7 Must-Watch Crypto Films and Documentaries

There’s actually a lot of audiovisual media about cryptocurrencies and related technology that you can enjoy from your couch. Through analyses and unique tales, these films and documentaries address topics such as the history of Bitcoin, the evolution of the crypto market, its economic and social implications, and the legal and regulatory challenges.

Besides all the learning stuff, they also give us unique perspectives about the crypto world, and amazing fictional stories full of action, mystery, drama, and more. Well, who doesn’t want to see a good story about a big heist or a death mystery? Let’s check ahead some crypto stories now available on several streaming platforms.

The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin (2014)

This documentary first premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York in 2014. It was directed by the American Nicholas Mross, and it follows the life of Daniel Mross, a 35-year-old programmer who, in addition to his work and family life, has a great passion for Bitcoin. Since discovering this cryptocurrency in 2011, he’s been fascinated by everything surrounding it.

Along with his brother Nicholas, who’s also the director, they decided to start filming this documentary due to their strong belief that Bitcoin could be the future of the economy. On his journey, Daniel meets and interviews several pioneers to explore this decentralized technology. Over time, it becomes evident that not everyone involved in Bitcoin managed to overcome the initial challenges.

The piece received a 67% score on Rotten Tomatoes, along with 82% of the audience score. Besides the Mross brothers, the cast includes Daniel’s wife, Eliza Mross; some Bitcoin entrepreneurs such as Gabriel Sukenik and Erik Voorhees, as well as crypto-personalities and consultants like Gavin Andresen, Brian Armstrong, Charlie Shrem, Alex Waters, and Jered Kenna. Currently, the documentary is available on Prime Video, Fandango at Home, and YouTube.

Bitcoin Heist (2016)

Directed by the Vietnamese-American filmmaker Ham Tran, this action movie was released in Vietnam in 2016. The film's main cast includes Kate Nhung, Thanh Pham, Petey Majik Nguyen, Suboi, Veronica Ngo, and Nhung Kate. It immerses us in a plot where a group of undercover agents team up to capture the enigmatic criminal known as "The Ghost."

Combining their unique skills, they embark on a mission filled with intrigue and technology to bring this cryptocurrency heist expert to justice. The movie offers a mix of suspense, action, and touches of comedy, providing an exciting look at the world of digital crimes. It received a 93% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and grossed a total of $562,919 in its country. Currently, this film is available on Prime Video and Fandango at Home.

StartUp (2016-2018)

This one is an American crime drama series created by Ben Ketai and premiered in 2016 on the video streaming platform Crackle. The main cast, led by Adam Brody, Martin Freeman, Edi Gathegi, Otmara Marrero, Ron Perlman, Mira Sorvino, and Addison Timlin, captivated the audience. After its second season on November 15, 2017, the series was greenlit for a third installment that premiered on November 1, 2018. However, it wasn’t renewed for a fourth season.

The story narrates the rise of GenCoin, a new digital coin created with dubious purposes. The plot revolves around three unconventional individuals who don’t necessarily fit the stereotype of tech entrepreneurs, and a corrupt FBI agent determined to sabotage their efforts at all costs. With a backdrop of organized crime, corruption, and ethical challenges, the series explores the complexities of starting a business in the digital world, where the lines between good and evil blur, and moral decisions are constantly tested.

StartUp received an 89% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Currently, it can be found on Prime Video and Fandango at Home.

Trust Machine: The Story of Blockchain (2018)

This documentary, written and directed by British-American actor Alex Winter, was released in 2018 by SingularDTV. The film recounts the evolution of Bitcoin from its beginnings to its first encounter with fame through the infamous Silk Road market on the Darknet. It also examines the government's resistance to the idea of a decentralized currency, exemplified in the cases of hacktivists Lauri Love and Aaron Swartz.

Trust Machine explores the fascinating world of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) and its potential to transform various aspects of our society. That includes its potential applications in industries such as banking, healthcare, and logistics, where it offers a decentralized and secure system for data exchange and transaction recording.

Additionally, it also addresses the public perception of cryptocurrencies as tools for illicit activities. It received a 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 79% audience score. Currently, it can be found on Fandango at Home and on YouTube.

Crypto (2019)

Maybe not the most popular option, but likely the first crypto movie backed by a heavyweight production company, such as Lionsgate. Released in 2019 and directed by John Stalberg Jr., it also features a notable cast including Beau Knapp, Alexis Bledel, Luke Hemsworth, and Kurt Russell.

The film combines elements of suspense, crime drama, and money laundering through the world of cryptocurrencies. The plot follows a young Wall Street anti-money laundering agent who is demoted by his company to a small branch in his hometown and ends up investigating a series of suspicious financial transactions. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a giant network of corruption and organized crime using cryptocurrencies to cover their illicit activities.

Crypto offers an intriguing and suspenseful look at the darker side of the modern financial world. However, its release was limited to Turkiye, and it received a 17% score on Rotten Tomatoes, plus a 55% audience score. You can be the judge there. Currently, it’s available on Prime Video.

Cryptopia: Bitcoin, Blockchains and the Future of the Internet (2020)

This award-winning documentary, released in 2020, explores the potential impact of cryptocurrencies and DLT. Directed by Torsten Hoffmann and produced by Bitfilm Production, the film examines how these innovations are shaping the future of the Internet and redefining concepts such as money, privacy, and online security.

Cryptopia offers an insightful and enlightening view of the ongoing digital revolution, highlighting the opportunities and challenges these new technologies pose for society as a whole. The cast includes prominent figures in crypto, such as Andreas Antonopoulos, Vitalik Buterin, Charlie Lee, and Roger Ver. The film premiered at various film festivals worldwide before becoming available on streaming platforms. It received an 82% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, and it’s currently available on Prime Video and YouTube.

Trust No One: The Hunt for the Crypto King (2022)

This title is an exclusive Netflix documentary directed by Luke Sewell and released in March 2022. The plot follows a group of cryptocurrency investors who were affected by the collapse of the Canadian crypto exchange QuadrigaCX and the supposed death of his founder, Gerald Cotten, which caused millions in losses.

About this, the documentary examines Cotten's strange and untimely death in India and the subsequent financial crisis that left thousands of investors without access to their funds. The cast includes testimonies from cryptocurrency experts, lawyers, and victims affected by the scandal. It received a 34% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, but it could be a thought-provoking starting point to understand the Gerald Cotten and QuadrigaCX case. Maybe fraud?

Now, time to relax and pick your favorites! If you want to make your own story in the crypto world, don’t forget to visit Obyte. From human-readable smart contracts to customized coins, we have everything there.

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