High school student David Lightman has a talent for hacking. But while trying to hack into a computer system to play unreleased video games, he unwittingly taps into the Department of Defense's war computer and initiates a confrontation of global proportions. Together with his friend and a wizardly computer genius, David must race against time to outwit his opponent and prevent a nuclear Armageddon.
Production
NORAD set cost $1 million — largest since Cleopatra.
Writing
"The only winning move is not to play" — iconic finale.
Practical Effects
Actual IMSAI 8080 computer, not props — Broderick learned to use it.
Director
John Badham
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This film literally changed policy — Reagan watched it and asked his general if this could happen, leading to the first presidential cybersecurity directive.
The IMSAI 8080 was so loud that dialogue had to be re-recorded; Broderick's typing in the poster is completely wrong finger placement because he's actually playing the director's notes.
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Reactions from the web
This movie sparked my interest computers and I’ve been working in technology for over 20 years.
@daltonwilliams2962 15
This movie aged well.
@chubby_corella 15
The ingenuity of the 80s stories was awesome!
@Phoinx 146
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