- Lo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World (2016)
- The Social Dilemma (2020)
- The Code (2011)
- The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz (2014)
- The Great Hack (2019)
- The Algorithm (2016)
- Algorithm: The Hacker's Movie (2014)
- Codebreaker (2011)
- Algorithmic Trading (2012)
- The Human Face of Big Data (2014)
Algorithms are the invisible architects of our digital world, shaping everything from search engine results to social media feeds. This curated list of documentaries delves into the complex, often mysterious realm of algorithms, offering viewers a chance to understand their impact on society, ethics, and daily life. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or simply curious about how the digital world operates, these films provide a compelling look at the algorithms that govern our lives.

Lo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World (2016)
Description: Directed by Werner Herzog, this film explores various aspects of the internet, including the role of algorithms in shaping our digital experiences.
Fact: Herzog's unique narrative style provides a philosophical perspective on technology and algorithms.


The Social Dilemma (2020)
Description: Although not solely about algorithms, this documentary discusses how social media algorithms manipulate user behavior, offering a critical look at the ethical implications.
Fact: The film features former tech insiders from companies like Google and Facebook.


The Code (2011)
Description: A deep dive into the world of coding, this documentary follows the lives of several programmers as they tackle complex algorithms in their work, highlighting the human side of technology.
Fact: The film was nominated for a Peabody Award for its insightful portrayal of the tech industry.


The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz (2014)
Description: This documentary covers the life of Aaron Swartz, a programmer and activist whose work on RSS and other internet protocols was deeply rooted in algorithmic design.
Fact: The film was released under a Creative Commons license, reflecting Swartz's advocacy for open access.


The Great Hack (2019)
Description: This documentary investigates the Cambridge Analytica scandal, focusing on how data algorithms were used to influence elections, highlighting the ethical dilemmas of data manipulation.
Fact: The film was shortlisted for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.


The Algorithm (2016)
Description: This documentary explores the history and evolution of algorithms, from ancient times to the modern digital age. It features interviews with computer scientists and historians to explain how algorithms have shaped human civilization.
Fact: The film was produced in collaboration with MIT and includes rare footage of early computing machines.


Algorithm: The Hacker's Movie (2014)
Description: This film focuses on the darker side of algorithms, exploring how hackers use them to exploit systems, revealing the vulnerabilities in our digital infrastructure.
Fact: The documentary was screened at DEF CON, one of the world's largest hacker conventions.


Codebreaker (2011)
Description: While not exclusively about algorithms, this film tells the story of Alan Turing, whose work on cracking the Enigma code during WWII laid the groundwork for modern computing and algorithmic thinking.
Fact: The film includes interviews with Turing's contemporaries and features a voiceover by Benedict Cumberbatch.


Algorithmic Trading (2012)
Description: This documentary examines the use of algorithms in financial markets, exploring high-frequency trading and its impact on global economies.
Fact: It includes interviews with traders who have made fortunes using algorithmic strategies.


The Human Face of Big Data (2014)
Description: This film looks at how big data and algorithms are transforming our understanding of the world, from healthcare to urban planning.
Fact: The documentary was produced by National Geographic and features stunning visualizations of data.
