Watching the best business documentaries will not only help you be inspired and motivated, but it will also educate and inform you about how the world of entrepreneurship works and the lessons that these successful individuals can teach you.
These 11 documentaries listed below are more than just films, they demonstrate a human’s ambition and dreams, and their resiliency and curiosity. So whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or someone simply curious, these documentaries will offer invaluable insights that are not taught at school.
Best Business Documentaries
1. Inside Bill’s Brain: Decoding Bill Gates
Streaming On: Netflix
Business Documentary Ratings: IMDB (7.8/10)
Bill Gates is one of the most well-known entrepreneurs of his time, famous for being a big tech genius. This documentary film gives us a peek into the mind of a guy who started a business in his garage and became a global name, and you know, a few hundred billion dollars.
For those dreaming of starting their own business, this is a must-watch film. The documentary not only explains how Bill Gates thinks, his work ethic, and even his personal life, but it also shows the behind-the-scenes of his businesses.
But this isn’t just a biography film, it also showcases Bill’s passion for making the world a better place through several projects that will help a lot of individuals. This includes clean water projects, educational resources, and more. It reminds us that business is not just about making money, it is about making an impact in the world.
2. The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley
Streaming On: Crave
Business Documentary Ratings: IMDB (7.2/10)
Silicon Valley is the place where big tech dreams come true, most of the largest companies that you probably heard off begun their startup in that city. Such as the main business company in this documentary, Theranos, owned by Elizabeth Holmes.
She was trying to create a revolutionary medical treatment in the country, and eventually turn it into a nine billion-dollar company. Her story is compelling, interesting even but it is full of mystery. Something of this magnitude that can affect the lives of millions of people should not be crowded with questions.
The idea was to stick a lab inside the box, but according to other scientists and professionals, this idea is just physically impossible, and something that should have been thoroughly peer-reviewed. But, Elizabeth did not want the presence of competitors anywhere near the laboratory. Going as far as having bulletproof windows and every word written in their computer is being monitored.
3. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room
Streaming On: Amazon Prime
Business Documentary Ratings: IMDB (7.6/10)
It is set in the era when technological companies were just beginning to rise up in the world of business. Enron, a company on Wall Street that deals with trading and services with other businesses, had taken 16 years to go from 10 billion dollars worth of assets to 65 billion, and it took them just 24 days to go bankrupt.
This is because people found out about their fraudulent practices in their accounting to inflate the company’s value and stocks. Making a wave of discussions about ethics in the business world. This teaches lessons to many individuals to not blindly trust a big company based on its current market value.
So, if you are someone planning to enter the business world, this documentary is a must-watch, as it will let you know that there are consequences for every action no matter how smart you are.
Related: How to Build a Brand Online: 7 Steps to Success
4. Becoming Warren Buffett
Streaming On: HBO
Business Documentary Ratings: IMDB (7.5/10)
Warren Buffett, often regarded as a visionary entrepreneur, has long been a figure of admiration and intrigue in the world of finance. “Becoming Warren Buffett” offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and mindset of this financial titan.
Warren Buffet is a billionaire investor, who at the time was regarded as the only person who built a Fortune 500 company from scratch. This documentary shows the life of Warren and how he became the man we know him to be in today’s world.
This inspiring film isn’t just a showoff of his investments and different successes. It takes its viewers into his mindset and perspective of the world, highlighting his personal and professional choices that shaped his life and countless others. Because he and his wife, have donated millions and millions of dollars to different foundations, and have even been awarded a medal in the white house.
Becoming Warren Buffet is an old documentary but still holds value for people looking for an insightful biography of a billionaire investor. So, watch the film in your free time and learn how this ultra-successful man came to be.
5. Startup.com
Streaming On: Amazon Prime
Business Documentary Ratings: IMDB (7.1/10)
Startup.com is a documentary about the rise and fall of a tech company, GovWorks.com. Everyone knows that the business world is as thrilling as it is unpredictable, and I will argue that the ones related to tech as much more uncertain because of how quickly technology evolves.
But the story in this film is not about that, it is about the CEOs or Co-CEOs of the company, not being able to work with one another after several debates and arguments. This scenario is perfectly normal but to betray one another in a million-dollar company is something else.
After all, you will certainly need the help of other individuals when it comes to building a company of this size, which means that partnerships and trust are a big factor in the success of the business.
