In the age of technology, gadgets have become an integral part of our lives, and what better way to explore their potential than through the lens of cinema? This curated list of 10 gadget thrillers offers a thrilling journey into the world of high-tech espionage, cybercrime, and futuristic gadgets. From mind-bending virtual realities to life-threatening artificial intelligence, these films showcase the darker side of technology, making them a must-watch for tech enthusiasts and thriller lovers alike.

Sneakers (1992)
Description: A group of security experts, led by Robert Redford, are hired to steal a mysterious black box. This gadget thriller explores the world of cryptography and hacking in a pre-internet era.
Fact: The film features real-life security expert Bruce Schneier as a consultant, ensuring the technical aspects were accurate.


The Net (1995)
Description: Angela Bennett, a computer programmer, stumbles upon a conspiracy that puts her life at risk. Her identity is erased from all databases, leaving her with no choice but to fight back using her tech-savvy skills.
Fact: The film was one of the first to explore the concept of identity theft in the digital age. Sandra Bullock learned to hack for her role.


The Matrix (1999)
Description: Neo discovers the truth about his reality and his role in a rebellion against the machines that have enslaved humanity in a virtual world. The film explores themes of virtual reality and AI.
Fact: The film's special effects, particularly "bullet time," revolutionized action sequences in cinema.


Swordfish (2001)
Description: A hacker is recruited by a rogue government agent to execute a bank heist using a computer virus, showcasing the power of digital manipulation.
Fact: The film's title refers to a back door in a computer system, a term used in hacking communities.


Ex Machina (2014)
Description: A programmer is invited by his CEO to administer the Turing test to an intelligent humanoid robot, leading to a psychological thriller about AI and consciousness.
Fact: The film was shot in a real house, which was designed specifically for the movie to look like a modern, isolated tech retreat.


Eagle Eye (2008)
Description: Two strangers are coerced into a high-stakes terrorist plot by an unknown entity using advanced technology to control their every move. The film delves into the potential misuse of surveillance and AI.
Fact: The film's plot was inspired by the real-life capabilities of the NSA's surveillance systems.


The Imitation Game (2014)
Description: The story of Alan Turing, who built a machine to crack the German Enigma code during WWII, blending historical drama with the thrill of codebreaking.
Fact: The film uses real codebreaking techniques and machines, providing an authentic look at Turing's work.


The Circle (2017)
Description: Mae Holland joins a powerful tech company and becomes involved in a project that blurs the lines between privacy and transparency, leading to a chilling exploration of surveillance culture.
Fact: The film is based on Dave Eggers' novel, which was inspired by real tech companies like Google and Apple.


Upgrade (2018)
Description: After a brutal attack leaves him paralyzed, Grey Trace receives a spinal implant that gives him superhuman abilities, leading to a tech-driven revenge plot.
Fact: The film was praised for its practical effects and its unique take on the cyberpunk genre.


Black Mirror: Bandersnatch (2018)
Description: This interactive film allows viewers to make choices for the protagonist, a young programmer in 1984, as he creates a choose-your-own-adventure video game. It's a meta-thriller about free will and technology.
Fact: It's the first interactive film in the "Black Mirror" series, offering multiple endings based on viewer choices.
