Dive into the thrilling world of startups with this curated list of documentaries. Each film offers a unique glimpse into the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship, from the spark of an idea to the grind of making it work. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a business enthusiast, or simply love a good story of human ambition, these films will provide both inspiration and a reality check on what it takes to build something from nothing.

The Social Network (2010)
Description: While not a documentary, this film dramatizes the founding of Facebook, offering a narrative that captures the essence of startup culture, legal battles, and the personal costs of ambition.
Fact: Aaron Sorkin wrote the screenplay, and the film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning three.


Inside Job (2010)
Description: While not strictly about startups, this documentary explores the financial crisis of 2008, which had profound effects on startups and the economy, offering a backdrop to understanding the financial environment startups operate in.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.


Something Ventured (2011)
Description: Focused on the venture capitalists who backed some of the most iconic startups, this documentary provides insights into the investment side of the startup ecosystem, highlighting the risks and rewards of venture capital.
Fact: The film includes interviews with key figures like Arthur Rock, who invested in Apple, and Don Valentine, who helped launch Cisco.


The Founders (2016)
Description: This film explores the lives of startup founders, focusing on their personal sacrifices, the highs of success, and the lows of failure, providing a holistic view of the entrepreneurial journey.
Fact: It features a diverse range of founders from different industries, showcasing the universality of startup challenges.


Becoming Warren Buffett (2017)
Description: This documentary provides insights into the life of Warren Buffett, whose investment strategies have influenced countless startups and entrepreneurs.
Fact: It includes interviews with Buffett himself, offering a rare look into his personal philosophy and business acumen.


Code: Debugging the Gender Gap (2015)
Description: While not exclusively about startups, this documentary addresses the gender disparity in tech, which is crucial for understanding the startup ecosystem's diversity and inclusivity challenges.
Fact: The film has been praised for sparking important conversations about gender equality in tech.


Startup.com (2001)
Description: A classic in the genre, this documentary follows the rise and fall of govWorks.com, capturing the intense dynamics between founders and the harsh realities of the dot-com bubble.
Fact: It was one of the first films to document the entire lifecycle of a startup, from inception to failure, in real-time.


The Startup Kids (2012)
Description: This documentary follows the journeys of young entrepreneurs who started their companies right out of college. It's a raw look at the startup culture, capturing the energy and optimism of youth in the tech world.
Fact: The film features interviews with founders from companies like Vimeo, Dropbox, and SoundCloud, giving viewers a firsthand account of their early days.


Print the Legend (2014)
Description: This documentary dives into the world of 3D printing startups, focusing on MakerBot and Formlabs, showcasing the competitive nature of the industry and the innovation at its core.
Fact: The film was produced by Netflix and provides a balanced view of the 3D printing revolution.


The Startup: Get Smarter (2017)
Description: This series follows the journey of a startup from idea to execution, offering a detailed look at the challenges and triumphs of launching a tech company in the modern era.
Fact: The show was created by the founders of a successful startup, providing an authentic perspective on the startup process.
