Quantum Computing Movies to Inspire and Entertain

We love science fiction. Sometimes science fiction can seem like science fact. You might even be forgiven for thinking quantum computing is already like science fiction. We put together a list of quantum-inspired movies for those long evenings that cover areas like multiverses, entanglement, aliens, and much more. Don’t expect an exhaustive list, but some ideas, at least.

1. “Transcendence” (2014) – This movie features a scientist who uploads his consciousness into a quantum computer, leading to unintended consequences. The machine has gained sentience and is using quantum computing to enhance its intelligence, very reminiscent of claims that Google’s AI chatbot gained sentience in 2022 by its programmer.
2. “The Imitation Game” (2014) – This historical drama tells the story of Alan Turing and his work on cracking the Enigma code during World War II. The movie only touches on the concept of formal computing, as Turing’s work laid the foundation for modern computer science and the development of quantum computers. Check out Turing in more detail to understand the fundamentals of computing.
3. “Interstellar” (2014) – This science fiction movie explores the concept of wormholes and the possibility of using them for time travel. It also touches on the idea of quantum entanglement and the possibility of using it to communicate across vast distances. The film explores the concept of quantum physics and the idea of multiple parallel universes.
4. “Arrival” (2016) – This science fiction movie features a linguist recruited to communicate with an alien species. The film explores the concept of time and its relationship to language and touches on the idea of quantum superposition and the possibility of accessing multiple possible futures.
5. “The Current War” (2017) – This historical drama tells the story of the “War of Currents,” which was a battle between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse to determine which type of electrical current (AC or DC) would become the industry standard (AC won out). References to the concept of quantum mechanics and its role in the development of AC.
6. “Primer” (2004) – This independent science fiction film follows a group of engineers who accidentally discover a way to time travel using a quantum physics-based device.
7. “The Fifth Element” (1997) – This older science fiction action film features a quantum physics-based weapon capable of destroying entire planets.
8. “Annihilation” (2018) – This science fiction film follows a group of scientists who venture into an environmental disaster zone known as “The Shimmer,” where they encounter strange and mysterious phenomena related to quantum physics. The film explores concepts such as quantum superposition and the nature of consciousness.
9. “Lucy” (2014) – In this science fiction action film, a woman gains increasingly powerful mental abilities, including telekinesis and telepathy, after a nootropic drug unlocks more of her brain’s potential. The film explores the concept of the “quantum brain,” which refers to the idea that the brain is a quantum computer. Those interested in quantum consciousness might be inspired.
10. “Ant-Man and the Wasp” (2018) – This superhero film features a quantum realm, a subatomic world that can only be accessed through quantum technology. The film explores the concept of quantum entanglement, which refers to the phenomenon where particles become connected and can affect each other, even when separated by vast distances.
11. “Doctor Strange” (2016) – This superhero film features the concept of the “multiverse of madness,” a vast network of parallel universes. The film explores the idea that reality is not fixed and can be manipulated through magic.
12. “The One” (2001) – This science fiction action film follows a scientist who discovers a way to travel to parallel universes, only to find that each universe has a version of himself. The film explores the concept of the multiverse and that every choice a person makes creates a new universe.
13. “The Multiverse of Max Tovey” (2022) – This science fiction comedy film follows a man who discovers that he is one of many versions of himself across multiple parallel universes. The film explores the concept of the multiverse and the idea that every decision a person makes creates a new universe.
14. “The Cloverfield Paradox” (2018) – This science fiction film follows a group of astronauts who travel to a parallel universe while trying to solve an energy crisis on Earth. The film explores the concept of the multiverse and the idea that the choices made in one universe can have consequences in another.
15. “The Man from Earth” (2007) – This science fiction drama film tells the story of a man who claims to be 14,000 years old and has lived through multiple historical eras. The film touches on the concept of the multiverse and the possibility of multiple parallel universes.
16. “Jupiter Ascending” (2015) – This science fiction film follows a young woman who discovers that she is the reincarnation of a powerful queen from another universe. The film explores the concept of the multiverse and the idea that multiple versions of a person can exist across parallel universes.