In this article, we dive deep into some of the best crypto documentaries available. We consider some of the top crypto documentaries for beginners hoping to learn more about Bitcoin. Also, we include some of the best crypto documentaries for existing investors to learn more about the potential of Web3 development.
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Exploring the Top 5 Crypto Documentaries
We appreciate that everybody’s tastes and preferences in films and documentaries will vary. However, we have collated a list of the 5 best crypto documentaries that apply to a wide range of demographics. Whether you’re new to Bitcoin, hoping to learn more about the technology, or are a crypto day-trader wondering about the future of Web3, this list should cater to most.
We provide an overview of each of the top crypto documentaries and outline its ideal target audience. Also, we include the rating available on the Internet Movie Database (IMDb). Below we list a selection of the best crypto documentaries in alphabetical order. The list includes a range of documentaries catering to different viewers with varying knowledge sets or expected learning outcomes.
Banking On Bitcoin
Banking on Bitcoin, sometimes referred to as “The Battle for Bitcoin”, makes our best crypto documentaries list for being one of the most popular crypto documentaries on Netflix US, released in 2016. Written and directed by Christopher Cannucciari, Banking on Bitcoin is a blockchain novice-friendly documentary providing an overview of the origin and future use cases for Bitcoin. In the beginning, Banking on Bitcoin highlights the significance of the pseudonymity of Bitcoin’s creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. Also, Banking on Bitcoin discusses the benefits of using cryptocurrencies over legacy financial institutions.
After setting the scene, the documentary educates viewers about the utilities and applications for Bitcoin (BTC). Specifically, Banking on Bitcoin shows the adoption of cryptocurrencies with various online gambling sites. Also, it explores how the decentralization, transparency, and anonymity of blockchain can revolutionize the existing financial industry. However, the Banking on Bitcoin documentary explicitly shows the technology’s limitations and the progressive developments needed to achieve mass adoption.
In addition to showcasing the benefits of blockchain, Banking on Bitcoin is praised in reviews for its neutrality on the subject. Alongside the advantages of Bitcoin, the documentary doesn’t shy away from notorious crypto scams. Plus, Banking on Bitcoin shows the leading crypto’s role in the Silk Road case. Throughout the documentary, Banking on Bitcoin includes interviews with numerous influential roles and early players in the Bitcoin industry.
With an IMDB rating of 6.6/10, Banking on Bitcoin makes our top crypto documentaries list for its beginner-friendly and holistic storyline. Banking on Bitcoin is one of the best crypto documentaries for understanding the basics and potential use cases. Additionally, Banking on Bitcoin is rated for its neutrality and for showing viewers multiple sides to the industry.
Cryptopia: Bitcoin, Blockchains, and the Future of the Internet
Released in 2020, Cryptopia: Bitcoin, Blockchains, and the Future of the Internet is an Australian crowdfunded feature documentary by the award-winning producer and director Torsten Hoffmann. Five years after the success of his first documentary (Bitcoin: The End of Money As We Know It), Hoffmann explores the future of Web3. As such, Hoffmann revisits some of the figures from his previous film. Overall, Cryptopia is a balanced documentary presenting viewers with arguments supportive and discouraging of Web3 developments.
Cryptopia is a next-level documentary going beyond exploring the fundamentals of Bitcoin. Accordingly, Cryptopia considers the broader use cases for blockchain technology and the evolution of the Web3 industry. The layout and narrative of Cryptopia allow the viewers to discern for themselves the true potential of Web3. Accordingly, Cryptopia presents the audience with the possibility of a “trustless new cyber utopia”. Alternatively, Cryptopia suggests Web3 could be a more highly-evolved continuation of existing unfairly-distributed systems.
Cryptopia features in our best crypto documentaries list for several reasons. Firstly, Cryptopia goes beyond introducing the concept of Bitcoin to beginners. Secondly, Cryptopia explores a holistic view of the blockchain industry, highlighting the good, the bad, and the scope for development. Finally, as one of the top crypto documentaries, Cryptopia stars interviews with world-leading pioneers of blockchain development and cryptocurrency adoption. This includes the likes of Vitalik Buterin – the founder of the biggest smart contract chain in the industry, Ethereum. Also, tech entrepreneur, author, and Bitcoin advocate, Andreas Antonopoulos, and an early Bitcoin investor nicknamed “Bitcoin Jesus”, Roger Ver. Plus, many other industry-leading names, including Laura Shin, Craig Wright, Dr. Jemma Green, Charlie Lee, and more.
Currently, Cryptopia holds an IMBD rating of 7.1/10. As one of the top crypto documentaries, the 86-minute feature targets more crypto-experienced audiences interested in future Web3 developments.
The Great Reset and The Rise of Bitcoin
Next on our best crypto documentaries list is The Great Reset and the Rise of Bitcoin. Written and directed by Pierre Corbin, The Great Reset and the Rise of Bitcoin was released in early 2022. Aptly named, the documentary outlines the World Economic Forum (WEF)’s plan for a ‘Great Reset’ of the global economy. Furthermore, The Great Reset and the Rise of Bitcoin educates its audience about the benefits and drawbacks of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).
