Photo by KAL VISUALS on Unsplash
Bitcoin is a revolutionary invention in the financial sector, but most of us still need to gain more knowledge about it. Only with knowledge can we gain deep insights into Bitcoin and get ahead of those who ignore this change.
One of the best ways to learn is by watching visuals and listening to audio, which can make understanding Bitcoin easier.
Instead of watching random content on different platforms that may cause boredom or confusion, documentaries are the perfect way to learn from real-life experiences and events.
Here is a list of the top Bitcoin documentaries that will give you a deeper insight into this revolutionary technology.
1. The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin
If you’re a newbie to the crypto world and trying to catch up with the crypto world then, this documentary is the best fit for you.
This Bitcoin Documentary was released on April 23, 2014, and written by Daniel Mross, a computer programmer who also involved two other Bitcoin enthusiasts Patrick Lope and Nicholas Mross.
The documentary involves many interviews of early adopters and startup builders of Bitcoin such as Bitcoin Foundation’s chief scientist Gavin Andresen, fallen Mt Gox CEO Mark Karpeles and the Winklevoss twins, Charlie Shrem, and many others.
It also illustrates what Bitcoin is and covers controversial incidents from Bitcoin’s early stages.
This documentary is still considered one of the best for explaining Bitcoin’s technical terms in an understandable way, and it often ignites interest in non-users to explore Bitcoin.
2. Life On Bitcoin
As the name suggests, this documentary is about living entirely on Bitcoin.
In July 2013, a Utah-based newlywed couple, Austin & Beccy Craig, decided to spend their first 90 days relying only on Bitcoin.
Living on Bitcoin was not easy in 2013, as the cryptocurrency had a bad reputation at the time. The couple had to convince local retailers and merchants to accept Bitcoin, sometimes traveling far to find Bitcoin-friendly locations for everyday needs like fuel.
But this documentary proves Bitcoin naysayers that in the future Bitcoin will become our daily life part.
The documentary made some buzz and raised $70,000 for Kickstarter, and the newlyweds continued their journey with a world tour to promote the film.
3. Bitcoin: Beyond The Bubble
This documentary written and directed by Tim Delmastro uploaded to YouTube in 2018 April.
The documentary includes many interviews of financial experts and crypto enthusiasts along with TV video clips to illustrate what is Bitcoin how it works its use cases in 35 minutes.
If you have just half an hour of free time, this documentary is worth to watch.
https://youtu.be/LszOt51OjXU?si=kz81ubRFRQpHPJlw
4. Banking On Bitcoin
“Banking On Bitcoin” is a must-watch for those interested in understanding how banks perceive Bitcoin.
The documentary Directed by Christopher Cannucciari released in 2016.
The main highlight of the documentary is Banking and covers how how centralized financial systems like banks can become fraudulent, ineffective, or corrupt.
The documentary also covers the rise of Bitcoin, post-Cypherpunk movements, and key incidents like the legal troubles faced by Charlie Shrem and the downfall of Mt. Gox.
5. Magic Money — The Bitcoin Revolution
As the title suggests, this documentary focuses on the financial revolution brought about by Bitcoin.
Released in 2017, it was written and directed by Tim Delmastro and features notable figures such as Jeff Berwick, Trace Mayer, Tone Vays, and Roger Ver.
The film highlights the changes Bitcoin has made in financial transactions and explains how Bitcoin works.
It’s a great documentary for understanding Bitcoin’s transactional aspects.
6. The Bitcoin Gospel
“The Bitcoin Gospel” focuses on Bitcoin startups and how Bitcoin is changing the financial system worldwide.
The documentary was released in 2015 and directed by Hans Busstra, featuring Andreas Antonopolous, Peter Todd, Roger Ver, and many more.
The 48-minute long documentary highlights the 2008 financial crisis and how the global economy shattered and shows how Bitcoin better alternative for global cross-border payments which are faster & cheaper.
It also explores Bitcoin mining operations and farms.
https://youtu.be/8zKuoqZLyKg?si=HqvYWd2EbwsBGbsZ
7. The Bitcoin Phenomenon
If you’re new to the crypto world and want to know how Bitcoin started, this documentary is for you.
Bitcoin Phenomenon Written and Directed by Bhu Shrinivasan released in 2014.
It features interviews with key figures in the Bitcoin space, like Gavin Andresen, Jeremy Liew, Erik Voorhees, and many more.
The documentary delves into Bitcoin’s early days, exploring Satoshi Nakamoto’s interactions with the world, how Bitcoin was used, and controversial incidents that shaped its journey.
https://youtu.be/6pWblf8COH4?si=jvhOXM3mKH9yyt3t
8. Ulterior States
“Ulterior States” stands out because it uses guerrilla filmmaking techniques, allowing people to share their real-life experiences.
Produced by I Am Satoshi Productions and directed by Tomer Kantor, it was released in 2015 and features Andreas Antonopoulos, Julian Assange, Jessi Baker, and Adam Cleary.
From the above list of documentaries this documentary stands out because it is not just a bunch of interviews lined up in it. Instead, the documentary uses the guerilla-film-making methods where person allowed to share their real-life experience.
All interviews in the documentary mainly focus on how Bitcoin differs from the traditional finance system how it works and some digital currency experiments before Bitcoin.
https://youtu.be/yQGQXy0RIIo?si=eTr2bIS4Ny9TEks7
9. Deep Web
This documentary is not about how Bitcoin works but rather the hunt for Ross William Ulbricht, aka “Dread Pirate Roberts,” creator and operator of the online black market, Silk Road.
Silk Road was infamous for selling drugs in exchange for Bitcoin, helping the cryptocurrency gain more visibility.
If you’re interested in the darker side of the web and its connections to Bitcoin, or if you’re a Keanu Reeves fan (he narrates the documentary), this one is worth watching.
Released in 2015, “Deep Web” was directed by Alex Winter.
10. Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery
This HBO documentary was released on October 8, 2024, directed by Cullen Hoback.
The documentary revolves around the quest for the creator of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto’s real identity.
This search documentary covers the entire story of Bitcoin and the cryptographers who helped shape it.
And conclude suggesting that Peter Todd may be one of the developers behind the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto.
Conclusion
That’s the list of the top 10 documentaries you should watch to gain a better understanding of Bitcoin.
Let me know in the comments which documentaries you’ve already watched or plan to watch next.
Top 10 Bitcoin Documentaries: Uncover the Truth Behind the Crypto Revolution was originally published in Coinmonks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.