Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
Social media arguably runs our lives; whether we’re checking into our latest adventure, creeping our exes, or wondering how these influencers maintain their lives of luxury, we all feed our addictions with our platform of choice. For some, it’s trusty Facebook, there to offer endless political rantings, photos from baby showers you never RSVP’d to, and friend suggestions you’d never dare accept. As it goes with everything, art must represent life, so the increase of movies and television shows about social media is hardly a surprise.
Many flicks take the philosophical route; by examining the way social media impacts our lives, we can try to find meaning. Others ignore the positives and head straight into the dark side; the sheer amount of social media horror movies that have been released in the last five years is almost impossible to calculate. Social media on screen can often feel gimmicky or strange, but sometimes, a movie or show strikes just the right chord.
Ingrid Goes West, the dark comedy about an unhinged Instagram stalker played by Aubrey Plaza, seamlessly combines relevant commentary about these platforms’ role in our lives with witty writing without ever feeling contrived. While it’s not yet available to stream, there are some other flicks that have gotten it right – these are our favorite social media movies currently on streaming.
'The Social Network'
This wouldn’t be a social media movie list without the Facebook movie, and regardless of subject matter, David Fincher‘s drama is a masterpiece. The Social Network takes the story of Facebook’s creation and puts us right in the middle of it, success, setbacks, backstabbing and all. Featuring incredible performances from Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, and Armie Hammer, this savvy slow-burn should be at the top of your list.
'Catfish'
Before Catfish was a hit TV show or a colloquialism used in all the chaotic discussions around online dating, it was a well-received documentary starring the now-famous Nev Schulman. The flick follows Schulman’s brother Ariel and filmmaker Henry Joost as they document Nev’s budding online relationship with a woman named Megan, who purportedly lives in Michigan. Evidently, as Nev visits who he thinks will be Megan and her family, a series of revelations come to light and Nev gets a lot more than he bargained for. A fascinating look at the weird side of the internet, Catfish is essential viewing.
'Men, Women & Children'
It’s no secret that the internet has permanently changed the way we live our lives, and Jason Reitman‘s dramedy Men, Women & Children addresses this fact head-on. Starring Adam Sandler, Jennifer Garner, and an all-star cast, the film follows a group of teenagers and their parents as they attempt to navigate every area of their existence that has been infiltrated by the world wide web. Whether the interwebs have changed communication skills, love lives, or way they perceive themselves in general, this group must find a way to function in the modern world.
'Disconnect'
Perhaps a more poignant, darker take on the subject matter Men, Women & Children tackles in a more melodramatic manner, Disconnected follows three storylines involving the detrimental effects of being too wired in. While they may be connected on the interwebs, their personal lives tell another story, and the struggle to connect with one another is one that’s all too relatable. The film handles difficult subjects like cyber-bullying and online exposure with grace, and its top-notch cast – including Jason Bateman, Andrea Riseborough, and Alexander Skarsgård – round out a memorable cinematic experience.
'Hard Candy'
The internet can be a dark, terrifying place that predators call home, and Hard Candy does not sugarcoat this nauseating phenomenon. Starring Ellen Page and Patrick Wilson, the psychological thriller introduces us to our characters in the midst of a flirtatious online chat. There’s just one catch – Hayley is 14, and Jeff is 32. If you think you know what’s coming, prepare to erase all expectations, because the way the film flips the switch on a tired narrative is bound to leave you reeling.
