3 programming-based movies young coders must watch 

It is no secret that coding has emerged to be one of the most sought-after skills in today’s digital age. It is not seen merely as an additional skill, but it has also been integrated in school syllabi as a necessary topic. With its ever-increasing popularity, numerous online classes, workshops, competitions, etc. have developed with an aim to help foster this skill to a wider audience. If your school-goer has still not developed a taste for coding, what better way to inspire him than a few great coding-based movies? Here are three of the most popular ones which will surely get kids interested in this skill. 

The Imitation Game (released in 2014) 
Director: Morten Tyldum 
The Imitation Game is one of the most popular movies when it comes to coding and programming, and STEM in general. The 2014 film has star-studded cast including Benedict Cumberbatch, Kiera Knightly, Matthew Goode, etc. It is a historical drama based on Andrew Hodges’ 1983 biography titled, ‘Alan Turing: The Enigma.’ It follows the story of Alan Turing, an unusual individual with an impressive knowledge of coding. The film is set during the Second World War, where the UK and the Allied Nations are attempting to decipher the codes sent through Germany’s incredibly complex ‘Enigma’ machine. If successfully done, it would lead to victory and peace. Turing, in this film, constructs an unprecedented machine named ‘Christopher’ which achieves the seemingly impossible. The film is a great portrayal of accepting one’s individuality and having an unshakeable work ethic and dedication to achieving perfection in one’s field. 

Tron (released in 1982)  
Director: Steven Lisberger 
Tron is a classic science-fiction movie which became a huge hit in the early 1980s. The film follows a computer programmer and video game developer named Kevin Flynn. The plot was incredibly ahead of its time, as Flynn was transported inside the software world of a mainframe computer. Here, he had to encounter and interact with various programmes and attempt to decode them in order to ensure a safe escape. It is regarded to be of the first movies in history to make extensive use of computer-generated imagery (CGI.) This movie highlights the importance of being open to change and challenge and using one’s knowledge and wisdom to pave a way through the unknown. 

Antitrust (2001) 
Director: Peter Howitt 
This is a film which puts focus on the ethical aspect of technology. It follows the story of a Stanford graduate, Milo Hoffman, who is recruited as a programmer in a big software firm. After finally getting his dream job, Hoffman is stunned by the malpractices taking place within the firm. Using his knowledge and skills, he sets off on a mission to uncover the truth and bring to light the unethical practices going on over there. This film speaks about morality, and how important it is to use one’s knowledge and skills towards achieving something for the higher good.