- We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks (2013)
- Terms and Conditions May Apply (2013)
- Citizenfour (2014)
- Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World (2016)
- The Hacker Wars (2014)
- The Social Dilemma (2020)
- Downloaded (2013)
- The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz (2014)
- The Great Hack (2019)
- The Net: The Unabomber, LSD and the Internet (2003)
In an era where technology shapes every aspect of our lives, understanding the evolution and impact of communication technology is more crucial than ever. This curated list of documentaries delves into the fascinating world of connectivity, from the telegraph to the internet, offering viewers a comprehensive look at how we've transformed the way we communicate. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the invisible threads that connect us, these films provide both educational insights and compelling narratives.

We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks (2013)
Description: This documentary provides an in-depth look at WikiLeaks, its founder Julian Assange, and the impact of leaked information on global communication and politics.
Fact: The film features interviews with key figures involved with WikiLeaks, including Assange himself. It was directed by Alex Gibney, known for his investigative documentaries.


Terms and Conditions May Apply (2013)
Description: This film investigates the implications of the terms of service agreements we routinely accept, highlighting how they affect our privacy and communication rights.
Fact: The documentary uses humor and animation to make complex legal issues accessible, and it includes interviews with privacy experts and whistleblowers.


Citizenfour (2014)
Description: Focused on Edward Snowden's revelations about global surveillance programs, this documentary highlights the intersection of communication technology with privacy and security issues.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It was shot in real-time as Snowden met with filmmaker Laura Poitras in Hong Kong.


Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World (2016)
Description: Directed by Werner Herzog, this documentary examines the history and future of the internet, exploring its impact on various aspects of human life, from communication to isolation, and the potential of AI.
Fact: Herzog interviewed Elon Musk for this film, discussing the future of AI and its implications for humanity. The title is a reference to the first message ever sent over ARPANET, which was "LO."


The Hacker Wars (2014)
Description: This documentary focuses on the lives of hacktivists, exploring how they use communication technology to fight for freedom of information and against perceived injustices.
Fact: It includes profiles of well-known hackers like Andrew "weev" Auernheimer and Jeremy Hammond, offering insights into the motivations behind hacking.


The Social Dilemma (2020)
Description: An eye-opening documentary that explores the dangerous human impact of social networking, with tech experts sounding the alarm on our changing behaviors, mental health, and democracy.
Fact: The film uses a dramatized narrative alongside interviews to illustrate the effects of social media algorithms. It was one of the most-watched documentaries on Netflix in


Downloaded (2013)
Description: A documentary about the rise and fall of Napster, the pioneering peer-to-peer file-sharing service that revolutionized music distribution and communication over the internet.
Fact: The film features interviews with Napster co-founder Shawn Fanning and key figures in the music industry, providing a balanced view of the controversy surrounding Napster.


The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz (2014)
Description: This documentary explores the life of Aaron Swartz, a prodigious programmer and internet activist, whose work on RSS, Reddit, and his fight for open access to information changed the digital landscape. It's a poignant look at how communication technology can be a tool for social change.
Fact: Aaron Swartz was only 14 when he co-authored the RSS


The Great Hack (2019)
Description: This film delves into the Cambridge Analytica scandal, revealing how data harvesting and manipulation of social media platforms influenced elections, showcasing the dark side of communication technology.
Fact: The documentary features whistleblowers Brittany Kaiser and Christopher Wylie, who provide insider perspectives on the data misuse. It was nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special category.


The Net: The Unabomber, LSD and the Internet (2003)
Description: This documentary connects the dots between the Unabomber, LSD experiments, and the birth of the internet, offering a unique perspective on how these seemingly disparate elements influenced communication technology.
Fact: The film suggests that Ted Kaczynski's experiences at Harvard, including psychological experiments, might have influenced his later actions against technology.
