The cryptocurrency revolution has taken the world by storm. With price fluctuations hitting new highs every day, even the most risk-averse of investors would be tempted to give Bitcoin a try.
However, before jumping in with both feet you may want to sit back and actually try to understand what Bitcoins and cryptocurrencies are all about.
While we could explain the principles of blockchain technology and crypto, chances are you’d have a far more enjoyable time watching a cryptocurrency documentary instead.
Forget about the thousands of self-described crypto experts on the market who claim to have finally unlocked the secrets of the blockchain. What you’re looking for are documentaries that give you the lowdown on cryptocurrency, the blockchain, and it’s potential.
Now that we’ve gotten all of that out of the way, it’s time to get comfortable and settle down with a drink and a snack because we’re delving into the 12 best bitcoin documentaries you can watch this 2022.
Credits: A Crypto Block
1. CRYPTOPIA – Bitcoin, Blockchains and The Future of the Internet
Release Date: 2020
Runtime: 1 hr 26 min
Synopsis:
Written and directed by Torsten Hoffman, this documentary explores the evolution of Bitcoin and blockchain technology over the years. Hoffman also directed the award-winning documentary; Bitcoin: The End of Money as We Know It.
Along the way, Hoffman poses the question; what does the future hold for cryptocurrencies and how will a network of decentralized currencies change the way we work, play, and use the internet.
CRYPTOPIA – Bitcoin, Blockchains and The Future of the Internet has clinched numerous awards and was nominated for best cinematography at several film festivals.
Why You Should Watch This:
Besides the excellent cinematography, director Torsten Hoffman takes a look at how blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies could possibly change the world and the future.
Find out more here about how cryptocurrency works.
2. The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin
Release Date: 2014
Runtime: 1 hr 36 mins
Synopsis:
The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin follows the journey of computer programmer and crypto enthusiast; Daniel Mross. Having discovered Bitcoin in 2011, Mross became enthralled with the digital currency strongly believing that Bitcoins are the currency of the future.
Seeking to spread awareness, Daniel and his brother Nicholas filmed this documentary in order to chronicle the rise of Bitcoin and to educate others. Throughout the course of the documentary, the two brothers meet with other crypto enthusiasts and key individuals.
Why You Should Watch This:
Although criticized for being overly optimistic, The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin is still very much worth a watch. Using animated visuals, this Bitcoin documentary helps viewers understand how blockchain transactions work.
3. Bitcoin — Shape The Future
Release Date: 2017
Runtime: 45 mins
Synopsis:
China has always been an avid adopter of new technology and Bitcoin is no exception. Produced by crypto trading services provider Bitkan, Bitcoin – Shape The Future explores the cryptocurrency revolution from China’s perspective.
Cryptocurrencies have by and large been extremely popular throughout the region despite close regulation from the authorities. This is a great watch for crypto enthusiasts eager to see how the cryptoboom has affected China.
Why You Should Watch This:
Crypto and Bitcoin documentaries in China are few and rare between. Shows such as Bitcoin – Shape the Future will give you a deeper insight into crypto tech in China and the various companies involved.
4. Bitcoin: The End of Money as We Know It
Release Date: 2015
Runtime: 1 hour
Synopsis:
From award-winning director Torsten Hoffman comes Bitcoin: The End of Money as We Know It. This Bitcoin documentary takes a look at the rise of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies.
Along the way, Hoffman explores our relationship with money and why cryptocurrencies could actually be the future.
Why You Should Watch This:
Bitcoin: The End of Money as We Know It gives viewers a short and sharp insight into Bitcoin, how it works, and why it has the potential to change our system.
To explore further the history of cryptocurrency read our blog post about it.
6. Banking on Bitcoin
Release Date: 2016
Runtime: 1 hr 30 min
Synopsis:
Banking on Bitcoin explores the history of Bitcoin and that of its creator; the enigmatic Satoshi Nakamoto. The documentary then explores individuals involved in the crypto industry; from business owners to journalists and even former New York Superintendent Benjamin Lawsky.
Directed by Christopher Cannucciari, Banking on Bitcoin does not shy away from the darkside of the cryptocurrency revolution.
Events like the collapse of Mt.Gox and the Silk Road operation are also explored in depth. Find out more here about the greatest Bitcoin losses and collapses.
Why You Should Watch This:
Banking on Bitcoin examines the rise of Bitcoin from all angles through a neutral lens – a characteristic lacking in some Bitcoin documentaries. It also gives us insight into why cryptocurrencies have come as far as they have.
7. Bitcoin: Beyond the Bubble
Release Date: 2018
Runtime: 35 mins
Synopsis:
Looking for answers behind the curtain, Bitcoin: Beyond the Bubble explores the history of cryptocurrencies and its uses.
The documentary takes an in-depth look at the fundamentals of Bitcoin and how a decentralized currency is able to function in today’s world.
