Dive into the fascinating world of economic development with this curated list of documentaries. These films not only shed light on the complexities of economic growth but also explore the human stories behind the numbers. Whether you're an economics enthusiast or just curious about how countries and communities evolve, these documentaries provide valuable insights into the forces shaping our world.

Life and Debt (2001)
Description: This documentary examines the effects of the International Monetary Fund's policies on Jamaica, showing how economic development strategies can lead to dependency and economic disparity.
Fact: It was inspired by the book "A Small Place" by Jamaica Kincaid. The film was well-received for its poignant critique of global economic policies.


The Corporation (2003)
Description: This film examines the concept of the corporation as a legal entity, exploring its impact on society, environment, and the economy, questioning whether corporations can truly be considered responsible citizens.
Fact: It was nominated for 26 awards and won 10, including the World Cinema Audience Award at Sundance. The film features interviews with numerous experts and whistleblowers.


The End of Poverty? (2008)
Description: Directed by Philippe Diaz, this film challenges the conventional wisdom about poverty, arguing that it's not a natural phenomenon but a result of deliberate economic policies and historical exploitation.
Fact: The film was screened at numerous film festivals around the world, sparking discussions on global economic justice.


Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)
Description: This documentary recounts the rise and fall of Enron, one of the most infamous corporate scandals in history, providing insights into corporate greed and the lack of oversight that led to economic turmoil.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It was based on the book by Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind.


Capitalism: A Love Story (2009)
Description: Michael Moore's critique of capitalism examines the economic system's impact on American society, focusing on the financial crisis and the widening gap between the rich and the poor.
Fact: The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and was released in theaters shortly after. It sparked considerable debate about the ethics of capitalism.


The Shock Doctrine (2009)
Description: Based on Naomi Klein's book, this documentary explores how economic crises are exploited to push through controversial economic policies, often at the expense of the most vulnerable populations.
Fact: The film features interviews with Klein and others affected by these policies. It was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival.


Inside Job (2010)
Description: This film delves into the 2008 financial crisis, offering a comprehensive look at the systemic corruption and regulatory failures that led to one of the worst economic downturns in history. It's a must-watch for understanding the intricacies of financial markets and their impact on global economies.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in


Inequality for All (2013)
Description: Featuring former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich, this documentary tackles the issue of income inequality in America, explaining its causes and consequences for economic development.
Fact: The film was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. It uses Reich's dynamic teaching style to make complex economic issues accessible.


The Ascent of Money (2008)
Description: Hosted by Niall Ferguson, this documentary series traces the evolution of money and financial systems from ancient times to the modern era, highlighting how financial innovations have driven economic development.
Fact: The series was adapted from Ferguson's book of the same name. It was produced by Chimerica Media, a company co-founded by Ferguson.


Commanding Heights: The Battle for the World Economy (2002)
Description: This PBS series explores the ideological battle between capitalism and socialism, detailing how economic policies have shaped the world's economies over the last century.
Fact: The series was based on the book by Daniel Yergin and Joseph Stanislaw. It won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Nonfiction Series.
