As parents, we’ve all had (or soon will) that moment where our teen starts talking about something we only half understand — coding, cybersecurity, or the latest AI trend they saw online. It can feel like they’re speaking another language! But sometimes, the easiest way to bridge that gap isn’t through long talks or new gadgets — it’s through something as simple as watching a movie together.
Lately, my teen has been obsessed with films that feature technology — everything from The Matrix to Ready Player One. And honestly, I get it. Those fast-paced “hacking” scenes and futuristic worlds can be fascinating, even if they make real-life tech look a little more glamorous (and a lot faster) than it actually is.
That’s what got us talking about how Hollywood often exaggerates tech — especially hacking. We ended up laughing through some of the wildest movie moments that just seemed a little too unrealistic (but very entertaining).
It’s a great reminder that what looks cool on screen usually takes a lot more time, code, and caffeine in real life!
Chat about action-packed, thriller, and sci-fi movies as you watch them!
Watching tech-filled movies together can open the door to really good conversations. When a movie character pulls off an impossible hack or builds an AI in their garage, it makes you all pause and ask, “How realistic is that?” or “What part of that could actually happen?”
You might be surprised at how much your teen already knows, and how eager they are to share it. These kinds of chats help them think critically about what they’re seeing and make the topic of technology less intimidating for us parents. They are also an excellent bonding experience!
Lean into any curiosity (even if you don’t understand all the tech jargon)
If your teen lights up talking about coding or computer security, lean into it — even if half the terms fly over your head. Ask them to explain what interests them most about it. It could be about how systems are protected or why people love watching “ethical hackers” in shows like Mr. Robot.
And who knows — you’ll definitely learn a few things too. My teen recently explained how passwords actually get cracked and what I learnt made me change all my passwords immediately after.
Pick the movies with accurate-ish hacking scenes to start the conversation
You don’t need to jump straight into complex cyber thrillers. Some great starter films and shows for tech-curious teens include:
- The Mitchells vs. The Machines — a fun family movie that mixes robots, humour, and heart.
- Tron: Legacy — perfect for talking about digital worlds and creativity.
- Hidden Figures — inspiring for showing real-world women in STEM.
- Mr. Robot and WarGames (for older teens) — both spark great discussions about tech ethics and how “cool” doesn’t always mean “good.”
Mixing entertainment with small reality checks helps your teen see how storytelling and real technology intersect — and why it’s important to know the difference.
Keep the conversation about tech safety open-ended and ongoing
It’s easy for parents to feel left behind as technology evolves, but sharing these screen moments keeps you connected. Ask questions, laugh at the unrealistic stuff, and let your teen take the lead. It shows that you respect their knowledge — and that you’re genuinely interested, not just trying to “keep up.”
Even if they roll their eyes (and they probably will), they’ll come round and remember that you made the effort to meet them in their world.
Connect with your teen over tech movies
At the end of the day, movies are just stories you watch — and they often don’t accurately reflect the real world. For teens whose curiosity dabbles in anything tech-related, they’re a doorway into a bigger world of ideas and creativity (or even careers!). As parents, we don’t have to be the experts (and us good ‘ol analog kids need a lesson or two most of the time). We just need to be willing to watch, listen, and share a laugh when the movies get a little carried away with its “hacking into the mainframe” moments.
Because connection doesn’t always come from knowing the same things — sometimes, it’s just about enjoying the same screen.