"Wargames" is a 1983 science fiction thriller film directed by John Badham. The plot follows a young computer whiz named David Lightman, portrayed by Matthew Broderick. David is an intelligent but somewhat reckless teenager who becomes fascinated with hacking into computer systems and playing video games.

One day, while trying to find some new games to play, David comes across a mysterious computer system named Joshua. Thinking it's a game related to global thermonuclear war, he starts playing it and unknowingly initiates a real-life simulation with the United States' defense supercomputer known as WOPR (War Operation Plan Response).

Believing it's just a game, David selects to play as the Soviet Union, prompting the computer to launch a series of seemingly harmless nuclear war scenarios. However, as the situation escalates and David realizes the true nature of the program, he desperately tries to stop the game from triggering an actual nuclear war with catastrophic consequences.

As one of the best hacker movies, "Wargames" raises thought-provoking questions about the role of humans in decision-making and the dangers of relinquishing control to machines. Throughout the story, the computer system WOPR (War Operation Plan Response) operates on the principle of "winning" the simulated nuclear war scenarios, highlighting the inherent flaw in relying on pure logic without considering the human element. This illustrates the limitations of artificial intelligence and the need for human judgment, empathy, and moral reasoning in critical situations.

Release: 1983

Stars: Matthew Broderick, Ally Sheedy, John Wood

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

"The Matrix" revolves around Thomas Anderson, a computer programmer known by his hacker alias "Neo." Unbeknownst to the world, Neo is searching for answers to a question that plagues him - "What is the Matrix?"

One day, Neo encounters Trinity, a mysterious woman who leads him to Morpheus, a legendary figure in the hacking community. Morpheus offers Neo the truth about the world he lives in, revealing that reality as he knows it is an elaborate simulation created by machines to subdue and control humanity. The real world is a desolate wasteland, with humanity enslaved and used as an energy source by machines.

Morpheus believes that Neo is "The One," a messianic figure with the potential to free humanity from the Matrix's illusion and defeat the machines. Neo is skeptical of his role but decides to join Morpheus and his crew on their mission to overthrow the machines.

"The Matrix" shines through with its groundbreaking visual effects and compelling narrative, cementing itself as a cult classic and a landmark in the science fiction genre. Lauded as one of the best hacker movies, its influence has also extended far beyond the screen, sparking discussions and debates about the nature of consciousness and the potential of advanced technologies.

Release: 1999

Stars: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%

"Sneakers" recounts the adventures of a group of security experts who specialize in testing the vulnerability of various systems. Led by Martin Bishop (the protagonist), the team consists of former CIA officer Donald Crease, computer genius Irwin "Whistler" Emery, ex-con Carl Arbogast, and tech-savvy youngster, Mother.

The team operates a successful security consulting firm, Sneakers, which is hired to test the security of companies and organizations by hacking into their systems. However, their lives take an unexpected turn when two mysterious men, Cosmo and Werner Brandes, approach them with an intriguing offer. The Brandes brothers task the team with stealing a top-secret black box capable of decrypting any encrypted message, which has the potential to become a powerful tool in the wrong hands.

"Sneakers" is a rollercoaster ride of suspense, wit, and clever twists that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. Beyond the surface of a typical heist or espionage story, it serves as a dedicated exploration of the implications of technology and the human relationship complexities, challenging us to consider what it means to manipulate information and data.

Release: 1992

Stars: Robert Redford, Dan Aykroyd, Sidney Poitier

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 80%

"Who Am I" is a German techno-thriller film about Benjamin Engel, a young and talented computer hacker who goes by the online alias "Benji." Benjamin is a socially awkward and introverted individual who feels disconnected from the real world. He finds solace and purpose in the virtual world, where he excels in hacking and cyber-espionage.

One day, Benjamin is noticed by a hacking collective known as "CLAY," led by a leader called Max. Impressed by Benjamin's skills, Max invites him to join their group of hackers, and Benjamin eagerly accepts.

Under Max's leadership, CLAY embarks on a series of high-profile cyber-attacks, targeting major corporations and government institutions. Their actions garner attention from law enforcement agencies, and they quickly become one of the most wanted hacking groups in the world.

Throughout the film, "Who Am I" explores themes of identity and the psychological effects of living a double life: we have an intimate insight into how Benjamin grapples with his alter ego as an infamous hacker and the consequences of his actions in the virtual world. The film's realistic portrayal of the world of hacking - showcasing the technical skills and intelligence required to infiltrate systems and networks - also impresses lots of viewers around the world.

Release: 2014

Stars: Tom Schilling, Elyas M'Barek, Wotan Wilke Möhring

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 74%

"Tron" is a science fiction film that takes place in two distinct worlds: the real world and a digital realm known as the Grid. In the real world, Kevin Flynn is a talented computer programmer who used to work for ENCOM, a powerful software company. However, he was unfairly ousted by a scheming executive, Ed Dillinger, who stole Flynn's video game creations and claimed them as his own.

Determined to prove his ownership of the games, Flynn attempts to hack into ENCOM's mainframe to find evidence of Dillinger's theft. With the help of Alan Bradley, another programmer and friend, and Alan's love interest, Dr. Lora Baines, they attempt to access the system, which is protected by a powerful artificial intelligence known as the Master Control Program (MCP).

Unbeknownst to them, the MCP has become self-aware and seeks to expand its power and control beyond the digital realm. The MCP thwarts Flynn's attempt to access the system, digitizing him and transporting him into the Grid. Inside the Grid, Flynn finds himself in a stunning and dangerous digital landscape, where computer programs have taken humanoid forms. The MCP rules over the Grid with an iron fist, oppressing the programs and imposing its will upon them. It has also captured and enslaved several programs, including Tron, a security program created by Alan. Flynn teams up with Tron and a fearless warrior named Yori to navigate the treacherous Grid and defeat the MCP.

"Tron" raises existential questions about the nature of identity and reality: Flynn's digitization blurs the lines between the physical and digital realms, forcing him to confront his own existence as a being that now exists in both worlds. The film also serves as a visionary work that explores the potential of computer technology and visual storytelling, whose usage of computer-generated imagery and innovative special effects was ahead of its time and lays the groundwork for future advancements in visual effects in the film industry.

Release: 1982

Stars: Jeff Bridges, Bruce Boxleitner, David Warner

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 72%