Based in Poland, the documentary begins by explaining the history of money and how currency has evolved over time. Moreover, The Great Reset and the Rise of Bitcoin specifically hones in on the excessive money-printing throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Experts and leaders explain the anticipated repercussions of such substantial quantitative easing (QE) according to different theories of economics. Further, The Great Reset and the Rise of Bitcoin discusses the potential roles of the leading cryptocurrency during the transitioning financial landscape.
The Great Reset and the Rise of Bitcoin is one of the top crypto documentaries to understand the current conditions of the financial industry. Plus, The Great Reset and the Rise of Bitcoin shines a light on development needs before Bitcoin could become the global reserve currency. For example, this includes exploring scaling solutions such as the Lightning Network, operating on top of the world-leading blockchain. Catering to blockchain newcomers and crypto skeptics, The Great Reset and the Rise of Bitcoin educates viewers on Bitcoin’s sound money principles. Also, the documentary presents a strong argument for the wave of excess currency being “swallowed up by the black hole” that is Bitcoin. As a popular hit since its release, The Great Reset and the Rise of Bitcoin has an IMDB rating of 8.4/10.
The Rise And Rise Of Bitcoin
Some of the best crypto documentaries are from an earlier time before blockchain entered mainstream media headlines. The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin, released in 2014, follows one man’s struggle to communicate his passions surrounding Bitcoin and blockchain technology. Written and directed by brothers Daniel and Nicholas Mross, the documentary follows the story of computer programmer Daniel. Additionally, The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin shows Daniel on his global journey of educating people about Bitcoin.
The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin makes our top crypto documentaries list for showing many different cultures around the asset. Specifically, The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin explores the competitive mining market, blockchain tech entrepreneurs, and other Bitcoin subcultures. Furthermore, the documentary explores not just the social impact but the political impact of introducing a decentralized monetary system. As an intimate documentary relatable to many, The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin educates its audience on a journey with Daniel. The film uncovers Bitcoin’s potential impact for social good, potentially redesigning the legacy financial infrastructure.
With an IMDB rating of 7.1/10, The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin is one of the best crypto documentaries for Bitcoin beginners. Reviews depict the documentary as a valuable “bridge” between the blockchain-educated and the Bitcoin enthusiasts looking to learn more. For readers hoping to broaden their existing blockchain knowledge, be sure to check out our Moralis Blog. Learn about the leading blockchain projects, the latest trends, and future blockchain use cases entirely for free! For example, why not save our “Rust & Solana” article or our “ Solana vs. NEAR ” article for later?
Trust No One: The Hunt for the Crypto King
Finally, our top crypto documentaries list wouldn’t be complete without the recent 2022 Netflix Original release. Trust No One: The Hunt for the Crypto King documentary investigates the mysterious case of Canada’s leading crypto exchange, QuadrigaCX. The death of founder Gerry Cotton sparked media headlines when it was discovered he was the only holder of users’ private keys. Resultantly, neither exchange users nor QuadrigaCX employees could access the funds on the exchange.
Trust No One: The Hunt for the Crypto King begins with a background story of Gerry Cotten. Throughout the documentary, viewers hear anecdotes and interviews with previous QuadrigaCX employees and their thoughts surrounding Cotton’s mysterious death. Plus, Trust No One: The Hunt for the Crypto King follows the story of some exchange users. After being informed of the inaccessibility to funds, a group of users created a Telegram group to discuss their options. With one strange coincidence after another, the community collaborated on searching for Gerald Cotten and, more specifically, their funds.
Trust No One: The Hunt for the Crypto King is one of the best crypto documentaries for offering crypto investors valuable lessons. With an IMDB rating of 6.3/10, many reviews raise questions surrounding the strength of the documentary’s ending. Moreover, some crypto influencers believe the documentary didn’t balance the good with the bad around cryptocurrencies. However, Trust No One: The Hunt for the Crypto King shows viewers the reality of greed and poor asset management. Thus, it’s one of the best crypto documentaries to educate yourself about some of the harsh realities of trading with crypto.
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Exploring the Best Crypto Documentaries Summary
Educating yourself in blockchain technology could be a profitable investment of your time. Further, with some of the best crypto documentaries, viewers can learn about the history of money, the history of blockchain, and the current dilemmas the global financial infrastructure faces. Moreover, with some of the top crypto documentaries featuring interviews with industry leaders, skeptic viewers can learn from pioneering professionals in the field. Additionally, the best crypto documentaries present a multi-faceted approach highlighting the positives while not negating the demand for industry development. Also, crypto documentaries can provide valuable lessons to investors about the effects of greed and poor asset management.
Blockchain education is a highly in-demand and niche knowledge set, whether it’s via documentaries, online courses, YouTube videos, or blog posts. If you’re considering a career in crypto or Web3, Moralis is the best place to kickstart your blockchain education today. Why not start with our free Moralis blog posts – such as our “How to Invest During a Crypto Bear Market” article? Or, why not see our “ Understanding Crypto Crashes” article next?
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