If you’re curious about the world of money and want to learn more through engaging documentaries and series, Netflix has you covered. Plenty of great finance movies on Netflix fictionalise real financial events, such as The Big Short and The Wolf of Wall Street. But the streaming platform also offers a rich selection of shows that introduce you to important financial concepts in a clear and accessible way.
We’ve hand-picked the best finance series on Netflix (documentaries and scripted shows) that are perfect for both beginners and more advanced finance enthusiasts. These shows will give you a solid foundation in some complex financial topics, whether you just want to get a better grasp on your personal finances or learn more about complex financial topics.
So next time you’re on Netflix, skip the endless scrolling and check out these top finance series on Netflix. For your convenience, we’ve listed them in order of their IMDB rating so that you can start with the highest-rated shows first!
1. Ozark
Ozark takes viewers on a thrilling ride into the murky world of financial crime. This drama series follows Marty Byrde, a financial adviser who relocates his family to the Ozarks to help a Mexican drug cartel with money laundering. Marty’s expertise in finance becomes a double-edged sword as he navigates the ethical tightrope of using his skills for criminal purposes. The show explores the moral complexities and dangers associated with financial crime. It also highlights the internal conflict that arises when financial knowledge and professional ethics collide.
IMDB Rating: 8.5
2. Billions
This drama series takes you into the heart of a cutthroat rivalry between a ruthless billionaire hedge fund manager and an ambitious U.S. Attorney determined to take him down. While not strictly a financial education program, Billions offers a captivating exploration of the high-stakes world of finance. You’ll witness complex financial manoeuvres, learn about different investment strategies (though with a heavy dose of drama!), and gain insight into the motivations and psychology of powerful financial players. The series also explores the moral consequences of unchecked ambition and the ethical dilemmas that arise when chasing immense wealth and power.
IMDB Rating: 8.3
3. Dirty Money
This chilling investigative docuseries by Academy Award-winning director Alex Gibney dives deep into the dark side of finance, exposing corruption, scandals, and inequality. Each season tackles a different theme, such as payday loans, pharmaceutical corporate greed, and the wealthy elite. Dirty Money isn’t just about shocking exposés, it serves as a valuable financial learning tool too. By uncovering the tactics used by corporations to manipulate the system, the series equips you with a healthy dose of scepticism towards financial institutions and seemingly “safe” investments.
IMDB Rating: 8.1
4. Girl Boss
Inspired by Sophia Amoruso’s best-selling book, this series follows the rise of Amoruso’s multi-million dollar fashion empire, Nasty Gal. This miniseries offers a captivating look at her unconventional path from selling vintage clothing on eBay to building a multi-million dollar empire. Girlboss isn’t a textbook financial guide, but it delivers valuable lessons on resourcefulness and adapting to a changing business landscape. Witness Sophia’s journey as she bootstraps Nasty Gal, cultivates a loyal following with a unique brand identity and navigates the challenges of scaling up. Although the series doesn’t delve into Nasty Gal’s eventual downfall, it serves as an inspiring and honest portrayal of the entrepreneurial spirit, highlighting the importance of hustle, creativity, and market savvy for achieving success.
IMDB Rating: 7
5. Money, Explained
This informative mini-series is one of the best finance series on Netflix for beginners. It’s our top choice as it offers bite-sized episodes that are around 20 minutes long. Money, Explained presents different topics in easy-to-digest episodes comprised of interviews and animated visualisations that make learning about finance engaging. You’ll explore everything from the history of money to student loans, retirement planning, credit cards, and the psychology of spending.
IMDB Rating: 7
Related: Top 4 money lessons from Netflix’s Money, Explained
6. Inventing Anna
This Netflix drama series explores the true story of Anna Delvey, a young woman who conned New York City’s elite by pretending to be a wealthy German heiress. It delves into themes of ambition, fraud, and the power of image in the financial world. While the series doesn’t delve into complex financial concepts, it offers valuable lessons about the dangers of chasing wealth without substance. We see how Anna’s elaborate facade crumbled when her financial web of lies unravelled. Inventing Anna highlights the importance of financial literacy, responsible credit use, and building wealth through legitimate means.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
7. Eat the Rich: The Gamestop Saga
This Netflix documentary series explores the phenomenon of the GameStop short squeeze in 2021. A group of retail investors on Reddit united to challenge Wall Street. These amateur investors began buying GameStop shares to drive up the price, which caught the professional investors off guard, as they had been betting against the company. This resulted in a battle between the amateurs and the professionals. The series explores the lessons we can learn from this story about stocks, investing, and short-selling. It also serves as a warning about the dangers of herd mentality when it comes to investing in stocks, particularly for those who lack a full understanding of their investment.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
8. How to Get Rich
This series is based on finance expert Ramit Sethi’s book “I Will Teach You To Be Rich.” The Netflix TV series follows everyday people as they work with Sethi to transform their financial habits. You’ll witness individuals tackling challenges like credit card debts, ineffective budgeting, and retirement savings. Through Sethi’s expert guidance, they learn to make smarter financial choices, automate their savings, and build a solid financial foundation. By observing these real-life financial transformations, you’ll gain valuable takeaways for your own financial journey. You’ll learn how to prioritise saving, invest strategically, and overcome the psychological roadblocks that often hinder financial success.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
9. The Minimalists: Less Is Now
While not strictly about personal finance, this documentary explores the concept of minimalism and how it can lead to a more fulfilling life. The series includes interviews with a variety of experts and everyday people who offer insights and tips on how to live a more minimalist lifestyle. There are a few key financial lessons that can be learned from The Minimalists, such as being more mindful of our spending and buying items we only truly need, and living below our means rather than relying on debt.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
10. Get Smart With Money
This engaging series follows individuals from diverse financial backgrounds – a waitress struggling to make ends meet, and a football player seeking secure investments – as they tackle real-life financial challenges. Hosted by financial expert Clark Howard, the show is divided into manageable four-part sections. Each section focuses on a crucial personal finance area like grocery budgeting, transportation hacks, entertainment savings, and navigating housing costs. Get Smart With Money goes beyond theory. You’ll benefit from expert interviews, practical tips on saving and inspiring real-life stories of both financial triumphs and cautionary tales. This series empowers you with actionable advice you can implement right away to make smart financial decisions.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned stock market investor looking for financial entertainment or a complete beginner curious about the world of money, Netflix offers a surprising wealth of informative and entertaining finance series. From documentaries that expose the dark side of finance to dramas that delve into the high-stakes world of Wall Street, and even shows that offer practical money management tips, there’s something for everyone. So, the next time you’re looking for something to watch, skip the mindless scrolling and explore these best finance series on Netflix.
