15 Best Economics and Finance Documentaries to Watch, Including the GameStop Series

Why Finance Films Are More Than Just Numbers

Documentaries have a knack for making complex themes feel totally digestible. When it comes to the top finance documentaries, the right film can turn a dense subject into an edge-of-your-seat story. Imagine learning about global crises, market meltdowns or epic short squeezes while actually enjoying yourself—yes, it’s possible.

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just curious about how money shapes our world, these top finance documentaries shine a light on Wall Street’s wild turns, corporate scandals and the everyday people caught in between. And if you want to dive into one of the most riveting examples on our list, look no further than the GameStop Documentary Series. Explore top finance documentaries with the GameStop Documentary Series

Classic Wall Street Warnings

Before you binge anything on your watchlist, check out these veterans of the genre. They set the bar for all top finance documentaries that followed.

1. The Ascent of Money (2008)

Historian Niall Ferguson takes you from ancient Mesopotamia to modern markets in eight episodes. This series unpacks how currency, bonds, stocks and insurance shaped civilisation.
Why it’s a must-watch: It’s like financial history 101—without the yawn factor.

2. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)

From Fortune’s darling to bankruptcy headlines, this exposes one of America’s biggest accounting frauds. Interviews with corporate insiders make it feel almost like a thriller.
Highlight: You’ll never lapse into spreadsheet-mode again.

3. American Casino (2009)

Not a Las Vegas travelogue, but an eye-opening look at subprime mortgages and the housing bubble.
Takeaway: High stakes in finance aren’t just for poker players.

Market Meltdowns and Mayhem

When markets crack, filmmakers pounce. These top finance documentaries dive into crises that rattled economies worldwide.

4. Inside Job (2010)

Director Charles Ferguson goes deep on the 2008 crash. He connects the dots between Wall Street greed, regulators asleep at the wheel and everyday folks losing their homes.
Fun fact: It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary.

5. The China Hustle (2017)

Holiday scams? Not even close. This one exposes how Chinese companies gamed U.S. investors through shell corporations and fake audits.
Why watch: You’ll think twice before buying the next hot IPO.

6. Boom Bust Boom (2016)

A playful romp through financial bubbles, with a dash of animation and interviews with economists.
Your takeaway: History often rhymes—so pay attention.

Power Plays and Scandals

From crypto to data privacy, these picks show how finance intersects with modern life—and why it matters.

7. Dirty Money (2018– )

This Netflix series (each episode stands alone) covers scandals in banking, automotive emissions and sports bribery.
Insider tip: Episode 1 on Volkswagen’s fraud is a jaw-dropper.

8. Banking on Bitcoin (2016)

Love it or loathe it, Bitcoin shook the financial establishment. This doc charts its birth, the early believers and the wild price swings.
Key insight: Cryptocurrency’s rollercoaster is far from over.

9. The Great Hack (2019)

Data is the new oil. This film examines the Cambridge Analytica scandal, where personal info became a weapon to sway elections.
Why it ranks among top finance documentaries: It merges tech, money and politics in one tight package.

Investor Journeys

Sometimes the best lessons come from personal stories. These films follow individuals chasing big returns—and, occasionally, big regrets.

10. Freakonomics (2010)

Adapted from the bestselling book, it explores economics hidden beneath everyday life.
Remember: Incentives rule the world—whether you’re cheating on a test or raising a child.

11. Chasing Madoff (2010)

Journalist Harry Markopolos spent years warning regulators about Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme. This documentary chronicles his uphill battle.
Lesson learned: A lone voice can matter…if people listen.

12. The China Hustle (Repeat Warning)

Yes, it’s that impactful. If you want to double up on how bad accounting fraud can get, give it a second spin.

The New Frontier: GameStop and the Reddit Revolution

Ever wondered how a bunch of retail investors on a forum could shake the mighty hedge funds? Enter the GameStop Documentary Series. This deep-dive chronicles:

• GameStop’s humble origins
• The viral short squeeze of 2021
• Exclusive interviews with traders, analysts and everyday investors

It’s storytelling that blends history, strategy and real-time drama. As one of the freshest entries among top finance documentaries, this series tackles modern retail investing head-on. Discover top finance documentaries in the GameStop Documentary Series

How to Stream These Finance Gems

Most of these titles are scattered across platforms. A few tips to get started:

• Free options: Check your local library’s digital service (like Kanopy).
• Subscription services: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu hold heavy hitters like Dirty Money and Inside Job.
• One-off rentals: Platforms such as iTunes, Google Play or Vimeo On Demand often carry niche docs.

Pro tip: Bundling a short-term subscription can get you three or four of these in one go.

Final Thoughts

Picking from the sea of top finance documentaries can feel overwhelming. Start with a classic like Inside Job, then swing to a niche deep-dive like Banking on Bitcoin. And be sure to cap it off with the GameStop Documentary Series—it’s fresh, fast-paced and full of market intrigue. If you love a story that blends people-power with financial tactics, you’ll want to see every frame.

Catch the GameStop Documentary Series and explore more top finance documentaries