In a world where truth can be more elusive than ever, these documentaries delve into the shadowy realm of fraud, scams, and cons. From financial swindles to elaborate hoaxes, these films not only expose the masterminds behind these schemes but also explore the psychological allure of deceit. This collection is a must-watch for anyone fascinated by the art of deception, offering insights into the minds of con artists and the vulnerabilities they exploit.

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Description: Although not a documentary, this film based on real events provides an insider's look at the excesses and fraud within the stockbroking industry, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
Fact: The movie was directed by Martin Scorsese and was nominated for five Academy Awards.


Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)
Description: A detailed examination of the Enron scandal, one of the largest corporate frauds in history, showing how a culture of greed and deception led to the company's downfall.
Fact: The documentary was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.


The Big Short (2015)
Description: Another film based on true events, it explains the complex financial instruments that led to the 2008 financial crisis, with a focus on the people who foresaw the collapse.
Fact: The film uses celebrity cameos to break the fourth wall and explain financial jargon, making it accessible to a broader audience.


The Imposter (2012)
Description: This documentary tells the story of Frédéric Bourdin, a French con artist who impersonated a missing American teenager, exploring themes of identity and deception.
Fact: The film won the Grand Jury Prize for World Cinema - Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival.


Art and Craft (2014)
Description: Follow the life of Mark Landis, one of the most prolific art forgers in U.S. history, who donated his forgeries to museums for over 30 years without seeking profit.
Fact: Landis was never prosecuted for his actions, as he did not profit from his forgeries.


The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley (2019)
Description: This film chronicles the rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes and her company Theranos, which promised to revolutionize blood testing but was built on lies and deceit.
Fact: The film uses an innovative animation style to depict Holmes' internal monologue, adding a unique visual element to the storytelling.


The Vow (2020)
Description: This HBO documentary series delves into the NXIVM cult, revealing the manipulative practices and the eventual downfall of its leader, Keith Raniere.
Fact: The series features interviews with former members, including high-profile celebrities who were involved with the organization.


Dirty Money (2018)
Description: This Netflix series features episodes on various corporate and political scandals, including the Wells Fargo account fraud scandal, offering a broad look at systemic corruption.
Fact: The series was created by Alex Gibney, a renowned documentary filmmaker known for his work on fraud and corruption.


The Great Hack (2019)
Description: This documentary uncovers the Cambridge Analytica scandal, where personal data was harvested from millions of Facebook users to influence elections worldwide. It's a chilling look at how data can be weaponized for manipulation.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special.


Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened (2019)
Description: Explore the disastrous Fyre Festival, a luxury music event turned into a fiasco, revealing the lengths to which organizers went to deceive investors and attendees.
Fact: The documentary features interviews with Billy McFarland, the festival's organizer, who was later sentenced to six years in prison for fraud.
