5 Best Free-to-Watch Crypto Documentaries (October 2024)

Having a basic understanding of what digital assets are, and where they came from, is crucial to being successful for market participants.  There is no one way of learning however, with some gravitating towards text, others towards action, and those that rely on video.  The following is a short list which highlights some of the more notable documentaries on digital assets, which may appeal to learners which find video to best suit their needs.

While there are scores of documentaries from over the years, and more currently in development, the following were chosen due to their accessibility.  Each are free-to-watch on YouTube, making them a perfect source of knowledge for those interested in the potential behind digital assets.

1. Bitcoin: Digital Gold

This documentary does well to provide a quick look at the history of money, and world events which led to the creation of digital assets like Bitcoin – a creation that transcends traditional currencies by functioning as programable money.

Notably, this documentary is a direct follow-up to ‘Bitcoin: The End of Money As We Know It' – a piece distributed in 2014 by the same creators.

It is one of the more accessible pieces of its kind, as it is not only hosted on various YouTube channels for free, but boasts a trim runtime at roughly 1hr.

Runtime: 59m 10s

Where to watch: YouTube

2. Banking on Bitcoin: In Open-Source We Trust

While Bitcoin maybe have been launched in 2009 in the wake of a financial crisis, its origins go back much further.  This documentary takes a look at the ideologies which form the core of what its directors call ‘the most disruptive invention since the Internet'.

Beyond elaborating on the ideologies upon which Bitcoin was founded, this piece also highlights some of the key obstacles blocking true adoption – criminals and big banks.

Runtime: 1h 30m

Where to watch: YouTube

3. The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin

As one of the newest documentaries to be listed within these rankings, ‘The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin' is able to provide an up-to-date look at just how far the digital asset sector has come over the past 10+ years.  Watching this documentary will give viewers insights in to more than just how Bitcoin works, but how such assets can change the way we interact on a global scale.

This documentary in particular boasts an impressive list of influential guests.  These include, Brian Armstrong (CEO of Coinbase), the Winklevoss Twins (Founders of Gemini), Eric Voorhees (Founder of Shapeshift), and many more.

Runtime: 1h 30m

Where to watch: YouTube

4. Cryptopia: Bitcoin, Blockchain and the Future of the Internet

Here, we have another entry from the people that brought you ‘Bitcoin: The End of Money As We Know It', and ‘Bitcoin: Digital Gold'.

Titled ‘Cryptopia: Bitcoin, Blockchain and the Future of the Internet', this documentary boasts Torsten Hoffmann at the helm, directing this look at not just Bitcoin, but the broader digital asset sector at large.

With the rapid rise in popularity surrounding digital assets, it is important to recognize who can and cannot be trusted.  This documentary highlights both the potential for good within the sector, and routine practices which allow for manipulation and scams to run rampant.

Guest highlights include Andreas Antonopoulos, Vitalik Buterin, Charlie Lee, and more.

Runtime: 1h 26m

Where to watch: YouTube

5. Crypto: The World's Greatest Scam

Blockchain technology has tantalizing potential.  It is this very same potential though that has attracted/resulted in the proliferation of a plethora of outright scams and fraud.  Criminals prey on the excitement and greed of others.  It is an unfortunate and difficult truth that has affected unwitting investors from around the world.

While this selection may seem like an odd choice for those looking to learn about the digital asset sector, it is always important to ponder different perspectives.  Although not a full production like those listed above, this short piece does well to summarize many of the dangers, and siren calls echoing throughout the sector.

Runtime: 1h

Where to watch: YouTube

Final Word

Some of the content conveyed throughout each of the aforementioned documentaries may overlap to an extent.  However, as a whole they provide a look at not only how Bitcoin arose, but what it has grown into.  From industry potential, to scams and mismanagement, those interested in digital assets should each take the time to watch and learn.