The stock market, with its rollercoaster of highs and lows, has always been a subject of fascination. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a curious onlooker, these documentaries provide a deep dive into the world of finance, exploring market dynamics, the psychology of trading, and the impact of economic events. This curated list of 10 documentaries offers not just educational value but also a thrilling narrative of human ambition, greed, and resilience in the face of financial turmoil.

Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)
Description: This documentary examines the rise and fall of Enron, one of the biggest corporate scandals in history, providing insights into corporate greed and the manipulation of financial markets.
Fact: The film uses interviews with former Enron employees, providing a firsthand look at the company's culture.


Capitalism: A Love Story (2009)
Description: Michael Moore's critique of capitalism, focusing on the financial crisis and its impact on ordinary Americans, questioning the morality of the system.
Fact: The film was Moore's first since his Oscar-winning "Bowling for Columbine."


The Big Short (2015)
Description: Although not a traditional documentary, this film uses a documentary style to explain the housing and credit bubble of the 2000s. It's both entertaining and educational, making complex financial concepts accessible.
Fact: Based on the book by Michael Lewis, it features actors like Christian Bale and Steve Carell portraying real-life characters.


Inside Job (2010)
Description: This film delves into the 2008 financial crisis, exploring the systemic corruption and the role of deregulation in the collapse of the global economy. It's a must-watch for understanding the complexities of financial markets.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in


Too Big to Fail (2011)
Description: A dramatized documentary that recounts the events leading up to the financial crisis of 2008, focusing on the efforts of government officials and bankers to prevent a total economic meltdown.
Fact: Based on the book by Andrew Ross Sorkin, it stars William Hurt and Paul Giamatti.


Betting on Zero (2016)
Description: Focuses on hedge fund manager Bill Ackman's crusade against Herbalife, alleging it's a pyramid scheme. It's a tale of financial warfare and the ethics of short selling.
Fact: The film was screened at the Tribeca Film Festival.


The China Hustle (2017)
Description: This documentary investigates the practice of reverse mergers, where Chinese companies go public in the U.S. through backdoors, often leading to fraud and financial losses for investors.
Fact: The film was produced by Brad Pitt's company, Plan B Entertainment.


Money for Nothing: Inside the Federal Reserve (2013)
Description: An in-depth look at the Federal Reserve, exploring its history, operations, and the controversial decisions made during economic crises.
Fact: The film features interviews with former Fed chairs and economists, providing a balanced perspective on the institution's role in the economy.


Floored (2009)
Description: A look at the lives of floor traders at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, capturing the end of an era as electronic trading began to dominate.
Fact: The film includes interviews with traders who experienced the transition from open outcry to electronic trading.


The Ascent of Money (2008)
Description: Economist Niall Ferguson takes viewers through the history of money, banking, and financial systems, offering a comprehensive understanding of how financial markets evolved.
Fact: The series was adapted from Ferguson's book of the same name.
