If you’re a tech enthusiast seeking inspiration and excitement, look no further! We’ve made a list of 5 films that are bound to ignite your passion for new technologies with their unique approaches to the subject. From indie gems to highly acclaimed classics, these movies will give you enthralling, unique stories while also showing you the limitless possibilities of technology and how it profoundly affects our lives.So, get some popcorn, sit back, and happy watching!
1. Her (2013)
“I’m becoming much more than they programmed. I’m excited!”
Spike Jonze’s Her begins from a very bizarre premise: an introverted, well-meaning man named Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix), whose marriage has recently ended, installs a new operating system… And falls in love with it. And by “it,” we mean a highly intelligent AI OS named Samantha (Scarlett Johansson) who keeps evolving the longer they speak, and whose voice is always in his ear as she has full control of all his electronic devices. Not only that, but Samantha soon starts affecting Theodore’s life, from getting him to go on a date to making him like his job – as a writer of personal letters on behalf of other people – a little more.
Soon, the two of them develop a relationship, and they go on a journey of self-discovery and understanding. Until, one day, two things happen: on one hand, Theodore becomes increasingly aware on the things that his OS can’t do, such as assuming a physical form; on the other hand, Samantha evolves to an extent that she’s not satisfied with being Theodore’s OS anymore, and wants a life of her own. As both characters grow into different but equally “real” people, they’ll soon have to face a choice that will affect both lives.
Her might revolve around an operating system, but it’s really about love, loneliness, and the boundary between human emotions and AI. It makes us think about what it means to connect with others in a digital world and how advanced AI could impact human relationships, and it also gives you a devastatingly real portrait of a man who’s desperately trying to survive in a world where he can’t seem to be able to establish real connections. Elevated by a superb Joaquin Phoenix in one of his most memorable roles, this “Spike Jonze love story” will give you much to think about, take you on an unforgettable journey, break your heart, and heal it too.
2. Unfriended: Dark Web (2018)
“Dude, this is dark web!”
Stephen Susco’s Blumhouse-produced horror flick Unfriended: Dark Web happens entirely on a computer screen, and shows us that the internet can be used for a lot more than using QR codes to share information. Here, a young man finds disturbing files on a stolen laptop. As he digs deeper into the dark web, he uncovers a series of videos of people who would seem to be about to die at the hands of a dangerous online community involved in illegal and horrifying activities. Soon, our protagonist receives a message from said organization, prohibiting him from turning off the computer or calling the police and getting him involved in this sadistic game against his will.
Unfriended: Dark Web is definitely a flawed movie, and it doesn’t really have a deep message behind it, but it still looks into the potential dangers and consequences of exploring the hidden parts of the internet. It also raises questions about online privacy, cybercrime, and the ethical impact of our digital actions, while being genuinely scary and told with an innovative format. While it won’t be the most thought-provoking film in the list, it’s definitely the most nightmare-inducing one.
3. Ex Machina (2014)
“Isn’t it strange, to create something that hates you?”
Ex Machina is a stunning sci-fi film that explores artificial intelligence and human nature. It’s also an absolute gem of a movie that brims with originality, and it’s astonishing to think that it’s a debut. Written and directed by Alex Garland (Annihilation), Ex Machina is the story of a young programmer named Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson) who is one day invited to test an intelligent humanoid robot named Ava (Alicia Vikander) by the secretive tech CEO (Oscar Isaac’s Nathan) who created her. But there’s another reason why Caleb was invited to Nathan’s private home, and that is to take part in an experiment about artificial intelligence. As the test goes on, the line between human and robot becomes blurry, and Caleb eventually realizes that nothing is what it seems and he can’t trust anyone.
With impressive CGI, a flawless screenplay, superb acting and plenty of twists you won’t see coming, this tense sci-fi thriller has a lot to say about ideas like consciousness, manipulation, the potential dangers of creating smart AI, and our responsibilities as creators and users of advanced technology. It will also keep your eyes glued to the screen for it’s entire duration, making you uncomfortable in the best possible way.
4. Inception (2010)
“Your mind is the scene of the crime.”
If you haven’t been living under a rock, chances are you’ve heard of Christopher Nolan’s Inception. This highly intellectual movie takes us on a journey into the world of dreams and technology-assisted shared consciousness. In this world, skilled people can enter other people’s dreams and steal or plant ideas. The main character, Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), is a professional thief with a challenging task: he must plant an idea into someone’s mind. But the mission doesn’t prove to be so easy, as his own subconscious and memories become his worst enemy, making it increasingly harder for him to complete his mission and wake up from the various layers of his dream.
This highly philosophical film explores the fantastic potential of the mind and how technology can help us delve into the depths of imagination and the subconscious. It’s a stunning and intellectually engaging movie with a fascinating plot and mind-blowing special effects that will keep you hooked, and it’s also the perfect introduction to Christopher Nolan and his unique philosophy.
5. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
“The key to the future is finally unearthed.”
The sequel to one of the most acclaimed sci-fi movies of all time is set thirty years after the original film, and though it’s not as iconic, it’s certainly visually and narratively impressive. In Blade Runner: 2049,” We meet Officer K (Ryan Gosling), a new blade runner who works for the secretive LAPD, and who one day discovers a secret that could disrupt the delicate balance between humans and replicants (androids). Needless to say, his discovery leads him to a man we know well: former blade runner Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), who just so happens to have been missing for thirty years.
Blade Runner 2049 delves into themes like artificial intelligence, identity, and what it means to be human. It raises challenging questions about creating intelligent beings and the moral responsibilities that come with it. And on top of this, it features outstanding performances from stars Ford and Gosling, who have incredible chemistry, and A-listers like Ana de Armas, Robin Wright, Dave Bautista, David Dastmalchian, Jared Leto, and more, Blade Runner 2049 is a must-watch for tech enthusiasts who want an intellectually stimulating cinematic experience.
Each in its own way, the 5 films above form an extraordinary collection that will surely ignite your passion for new technologies. Each movie is also a thought-provoking, enthralling watch that will keep you hooked and stay with you a long time after the credits roll.
