10 must-watch Netflix shows to learn about finance

While we all know about Netflix, not everyone knows about the interesting journey Netflix has been on so far since the day it was launched. Netflix is a video streaming service that allows you to watch your favorite series, movies, and documentaries. While it only became more popular some years ago, it was actually launched in 1997 as a virtual video store. You could choose a movie online, which you would later receive by post at home, and once you had watched the movie you could simply send it back. While their business model has clearly changed in the present, interestingly enough they did already have a monthly subscription back then when they started.

Netflix began streaming content, delivering directly to TVs, computers, tablets, and phones in the year 2007. While Netflix is mainly known to be used for entertainment during your free time, they offer some educational content too.

Everyone’s approach to learning is unique. When I was at university, I had to try different learning methods to find the most suitable one for me. For example, I have tried learning with music in the background, in a quiet environment, together with others at the library, alone in my room … I even recorded materials I had to learn and listened to them in the car! But one of the many learning methods out there, which people tend to often overlook is learning through movies, series, and documentaries. This is actually a great way to learn, as many of us remember more when there are visuals available. It is simply more memorable.

So whoever said Netflix is just for binge-watching dramas and movies, we will prove you wrong. Let’s ‘Netflix and Learn‘ together and dig a bit deeper into the educational content Netflix offers on financial topics.

1. The Big Short

Are you curious to know more about the life of a trader and hedge fund manager? Then I guarantee that this award-winning film will leave you wide-eyed. The movie focuses on the global financial crisis meltdown in 2008. The Big Short uses lively and humorous ways to illustrate and define the complex financial terminology and chronology of the financial crisis.

2. Freakonomics

Freakonomics is based on the popular book named Superfreakonomics. This documentary is meant to question the advice you’re being given. Do advisors always act in your interest?

In this specific case, the documentary is about buying or not buying a home, but this mindset can be helpful in any situation in which you have to make investment decisions.

3. Inside Job

If you enjoyed watching The Big Short like I did, you will definitely enjoy watching this award-winning documentary that provides an analysis of the global financial crisis of 2008. This crisis caused millions of people to lose their jobs and homes in the worst recession since the Great Depression and nearly resulted in a global financial collapse.

4. Billions

Billions is an American television series that premiered in January 2016. The series tells the story of a hedge fund manager, as he accumulates wealth and power in the world of high finance.

5. The Smart Money Woman

The Smart Money Woman tells the story of five young women who gained control over their finances and wealth. This series focuses on spending culture and how peers can influence finances and the way we spend money.

6. The Laundromat

The Laundromat is a 2019 American biographical movie that focuses on bribery, corruption, and money laundering and is based on the book Secrecy World about the Panama Papers scandal.

7. Money, Explained

Ever wondered why people fall for scams, rack up credit card debts, why there is a student loan crisis, why people gamble? Then the Money, Explained series is a must-watch for you. The series covers interesting money topics and money-related situations we can potentially find ourselves in. Each episode covers a single financial topic with clever narrative, animations and expert interviews. Even if you are an expert on personal finance, there is something to learn in each short 20-minute episode.

8. Boom Bust Boom

This documentary is presented in a fun and creative way with a cast of strange puppets. Thanks to the variety of economic experts, explanations are given as to why the capitalist economy always has peaks and troughs.

9. Money for nothing – Inside the federal reserve

Would you like to know what the term ‘Federal Reserve‘ actually means and what effect it has on the economy and our daily lives? All of these questions are answered in this documentary.

10. Banking on Bitcoin

Banking on Bitcoin is a documentary that analyzes the roots of Bitcoin. This documentary features interesting interviews with numerous experts. It not only discusses the origin of Bitcoin, but also the future and the complex technology behind it.

We hope this was an insightful blog that will help you dip your toes deeper into the financial world. If you prefer reading over watching Netflix shows, we recommend you to take a look at our financial-related blogs.