Title: Revealing the Dark Side of Finance: A List of Must-Watch Financial Crime Documentaries

By Mariya Pattara

Financial crimes have been a persistent issue in the finance industry since the inception of money itself. From Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme to the infamous Enron collapse, the world of finance has seen its fair share of scandals. In an attempt to shed light on these illicit dealings, we have compiled a list of financial crime documentaries that offer an insightful look into the world of white-collar crime.

Must-Watch Financial Crime Documentaries

1. Dirty Money (Netflix, 2018)

   • An eight-part documentary series from Netflix that examines various financial scandals, including the World Cup match-fixing scandal and the infamous Wirecard accounting fraud.

2. The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley (HBO, 2019)

   • Directed by Alex Gibney, this documentary explores the rise and fall of Theranos, a biotech startup that deceived investors with its fake blood-testing technology.

3. The China Hustle (Netflix, 2018)

   • This Netflix Original Documentary delves into China’s stock market and uncovers the rise of a controversial investment strategy known as ‘Pump and Dump.’

4. The Accountant of Auschwitz (Netflix, 2015)

   • While not strictly confined to the financial world, this documentary offers a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the Holocaust and the role of one man, Oskar Gröning, in it.

5. Quicksand (DR TV, 2018)

   • A Danish production, this thriller series follows the investigation into an apparent school shooting but soon uncovers more than meets the eye.

6. The Spy (Netflix, 2019)

   • This miniseries tells the true story of Israeli spy Eli Cohen and his mission to infiltrate the Syrian government.

7. The Dropout (HBO Max, 2022)

   • Based on the podcast of the same name, this docuseries examines the rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes and her company Theranos.

8. The Tinder Swindler (Netflix, 2022)

   • This true crime documentary follows the story of Simon Leviev, a suave con artist who posed as a wealthy royal heir and scammed women on Tinder out of millions.

9. Inside Job (2010)

   • Directed by Charles Ferguson, “Inside Job” offers an analytical examination of the 2008 U.S. financial crisis and its various causes.

Dirty Money

This eight-part documentary series from Netflix examines various financial scandals, from the World Cup match-fixing scandal to the infamous Wirecard accounting fraud.

The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley

Directed by Alex Gibney, this documentary explores the rise and fall of Theranos, a biotech startup that deceived investors with its fake blood-testing technology.

The China Hustle

This Netflix Original Documentary takes a look at China’s stock market and the rise of a controversial investment strategy known as ‘Pump and Dump.’

The Accountant of Auschwitz

Though not strictly confined to the financial world, this documentary offers a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the Holocaust and the role of one man, Oskar Gröning, in it.

Quicksand

A Danish production, this thriller series follows the investigation into an apparent school shooting but soon uncovers more than meets the eye.

The Spy

This miniseries tells the true story of Israeli spy Eli Cohen and his mission to infiltrate the Syrian government in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

The Dropout

Based on the podcast of the same name, this docuseries examines the rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes and her company Theranos.

The Tinder Swindler

This true crime documentary follows the story of Simon Leviev, a suave con artist who posed as a wealthy royal heir and scammed women on Tinder out of millions.

Inside Job

Directed by Charles Ferguson, “Inside Job” offers an analytical examination of the 2008 U.S. financial crisis and its various causes.

These documentaries leave no stone unturned in the quest to expose the darker side of finance, providing viewers with not only a thrilling viewing experience but also with valuable insights into the world of financial crimes.