Why You Should Watch This:
Short, sharp, and direct to the point, Bitcoin: Beyond the Bubble shows us how cryptocurrencies function and challenges the long-term sustainability of a totally unregulated market.
7. Deep Web
Release Date: 2015
Runtime: 1 hr 30 mins
Synopsis:
Deep Web takes us on a journey as we unravel the Silk Road, examine the politics of the deep web, and Bitcoin’s role in all of it.
The documentary follows the trial of Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht and the events that led to his downfall.
Why You Should Watch This:
First of all, this documentary is narrated by the legendary Keanu Reeves. Secondly, the Deep Web goes beyond Bitcoin and instead explores the cryptocurrency’s role on the Silk Road.
How it was able to facilitate anonymous transactions and enabled for the smooth transfer of funds from anywhere around the world.
8. The Blockchain And Us
Release Date: 2017
Runtime: 31 mins
Synopsis:
Without the blockchain, there would certainly be no Bitcoins and no cryptocurrencies. In this documentary, director Manuel Stagars takes a look at the creation of blockchain technology and how it has the potential to change the world around us forever.
Stagars speaks to software developers, cryptographers, researchers, entrepreneurs and consultants to better understand what blockchain technology actually means for us.
Why You Should Watch This:
Simply put, The Blockchain and Us provides viewers with an in-depth understanding of how blockchain technology works.
It invites us to think beyond the boundaries of what we thought was possible.
9. Magic Money: The Bitcoin Revolution
Release Date: 2017
Runtime: 55 mins
Synopsis:
Since appearing on the scene, Bitcoin has raised plenty more questions then it has answered. An enigmatic founder who has never been seen in public and a decentralized currency that defies all government regulation.
Magic Money: The Bitcoin Revolution investigates the crypto revolution and Bitcoin’s latent popularity. The documentary also seeks to give us answers as to how a currency that only exists in the digital realm is quickly gaining traction all over the world.
Why You Should Watch This:
If you’ve ever had questions about how Bitcoins were developed or how the crypto economy works, this documentary is the one for you.
You’ll also gain insights into what the future holds for Bitcoins and other cryptocurrencies. Click here to read more about the future of Bitcoin.
10. Trust Machine: The Story of Blockchain
Release Date: 2018
Runtime: 1 hr 24 mins
Synopsis:
Traditionally, fiat currencies derive their value from the expectation that the issuing government will be able to fulfill its obligations. Being an entirely deregulated currency that is not issued by any one government, cryptocurrencies in theory should not be possible.
However, the crypto revolution has proven the pessimists wrong. In this cryptocurrency documentary, filmmaker Alex Winter examines how and why blockchain technology may be the answer to global problems such as poverty and hunger.
Why You Should Watch This:
While Trust Machine: The Story of Blockchain is more than a little speculative documentary, it does provide some impressive insights into the potential of blockchain and cryptocurrency technology.
Worth a watch if you want to better understand what the future could look like.
11. Bit x Bit: In Bitcoin We Trust
Release Date: 2018
Runtime: 1hr 17 min
Synopsis:
Blockchain and cryptocurrency technology is still poorly understood in our time. Because of this, sceptics and government authorities are reluctant to accept the integration of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
Bit x Bit: In Bitcoin We Trust seeks to rectify that by providing viewers with information related to Bitcoin’s development and history along with the role that it can play in the days to come. It’s not all sunshine and roses however, as the documentary also seeks to highlight the darkside of cryptocurrencies – such as the Silk Road drug marketplace and various scandals.
Why You Should Watch This:
If you’re looking for a balanced look at the pros and cons of cryptocurrency, then this is most definitely the documentary for you.
12. The Bitcoin Gospel
Release Date: 2015
Runtime: 49 mins
Synopsis:
From the ashes of the 2009 financial crisis come a new breed of investors, entrepreneurs and bankers who believe that Bitcoin can serve as a bulwark against the corruption of the previous generation.
However, this may not necessarily be the case given several high-profile scandals and thefts. Along with this, some also feel that Bitcoin also empowers criminals with the flexibility they need to commit more crimes.
In this documentary, both sides of the argument are examined and thoroughly discussed in a fair manner.
Why You Should Watch This:
Whether you’re a crypto enthusiast or detractor, The Bitcoin Gospel is a documentary that you absolutely must watch. The arguments posed by the participants will encourage you to ask questions and adopt a different view of the crypto argument.
Final Thoughts
This selection of the 12 top Bitcoin documentaries should ensure that you’ll learn everything you need to know about blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies.
It’s time to pick the popcorn and expand your knowledge on the cryptocurrency world by witnessing its greatest achievements, failures and the expectations for the future.
The best thing about these documentaries is that almost all of them are available in Youtube for free. Others are exclusives of streaming platforms such as Netflix and HBO, but still within reach.
And if you still have questions about how the whole Bitcoin and crypto world works, make sure to check out our blog articles. Plus, download Tezro app to keep your Bitcoin assets safe and to text your fellow crypto enthusiast friends in a fully encrypted service.