A Look at the Top Movies and TV Shows Featuring Cell Phones

The first handheld cell phone came out in 1973, and Motorola was the proud parent of a handset weighing 4.4 pounds. In 1979, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone set out the first cellular network. The first readily available handheld cell phone, the Motorola DynaTAC 8000X, came out in 1983. And in 1987, Michael Douglas spoke into one—as Gordon Gekko in Wall Street.” “Greed is good!” Douglas says, immortalizing the line and the cell phone.

We’ve all enjoyed flicks with a cell phone—the big silver one or the one on your handheld. Call up and discover some of the top cell phone-critical entertainment.

Breaking Bad (2008–2013)

45 min | Drama, Thriller

Bryan Cranston owns the territory as a chemistry teacher who, after a cancer diagnosis, turns to manufacturing and managing a drug empire with the help of his crew and cell phones, which he calls burners, all to bequeath his family a monetary legacy. Anna Gunn, Aaron Paul, and Betsy Brandt round out the cast.

Gerald’s Game (2017)

103 min | Drama, Suspense

So you are trying to re-heat the ol’ marriage in a remote lake house. Even after we’re married, we’re mysteriously drawn to remote architecture. But now we bring our husbands. Yes, we decided to try handcuffs and the borrowed bedframe. Off all the times to have a heart attack. Anyway, a cell phone–temptingly near the heroine–plays its part masterfully. Could this be a sign to set up your voice activation?

This scenario, reminiscent of a thriller film plot, underscores the importance of staying prepared, even in romantic escapades. A voice-activated device or smart home system can offer a layer of security, particularly in remote locations. In emergencies, such as medical crises or unexpected situations, having a voice-activated assistant can provide quick access to help, allowing you to call emergency services or notify contacts without needing to physically reach for a phone. Moreover, integrating such technology into your lifestyle can streamline various tasks, enhancing convenience in everyday life.

Cellular (2004)

94 min | Thriller

Your phone rings and a voice yells wildly for help—they’ve been kidnapped! Feel that, and you’ve got the energy behind Cellular. Now picture the picture-perfect Kim Basinger as Jessica Martin, who dials a random number and hooks up with Chris Evans Ryan, who’s enlisted to help save Jessica’s family. It’s a race against time, and the duo rely on mobile phones to outsmart the baddies.

The Call (2013)

94 min | Crime, Drama

Halle Berry steps into the role of Jordan, a 911 operator who receives a call from Casey, an abducted girl. Jordan’s task is to guide Casey through the ordeal and keep her calm—all through the tiny cell phone speaker! And then there’s the emotional journey. Will Jordan confront her traumas? With danger on the line, it’s a poignant tale of connection that will deeply resonate, making you feel for the characters.

Gossip Girl (2007-2012)

Six Seasons | Ensemble Drama

Cell phones get so much air time in Gossip Girl they could be another character. Set in the milieu of Manhattan’s elite, we follow the secret lives of wealthy teens whose moves are captured by the mysterious Gossip Girl. From secret rendezvous to fierce fights, cell phones are out! Whether sending anonymous tips or gossiping, phones document characters while viewers stay latched onto their screens, captivated by the drama and mystery.

Scream (2022)

114 min | Action, Thriller

With a killer loose in Woodsboro, cell phones turn into a lifeline and a curse in Scream as the body count rises as teens desperately attempt to outpsych a killer—using cell phones to stay connected while reaching out for help. Anyone can hide behind a screen, and Scream posits that perhaps the riskiest thing lurks in our pockets, hearts, and minds.