10 Films Celebrating Computer Geniuses

Description: A groundbreaking film that blends live-action with computer animation, "Tron" explores the digital world inside a computer where a programmer must fight for his life.

Fact: It was one of the first films to use extensive computer-generated imagery (CGI). The film inspired a sequel, "Tron: Legacy," released in

Description: A young hacker accidentally accesses a military supercomputer, nearly triggering a nuclear war, showcasing the potential dangers of computer systems and hacking.

Fact: The film led to increased security measures in the U.S. military's computer systems. It was also one of the first films to deal with the concept of cyber warfare.

Description: A group of security experts, including a computer genius, are hired to test security systems but get entangled in a plot involving a device that can break any encryption.

Fact: The film features a cameo by James Earl Jones as the NSA director. It was also praised for its realistic portrayal of hacking techniques at the time.

Description: A cult classic, "Hackers" follows a group of young computer enthusiasts who get entangled in a corporate conspiracy, highlighting the hacker culture of the 90s.

Fact: The film was one of the first to depict hacking in a visually appealing way, influencing many subsequent movies and TV shows. Angelina Jolie made her film debut in this movie.

Description: While not strictly about computer geniuses, "The Matrix" delves into the world of virtual reality and artificial intelligence, with characters who are adept at manipulating digital environments.

Fact: The film's "bullet time" effect revolutionized action sequences in cinema. It also introduced philosophical concepts like the nature of reality to a broader audience.

Description: A young programmer discovers a sinister plot within a tech giant, exploring themes of corporate espionage, open-source software, and the ethical dilemmas faced by tech innovators.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life stories of Silicon Valley, including the Microsoft antitrust case.

Description: This film chronicles the founding of Facebook, focusing on Mark Zuckerberg's journey from a Harvard student to a tech mogul, exploring themes of innovation, betrayal, and the impact of social media.

Fact: Aaron Sorkin won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, and the film was nominated for Best Picture.

Description: Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant hacker, teams up with a journalist to solve a decades-old disappearance, showcasing her computer skills and complex personality.

Fact: The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Rooney Mara's portrayal of Lisbeth Salander.

Description: This film tells the story of Alan Turing, a British mathematician and computer scientist who played a pivotal role in cracking the Nazi's Enigma code during WWII, showcasing his genius in codebreaking and early computer science.

Fact: Benedict Cumberbatch was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Alan Turing. The film also won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Description: This biographical film focuses on Steve Jobs, detailing his career at Apple Inc., highlighting his vision, innovation, and the challenges he faced.

Fact: Ashton Kutcher, who played Jobs, went on a fruitarian diet to better embody the character, mirroring Jobs' own dietary habits.