WarGames (1983)

WarGames (1983)

December 2, 2025 · 34 min · Season 5 · Episode 2

About this episode

The episode discusses the 1983 film WarGames and its themes related to cybersecurity and parenting in the 80s.

Sit back, relax, and join the Nuclear Movie Club for WarGames , John Badham's 1983 technothriller starring Matthew Broderick and Ally Sheedy—and perhaps better known as the movie that caused President Ronald Reagan *major anxiety* about U.S. cybersecurity. In this episode, NukeTalk producer Rebecka Green and Ploughshares Roger L Hale Fellow Scott Strgacich discuss WarGames 's many (many!) themes, technical intricacies, and 80s parenting styles. AI, video games, NORAD, dinosaurs—this movie has it all. Follow NukeTalk on Instagram and X @nuke_talk and Ploughshares on Instagram and X @plough_shares to be the first in the know about the movie of the week. Questions, comments, or movie trivia? Email podcast@ploughshares.org —we'll do our best to read it on the air! See you at the movies! ***This season of NukeTalk is produced and hosted by Rebecka Green with support from Scott Strgacich. Editing by Ryan Kuhfeld.

People in this episode

Host: Rebecka Green

Guest: Scott Strgacich

Topics covered

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Ploughshares, NORAD

Books & works: WarGames (1983)

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