Are you fascinated by the inner workings of the business world? Do you crave stories of entrepreneurial triumphs and corporate scandals? This curated list of documentaries offers a deep dive into the world of commerce, innovation, and the human spirit behind the numbers. From the rise and fall of tech giants to the gritty realities of startup culture, these films provide not only entertainment but also valuable lessons for anyone interested in business dynamics, leadership, and the global economy.

The Corporation (2003)
Description: This film examines the concept of the corporation throughout recent history, questioning its legal status as a "person" and its impact on society, environment, and democracy. It's an eye-opener on corporate power and responsibility.
Fact: The film includes interviews with Noam Chomsky, Naomi Klein, and Milton Friedman. It also inspired a book by the same name.


The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007)
Description: While primarily about competitive video gaming, this documentary also touches on the business of arcade games, the culture of competition, and the personal drive to succeed in niche markets.
Fact: The film was directed by Seth Gordon, who later directed "Horrible Bosses." It has become a cult classic in the gaming community.


Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)
Description: This documentary delves into the rise and spectacular fall of Enron, one of the biggest corporate scandals in history. It's a cautionary tale about greed, hubris, and the dark side of corporate culture.
Fact: The film is based on the book by Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind. It features interviews with former Enron executives and whistleblowers.


Food, Inc. (2008)
Description: While not exclusively about business, this documentary exposes the dark side of the food industry, revealing how corporate interests shape what we eat. It's essential viewing for understanding the business of food production.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It features interviews with Michael Pollan and Eric Schlosser.


Inside Job (2010)
Description: This Oscar-winning documentary takes a hard look at the 2008 financial crisis, exploring the systemic corruption of the financial industry and its impact on the world economy. It's a must-watch for understanding the complexities of Wall Street.
Fact: The film was directed by Charles Ferguson, who also made "No End in Sight" about the Iraq War. It features interviews with key figures like Nouriel Roubini and Eliot Spitzer.


Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)
Description: This documentary focuses on Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi master, and his pursuit of perfection in his craft. It's a beautiful exploration of dedication, business ethics, and the art of sushi making.
Fact: Jiro Ono's sushi restaurant, Sukiyabashi Jiro, has three Michelin stars. The film was directed by David Gelb, who also made "Chef's Table."


Betting on Zero (2016)
Description: This film follows hedge fund manager Bill Ackman as he bets against Herbalife, a company he believes is a pyramid scheme. It's a gripping look at the battle between Wall Street and a multi-level marketing giant.
Fact: The film was directed by Ted Braun, who also made "Darfur Now." It includes interviews with Ackman and former Herbalife distributors.


The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley (2019)
Description: Focused on the rise and fall of Theranos, this documentary explores the story of Elizabeth Holmes and her fraudulent blood-testing technology. It's a modern tale of Silicon Valley's culture of innovation and deception.
Fact: Directed by Alex Gibney, who also made "Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief." The film features interviews with former Theranos employees.


Startup.com (2001)
Description: This documentary follows the rise and fall of a dot-com startup, GovWorks, providing an intimate look at entrepreneurship, friendship, and the volatile nature of the tech industry during the dot-com bubble.
Fact: The film was one of the first to document the life cycle of a startup from inception to failure. It was directed by Jehane Noujaim and Chris Hegedus.


The Men Who Made Us Fat (2012)
Description: This series investigates how the food industry has influenced our diet, leading to the obesity epidemic. It's a critical look at the business practices that have shaped our eating habits.
Fact: The series was produced by the BBC and features interviews with industry insiders and health experts.
