10 Must-Watch Biopics About Programmers

Description: This film explores the founding of Facebook and the legal battles that ensued. It's not just about programming but also about the social dynamics and ambition that drive tech innovation.

Fact: Aaron Sorkin won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for this film, and it also won for Best Original Score.

Description: Although not solely about programming, Lisbeth Salander, the film's protagonist, is a brilliant hacker whose skills are central to the plot. It's a thrilling look at the darker side of technology.

Fact: The film was directed by David Fincher and features a notable performance by Rooney Mara, who was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Description: Directed by Danny Boyle and written by Aaron Sorkin, this film offers a more intimate look at Steve Jobs, focusing on three pivotal product launches in his career.

Fact: Michael Fassbender's performance as Jobs was critically acclaimed, though he did not win an Oscar for his role.

Description: This film delves into the life of Alan Turing, the brilliant mathematician and computer scientist who played a pivotal role in cracking the German Enigma code during World War II. It's a must-watch for its portrayal of Turing's genius, his personal struggles, and the impact of his work on modern computing.

Fact: Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal of Turing earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The film also won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Description: Ashton Kutcher stars as Steve Jobs in this biopic that covers his life from his early days at Reed College to the founding of Apple and his eventual return to the company. It's an engaging look at the man who changed the face of technology.

Fact: The film was released on the same day as another Steve Jobs biopic, "jOBS," which was not well-received by critics.

Description: Although not a biopic, this thriller features a hacker named Nicholas Hathaway, whose skills are crucial in tracking down cybercriminals. It provides an exciting, albeit fictional, look at the world of hacking.

Fact: The film was directed by Michael Mann, known for his detailed and realistic portrayal of crime and technology in films like "Heat" and "Collateral."

Description: This film tells the story of Edward Snowden, a former CIA employee who leaked classified information from the NSA. While not a programmer by trade, his actions had significant implications for digital privacy and security.

Fact: Oliver Stone directed this film, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt's portrayal of Snowden was praised for its authenticity.

Description: While not strictly a biopic, this documentary explores the lives of several prominent hackers, providing insight into the hacker culture and its impact on technology and society.

Fact: The film features interviews with well-known hackers like Andrew "weev" Auernheimer and Jeremy Hammond.

Description: This TV movie chronicles the early days of Apple and Microsoft, focusing on the rivalry between Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. It's a fascinating look at how personal computers became mainstream and the personalities behind the tech revolution.

Fact: The film was made for TNT and was based on the book "Fire in the Valley: The Making of The Personal Computer" by Paul Freiberger and Michael Swaine.

Description: Another film about Alan Turing, this one focuses on his contributions to computer science and his tragic personal life, including his persecution for his homosexuality.

Fact: The film includes interviews with Turing's biographer, Andrew Hodges, and features a mix of dramatization and documentary elements.