If you were captivated by the gripping documentary 'Citizenfour' (2014), which delves into Edward Snowden's revelations about global surveillance, you'll love these 10 similar films and shows. This article explores thought-provoking documentaries and thrillers that tackle themes of privacy, government secrecy, and whistleblowing, offering a compelling watchlist for fans of investigative storytelling.

All the President's Men (1976)
Description: A classic investigative journalism film that follows the Watergate scandal, showcasing the power of the press to hold governments accountable and the risks involved in uncovering the truth.
Fact: The film's screenplay was co-written by William Goldman, who also wrote 'The Princess Bride' and 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.'


The Fog of War (2003)
Description: A documentary featuring Robert McNamara reflecting on his role in key 20th-century conflicts, offering insights into the complexities of decision-making in war and the moral consequences of power.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in


Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)
Description: Exposes the corporate fraud and corruption that led to the collapse of Enron, highlighting themes of greed, deception, and the failure of regulatory systems.
Fact: The film is based on the best-selling book of the same name by Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind.


The Fifth Estate (2013)
Description: Chronicles the rise of WikiLeaks and its impact on global journalism and government transparency, emphasizing the tension between secrecy and the public's right to know.
Fact: Julian Assange publicly criticized the film for its portrayal of WikiLeaks, calling it a 'massive propaganda attack.'


Terms and Conditions May Apply (2013)
Description: A documentary that examines the fine print in terms of service agreements for major websites and how user data is collected, stored, and used, highlighting privacy concerns in the digital age.
Fact: The film features interviews with tech experts, privacy advocates, and even a former Facebook employee who discusses data mining practices.


Deep Web (2015)
Description: Investigates the hidden layers of the internet, focusing on the Silk Road case and the legal battles surrounding online anonymity, encryption, and digital rights.
Fact: The film includes footage from the trial of Ross Ulbricht, the creator of Silk Road, and explores the ethical implications of his prosecution.


Snowden (2016)
Description: Explores themes of government surveillance, whistleblowing, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding privacy and security. It delves into the personal and professional life of a key figure in exposing mass surveillance programs.
Fact: The film was shot in Germany due to Edward Snowden's inability to enter the U.S. Joseph Gordon-Levitt spent time with Snowden in Moscow to prepare for the role.


Silicon Cowboys (2016)
Description: A documentary about the rise and fall of Compaq, illustrating the competitive and often cutthroat nature of the tech industry, with themes of innovation and corporate espionage.
Fact: The film features rare archival footage and interviews with key players in the early days of the personal computer revolution.


Zero Days (2016)
Description: Focuses on cyber warfare and the Stuxnet virus, revealing how governments use digital tools for espionage and sabotage, raising questions about accountability and secrecy in national security.
Fact: The documentary includes interviews with high-level intelligence officials who speak anonymously about classified operations.


The Panama Papers (2018)
Description: Exposes the global scandal of offshore tax havens and the journalists who risked their lives to uncover corruption at the highest levels of power, emphasizing transparency and accountability.
Fact: The documentary is based on one of the largest leaks of confidential documents in history, involving