Related: How to Design a Business Time Management Plan in 10 Steps
6. The China Hustle
Streaming On: Amazon Prime
Business Documentary Ratings: IMDB (7.1/10)
When we think of corporate corruption, it often feels distant, happening in far-off boardrooms. But “The China Hustle” brings it startlingly close. This insightful documentary pulls back the curtain on a massive financial scam that shook the global market.
The film highlights the intricate web of deceit spun by profit-hungry firms, showing us just how deep corporate corruption can run. Recognized by many as one of the best documentary features on the subject, “The China Hustle” isn’t just a tale of financial misdeeds—it’s a wake-up call about the dark corners of the corporate world.
If you’re looking to understand the high stakes of global finance and the lengths some will go to for wealth, this documentary is a must-watch.
7. General Magic
Streaming On: Amazon Prime
Business Documentary Ratings: IMDB (7.4/10)
In the realm of technology, some companies change the game, while others set the stage for the future. “General Magic” is a tribute to one such technology company that, while not widely known by all, laid the groundwork for innovations we use every day.
This best documentary feature offers a captivating look into the minds and workspaces of tech pioneers. The film examines the highs and lows, the triumphs and setbacks, and the incredible vision of a team that dared to dream big.
If you’re curious about the roots of today’s tech marvels and the unsung heroes behind them, “General Magic” is a must-watch, offering insights into the passion and perseverance that fuel innovation.
8. American Factory
Streaming On: Netflix
Business Documentary Ratings: IMDB (7.4/10)
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of a big factory? “American Factory 2019” gives you a peek. This film takes us right into an Ohio factory that got a fresh start when a Chinese company stepped in. But it’s more than just machines whirring and conveyor belts moving; it’s about the real people clocking in every day.
These workers are at the heart of a story about adjusting to new ways of doing things and blending American and Chinese work cultures. It’s a real-life tale of hope, change, and the resilience of everyday folks.
So, if you’re curious about the faces and stories behind the items we use daily, “American Factory” is a must-watch.
9. Dirty Money
Streaming On: Netflix
Business Documentary Ratings: IMDB (8.1/10)
Ever heard the saying, “Money is the root of all evil?” “Dirty Money” dives deep into this concept. This gripping documentary pulls back the curtain on the world of finance, exposing the underhanded tactics and unethical decisions some folks make in the pursuit of wealth.
From corporate cover-ups to dodgy deals, each episode reveals a different scandal, making you question who you can really trust with your money. It’s a wake-up call, showing that sometimes those crisp dollar bills might have some murky secrets behind them.
If you want an eye-opening look into the darker side of the financial world, “Dirty Money” is a must-watch.
10. Jiro Dreams of Sushi
Streaming On: Netflix
Business Documentary Ratings: IMDB (7.8/10)
It is not that hard to master a skill but to be the best at what you do, requires dedication and hard work over a long period of time. That is the story of Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi master in Tokyo. This documentary is not just about making sushi, it is about Jiro’s passion and craftmanship, along with his relentless drive to perfect his art.
The story is set in a tiny sushi restaurant that earned three Michel stars. The documentary shows what it takes to be successful which is why it is on this list. You will be able to sneak a peek at Jiro and his team, and how they work tirelessly, treating each piece of sushi that a customer eats and enjoying their work of art.
For anyone who appreciates the beauty of mastery and the journey of what it takes to become the best, this documentary is a treat for the soul.
11. Capital in the Twenty-First Century
Streaming On: Amazon Prime
Business Documentary Ratings: IMDB (7.3/10)
Capital in the Twenty-First Century is a documentary focusing on how wealth and power have shaped our world. Different professionals and individuals have given their thoughts on different aspects of life, that have created more poverty and a small group of wealthy persons.
The film takes us on a journey showing how the patterns of wealth distribution that have played a big part in the past are still present today. It challenges our way of thinking about where our current world is and where we are headed.
The story focuses on the evolution of capital and the booming stock markets of today. If you are someone curious about the forces that have shaped the modern world, and where it might lead our society, this documentary will offer you thought-provoking advice and insights.
Final Thoughts
These films tell stories of individuals who have brought change to the world, and how they have made tough choices that had a big impact on our society. By watching these documentaries people can get a full picture of how the business world works.
They offer lessons that inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and even give guidance to anyone wanting to understand what it takes to build a company. If you are someone looking for inspiration or even knowledge, these films will certainly help you. Watch them and let the stories of these successful businessmen and women guide you.
As a professional web and software developer, the author possesses a strong foundational background in Computer Science. This equips him with both academic rigor and practical insights into the world of web-based entrepreneurship. As the founder of this platform, webpreneurships.com, he stands at the intersection of technology and business.