In the fast-paced world of tech startups, where innovation meets ambition, Hollywood has been keen on capturing the highs and lows of these endeavors. From the rise of iconic companies to spectacular failures, scandals, and scams, we’ve curated a list of must-watch movies and TV shows that delve into the captivating realm of startups. So, grab your popcorn and join us on this cinematic journey through the corridors of Big Tech and the dreams of ambitious entrepreneurs.
Apple’s Odyssey: The Steve Jobs Saga
Jobs (2013)
Ashton Kutcher takes on the role of a young Steve Jobs in this biopic that offers a sympathetic portrayal of the Apple co-founder. Dive into Jobs’ early days, portrayed with eerily accurate resemblance by Kutcher, who even followed a fruitarian diet to capture Jobs’ essence.
Cast: Ashton Kutcher, Josh Gad, J.K. Simmons, Dermot Mulroney Rotten Tomatoes rating: 28% Where to stream: Starz
Steve Jobs (2015)
Directed by Danny Boyle and scripted by Aaron Sorkin, this Steve Jobs story provides a more complex portrayal of the visionary. Explore three crucial days in Jobs’ life, from the 1984 Macintosh launch to the introduction of the iMac in 1998.
Cast: Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, Seth Rogan, Jeff Daniels Rotten Tomatoes rating: 85% Where to stream: Netflix, Vudu, Hoopla
Facebook Chronicles: From Dorm Room to Global Impact
The Social Network
Aaron Sorkin’s script and David Fincher’s direction bring Mark Zuckerberg’s journey to life. Witness Zuckerberg’s rise from a Harvard student to the billionaire founder of Facebook, portrayed compellingly by Jesse Eisenberg.
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield Rotten Tomatoes rating: 96% Where to stream: Netflix
The Great Hack (2019)
Unpack the Cambridge Analytica scandal in this documentary, revealing how Facebook users’ data was collected without consent. The film sheds light on the political ramifications and the massive fine imposed on Facebook.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 85% Where to stream: Netflix
Google’s Playground: Internships, Brain Power, and Controversies
The Internship (2013)
Vince Vaughan and Owen Wilson bring humor to the tech scene as two salesmen attempting to reboot their careers through internships at Google. The film, featuring real Google employees, showcases the duo’s hilarious clash with technology.
Cast: Vince Vaughan, Owen Wilson, Rose Byrne Rotten Tomatoes rating: 35% Where to stream: HBO, HBO MAX
Google and the World Brain (2013)
Delve into Google’s ambitious plan to scan every book globally and the copyright controversy it ignited. This documentary explores the concept of a “world brain” and the challenges Google faced.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 83% Where to stream: Curiosity Stream
Theranos Chronicles: Blood, Lies, and the Quest for Truth
The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley (2019)
Explore the rise and fall of Theranos and its founder, Elizabeth Holmes. This documentary provides an impartial look at the alleged fraud, featuring interviews with former employees and investors.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 79% Where to stream: HBO MAX, HBO, Vudu
The Dropout (2022)
Amanda Seyfried shines as Elizabeth Holmes in this Hulu Original miniseries. Based on the podcast “The Dropout,” the series covers Holmes’ life from childhood to her exposure as a fraud.
Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Naveen Andrews, William H. Macy Rotten Tomatoes rating: 89% Where to stream: Hulu
Uber Unveiled: Controversies and Corporate Battles
Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber (2022)
Joseph Gordon-Levitt leads this miniseries, unraveling the controversies surrounding Uber’s co-founder and CEO, Travis Kalanick. Dive into boardroom coups and corporate struggles that shaped Uber’s trajectory.
Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Kyle Chandler, Uma Thurman Release date: 27 February Where to stream: Showtime
WeWork Woes: The Rise and Fall of a Unicorn
WeWork: Or The Making and Breaking of a $47 Billion Unicorn (2021)
This documentary details the six-week death spiral that led to WeWork’s failed IPO and the departure of CEO Adam Neumann. Explore the toxic workplace culture and interviews with key players.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 77% Where to stream: Hulu
WeCrashed (2022)
Based on the podcast “WeCrashed: The Rise and Fall of WeWork,” this miniseries unravels the events that led to the downfall of one of the world’s most valuable startups.
