Films about internet relationships

Movie selections

The advent of the internet has revolutionized not just how we live our lives but also how we form and maintain relationships. Films about internet relationships delve into the complexities, challenges, and sometimes the unexpected beauty of connections forged in the digital realm. These stories can range from romantic encounters to deep friendships, exploring themes such as identity, deceit, love, and the blurring lines between online and offline worlds. Here are some notable examples:

“Catfish”, 2010

Director: Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman

films about internet relationships - Catfish

This documentary explores the darker side of online relationships when Nev, a photographer, forms a bond with a family over Facebook, leading to unexpected realities and the coinage of the term “catfishing.”

Starring: Nev Schulman, Ariel Schulman, Henry Joost, Angela Wesselman-Pierce, Medody C. Roscher, Wendy Whelan, Craig Hall, Tiler Peck, Drew Jacoby, Rubi Pronk;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: documentary, drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 94 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;

More information about the film “Catfish” on the website imdb.com

“Her”, 2013

Director: Spike Jonze

films about internet relationships - Her

Set in a near-future Los Angeles, “Her” follows Joaquin Phoenix's character as he develops a complex relationship with an AI operating system voiced by Scarlett Johansson. The film examines themes of loneliness, love, and the human need for connection.

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, Chris Pratt, Olivia Wilde, Matt Letscher, Kristen Wiig, Portia Doubleday, Laura Kai Chen;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: melodrama, science fiction, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 126 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;

“The Social Network”, 2010

Director: David Fincher

films about internet relationships - The Social Network

Though not about internet relationships per se, this film delves into the creation of Facebook and showcases how the platform has shaped and influenced modern social interactions and friendships.

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Armie Hammer, Max Minghella, Rashida Jones, Brenda Song, Rooney Mara, Bryan Barter, Joseph Mazzello;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;

More information about the film “The Social Network” on the website imdb.com

“Disconnect”, 2012

Director: Henry Alex Rubin

films about internet relationships - Disconnect

A drama that interweaves multiple stories about people affected by the internet's darker sides, including cyberbullying, identity theft, and the search for connection in a digitally isolated world.

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

“Unfriended”, 2015

Director:

films about internet relationships - Unfriended

A horror film that takes place entirely on a high school student's laptop screen, exploring the consequences of cyberbullying when an unseen force terrorizes her and her friends during a video chat.

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

“Sierra Burgess Is a Loser”, 2018

Director: Ian Samuels

films about internet relationships - Sierra Burgess Is a Loser

A Netflix teen comedy that centers around a case of mistaken identity over text messages, leading to an unlikely romance. It explores themes of self-acceptance, beauty standards, and the complexities of presenting oneself online.

Starring: Shannon Purser, Kristine Froseth, RJ Cyler, Noah Centineo, Loretta Devine, Giorgia Whigham, Alice Lee, Lea Thompson, Alan Ruck, Mary Pat Gleason;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,8;

More information about the film “Sierra Burgess Is a Loser” on the website imdb.com

“Searching”, 2018

Director: Aneesh Chaganty

films about internet relationships - Searching

Using technology and social media as its narrative form, this thriller follows a desperate father trying to find his missing 16-year-old daughter by piecing together clues from her digital footprint.

Starring: John Cho, Sara Sohn, Alex Jayne Go, Megan Liu, Kya Dawn Lau, Michelle La, Joseph Lee, Dominic Hoffman, Melissa Disney;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: detective, thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 102 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;

More information about the film “Searching” on the website imdb.com

“Eighth Grade”, 2018

Director: Bo Burnham

films about internet relationships - Eighth Grade

While not solely focused on internet relationships, this film poignantly captures the role of social media in the life of a young girl navigating the awkwardness of her eighth-grade year, touching upon the impact of online interactions on self-esteem and personal growth.

Starring: Elsie Fisher, Josh Hamilton, Emily Robinson, Jake Ryan, Daniel Zolghadri, Fred Hechinger, Imani Lewis, Luke Prael, Catherine Oliviere, Nora Mullins;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 93 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;

More information about the film “Eighth Grade” on the website imdb.com

“Ingrid Goes West”, 2017

Director: Matt Spicer

films about internet relationships - Ingrid Goes West

A dark comedy about obsession, this film tells the story of Ingrid, who becomes obsessed with a social media influencer and moves to Los Angeles to try to befriend her in real life, exploring the blurred lines between online personas and true identity.

Starring: Aubrey Plaza, Elizabeth Olsen, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Wyatt Russell, Billy Magnussen, Pom Klementieff, Hannah Pearl Utt, Joseph Breen, Angelica Amor, Meredith Hagner;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 98 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;

More information about the film “Ingrid Goes West” on the website imdb.com

Each of these films provides a unique lens on the multifaceted nature of internet relationships, from the joy and love that can be found to the deceit and dangers that lurk online.

In the age where digital footprints are as significant as our physical ones, films about internet relationships traverse the vast, complex spectrum of human connections in the digital era. They unravel stories of love, friendship, betrayal, and redemption, often blurring the lines between virtual and tangible realities. These narratives not only reflect our current societal relationship with technology but also offer a profound commentary on the evolving nature of human communication and connection. Through a blend of humor, drama, suspense, and romance, these films invite viewers to introspect on their online interactions and the authenticity of their digital personas. They compellingly argue that amidst the ephemeral chats and pixelated faces, genuine relationships can flourish, transforming our understanding of intimacy and community in the 21st century.

Katie Knight
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