Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Hackers

film

Hackers

1995

Along with his new friends, a teenager who was arrested by the US Secret Service and banned from using a computer for writing a computer virus discovers a plot by a nefarious hacker, but they must use their computer skills to find the evidence while being pursued by the Secret Service and the evil computer genius behind the virus.

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? PG-13 themes include criminal hacking, fraud, arrests, threats against a parent, pursuit, potential mass-casualty danger, and moderate thriller tension. Romance and sexual content appear limited. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Strong language3/5
  • Alcohol or drugs2/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Positive messages3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising2/5
Why this rating?

Features prominent displays of 1990s computer hardware and technology of the era.

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

No actual deaths occur in the film.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Includes occasional use of moderate profanity and slang.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Dade and Kate flirt, wager over a date, and begin a relationship at the conclusion; romance is secondary to the conspiracy plot.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Secret Service pursuit, interrogation, threats to Dade’s mother, and a possible tanker disaster create sustained moderate tension, though it is not a horror film.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Features suggestive dialogue and some skimpy clothing choices.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Smoking and drinking appear intermittently, including in social or club settings; substance use is not the film’s central focus.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Mostly involves chase scenes, hacking duels, and minor scuffles. No heavy combat.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists risk arrest and personal safety to expose the scheme and prevent a larger disaster.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Inventive computer problem-solving, hacking duels, unusual technology, teamwork, and imaginative cyberpunk presentation are central to the film.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a multiracial ensemble cast of teenage hackers.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Provides a very dated, stylized perspective on early internet culture.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Friends cooperate to clear their names and protect one another, though the group also uses reckless and illegal tactics.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story favors curiosity, technical ingenuity, friendship, accountability, and exposing corruption, while showing that fraud and abuse have consequences.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

The young hackers are resourceful and loyal, but they also commit illegal intrusions, pranks, and fraud, making them mixed rather than straightforward role models.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Hackers would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Hackers, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to watch or buy

Buy or rent on AmazonFind on JustWatch

As an Amazon Associate, Dickens & Rumi may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating