Top Cryptocurrency Movies and Shows: Best Films About Bitcoin, Blockchain & Crypto

The rise of Bitcoin and blockchain technology has revolutionized not only the financial sector but also captured the imagination of filmmakers and content creators around the world. From documentaries to thrillers and drama series, the influence of cryptocurrency is increasingly present in modern storytelling. These cryptocurrency movies and shows reflect both the promise and peril of the digital asset revolution, offering viewers insights into decentralized finance, cybercrime, and the societal impacts of blockchain.

In this article, we explore the top movies and TV shows that delve into the world of cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, and blockchain, offering a curated list for enthusiasts and curious minds alike.

1. Banking on Bitcoin (2016)

Format: Documentary
Platform: Available on Netflix, Amazon Prime

“Banking on Bitcoin” is often the first documentary recommended to anyone looking to understand the roots and early days of Bitcoin. Directed by Christopher Cannucciari, this film provides a comprehensive look at the evolution of Bitcoin from a niche internet experiment to a global phenomenon. It features interviews with key figures in the crypto world, including Charlie Shrem and Erik Voorhees.

Why Watch:

• Offers historical context for Bitcoin’s emergence post-2008 financial crisis.

• Explores regulatory hurdles and the ideological divide between libertarian visionaries and institutional investors.

• A solid primer for beginners.

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

Format: Documentary
Platform: Amazon Prime, Vimeo

Directed by Torsten Hoffmann, who also created “Bitcoin: The End of Money As We Know It,” Cryptopia dives deeper into the technical and philosophical foundations of blockchain. The documentary explores topics like Ethereum, decentralized applications (dApps), and the ongoing scalability debate.

Why Watch:

• Explores real-world applications of blockchain beyond finance.

• Features interviews with Vitalik Buterin and other crypto pioneers.

• Ideal for viewers interested in the broader implications of decentralized technologies.

3. StartUp (2016–2018)

Format: Drama Series
Platform: Crackle, Netflix

Startup is a gripping crime drama that centers on the creation of a cryptocurrency called GenCoin. The show features a cast led by Martin Freeman, Adam Brody, and Edi Gathegi, and mixes financial innovation with dark themes like corruption, cybercrime, and gang warfare.

Why Watch:

• Blends high-stakes drama with tech entrepreneurship.

• Offers a fictional yet intense portrayal of blockchain innovation.

• Captures the gray ethical areas surrounding tech startups.

4. The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin (2014)

Format: Documentary
Platform: Amazon Prime, YouTube

One of the earliest films in the cryptocurrency movies genre, The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin follows the journey of a computer programmer who becomes fascinated with Bitcoin and its potential to disrupt traditional finance. The film documents Bitcoin’s volatile journey, highlighting both its triumphs and controversies.

Why Watch:

• A firsthand look at the rollercoaster world of early Bitcoin investing.

• Documents Mt. Gox collapse, Silk Road scandal, and media hype.

• Strong educational value for crypto investors.

5. Crypto (2019)

Format: Thriller Film
Platform: Amazon Prime, Hulu

A fictional crime thriller, Crypto stars Beau Knapp, Alexis Bledel, and Kurt Russell. It follows a young anti-money laundering agent who uncovers a web of corruption tied to a crypto-based laundering scheme. While the movie exaggerates some technical aspects, it does shed light on crypto’s association with financial crimes.

Why Watch:

• Engaging plot blending finance and suspense.

• Raises questions about the misuse of blockchain technology.

• Appeals to fans of financial thrillers.

6. Trust Machine: The Story of Blockchain (2018)

Format: Documentary
Platform: Amazon Prime, Vimeo

Narrated by Rosario Dawson, Trust Machine is a deep dive into how blockchain could reshape industries beyond currency, including energy, governance, and humanitarian aid. The film positions blockchain as a tool for transparency and systemic change.

Why Watch:

• Covers humanitarian uses of blockchain like refugee identification.

• Interviews thought leaders and blockchain developers.

• Visionary and optimistic in tone.

7. Bitcoin: The End of Money As We Know It (2015)

Format: Documentary
Platform: Amazon Prime

This film critiques traditional banking and fiat money while making a strong case for Bitcoin as a decentralized alternative. It’s another project by Torsten Hoffmann and sets the foundation for Cryptopia.

Why Watch:

• Accessible breakdown of monetary policy and inflation.

• Draws parallels between economic history and modern crypto evolution.

• A wake-up call for those skeptical of fiat currency.

8. The Great Hack (2019)

Format: Documentary
Platform: Netflix

While not specifically about cryptocurrency, The Great Hack is essential viewing for anyone interested in data, privacy, and digital control—key topics that intersect with blockchain ideology. It investigates the Cambridge Analytica scandal and the weaponization of data.

Why Watch:

• Explores the power imbalance in centralized data control.

• Strengthens the case for decentralized, blockchain-based alternatives.

• Thought-provoking companion piece to crypto discussions.

9. Dead Man’s Switch: A Crypto Mystery (2021)

Format: Documentary
Platform: Discovery+, Hulu

This true crime documentary investigates the mysterious death of Gerald Cotten, CEO of the Canadian crypto exchange QuadrigaCX, who allegedly died with the private keys to $250 million in customer funds. The story stirred controversy and conspiracy theories across the crypto community.

Why Watch:

• Real-life cautionary tale about centralization and trust in crypto platforms.

• Blends mystery, finance, and law enforcement.

• Highlights the importance of decentralized custody solutions.

10. How to Steal a Million Bitcoins (Coming Soon)

Format: Upcoming Docu-Drama
Platform: TBD

An anticipated project exploring infamous hacks in cryptocurrency history—such as the Mt. Gox and Bitfinex breaches. Though details are scarce, early previews suggest a blend of dramatized events and real-world investigation.

Why Watch:

• Promises to explore cybercrime within crypto ecosystems.

• Builds public awareness of crypto security challenges.

• Expected to bridge documentary and narrative storytelling.

The Rise of Cryptocurrency-Themed Media

The increasing prevalence of cryptocurrency movies and shows is a reflection of the mainstream attention that digital assets now command. Bitcoin is no longer just an internet curiosity; it’s a global economic force, and content creators are harnessing its mystique and volatility for storytelling.

As crypto adoption accelerates, especially with the advent of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), DeFi innovations, and NFT applications, expect to see even more cinema and television exploring the intersection of money, power, and technology.

Final Thoughts

From documentaries offering factual insights to dramas exploring the ethical implications of blockchain, cryptocurrency movies are not only entertaining but also educational. They provide a narrative window into the challenges, triumphs, and transformational potential of decentralized technologies.

For anyone looking to better understand this dynamic space, these films and series serve as essential viewing. Whether you’re a crypto investor, a tech enthusiast, or simply intrigued by the evolving digital landscape, the above list offers something for every viewer.

As the industry matures, the next generation of cryptocurrency content will likely explore new narratives—such as decentralized governance, artificial intelligence integration, and the clash between traditional finance and decentralized protocols. Until then, these titles are your passport into the cinematic world of crypto.

FAQ’s