10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Halt and Catch Fire (2014)

Description: While 'The IT Crowd' is a comedy and 'Halt and Catch Fire' a drama, both shows offer a behind-the-scenes look at the tech industry. They share a focus on the quirky, often overlooked individuals who power technological systems, though 'The IT Crowd' plays these elements for laughs.

Fact: The show was created by Graham Linehan, who also created 'Father Ted'. The iconic 'Have you tried turning it off and on again?' line became a cultural catchphrase. The show was initially rejected by Channel 4 but became a hit after its pilot was reworked.

Description: This film, like 'Halt and Catch Fire', chronicles the rise of a tech giant and the personal and professional conflicts that come with it. Both stories highlight the tension between innovation and personal relationships, set against the backdrop of the tech industry's rapid evolution.

Fact: The screenplay was written by Aaron Sorkin, who won an Academy Award for it. Jesse Eisenberg's portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg was based on extensive research, including studying Zuckerberg's public appearances. The film's score, composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, also won an Academy Award.

Description: This biographical drama, like 'Halt and Catch Fire', portrays the intense, often tumultuous world of tech innovation. Both focus on visionary figures whose personal flaws and professional ambitions drive the narrative, offering a nuanced look at the people behind technological revolutions.

Fact: The screenplay was written by Aaron Sorkin, known for his rapid-fire dialogue. Michael Fassbender trained for months to mimic Steve Jobs' mannerisms and speech patterns. The film is structured in three acts, each set before a major product launch.

Description: 'Black Mirror' shares with 'Halt and Catch Fire' a critical examination of technology's impact on society and human relationships. Both series explore the darker sides of innovation, though 'Black Mirror' does so through a more dystopian and speculative lens.

Fact: The show's title refers to the dark, reflective screens of devices when they're turned off. Creator Charlie Brooker was inspired by 'The Twilight Zone' and other anthology series. The episode 'San Junipero' won two Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Television Movie.

Description: This comedy film, like 'Halt and Catch Fire', provides a glimpse into the tech industry's culture, specifically Google's internship program. Both works explore themes of innovation, teamwork, and adapting to rapid technological change, though 'The Internship' does so with humor.

Fact: The film stars Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, reuniting after 'Wedding Crashers'. Google cooperated with the production, allowing filming at its headquarters. The movie's plot was inspired by real-life stories of older workers transitioning into the tech industry.

Description: Like 'Halt and Catch Fire', 'Silicon Valley' explores the tech industry's highs and lows, focusing on innovation, competition, and the personal struggles of its characters. Both shows delve into the human side of technology, though 'Silicon Valley' leans more into comedy.

Fact: The show was created by Mike Judge, who also co-created 'Beavis and Butt-Head' and 'King of the Hill'. Many of the tech startups and innovations depicted in the show are based on real Silicon Valley companies and trends. The character Erlich Bachman was inspired by real-life tech entrepreneur Sean Parker.

Description: 'The Circle' and 'Halt and Catch Fire' both critique the tech industry's impact on privacy and personal identity. While 'The Circle' is more overtly dystopian, both works question the ethical boundaries of technological advancement and corporate power.

Fact: The film is based on the novel of the same name by Dave Eggers. It stars Emma Watson, Tom Hanks, and John Boyega. The movie's themes of surveillance and social media were prescient, reflecting growing public concerns about these issues.

Description: 'Mr. Robot' shares with 'Halt and Catch Fire' a deep dive into the tech world, focusing on hacking and cybersecurity. Both series explore themes of rebellion against corporate control and the ethical dilemmas of technology, with a strong emphasis on character development.

Fact: The show's creator, Sam Esmail, originally wrote it as a feature film. Rami Malek won an Emmy for his portrayal of Elliot Alderson. The show's depiction of hacking is praised for its accuracy, with real hackers consulting on the series.

Description: Like 'Halt and Catch Fire', 'StartUp' delves into the challenges and triumphs of launching a tech company. Both series highlight the personal sacrifices and ethical dilemmas faced by entrepreneurs, set against the competitive backdrop of the tech industry.

Fact: The show stars Martin Freeman, Adam Brody, and Edi Gathegi. It explores the world of cryptocurrency and digital finance, which was a relatively niche topic at the time of its release. The series was filmed in Miami, offering a different setting from the typical Silicon Valley narrative.

Description: 'Devs' and 'Halt and Catch Fire' both explore the human impact of technological advancement, with a focus on the moral and philosophical questions raised by innovation. Both series feature strong, complex characters and a visually striking aesthetic.

Fact: The series was created by Alex Garland, known for 'Ex Machina' and 'Annihilation'. The show's title refers to both 'developers' and 'deus ex machina'. The series was filmed on location in Silicon Valley to capture the authentic tech atmosphere.