The growth of distributed ledger technologies (DLTs), of which blockchain is the most popular, and the rise of cryptocurrencies have captured the world’s attention, generating a great deal of interest in how they work and their potential to transform the global economy. While these topics can be highly technical and complex, several movies and documentaries have managed to capture the essence of cryptocurrencies and DLTs, particularly blockchain. These productions address fundamental concepts such as decentralization, privacy, and the disruption of the traditional financial system, making them valuable resources for those seeking to understand this ever-evolving ecosystem.
Here is a selection of movies and documentaries that can help you delve deeper into this fascinating world and are easy to find online.
The Great Reset and the Rise of Bitcoin (2022)
This documentary offers a profound reflection on the history of money and its evolution over time. It examines how governments abandoned the gold standard and began printing money without backing, leading to growing debt and impoverishment worldwide.
It also shows how the recent expansion of the money supply, such as the 40% increase in the U.S. in just two years, has accelerated this negative trend. The film presents bitcoin as an innovative solution, positioning it as a decentralized money with a limited supply of 21 million coins. It also clearly explains how bitcoin works, the mining process and complementary technologies such as the Lightning Network, positioning it as a viable alternative to the current monetary system.
Deep Web (2015)
Directed by Alex Winter, this documentary offers an in-depth exploration of the trial of Ross Ulbricht, known as the alleged “Dread Pirate Roberts” and creator of Silk Road, the largest online black market.
Through a gripping narrative, it delves into the world of the Deep Web, where thinkers and cryptographers are at the center of an intense battle for control of the technological future, where digital rights and privacy are crucial issues. With exclusive access to the Ulbricht family, the documentary introduces the architects of the Deep Web and the key figures who used cryptographic anonymity to bring marketplaces like the Silk Road to life.
It is a thought-provoking film about the intersection of technology, ethics and the struggle for digital freedom, raising fundamental questions about the role of technology in our society.
Bitcoin: The End of Money As We Know It (2015)
This award-winning documentary examines the history of money, from barter in ancient times to today’s complex financial markets. Using a critical approach, it exposes the practices of central banks and financial actors that contributed to the global economic crisis.
It also shows how governments influence the money creation process and how these actions create inflation. The film raises fundamental questions about the current financial system and analyzes whether bitcoin, which emerged after the 2008 crisis, is a viable alternative to traditional currencies.
Through interviews with experts in the field, it asks whether bitcoin represents a monetary revolution or is just another bubble on the horizon.
The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin (2014)
This documentary offers an in-depth exploration of the birth of bitcoin and the early evolution of its ecosystem through the story of Daniel Mross, a programmer and cryptocurrency enthusiast whom I had the pleasure of meeting.
The film follows Daniel as he tries to balance his personal life with his growing passion for bitcoin, documenting his travels and interviews with pioneers of this financial revolution. The documentary addresses both the challenges and opportunities facing the bitcoin community, providing an educational perspective ideal for those seeking to understand the impact of this cryptocurrency on blockchain technology and its relevance in today’s landscape.
Banking on Bitcoin (2016)
“Banking on Bitcoin is a documentary film that takes a critical look at how bitcoin and distributed ledger technologies could disrupt the traditional financial system.
The film examines the regulatory challenges and legal battles that have arisen around bitcoin, highlighting the tension between innovation and regulation. Through interviews with experts and industry pioneers, the documentary explores the early years of bitcoin, the mystery surrounding its creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, and its potential to replace the current monetary system. As such, this documentary is a solid introduction for those seeking to understand the disruptive impact of cryptocurrencies on the future of global finance.
The Big Short (2015)
While not directly about cryptocurrencies or blockchain, “The Big Short” is a fundamental part of understanding the economic context that enabled the emergence of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
The film chronicles the 2008 financial crisis, revealing how the lack of transparency and greed of large financial institutions led to a global meltdown. The loss of trust in the traditional financial system, exacerbated by this crisis, was one of the key factors driving the popularity of bitcoin and other decentralized alternatives.
Starring an all-star cast including Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and Brad Pitt, “The Big Short” shows how a group of outsiders foresaw the collapse and profited from the system’s downfall, illustrating the importance of challenging established financial structures.
Trust Machine: The Story of Blockchain (2018)
This documentary goes beyond bitcoin to explore the potential of blockchain technology to revolutionize industries as diverse as healthcare and electronic voting.
Narrated by Rosario Dawson, the film highlights how blockchain can provide greater transparency and security, and examines real-world use cases, from fighting global hunger to reducing income inequality. Directed by Alex Winter, the documentary features key figures such as hacktivist Lauri Love, while showing how banks and governments fear the technology and how organizations such as UNICEF are embracing it to help refugee children.
The narrative invites viewers to consider the possibilities of a future where blockchain is used for social empowerment.
Ready Player One (2018)
Although it is a science fiction movie, “Ready Player One” offers a fascinating glimpse into a future where virtual economies, largely based on cryptocurrencies, are central to everyday life.
In a dystopian world of 2045, digital assets are as valuable as physical ones in the virtual reality meta-universe known as the OASIS. The story follows Wade Watts, a young man competing to solve a hidden puzzle in the OASIS for a half-billion dollar fortune and total control of the platform.
This narrative not only reflects the growing interest and value of cryptocurrencies in modern society, but also raises questions about how the digital world might be integrated into our future economies, reflecting current trends in finance and technology.
Conclusion
These movies and documentaries not only offer us a glimpse into the world of cryptocurrencies and distributed ledger technologies, but also allow us to reflect on the transformative impact they have had on our economy and society.
While there are several series and productions that explore these topics from different angles, we have chosen to focus on the first and most relevant, those that laid the groundwork and remind us of the beginnings of this digital revolution.
As good nostalgics of those times, we appreciate how these works contributed to the understanding and dissemination of concepts that, although more common today, were innovative at the time.
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