Top 20 Geek Movies Of All Time

[The list includes a competition – details below] If you haven’t watched at least 15 of these films, consider your geek status revoked—unless you decide to purchase them and ascend to the ranks of the truly enlightened! Below, you’ll find the ultimate list of the top 20 Geek movies (unordered, except for the undisputed number one). Share your top five picks in the comments!

20. Pirates of Silicon Valley 1999, Martyn Burke

This film is a personal favorite! It masterfully chronicles the origins of Microsoft and Apple, featuring an exceptional cast that brings the iconic figures to life. Noah Wyle’s portrayal of Steve Jobs was so convincing that he was invited to impersonate Jobs on stage at an Apple Conference—briefly fooling the audience and creating a legendary moment in Apple’s history.

Purchase this DVD on Amazon

Number 5 is alive! In this 80s classic, Number 5, one of several experimental robots in a lab, gains intelligence after an electrical surge and makes a daring escape. This gem from the 80s proves there was something extraordinary about that era’s creativity.

Purchase this DVD on Amazon

This film ranks as my least favorite on the list due to its overly cheesy and unrealistic portrayal of hacking culture—far from an accurate depiction. Despite this, it gained massive popularity, particularly among the Eternal September generation. While many of us still reminisce about October 1993, Angelina Jolie’s performance remains the sole highlight of this otherwise forgettable movie.

Purchase this DVD on Amazon

No geek movie list would be complete without a Star Trek entry, and this one is my personal favorite—featuring the legendary Captain Kirk! The plot follows Admiral Kirk as his midlife crisis is upended by the resurgence of a vengeful foe and a dangerous, world-threatening device.

Purchase this DVD on Amazon

A teenager accidentally accesses a military supercomputer, blurring the lines between simulation and reality, and nearly triggers a global nuclear conflict. This movie offers a nostalgic and humorous glimpse into the era of early home computing. Its impact was so significant that it earned three Oscar nominations!

Purchase this DVD on Amazon

This cult classic is best experienced without spoilers, but here’s the gist: Otto, a young punk, accidentally becomes a repo man after aiding in a car theft, plunging him into a bizarre and chaotic world. Often overlooked, this film is a hidden gem that remains brilliant and has stood the test of time remarkably well.

Purchase this DVD on Amazon

This refers to the original series, not the modern remake starring Mark Wahlberg. Planet of the Apes is a masterfully crafted film that evokes both laughter and tears. With iconic lines like, “Glory be to the Bomb and to the Holy Fallout!”, this series is guaranteed to leave you spellbound.

Purchase this DVD on Amazon

With extraterrestrials, androids, distant planets, Sigourney Weaver in an action-packed role, and Ridley Scott at the helm, this combination is nothing short of perfection.

Purchase this DVD on Amazon

A classified military experiment threatens Neo-Tokyo after transforming a biker gang member into a destructive psionic force. Only two teenagers and a team of psychics stand in its way. Widely regarded as one of the greatest animated films ever made, Akira is nothing short of breathtaking.

Purchase this DVD on Amazon

This is undoubtedly the most bizarre film on the list, directed by Darren Aronofsky, renowned for Requiem for a Dream. The plot revolves around a paranoid mathematician on a quest to discover a pivotal number that reveals nature’s universal patterns—what could possibly be more intriguing?

Purchase this DVD on Amazon 10. Office Space 1999, Mike Judge

Though it didn’t perform well in theaters, this film has since achieved cult status. The story follows Peter Gibbons, who, influenced by a hypnotic suggestion, decides to skip work just as his company begins layoffs. When his two closest friends are affected, they hatch a plan to implant a virus that siphons company funds into their accounts. If you haven’t seen it yet, this is a must-watch.

Buy this DVD at Amazon 9. The Original Star Wars 1977, George Lucas

While the latest three films were undeniably disappointing, the original trilogy remains a groundbreaking achievement in science fiction cinema.

Purchase this DVD on Amazon 8. The Matrix 1999, Larry and Andy Wachowski

The first installment of the trilogy is unparalleled and stands as one of the greatest geek films of all time. It’s a favorite among every self-respecting geek.

Buy this DVD at Amazon 7. Metropolis 1927, Fritz Lang

As one of the earliest science fiction films, Metropolis remains as significant today as when it was first released. The story depicts a future where humanity is split into two classes: the thinkers, who devise plans but lack practical knowledge, and the workers, who execute tasks but lack visionary insight.

Purchase this DVD on Amazon

6. Brazil 1985, Terry Gilliam

Omitting a Terry Gilliam film from a list like this would be unforgivable! Set in a dystopian bureaucratic future, this movie dazzles with its imaginative visuals, thought-provoking concepts, and a brilliantly chaotic comedy of errors.

Purchase this DVD on Amazon 5. Serenity 2005, Joss Whedon

The story follows River Tam and her brother Simon as they evade a totalitarian regime that tampered with River’s mind, seeking refuge aboard the spaceship Serenity. It’s refreshing to witness such high-caliber sci-fi being made today. This film is an absolute must-watch.

Buy this DVD at Amazon

4. Lord of the Rings 2001, Peter Jackson

You had to expect this one, right? This list would be incomplete without the inclusion of Lord of the Rings. And to top it off, it was filmed in the stunning landscapes of New Zealand!

Purchase this DVD on Amazon 3. Spaceballs 1987, Mel Brooks

President Skroob of Planet Spaceball dispatches Lord Dark Helmet to hijack Planet Druidia’s air supply to save their own, and only Lone Starr can thwart their plans. This film is an absolute riot.

Purchase this DVD on Amazon

2. Bladerunner 1982, Ridley Scott

A cinematic masterpiece that’s guaranteed to thrill any geek. Harrison Ford’s starring role adds even more appeal—after all, who could dislike a movie featuring Indie?

Purchase this DVD on Amazon 1. 2001 1968, Stanley Kubrick

This film deserves the top spot—it boasts breathtaking cinematography, exceptional performances, and a captivating storyline by Arthur C. Clarke. Any self-proclaimed geek who doesn’t appreciate this film isn’t a true geek.

Buy this DVD at Amazon Bonus: TRON 1982, Steven Lisberger

This film is a must-watch, if only for its delightful cheesiness. A hacker gets sucked into a computer’s digital realm and is thrust into gladiatorial battles, with his sole hope of escape lying in the hands of a valiant security program.

Purchase this DVD on Amazon Competition!

Here’s the challenge: The 100th and 200th legitimate commenters will win a DVD of their choice from this list. To qualify, comments must be made by registered users—so register now if you haven’t already. Comments aimed solely at inflating numbers will be disqualified.

Notable Extras: Monty Python and the Holy Grail, The Fifth Element, Shaun of the Dead, Sin City, Robocop