Cast: Jared Leto, Anne Hathaway, America Ferrera Where to stream: Apple TV+
Startups Unplugged: From Blackberry to Tetris
BlackBerry (2023)
Witness the meteoric rise and catastrophic demise of the world’s first smartphone, the BlackBerry. This movie delves into the drama and infighting, including the impact of the iPhone’s introduction.
Cast: Jay Baruchel, Glenn Howerton, Matt Johnson, Cary Elwes Rotten Tomatoes rating: 98% Where to stream: Vudu, Amazon Prime, Apple TV
TETRIS (2023)
With a synthy 1980s soundtrack, TETRIS explores the surprising origin of the world’s most addictive computer game. Follow Henk Rogers as he endeavors to bring TETRIS to the masses via the Nintendo Gameboy.
Cast: Taron Egerton, Nikita Efremov, Tony Jones Rotten Tomatoes rating: 82% Where to stream: Apple TV+
Silicon Valley Pioneers: Pirates, Cowboys, and Ventures
Pirates of Silicon Valley (1999)
This film narrates the origin story of Apple and Microsoft founders, providing a humorous take on the friendship, betrayal, and competition between Steve Jobs and Bill Gates.
Cast: Noah Wyle, Anthony Michael Hall Rotten Tomatoes rating: 89% Where to stream: Vudu
Silicon Cowboys (2016)
Explore the startup and rise of Compaq Computers in this documentary that focuses on the people behind the technology. Witness the face-off against PC behemoth IBM.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 100% Where to stream: Peacock, Tubi, PlutoTV, Vudu, Sundance Now
Something Ventured (2011)
Take a crash course in venture capitalism with this documentary that explores the investors behind the birth of Big Tech. Discover the visionaries who invested in Apple, Intel, Genentech, Atari, Google, and Cisco.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: NA Where to stream: AppleTV, Kanopy, KinoNow
TV Series Chronicles: Silicon Valley’s Parodies and Dramas
Silicon Valley (2014-2019)
Follow Richard and his friends in their quest to make it big with their startup, Pied Piper. This series provides an on-the-money parody of Silicon Valley, navigating the highs, lows, and legal challenges.
Cast: Thomas Middleditch, Kumail Nanjiani, T.J. Miller Rotten Tomatoes rating: 94% Where to stream: HBO MAX, HBO
StartUp (2016-2018)
Experience the collision of worlds as a clean-cut banker and a rogue hacker team up to launch a cryptocurrency startup. With financial backing from a Miami crime lord, they face threats from a corrupt FBI agent.
Cast: Adam Brody, Edi Gathegi, Otmara Marrero, Martin Freeman Rotten Tomatoes rating: NA Where to stream: Netflix, Philo, Plex, FuboTV, Crackle, The Roku Channel
Halt and Catch Fire (2014-2017)
Set against the personal computing boom of the 1980s, this series focuses on Cardiff Electric and visionary Joe McMillan. Explore the stylish portrayal of the ’80s tech boom in the Silicon Prairie.
Cast: Lee Pace, Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy Rotten Tomatoes rating: 90% Where to stream: FuboTV, Amazon Prime, Roku
Silicon Valley Movies: FAQs
Q1: Are the events in “Pirates of Silicon Valley” based on true events? Yes, the film is based on Michael Swaine’s 1984 non-fiction book “Fire in the Valley: The Making of the Personal Computer.” While some incidents differ from reality, personalities are portrayed accurately.
Q2: Why is Silicon Valley called Silicon Valley? Silicon Valley earned its name due to its concentration of computer-related companies, including eBay, Adobe, HP, and Yahoo. Silicon, a key substance for microchips, is used extensively in the region.
Q3: What is the focus of “Something Ventured” documentary? “Something Ventured” provides a crash course in venture capitalism, highlighting investors who played pivotal roles in the birth of Big Tech, investing in companies like Apple, Intel, and Google.
Q4: Is “StartUp” TV series based on real events? While “StartUp” is fictional, it offers a lesson in how not to approach tech dreams. The series follows a banker and hacker launching a cryptocurrency startup with a Miami crime lord’s backing.
Q5: How accurate is “The Social Network” in depicting Mark Zuckerberg’s journey? While disputed by Facebook, “The Social Network” portrays Mark Zuckerberg’s rise from a Harvard student to Facebook’s founder and CEO compellingly, earning a 96% Rotten Tomatoes rating.
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