Top Movies With a Privacy Theme
Ranking Films that Spotlight Personal Privacy
Welcome to another issue of Secrets of Privacy where we discuss personal privacy related topics and provide practical tips to immediately boost your personal privacy.
If you’re reading this but haven’t yet signed up, join the growing Secrets of Privacy community for free and get our newsletter delivered to your inbox by subscribing here 👇
The end of year holiday season is here. Many of us will find some down time to relax with friends and family, including watching movies. Which means it’s a great time to put together a list of movies with a privacy theme in case you have an opportunity to work one in.
When we first started working on the list, we were surprised how many major movies have a privacy angle. It probably shouldn’t have been surprising, at least for modern movies, with technology and surveillance playing greater roles in our lives. But we found a number of solid films, from classic espionage thrillers to modern-day dystopian tales, that explore the topic in a substantive form.
Our list differs from others you can find online in a few ways. For one, we rank the movies. This is of course subjective, but our primary factors are (1) is it a good movie? and (2) the quality and scope of the privacy theme. Additionally, this list is limited to movies where a number of other lists mix documentaries and movies. We’ll put together a separate list of privacy related documentaries at a later date. Lastly, we cover all of the major privacy themed movies (we think). Most of the lists out there only cover a few and leave out what we believe is one of the best movies of all time, not just the best one with a privacy theme.
11. Ex Machina (2014)
Blurring the lines between artificial intelligence and personal autonomy, "Ex Machina" delves into the ethical implications of creating sentient beings. The film raises questions about the boundaries of privacy when dealing with advanced technology and the creation of conscious entities.
10. The Dark Knight (2008)
While primarily a superhero film, "The Dark Knight" explores the theme of mass surveillance as Batman employs advanced technology to monitor Gotham City residents with the goal of capturing the Joker. This tactic naturally raises questions about the necessity and consequences of sacrificing privacy for the greater good.
9. Snowden (2016)
Directed by Oliver Stone, "Snowden" tells the real-life story of Edward Snowden, a former NSA contractor who leaked classified information. The film explores the whistleblower's moral journey and the implications of mass surveillance of ordinary people on individual privacy.
8. Rear Window (1954)
Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece revolves around a photographer who, confined to his apartment, observes his neighbors through a window. "Rear Window" explores the voyeuristic nature of human curiosity and the fine line between observation and invasion of privacy.
7. Enemy of the State (1998)
Starring Will Smith and Gene Hackman, “Enemy of the State” involves a lawyer who becomes unwittingly entangled in a government conspiracy. The film explores themes of privacy, government overreach, and the consequences of unchecked surveillance. It depicts a world where technology is both a tool for national security and a weapon that can be turned against individuals.
6. The Circle (2017)
In this tech-centric drama, "The Circle" explores the dark side of social media and corporate surveillance. As a young woman rises through the ranks of a powerful tech company, the film raises questions about the cost of sacrificing personal privacy for societal connectivity.
5. Minority Report (2002)
Set in a futuristic world where crimes can be predicted and prevented, "Minority Report" examines the ethical challenges of pre-crime technology. As the protagonist becomes a target of the system, the film questions the limits of personal privacy in the pursuit of security.
4. The Conversation (1974)
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, "The Conversation" follows a surveillance expert who becomes morally conflicted after discovering a potential murder plot. The film explores the psychological toll of invading the privacy of others and the consequences of surveillance on the human psyche. Gene Hackman stars, making his second appearance on this list (after Enemy of the State).
3. The Truman Show (1998)
This satirical drama follows Truman, whose entire life is broadcasted without his knowledge. "The Truman Show" explores the ethical dilemmas of voyeurism and the invasion of privacy for entertainment, raising questions about the consequences of a world without personal boundaries.
2. Sneakers (1992)
A great blend of comedy and suspense with an amazing cast, "Sneakers" follows a team of security experts hired to test the vulnerability of systems. As they uncover a government conspiracy, the film delves into the ethical implications of mass surveillance and the blurred lines between protecting and invading privacy.
1. The Lives of Others (2006)
Set in East Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall, this Oscar-winning drama revolves around a Stasi officer assigned to spy on a playwright. "The Lives of Others" explores the moral dilemmas faced by the main character as he grapples with the invasion of privacy in the name of state security.
This is one of the best movies ever made, not just the best movie with a privacy theme. Our best guess is this movie is left off of most lists because it’s in German and it can be viewed as highly political since it’s a real life example of harm caused by the government’s invasion of individual privacy.
Wrap Up
These films touch on a range of privacy themes, from tales of espionage to futuristic dystopias to historical fiction. As technology advances at a faster and faster pace, the questions raised by these movies become more relevant.
For privacy conscious folks like ourselves, movies offer a particularly effective way for society to reflect on the balance between security and the right to privacy. Whether through the lens of an action thriller or political drama, each of these films provides a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of personal privacy in the digital age.
Note: This is our last post of 2023. We’ll pick back up in early January (likely January 4).
Thanks for reading Secrets of Privacy! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. Or share this post with a friend, family member or colleague.
Privacy Boosting Services To Consider
Proton is running a limited time promotion right now on their core offerings like Proton VPN and Proton Mail. Up to 60% off select packages for our community.
Worried about a Bad Actor using your personal information from a data broker or people search site but don’t know what to do about it? Privacy Bee will start removing your data immediately and save you hours of time by doing all of the work for you. Start making yourself a harder target today by signing up here.
The Net (1995)