In an era where our lives are increasingly digital, understanding the complexities of cyber warfare is not just fascinating but essential. This curated list of documentaries delves into the shadowy world of cyberattacks, revealing the strategies, the masterminds, and the consequences of digital warfare. From high-profile hacks to the everyday threats lurking in our inboxes, these films offer a window into the cyber realm, educating and thrilling viewers with real-life tales of digital espionage and defense.

We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks (2013)
Description: This documentary covers the rise of WikiLeaks and its founder Julian Assange, focusing on the massive leaks that exposed government secrets, including cyber espionage and cyberattacks.
Fact: The film includes interviews with key figures like Julian Assange and Bradley Manning (now Chelsea Manning).


Citizenfour (2014)
Description: While not exclusively about cyberattacks, this film focuses on Edward Snowden's revelations about NSA surveillance, which indirectly led to discussions on cybersecurity and cyber espionage.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It was shot in real-time as Snowden met with journalists in Hong Kong.


Zero Days (2016)
Description: This documentary explores the Stuxnet virus, a cyberweapon allegedly used by the U.S. and Israel to sabotage Iran's nuclear program. It's a deep dive into the secretive world of cyber warfare, revealing how nations can wage war in the digital realm.
Fact: The film includes interviews with anonymous sources who claim to have insider knowledge of the Stuxnet operation. It also features a rare interview with a former NSA employee.


The Hacker Wars (2014)
Description: This film explores the lives of hacktivists like Andrew Auernheimer, Jeremy Hammond, and Barrett Brown, who use hacking as a form of political activism, often targeting government and corporate cyber infrastructure.
Fact: The documentary was directed by Vivien Lesnik Weisman, who also directed "The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz."


Web Junkie (2013)
Description: Although primarily about internet addiction, this documentary touches on the vulnerabilities of digital systems and the potential for cyber manipulation through addiction.
Fact: The film was shot in a Chinese internet addiction camp, offering a unique perspective on digital dependency.


Hackers Wanted (2009)
Description: This documentary follows the life of Adrian Lamo, a notorious hacker, and his journey from hacking into major corporations to becoming an FBI informant. It's a personal look at the hacker subculture.
Fact: Adrian Lamo, the central figure, was known for his involvement in the arrest of Chelsea Manning, who leaked classified information to WikiLeaks.


The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz (2014)
Description: While not directly about cyberattacks, this documentary tells the story of Aaron Swartz, a programmer and internet activist who faced legal battles over his efforts to make information freely available, touching on themes of digital rights and cybersecurity.
Fact: Aaron Swartz was one of the key figures behind the development of RSS and co-founded Reddit.


The Dark Net (2016)
Description: This series delves into the dark side of the internet, including cybercrime, hacking, and the hidden world of the dark web, where cyberattacks are often planned and executed.
Fact: The series was produced by Vice Media and aired on Showtime.


The Great Hack (2019)
Description: This film uncovers the Cambridge Analytica scandal, where personal data was harvested from millions of Facebook users to influence elections. It's a chilling look at how data can be weaponized for political manipulation.
Fact: The documentary was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special. It features interviews with key figures like Brittany Kaiser, a former Cambridge Analytica employee.


The Rise and Fall of the Cybercrime Empire (2018)
Description: This documentary traces the journey of a notorious cybercriminal group, detailing their rise to power through cyberattacks, their methods, and eventual downfall.
Fact: The film includes interviews with former members of the group, providing insider insights into the world of cybercrime.
