore technology’s challenge to our ideas around power and freedom in today’s world.

42. Snowden (2016) Rated R

Snowden (Blu-ray + DVD) (Blu-ray)

 

The movie Snowden is a thrilling drama that follows the true story of Edward Snowden, his battle to reveal classified information about government surveillance and its effects on citizens’ civil liberties. A political fugitive in search of justice, he embarks on an intense journey as powerful forces try to silence him forever.

43. Pirates of Silicon Valley (1999) Not Rated

Pirates of the Silicon Valley is a captivating story that chronicles the groundbreaking rivalry between Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, two titans of technology who changed our world forever. Through their ambition and determination, they transformed computers from clunky business tools into must-have items in every family home – ushering us all into an era of modern computing power.

44. TRON Legacy (2011) Rated PG

Tron: Legacy

 

TRON: Legacy tells the story of a son’s search for his long-lost father in an alternate, digital universe. Along this journey, he discovers truths about himself and the bravery within him that will help save humanity from impending doom.

45. I, Robot (2010) Rated PG-13

i, Robot

 

Will Smith stars in the movie Irobot – a sci-fi epic about an advanced robot that develops human emotions and sets out on an incredible journey to explore them.

46. The Internship (2013) PG-13

Internship, The

 

The Internship (2013) starring Will Smith is a heartwarming and hilarious comedy about two down-on-their-luck salesmen trying to get an internship at the world’s biggest online retailer. Filled with laugh-out-loud moments, this movie follows their journey as they compete against tech geniuses for the ultimate job opportunity.

47. Hackers (1998) Rated PG -13

Hackers

 

Hackers (1998) tells the thrilling story of street-smart teenage hackers in a race against time to thwart an international group’s malicious cybercriminal activities. Along the way, they must face off with federal agents and other nefarious characters as their daring plan unfolds before them.

48. Inception (2010) Rated PG-13

Inception

 

Inception (2010) is a thrilling science-fiction film about the power of dreams and belief. It follows Dom Cobb, an expert thief who can enter people’s minds through their subconscious to steal secrets from them. He must undertake one final job: planting an idea in someone’s mind instead of stealing it – but that task proves risky for himself as well as his team.

49. Ironman (2008) Rated PG-13

Iron Man (Single-Disc Edition)

 

Ironman tells the story of Tony Stark, a genius billionaire who embarks on an action-packed journey to become a superhero after creating the powerful Iron Man suit. With his newfound powers, he takes it upon himself to save humanity from numerous threats both inside and outside his company.

50. Wall-E (2008) Rated G

WALL-E

 

Wall-E tells the story of a lonely robot who embarks on an extraordinary journey across space in search of his purpose. This captivating animated movie follows Wall-E’s adventures as he discovers humanity’s greatest secret and learns how one small, determined bot can make all the difference.

51. The Imitation Game (2014). Rated PG-13

Imitation Game, The

 

The Imitation Game delves into the extraordinary life of Alan Turing; a British mathematician who cracked the German Enigma code during World War II and played an immensely important part in hastening its end. But, it is also about so much more: secrecy, identity politics, and ultimately what makes us human.

What is the Turing code?

It’s a set of mathematical rules developed by Alan Turing, who many regard as the father of modern computer science. This revolutionary code laid down essential concepts for computers and computing systems to understand information – paving the way for today’s digital world.

52. The Matrix Reloaded (2003) Rated R

The Matrix Reloaded

 

The Matrix Reloaded takes us on a suspenseful, thrilling journey that follows the further adventures of Neo as he battles powerful forces to save humanity from destruction. With mind-blowing action sequences and stunning visuals, this sci-fi classic is sure to keep audiences captivated until its climactic finish!

Our list of the best computer movies through the decades offers something for everyone—whether you’re a computer hacker or just love science fiction movies, this is a complete list for you. Each film provides insight into how technology can affect our lives, whether it’s by changing our view of reality or deepening our understanding of what it means to be human. So if you’re looking for a list of the best computer science movies for your next cinematic adventure, we are here to help you out.

Whether you’re looking for an action-packed thrill ride or a thought-provoking drama about technology gone wrong, these five films offer something for everyone interested in computer science fiction stories. From classics like WarGames and The Matrix to modern favorites like Ex Machina and The Social Network, these movies provide entertaining looks at how technology shapes our lives both now and in the future. So pop some popcorn and get ready for an evening full of tech-inspired entertainment!