The Best Social Media Movies

Pat Alexander
Updated March 28, 2024 54 items
Ranked By
421 votes
44 voters
Voting Rules
Vote up your favorite movies where social media figures in the plot.

Social media's role in shaping our modern world has given rise to a fascinating new genre in cinema, one that reflects society's concerns, challenges, and transformations. These technologically advanced films tackle issues at the heart of society today, exploring topics such as privacy, online identity, and the power dynamics within digital communities. In doing so, they offer a compelling window into the complexities of our ever-changing digital landscape. 

Films focused on social media excel when they not only entertain audiences but also provoke deeper reflections about our relationship with digital platforms. By delving into the lives of those entrenched in social networking platforms, these movies challenge viewers to reassess their own relationships with online spaces. 

By examining movies such as The Social Network, Searching, and The Circle, we can observe how filmmakers adeptly navigate the complexities of social media's role in modern society. The Social Network chronicles Facebook's meteoric rise through its founder Mark Zuckerberg's story - revealing both his genius and his controversial actions along the way. Searching is a nail-biting thriller that unfolds entirely on screens as a desperate father uncovers his missing daughter's hidden digital life. The Circle offers an intriguing look at surveillance culture by following an ambitious young employee who finds her dream job at a powerful tech company may come at an alarming price. 

The best social media movies serve as snapshots of a rapidly evolving era while capturing human emotions and experiences that transcend technological boundaries. With each new release exploring novel corners of internet usage and its implications for society, audiences can look forward to deepening their understanding of this pivotal dimension shaping humanity's trajectory today. 

  • The Social Network
    1
    Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake
    33 votes

    The Social Network is a riveting drama that chronicles the meteoric rise of Facebook, one of the world's most influential social media platforms. Directed by David Fincher and penned by Aaron Sorkin, this masterpiece delves into the complexities and controversies surrounding Facebook's inception and its enigmatic co-founder, Mark Zuckerberg. Featuring stellar performances from Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, and Justin Timberlake, The Social Network not only provides an incisive look at the allure of power and wealth but also serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked ambition.

  • Hard Candy
    2
    Patrick Wilson, Elliot Page, Sandra Oh
    22 votes

    Hard Candy is a provocative psychological thriller that deftly examines themes such as online predation, retribution, and moral ambiguity. Ellen Page delivers a hauntingly intense performance as Hayley Stark, a seemingly innocent teenage girl who ensnares Jeff (Patrick Wilson), a photographer she met on the internet, in her vengeful web of deceit. This taut drama cleverly uses its small cast and confined setting to create an atmosphere of claustrophobic tension while raising uncomfortable questions about justice and vigilantism.

  • The Internship
    3
    Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Rose Byrne
    17 votes

    The Internship is a delightful comedy starring Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson as two middle-aged salesmen who land internships at Google after losing their jobs due to the digital revolution. With humor and heart, this film poignantly highlights the challenges of adapting to rapidly evolving technology while providing a lighthearted look at the eccentricities of Silicon Valley culture. As the duo attempts to prove their worth in an environment dominated by young tech prodigies, audiences are treated to engaging performances and hilarious situational comedy that underscores the importance of resilience and camaraderie in an increasingly digital age.

  • Searching
    4
    John Cho, Debra Messing, Joseph Lee
    19 votes

    Searching is an innovative thriller set entirely on computer screens - a groundbreaking storytelling technique that immerses viewers in its protagonist's desperate quest to find his missing daughter. John Cho delivers a powerhouse performance as David Kim, who must piece together clues hidden within various digital platforms to unravel what happened to his child while simultaneously coping with his own grief. With its inventive visuals and compelling storyline, Searching deftly merges modern technology with traditional cinematic conventions to deliver an unforgettable viewing experience.

  • Ingrid Goes West
    5
    Aubrey Plaza, Elizabeth Olsen, O'Shea Jackson
    15 votes

    Ingrid Goes West is a darkly comedic portrait of modern society's obsession with social media fame and superficiality. Anchored by Aubrey Plaza's mesmerizing turn as Ingrid Thorburn - a mentally unstable woman who becomes fixated on an Instagram influencer played by Elizabeth Olsen - this satirical drama offers both biting commentary on the falseness of online personas and heartfelt insight into human vulnerability. As it probes the darker side of virtual connections, audiences are left pondering whether genuine relationships can still be forged amid the curated facades presented on social media platforms.

