In an era where digital warfare can have as much impact as physical battles, understanding the complexities of cyber conflicts is more crucial than ever. This curated list of documentaries delves into the shadowy realm of cyberwarfare, offering insights into the tactics, players, and consequences of these modern battles. From state-sponsored hackers to cyber espionage, these films provide a comprehensive look at how nations and individuals engage in digital combat, making them essential viewing for anyone interested in cybersecurity, geopolitics, or just the thrilling narrative of high-stakes digital duels.
We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks (2013)
Description: This film provides an in-depth look at WikiLeaks, exploring how the organization's actions have influenced cyberwarfare and information warfare.
Fact: Directed by Alex Gibney, who also directed "Zero Days."
Watch Now
The Fifth Estate (2013)
Description: While a dramatization, this film based on real events around WikiLeaks offers a narrative perspective on the impact of cyberwarfare on journalism and global politics.
Fact: The film stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Julian Assange, adding a star power to the story of digital warfare.
Watch Now
The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz (2014)
Description: This documentary explores the life and untimely death of Aaron Swartz, who was involved in cyber activism, highlighting the personal costs of digital warfare.
Fact: The film was directed by Brian Knappenberger, who also made "We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists."
Watch Now
Citizenfour (2014)
Description: While not exclusively about cyberwarfare, it focuses on Edward Snowden's revelations about NSA surveillance, highlighting the potential for cyber espionage and its implications.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in
Watch Now
Risk (2016)
Description: Laura Poitras's film follows Julian Assange, offering insights into WikiLeaks' role in cyberwarfare by exposing classified information.
Fact: The film was initially released in 2016 but was later re-edited and re-released in
Watch Now
Web Junkie (2013)
Description: Although not directly about cyberwarfare, it examines China's internet addiction camps, reflecting on how governments control digital behavior, which can be a form of cyberwarfare.
Fact: The film was shot in China, providing a rare glimpse into a controversial aspect of their internet policy.
30 Days Free
Deep Web (2015)
Description: Focused on the Silk Road case, this documentary delves into the dark web, where cyberwarfare often takes place, showing the battle between anonymity and law enforcement.
Fact: It includes interviews with Ross Ulbricht, the creator of Silk Road, before his sentencing.
30 Days Free
The Hacker Wars (2014)
Description: This documentary looks at the lives of hacktivists, exploring the ethical and legal boundaries of cyberwarfare from the perspective of those fighting for digital freedom.
Fact: It features interviews with prominent figures like Jeremy Hammond and Andrew "weev" Auernheimer.
30 Days Free
Zero Days (2016)
Description: This film explores the Stuxnet virus, a cyberweapon allegedly used by the US and Israel to sabotage Iran's nuclear program. It's a chilling look at how cyberwarfare can be used to physically disrupt infrastructure.
Fact: The film was directed by Alex Gibney, known for his investigative documentaries. It was screened at the Berlin International Film Festival.
30 Days Free
The Great Hack (2019)
Description: This documentary uncovers the Cambridge Analytica scandal, showing how data was weaponized to influence elections, a form of cyberwarfare in the information age.
Fact: The film features interviews with key figures involved in the scandal, including whistleblower Christopher Wylie.
30 Days Free
