Starring the Computer

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A database cataloging real computers appearing in movies and TV shows, with screen grabs.

The site "Starring the Computer" lists thousands of computer models from brands like Acer, Apple, Commodore, and IBM, each linked to specific films or episodes. For example, the Apple II appears in over 60 works including "Creepshow" (1982) and "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" (2024). The Commodore 64 has an extensive film list. A sort-by-year feature is available. The site notes that some computers, like the Cray-like machine in "Sneakers," are omitted because they are mock-ups, not real hardware.

What commenters are saying

Commenters shared personal connections, such as having owned 26 listed machines. A user noted the difficulty of filming CRTs due to frame rate issues, citing a video by Cathode Ray Dude. Another mentioned Woody's Electrical Props in LA as a source for vintage SAGE panels used in many movies. One commenter pointed out that the Apple II in the original "Westworld" was an anachronism since the 6502 chip didn't exist yet. Another remarked that Apple products dominate modern film appearances, often due to product placement rules.