  • The Circle
    6
    Emma Watson, Tom Hanks, John Boyega
    15 votes

    Adapted from Dave Eggers' novel of the same name, The Circle offers a chilling glimpse into a dystopian future where privacy becomes obsolete in the age of omnipresent surveillance technology. Starring Emma Watson and Tom Hanks, this thought-provoking film explores themes such as corporate overreach, data privacy, and personal freedom in a world dominated by tech giants like Google or Apple. As audiences follow Mae Holland (Watson) in her journey working at The Circle - an all-powerful corporation with a cult-like following - viewers are invited to ponder the moral implications of living in an increasingly interconnected society.

  • Friend Request
    7
    Alycia Debnam-Carey, William Moseley, Connor Paolo
    12 votes

    Blending elements from horror films with contemporary concerns about cyberbullying, Friend Request delves into the terrors that can lurk behind anonymous online profiles. Laura (Alycia Debnam-Carey), a popular college student, accepts a friend request from Marina (Liesl Ahlers), whom she barely knows, only to find herself plagued by grisly deaths and terrifying visions. As the body count rises, this suspenseful thriller keeps viewers on edge while examining the dark power of social media manipulation and virtual isolation.

  • Spree
    8
    Joe Keery, Sasheer Zamata, David Arquette
    9 votes

    Spree is a twisted satire that exposes the darker side of social media-driven culture through its protagonist Kurt Kunkle (Joe Keery), a rideshare driver who live-streams his murderous rampage in pursuit of internet fame. The film's biting commentary on society's insatiable appetite for sensationalized content is amplified by its mockumentary-style approach, which chillingly blurs the line between fiction and reality. With a captivating performance from Keery and an unsettling exploration of humanity's darkest impulses, Spree serves as both a cautionary tale and an indictment of our collective obsession with online validation.

  • Me and You and Everyone We Know
    9
    John Hawkes, Miranda July, Miles Thompson
    11 votes

    Me and You and Everyone We Know is a poignant indie dramedy that explores human connection in the age of digital communication. Written, directed by, and starring Miranda July, this quirky yet tender film weaves together disparate narratives about loneliness, love, and longing in contemporary society. Through its engaging vignettes featuring characters from all walks of life finding solace in various forms of virtual interaction - from chat rooms to instant messaging - Me and You and Everyone We Know offers an intimate portrait of modern relationships that resonates with audiences living in an increasingly interconnected world.

  • Share
    10
    Rhianne Barreto, Charlie Plummer, Poorna Jagannathan
    11 votes

    Share examines the disturbing consequences of sexting incidents among teenagers as it follows Mandy (Rhianne Barreto), a high school student whose world unravels when explicit footage involving her circulates online without her consent. This harrowing drama deftly addresses complex issues surrounding privacy violations, sexual assault, peer pressure, victim-blaming, and toxic masculinity within today's digitally-driven youth culture. Bolstered by powerful performances from its young cast members led by Barreto, Share is an essential exploration of the darker side of social media and its impact on young lives.

  • Unfriended
    11
    Shelley Hennig, Moses Jacob Storm, Renee Olstead
    18 votes

    Unfriended is a groundbreaking horror film that unfolds in real-time entirely on a computer screen, as six high school friends are stalked by an unseen entity intent on exposing their darkest secrets during a group video chat. Combining innovative storytelling techniques with timely themes related to cyberbullying and online privacy, this suspenseful thriller keeps viewers riveted while raising haunting questions about the destructive power of social media in today's interconnected world.

  • Eighth Grade
    12
    Elsie Kate Fisher, Daniel Zolghadri, Fred Hechinger
    13 votes

    Eighth Grade, written and directed by comedian Bo Burnham, is a poignant coming-of-age drama that deftly captures the anxieties and insecurities faced by adolescents growing up in the age of social media. Elsie Fisher delivers an authentic performance as Kayla Day, a quiet middle school student who grapples with feelings of inadequacy amid the pressures to conform to online personas. With its tender narrative and unflinching honesty, Eighth Grade resonates with audiences as it explores themes such as self-discovery, vulnerability, and resilience through the lens of modern technology.

  • Pulse
    13

    Pulse

    Koyuki, Kōji Yakusho, Kumiko Aso
    8 votes

    Pulse is a chilling Japanese horror film that explores themes of loneliness and alienation through the terrifying premise of malevolent spirits invading our world via the internet. Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa, this atmospheric thriller masterfully intertwines supernatural elements with contemporary concerns about technology's isolating effects on human connections. By examining societal fears surrounding digital communication and online isolation, Pulse presents audiences with an unsettling yet thought-provoking reflection on human existence in an increasingly virtual world.

