Cyberbullying has increasingly become a subject of concern in our digital age, affecting individuals, especially teenagers, across the globe. Films about cyberbullying delve into the dark, often hidden side of social media and online interactions, showcasing the impact of online harassment, threats, and bullying on victims and their families. These stories can range from dramatic interpretations of real-life events to more fictionalized accounts that aim to educate and bring awareness to the dangers of cyberbullying. Here is a list of some films that tackle the subject of cyberbullying, each offering a unique perspective on the issue.
“Cyberbully”, 2015
Director: Ben Chanan
This ABC Family television movie follows Taylor Hillridge, a teenage girl who becomes a victim of cyberbullying when a fake profile is created to tarnish her reputation. The film explores the emotional turmoil Taylor faces and how it affects her and her family.
Starring: Maisie Williams, Ella Purnell, Wilson Haagens, Anthony Shuster, Haruka Abe, Jake Davies, Daisy Waterstone;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime, detective;
Duration: 62 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “Cyberbully” on the website imdb.com
“Unfriended”, 2015
Director:
A supernatural horror film that uses the premise of cyberbullying as a catalyst for the story. A group of friends find themselves haunted by a mysterious force using the account of their deceased friend, who had killed herself after an embarrassing video of her was circulated online.
Starring: Shelley Hennig, Moses Storm, Renee Olstead, Will Peltz, Jacob Wysocki, Courtney Halverson, Heather Sossaman, Matthew Bohrer, Mickey River, Cal Barnes;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: horror, thriller, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 82 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,6;
More information about the film “Unfriended” on the website imdb.com
“Disconnect”, 2012
Director: Henry Alex Rubin
A drama that weaves multiple storylines about the consequences of technology and internet connectivity on individuals' lives, including a subplot where a teenage boy becomes the victim of a cruel cyberbullying prank, which leads to unforeseen consequences.
Starring: Jason Bateman, Hope Davis, Frank Grillo, Michael Nyqvist, Paula Patton, Andrea Riseborough, Alexander Skarsgård, Max Thieriot, Colin Ford, Jonah Bobo;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 115 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Disconnect” on the website imdb.com
“Assassination Nation”, 2018
Director: Sam Levinson
This film takes a more lurid and violent approach to the theme. It follows a group of girls in a small town dealing with the aftermath of a massive data hack that exposes personal messages, emails, and secrets, leading to a total breakdown of society. It comments on the viciousness of online culture and mob mentality.
Starring: Odessa Young, Abra, Suki Waterhouse, Hari Nef, Colman Domingo, Danny Ramirez, Joel McHale, Maude Apatow, Cody Christian, Bill Skarsgård;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: thriller, drama, comedy, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 108 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6;
“Trust”, 2010
Director: David Schwimmer
Directed by David Schwimmer, this drama focuses on the dangers of online predators more than cyberbullying but touches on related themes of online safety. A teenage girl is targeted by an online predator, leading to devastating effects on her and her family.
Starring: Clive Owen, Catherine Keener, Liana Liberato, Jason Clarke, Viola Davis, Chris Henry Coffey, Spencer Curnutt, Aislinn DeButch, Noah Emmerich, Olivia Wickline;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Trust” on the website imdb.com
“13 Reasons Why”, 2017
Director: Jessica Yu, Kyle Patrick Alvarez, Gregg Araki, Michael Morris
Though technically a TV series, it significantly delves into cyberbullying and its impacts, following the story of a teenage girl who leaves behind thirteen tapes explaining the reasons for her suicide, with cyberbullying being a central theme.
Starring: Dylan Minnette, Katherine Langford, Kate Walsh, Christian Navarro, Miles Heizer, Alisha Boe, Brandon Flynn, Derek Luke, Justin Prentice, Devin Druid;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: thriller, drama, detective;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “13 Reasons Why” on the website imdb.com
These films offer varying perspectives on the issue of cyberbullying, from the intensely personal to the societal. They serve not only as entertainment but also as cautionary tales about the potentially devastating effects of online harassment.
In conclusion, films about cyberbullying not only mirror the grim reality many individuals face in the digital age but also serve as potent tools for empathy, education, and change. By weaving narratives that span from the raw and realistic to the cautionary and speculative, these films offer audiences a spectrum of perspectives on the implications of online harassment. They challenge viewers to reflect on their digital behaviors, highlight the pervasive impact of cyberbullying on mental health, and underscore the urgent need for constructive dialogue and actionable solutions. Through their stories, these films contribute significantly to our understanding of cyberbullying, pushing for a society where compassion and respect extend into our digital lives, fostering a safer online environment for all.
