Are you fascinated by the shadowy world of hacking and cybercrime? This curated list of documentaries delves deep into the lives of hackers, exploring their motivations, techniques, and the impact of their actions on society. From notorious cybercriminals to ethical hackers, these films offer a thrilling insight into the digital underworld, making them a must-watch for anyone intrigued by technology, security, and the human psyche behind the screen.
The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin (2014)
Description: While not exclusively about hacking, this documentary covers the early days of Bitcoin, including the hacking and security issues surrounding its rise. It provides context on how hacking influences cryptocurrency.
Fact: The film features interviews with Bitcoin's creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, through email exchanges.
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The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz (2014)
Description: This poignant documentary tells the story of Aaron Swartz, a programming prodigy and activist who faced severe legal repercussions for downloading academic articles. It's a tragic tale of idealism versus the system.
Fact: Aaron Swartz was one of the key figures in developing RSS and co-founded Reddit.
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Citizenfour (2014)
Description: Focused on Edward Snowden, this documentary captures his first public interviews and the events leading up to his revelations about NSA surveillance. It's a gripping tale of whistleblowing and the ethics of privacy.
Fact: Laura Poitras, the director, won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature for this film.
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Hackers: Wizards of the Electronic Age (1984)
Description: One of the earliest documentaries on hacking, it explores the culture and mindset of hackers in the '80s, providing historical context to the evolution of hacking.
Fact: This film was made before the term "hacker" had its current negative connotation.
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Takedown (2000)
Description: Although part fiction, this film is based on the true story of Kevin Mitnick, one of the most notorious hackers in history, and his capture by Tsutomu Shimomura. It's a thrilling narrative of cat and mouse in the digital realm.
Fact: Kevin Mitnick himself has criticized the film for its inaccuracies.
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We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists (2012)
Description: This film chronicles the rise of Anonymous, a decentralized international hacktivist group. It covers their operations, from DDoS attacks to exposing corruption, and the personal stories of those involved.
Fact: The documentary features interviews with key figures from Anonymous, providing firsthand accounts of their activities.
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The Hacker Wars (2014)
Description: This documentary provides an in-depth look at the lives of three prominent hackers: Andrew "Weev" Auernheimer, Barrett Brown, and Jeremy Hammond. It explores their battles with the law, their philosophies, and the broader implications of their actions on internet freedom.
Fact: The film was directed by Vivien Lesnik Weisman, who also directed "The Internet's Own Boy" about Aaron Swartz.
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Zero Days (2016)
Description: Directed by Alex Gibney, this film investigates the Stuxnet computer virus, believed to be a cyberweapon used against Iran's nuclear program. It delves into the implications of cyber warfare.
Fact: The film features anonymous interviews with cybersecurity experts and former intelligence officials.
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The Great Hack (2019)
Description: This documentary investigates the Cambridge Analytica scandal, where personal data was used to influence elections. It's a modern tale of data hacking and its political implications.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special.
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Hackers Wanted (2009)
Description: This documentary follows the life of Adrian Lamo, known for hacking into major corporations and later turning in Chelsea Manning. It explores the hacker's dilemma between fame, ethics, and the law.
Fact: The film includes interviews with Kevin Mitnick, another infamous hacker.
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