  • Trust
    14
    Clive Owen, Viola Davis, Catherine Keener
    9 votes

    Trust is a gut-wrenching drama that delves into the harrowing consequences of online sexual predation as it follows Annie (Liana Liberato), a teenage girl targeted by an older man she meets in an internet chat room. Directed by David Schwimmer, this gripping film tackles themes of trust, deceit, and vulnerability while exploring the complex emotional fallout faced by victims of cybercrimes and their families. With its powerful performances and sensitive handling of difficult subject matter, Trust offers a sobering reminder of the dangers lurking behind seemingly benign online interactions.

  • Disconnect
    15
    Jason Bateman, Hope Davis, Frank Grillo
    11 votes

    Disconnect is a compelling ensemble drama that interweaves multiple storylines revolving around the impact of modern communication technology on human relationships. Boasting a stellar cast including Jason Bateman, Hope Davis, and Alexander Skarsgård, this powerful film delves into contemporary issues such as cyberbullying, identity theft, and internet addiction while examining the often fragile connections between people in an increasingly digital age. With its engrossing narrative structure and poignant exploration of timely themes, Disconnect serves as a potent reflection on society's reliance on virtual communication.

  • Cyberbully
    16
    Emily Osment, Meaghan Rath, Kay Panabaker
    13 votes

    Cyberbully is an insightful TV movie that sheds light on the devastating effects of online harassment among teenagers through the experiences of Taylor Hillridge (Emily Osment), a high school student targeted by her peers in a malicious cyberbullying campaign. This emotionally charged drama deftly addresses topics such as mental health struggles, peer pressure, and social media misuse while offering viewers valuable insights into coping mechanisms for combating bullying behavior both online and offline.

  • A Simple Favor
    17
    Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding
    10 votes

    A Simple Favor is an engaging mystery thriller that keeps audiences guessing with its unpredictable plot twists and captivating performances from Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively. Directed by Paul Feig, this stylish cinematic gem follows mommy blogger Stephanie Smothers (Kendrick) as she unravels the secrets surrounding her enigmatic best friend Emily Nelson's (Lively) sudden disappearance. As truths are revealed and deceptions laid bare, A Simple Favor masterfully weaves together elements of suspenseful intrigue with biting commentary on modern society's preoccupation with curated online personas.

  • Chef
    18
    Jon Favreau, Sofía Vergara, John Leguizamo
    10 votes

    Chef is a heartwarming dramedy that follows the culinary and personal journey of Carl Casper (Jon Favreau), a talented yet struggling chef who embarks on a food truck venture after his career implodes due to a social media feud with a renowned food critic. With captivating performances from its ensemble cast, including Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr., and Dustin Hoffman, this delightful film not only celebrates the art of cooking but also explores themes such as passion, redemption, and human connection in the digital age. By showcasing the transformative power of social media in revitalizing one man's abandoned dreams, Chef leaves audiences with a taste for life's simple pleasures.

  • Inside
    19

    Inside

    Emmy Rossum, Molly Hagan
    8 votes

    Inside is an unnerving French horror film that delves into the terrifying realities of home invasions perpetuated through digital means. Pregnant photographer Sarah (Alysson Paradis) finds herself at the mercy of "La Femme" (Béatrice Dalle), a sadistic woman who uses technology to infiltrate her life with malevolent intent. This intense thriller combines elements of suspenseful terror with timely commentary on privacy concerns in an age where our lives are increasingly connected through various digital platforms.

  • Nobody's Fool
    20
    Tiffany Haddish, Tika Sumpter, Omari Hardwick
    11 votes

    Nobody's Fool is an entertaining romantic comedy starring Tiffany Haddish as Tanya, a recently paroled ex-con determined to help her sister Danica (Tika Sumpter) uncover the truth about her mysterious online boyfriend. Directed by Tyler Perry, this hilarious film effortlessly blends humor and heart while addressing themes such as trust and honesty within virtual relationships in today's digital dating landscape.

  • Beast Beast
    21
    Shirley Chen, Will Madden, Jose Angeles
    5 votes

    Beast Beast is an engrossing indie drama that examines modern youth culture through three interconnected storylines focusing on high school students navigating identity formation, artistic expression, and societal pressures in an increasingly digital world. Written and directed by Danny Madden, this thought-provoking film artfully explores themes such as gun violence, social media addiction, and the quest for validation in a society where self-worth is often measured by virtual status.

  • Newness
    22

    Newness

    Nicholas Hoult, Laia Costa, Courtney Eaton
    5 votes

    Newness is an intimate romantic drama that delves into the challenges faced by young couples navigating love, intimacy, and commitment in the era of dating apps and casual hookups. Directed by Drake Doremus and starring Nicholas Hoult and Laia Costa as Martin and Gabi – two millennials who met on a dating app – this poignant film thoughtfully examines contemporary attitudes toward relationships while providing a candid look at the complexities of modern romance in an increasingly digital world.

