- Citizenfour (2014)
- Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World (2016)
- The Social Dilemma (2020)
- The Virtual Revolution (2010)
- Downloaded (2013)
- We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists (2012)
- The Internet's Own Boy (2014)
- The Great Hack (2019)
- The Internet: Behind the Web (2000)
- The Internet's Architect (2014)
In today's interconnected world, understanding the intricacies of communication networks is not just fascinating but essential. This curated list of documentaries delves into the history, technology, and future of how we connect. From the pioneering days of the internet to the latest in 5G technology, these films offer a deep dive into the systems that keep us linked. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or simply curious about how the world communicates, these documentaries provide both educational and entertaining insights into the backbone of modern society.

Citizenfour (2014)
Description: While not exclusively about communication networks, this film about Edward Snowden's revelations on NSA surveillance provides a critical perspective on the security and privacy aspects of internet communication.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.


Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World (2016)
Description: Directed by Werner Herzog, this film examines the profound impact of the internet on humanity, from its inception to its potential future. It's a must-watch for understanding the evolution of communication networks.
Fact: The title refers to the first message ever sent over ARPANET, which was "LO" (intended to be "LOGIN").


The Social Dilemma (2020)
Description: This film explores the unintended consequences of social media platforms, which are built on complex communication networks, and how they affect our society and mental health.
Fact: The documentary features interviews with former employees of major tech companies like Google, Twitter, and Facebook.


The Virtual Revolution (2010)
Description: This BBC series explores the history and impact of the internet, focusing on how it has changed the way we communicate, learn, and interact. It's relevant for its comprehensive look at the digital revolution.
Fact: The series was broadcast on BBC Two and covers topics from the birth of the internet to its effects on politics and privacy.


Downloaded (2013)
Description: This documentary tells the story of Napster, the file-sharing service that changed the music industry and the internet landscape. It's included for its depiction of how peer-to-peer networks transformed communication and content distribution.
Fact: The film features interviews with key figures like Shawn Fanning, the founder of Napster.


We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists (2012)
Description: Focused on the hacktivist group Anonymous, this documentary explores how digital activism has used the internet to organize, communicate, and effect change, making it a key piece in understanding modern communication networks.
Fact: The film includes interviews with members of Anonymous, providing a rare glimpse into their operations.


The Internet's Own Boy (2014)
Description: This documentary explores the life and tragic death of Aaron Swartz, a prodigious programmer and internet activist who played a pivotal role in the development of RSS, Creative Commons, and Reddit. It's included in this list because it sheds light on the early internet culture and the battles over information freedom.
Fact: Aaron Swartz was only 14 when he co-authored the RSS


The Great Hack (2019)
Description: This documentary investigates the Cambridge Analytica scandal, showing how data from social networks was used to influence elections, highlighting the dark side of communication networks.
Fact: It was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special.


The Internet: Behind the Web (2000)
Description: This documentary provides an early look at the internet's infrastructure, explaining how data travels and the technologies that make it possible. It's a historical piece that shows the beginnings of our current network systems.
Fact: The film was produced by Discovery Channel, offering a detailed look at the internet's backbone.


The Internet's Architect (2014)
Description: This documentary focuses on Vint Cerf, one of the key architects of the internet, detailing his contributions to the development of communication networks.
Fact: Vint Cerf is often referred to as one of the "fathers of the internet."
