Investing can sometimes feel like a numbers game, but behind every stock and bond are stories, strategies, and a whole lot of drama. One of the best ways to dive into these tales is through documentaries. We’ve put together a list of the top 10 financial documentaries to watch this year—perfect for both finance newbies and seasoned pros.
1. Inside Job (2010)
Narrated by Matt Damon, this one’s a deep dive into the 2008 financial crisis. It’s like a detective story, exposing the corruption that led to the meltdown. Spoiler: it’s mind-blowing.
Available on Amazon Prime and Netflix
2. The Big Short (2015)
Okay, this is technically a drama, but it’s so good we had to include it. Based on Michael Lewis’s book, it’s all about the guys who saw the housing market crash coming and cashed in. Plus, it’s hilarious and explains complicated stuff in a fun way.
Available on Amazon Prime and Hulu
3. Money for Nothing: Inside the Federal Reserve (2013)
Ever wondered what the Fed actually does? This documentary peels back the curtain on the Federal Reserve’s history and its role in steering the economy. It’s a bit like peeking into the financial control room.
Available on Amazon Prime.
4. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)
This one’s a wild ride. It tells the story of Enron’s epic rise and catastrophic fall. Corporate greed, fraud, and drama galore—it’s a real-life thriller.
Available on Amazon Prime and YouTube.
5. The China Hustle (2017)
Prepare to be shocked. This film uncovers a massive financial scandal involving Chinese companies and unsuspecting American investors. It’s a cautionary tale about the risks of global investing.
Available on Amazon Prime and Hulu.
6. American Casino (2009)
This documentary hits close to home, showing how the subprime mortgage crisis affected everyday Americans. It’s a powerful reminder of the human side of financial disasters.Available on Amazon Prime
7. Capitalism: A Love Story (2009)
Michael Moore is at it again, this time taking a hard look at capitalism. It’s provocative, eye-opening, and guaranteed to spark some heated debates.
Available on Amazon Prime and YouTube.
8. The Ascent of Money (2008)
Based on Niall Ferguson’s book, this series traces the evolution of money from ancient times to today. It’s like a history lesson, but way more interesting.
Available on Amazon Prime.
9. Banking on Bitcoin (2016)
Curious about Bitcoin? This doc covers its rise and the revolutionary potential it has to shake up the financial world. Plus, it’s got all the intrigue of a tech startup story.
Available on Netflix
10. Panic: The Untold Story of the 2008 Financial Crisis (2018)
Get the inside scoop from the key players who were in the trenches during the 2008 crisis. It’s packed with interviews and behind-the-scenes action.
Available on HBO Max.