  • Unfriended: Dark Web
    23
    Colin Woodell, Betty Gabriel, Rebecca Rittenhouse
    13 votes

    Unfriended: Dark Web is a suspenseful horror sequel that utilizes real-time computer screen storytelling to deliver a nail-biting exploration of the dangers lurking within the darkest corners of the internet. When Matias (Colin Woodell) inadvertently gains access to a sinister cyber underworld via his new laptop, he and his friends are plunged into a terrifying game of life or death with unseen adversaries seeking vengeance for their stolen property. With its innovative visuals and pulse-pounding plot twists, Unfriended: Dark Web keeps audiences on edge while offering chilling insights into the murky depths of cyberspace.

  • My Suicide
    24

    My Suicide

    Gabriel Sunday, Brooke Nevin, David Carradine
    11 votes

    My Suicide is a provocative indie drama that tackles challenging subject matter surrounding teen suicide, depression, and mental health through its protagonist Archie Williams (Gabriel Sunday), whose announcement of his plans to take his own life goes viral online. This powerful film not only serves as an unflinching examination of modern youth culture but also offers valuable insights for parents, educators, and peers struggling to navigate conversations around mental wellness in an age where personal struggles can become public spectacles.

  • Silk Road
    25
    Nick Robinson, Jason Clarke, Katie Aselton
    11 votes

    Silk Road is an enthralling crime thriller based on true events surrounding Ross Ulbricht (Nick Robinson), the mastermind behind the notorious dark web marketplace. This captivating film delves into the murky world of online drug trafficking, cybercrime, and government surveillance as it follows the cat-and-mouse game between Ulbricht and law enforcement agent Rick Bowden (Jason Clarke). With its compelling narrative, strong performances, and timely exploration of digital privacy concerns, Silk Road keeps viewers engaged while showcasing the shadowy underbelly of technology's reach.

  • He's All That
    26
    Addison Rae, Tanner Buchanan, Rachael Leigh Cook
    14 votes

    He's All That is a charming teen rom-com that puts a modern spin on the classic 1999 film She's All That by incorporating social media influencers and contemporary high school dynamics into its storyline. Starring Addison Rae as Padgett Sawyer, a popular influencer who takes on a bet to transform an outcast named Cameron Kweller (Tanner Buchanan) into prom king material, this delightful film offers viewers lighthearted entertainment while highlighting themes such as self-image, authenticity, and personal growth amid today's digital landscape.

  • Nerve
    27
    Emma Roberts, Dave Franco, Juliette Lewis
    9 votes

    Nerve is an exhilarating action thriller that plunges audiences into the adrenaline-fueled world of an online game where participants must complete increasingly dangerous dares in exchange for cash rewards. Starring Emma Roberts as Vee Delmonico - a high school senior who joins the game to prove her mettle - this engrossing film not only delivers heart-pounding excitement but also explores themes such as risk-taking behavior and peer pressure within contemporary youth culture driven by virtual validation.

  • Mainstream
    28
    Andrew Garfield, Maya Hawke, Nat Wolff
    10 votes

    Mainstream is a scathing satire that exposes the darker side of internet fame through its protagonist Maya (Maya Hawke), who gets swept up in Los Angeles' social media scene after befriending charismatic YouTuber Link (Andrew Garfield). Directed by Gia Coppola, this visually arresting film critiques society's obsession with superficiality and consumerism while examining themes such as self-exploitation, artistic integrity, and the psychological toll of online celebrity culture.

  • #realityhigh
    29
    Kate Walsh, Keith Powers, John Michael Higgins
    10 votes

    #realityhigh is an entertaining teen comedy that offers a lighthearted look at high school life in the digital age through its protagonist Dani Barnes (Nesta Cooper), who becomes entangled in a social media rivalry with her popular classmate Alexa Medina (Alicia Sanz). This delightful film humorously explores themes such as popularity, friendship, and personal growth while providing relatable insights into the challenges faced by teens navigating today's increasingly virtual world.

  • Shook
    30
    Daisye Tutor, Emily Goss, Nicola Posener
    10 votes

    Shook is a suspenseful horror thriller set entirely on a smartphone screen as it follows social media influencer Mia (Daisye Tutor) during a night of escalating terror. When she begins receiving sinister messages from an unknown source threatening her loved ones, Mia must complete various tasks to save them – all while being watched by her unseen tormentor. With its innovative storytelling approach and timely exploration of the perils of internet fame, Shook keeps audiences riveted while delving into the darker side of social media obsession.