Gamer (2009)
In a dystopian future, death-row inmate Kable (Gerard Butler) is controlled by a teenage gamer in a violent real-life video game where players manipulate human beings. To regain his freedom, Kable must survive the arena while uncovering the sinister corporate agenda behind the system. Directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, Gamer delivers a chaotic blend of action and satire. Its commentary on digital control, surveillance, and entertainment excess earned it mixed reviews but a strong cult following — especially among fans of aggressive, stylized sci-fi.
Gattaca (1997)
In a future ruled by genetic engineering, Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke), a naturally conceived man, assumes another's identity to pursue his dream of space exploration. In a society obsessed with perfection, Vincent must hide his DNA to overcome systemic discrimination. Directed by Andrew Niccol, Gattaca gained acclaim for its minimalist aesthetic and powerful ethical questions about eugenics, destiny, and human potential. Frequently used in academic settings, it remains a poignant reflection on the dangers of a genetically stratified society.
Ghost in the Machine (1993)
When serial killer Karl Hochman, known as "The Address Book Killer," is rushed to the hospital after a car crash, an electrical storm strikes while he's in an MRI machine, transferring his consciousness into the global computer network. Now a techno-ghost, he uses the electrical grid and networked appliances—from microwaves to telephones—to continue his murder spree. His target is Terry Munroe and everyone listed in her address book, which he scanned before his "death," forcing Terry and a hacker to fight an invisible, all-powerful enemy that can strike anywhere with a plug. The film is a quintessential example of techno-horror from the early 1990s, tapping into the emerging societal anxieties about computers, the internet, and an increasing reliance on technology. It was directed by Rachel Talalay, making it a rarity in the genre for having a woman behind the camera. The movie is remembered for its creatively over-the-top death scenes, such as a victim being cooked alive by a microwave or another being electrocuted by an exploding dishwasher, and for its early use of primitive, yet ambitious, computer-generated visual effects to depict the killer's movement through the digital world.
Ghost in the Shell (2017)
Major Mira Killian (Scarlett Johansson), a cyber-enhanced operative with a fully synthetic body, works to stop cyberterrorists in a hyper-connected future. As she begins to uncover fragments of a hidden past, she questions her identity and the corporation behind her creation. This live-action remake of the 1995 anime classic sparked controversy for casting a white actress in a Japanese role, igniting discussions on Hollywood whitewashing. While praised for its visuals and aesthetic fidelity, many critics felt it lacked the philosophical depth of the original.
Gunhed (1989)
In a post-apocalyptic world, a salvage team led by Brooklyn (Masahiro Takashima) infiltrates an island once controlled by a rogue supercomputer named Kyron-5. As they explore the ruins, they encounter automated defenses and must reactivate the battle mech GUNHED to survive. Directed by Masato Harada, Gunhed blends cyberpunk themes with mecha action and gritty analog tech. Though not a mainstream hit, it earned cult status in Japan and among fans of practical effects and machine-centered narratives in science fiction.