Are you looking to level up your money game but don’t know where to start? Well, it’s not really surprising to hear that one of the best ways to gain knowledge on a subject is to watch documentaries.
Fortunately, for those of us with an account (or, ahem permanently borrowing someone else’s…), Netflix has a ton of super interesting, incredibly informative documentaries that can provide valuable insight into the people and stories behind some of the world’s most pressing economic issues.
So here are some great Netflix documentary choices to get you started on your financial education.
Best money documentaries on Netflix
1. Money Explained
Money Explained is a great Netflix show that teaches about money and taxes for those just starting their financial journey. Hosted by a business journalist and author, this Vox-produced show covers topics such as credit scores, the stock market, student loans, retirement planning, and more.
This documentary gives viewers a comprehensive overview of how money works in our world today and explains why it’s so important to manage your finances correctly.
With an engaging mix of interviews, animations, and graphics, this documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding our global financial system.
Related: What are the 4 Types of Money in the World?
2. Get Smart With Money
In this personal finance documentary on Netflix, financial advisors help people achieve their financial dreams by providing straightforward strategies for spending less and saving more.
With the guidance of these experts, individuals can take command of their finances and accomplish their goals.
You may also be interested in: Financial Freedom: The 7 Steps Anyone Can Take to Achieve It
This Netflix series about money is great for people who want a relatable, yet still educational, introduction to money management.
3. Eat the Rich: The GameStop Saga
Eat the Rich is one of the best money documentaries on Netflix for millennials who are learning about the stock market during the pandemic era.
It looks at the impact of the GameStop share price surge in late January 2021, which was due to online traders using social media and stock market apps such as Robinhood to buy up shares.
Specifically, the documentary goes into why this event happened and how it changed Wall Street forever.
4. Dirty Money
This Netflix series about money laundering has a different perspective on corporate finance and looks at the shady world of corporate greed.
From crooked payday lenders to cheating car companies, Dirty Money exposes some of the biggest scandals in modern business.
It also examines how individuals can protect themselves from these unethical practices and how governments are fighting against corporate fraud.
5. The Minimalists
Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, two close friends, have created an incredibly influential movement based on minimalism. Through their guidance and Matt D’Avella’s direction, learn how your life can be improved by the art of owning less.
First, The Minimalists frames the current culture of consumerism and its effects on the environment and people’s overall well-being. Then, it follows Millburn and Nicodemus as they travel around sharing stories of personal transformation to help others create more meaningful lives with fewer possessions.
6. The Social Dilemma
The Social Dilemma explores the dark side of tech giants such as Facebook, Google, and Twitter. It examines the power of data, algorithms, and targeted advertising on our lives and how these companies are manipulating us for their own profit.
Whether it’s political manipulation or fake news, this film warns viewers about the dangers of living in an algorithmic world and puts a spotlight on the problems that arise from technology becoming too powerful.
It has financial implications with regard to privacy, data security, and how companies can use our personal information to influence us.
7. Betting on Zero
This Netflix money documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in the financial industry. It examines the rise of Herbalife and its controversial business model which has come under fire from some critics.
The film follows William Ackman, the hedge fund manager who bet against the company, as he tries to expose what he believes are deceptive marketing practices used by the business.
It’s a great way to understand the risks of investing in the stock market and how one can protect themselves from fraudsters.
8. Inside Bill’s Brain: Decoding Bill Gates
One of the best ways to build your financial literacy is by learning from some of the world’s most successful people.
This Netflix documentary takes an intimate look at Bill Gates’ life and career, delving into his philanthropic work, his leadership style, and how he has handled difficult decisions in business.
Related: Rich vs Wealthy: What’s the Difference and How You Can Get There
It’s a great way to understand how one of the wealthiest people in the world thinks and how he has built his financial empire.
You’ll also find it to be a relatively inspiring story that can help viewers better understand their own relationship with money, as well as provide insight into the power of long-term investment strategies.
9. Bad Boy Billionaires India
Dive deep into the murky depths of avarice, deceit, and misconduct that propelled India’s most notorious billionaires to riches, only for it all to come crashing down. This investigative docuseries uncovers these hidden stories and examines them in detail.
It’s an eye-opening look at the dangers of corporate greed and how these powerful businessmen were able to get away with their shady dealings for so long.
Learn how money can bring out the worst in people and why it’s essential to examine financial transactions carefully before entering into any deals.
10. American Factory
For those who are interested in learning about the effects of globalization, this documentary is essential viewing. It follows the story of a Chinese billionaire who sets up a factory in an Ohio town that was once home to a General Motors plant.
The film examines how workers adjust to the new culture clash between two countries and how difficult it can be for people to adapt to changing job markets.
It’s a great way to understand the impact of global economic policies and how they affect workers on both sides of the equation.
11. Broken
Broken examines the true price of the product and services we purchase every day. It follows the journey of a journalist as he investigates the underbelly of corporate supply chains and discovers problems with labor conditions, child labor, human trafficking, and environmental degradation.
The film shines light on unethical practices within businesses and how companies can become complicit in these issues if they don’t take responsibility for their actions.
It’s an eye-opening look at how the products we purchase have far-reaching consequences and why it’s essential to consider their source before committing to a purchase.
12. Cuba and the Cameraman
The story of the Cuban Revolution is seen through the lens of acclaimed director Jon Alpert. Cuba and the Camerman takes you deep into the lives of three families living in Cuba since Fidel Castro’s rise to power.
Featuring candid interviews from everyday Cubans and archival footage from key political events, it offers a unique look at how people survive and thrive in a country that is financially challenged.
13. The Business of Drugs
This Netflix documentary examines the illegal drug trade, with a focus on how certain substances are produced and trafficked around the world.
It’s an informative look at one of the most lucrative industries in the world and how organized crime has become entrenched within it.
The film also highlights some of the problems that can arise from drug trafficking, including money laundering and the destabilization of economies.
This is a great way to understand how drug money affects global markets and why it’s essential to regulate this industry more closely.
