I still remember the first time I watched the crypto movie — Banking on Bitcoin. What started as casual curiosity turned into a full-on rabbit hole that made me way more interested in how digital money works.
That’s the thing about movies: they make big, complicated ideas feel exciting and easy to connect with.
Over the years, I’ve found myself drawn to all kinds of crypto movies, from thrillers that keep you on edge to documentaries that unpack scandals and mysteries.
Some made me laugh, and a few even left me shaking my head at just how crazy the crypto world can get.
In this list, I’ll share the 13 best crypto movies of all time, the ones I’ve watched, enjoyed, and sometimes argued with in my head, all ranked to help you pick your next watch.
Top 13 Crypto Movies of all Time
- Crypto (2019)
- Bitcoin Heist (2016)
- Silk Road (2021)
- Dope (2015)
- Crypto Shadows (2024)
- Trust No One: The Hunt for the Crypto King (2022)
- Bitconned (2024)
- Dead Man’s Switch: A Crypto Mystery (2021)
- Banking on Bitcoin (2016)
- The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin (2014)
- Trust Machine: The Story of Blockchain (2018)
- The Great Hack (2019)
- Life on Bitcoin (2014)
1. Crypto (2019)
When I first watched Crypto, I wasn’t expecting much more than another finance thriller, but it really pulled me in.
The story follows Martin, a young Wall Street banker who gets demoted and sent back to his quiet hometown in upstate New York. What seems like a career setback turns into something far more dangerous.
While working at a local bank, he stumbles onto a money-laundering scheme involving cryptocurrency, shady art deals, and ruthless Russian mobsters.
Things get messy fast, especially when his family’s farm and his childhood friend’s business get caught in the middle.
It had me leaning in with every scene, wondering just how far Martin could push before everything fell apart.
Why You Should Watch It: I liked how this film made crypto feel like an active part of the story rather than just a random detail. The tension builds nicely, the drama feels grounded, and having Kurt Russell on screen is always a win. If you’re into thrillers with a tech twist, this is one of the best crypto movies that delivers.
Where to Stream: Prime Video.
2. Bitcoin Heist (2016)
I had a blast watching Bitcoin Heist. It’s set in Vietnam and honestly feels like Ocean’s Eleven but for the digital age. The story follows a team of law enforcers who have to go undercover to stop a cyber-criminal known as “the Ghost.”
Their mission is to prevent a massive Bitcoin robbery that stretches across countries.
There are chase scenes, clever cons, and even a few tech tricks that made me grin. It’s slick, stylish, and doesn’t waste any time getting into the action.
By the time it wrapped up, I felt like I had been on a fast-moving rollercoaster with a crypto twist.
Why You Should Watch It: This was one of the first films I saw that made Bitcoin part of a big, flashy heist. If you’re into double-crosses, clever setups, and fight scenes that keep your eyes glued to the screen, this one is pure fun.
Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video.
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3. Silk Road (2021)
Silk Road is one of the top crypto movies that fascinated me because it’s based on a true story I had already read about. It follows Ross Ulbricht, the young guy who created the infamous dark web marketplace.
At first, Ross comes across as an idealist who wants to create a free-trade system outside of government control. But as the site grows, it quickly attracts criminals, and Bitcoin becomes the fuel that powers the whole operation.
The movie doesn’t just show Ross’s rise, it also puts you inside the investigation led by a DEA agent who’s determined to shut him down. I found myself torn between being impressed by Ross’s vision and horrified by the consequences of what he built.
It’s one of those films that lingers in your mind because it’s both a character study and a cautionary tale.
Why You Should Watch It: It’s a gripping crime drama that shows just how disruptive crypto can be when it lands in the wrong hands. Watching Ross’s world collide with law enforcement makes for a tense and compelling story.
Where to Stream: Prime Video.
4. Dope (2015)
Dope is one of those movies that surprised me with how effortlessly it brought Bitcoin into the story. It follows Malcolm, a geeky high school senior in a tough Los Angeles neighborhood, who dreams of going to Harvard.
Things spiral out of control when he and his friends end up with a stash of drugs after an underground party.
Their escape plan? Sell the drugs online using Bitcoin.
I loved how the film blends teenage drama, hip-hop culture, and the early days of crypto in such a stylish and funny way. The soundtrack is great, the characters are sharp, and the humor actually lands.
Why You Should Watch It: The Bitcoin part isn’t the main focus, but when it pops up, it feels clever and ahead of its time. It’s funny, smart, and filled with energy.
Where to Stream: Netflix.
5. Crypto Shadows (2024)
When I saw Crypto Shadows, I was hooked right away because it mixes crypto with sci-fi suspense. The story follows a video game developer who finds a strange code buried inside a cryptocurrency algorithm.
At first, it feels like a nerdy treasure hunt, but then powerful forces start chasing him, and suddenly his discovery is no longer fun. I enjoyed the way the film plays with mystery, puzzles, and paranoia, making you wonder who’s pulling the strings and what secrets are hiding in plain sight.
Why You Should Watch It: It’s fresh and different, making it one of the best crypto movies. The mix of tech intrigue and suspense kept me invested, and it’s the kind of film that makes you think about what else could be hiding in the digital world.
Where to Stream: Apple TV.
6. Trust No One: The Hunt for the Crypto King (2022)
This Netflix documentary had me hooked from the very beginning.
It covers the story of Gerald Cotten, the CEO of QuadrigaCX, who died suddenly while traveling in India. Along with him supposedly went the passwords to millions of dollars’ worth of customer funds.
The film follows the chaos that erupted among investors, with some convinced he faked his death to escape with the money. I loved how it weaves conspiracy theories with raw emotions from people who lost everything.
Although at times the online sleuthing parts feel a bit over-the-top, that actually makes it more entertaining, almost like watching an internet detective novel come to life.
Why You Should Watch It: It’s wild, unbelievable, and leaves you questioning whether we’ll ever know the full truth. If you enjoy mysteries with real-world consequences, this one is a ride.
Where to Stream: Netflix.
7. Bitconned (2024)
Watching Bitconned honestly felt like watching The Wolf of Wall Street but set in the crypto world.
It tells the story of Centra Tech, a flashy startup that promised a revolutionary crypto card backed by big partnerships and celebrity endorsements.
I was shaking my head half the time at how bold these guys were, using hype and marketing to reel in investors while everything behind the scenes was smoke and mirrors.
What I liked most was how the documentary didn’t just show the scam, it showed the culture of greed and ambition that allowed it to thrive.
Although it sometimes felt like the filmmakers glamorized the scammers a bit too much, I still found myself glued to the screen.
Why You Should Watch It: Bitconned is one of the top crypto movies because it’s outrageous, entertaining, and a solid reminder to always question the hype. If you’ve ever wondered how some of the biggest crypto scams actually unfolded, this one lays it out in jaw-dropping detail.
Where to Stream: Netflix.
Top Pick:
8. Dead Man’s Switch: A Crypto Mystery (2021)
This one really pulled me in because it digs even deeper into the mystery of Gerald Cotten, the same case from Trust No One. When he died, over 200 million dollars in customer funds were suddenly locked away, and the questions just wouldn’t stop.
I liked how the film takes a more investigative approach, looking at Cotten’s secretive lifestyle, his business practices, and the endless theories about whether his death was real. It feels like watching a true-crime mystery unfold in real time.
Although I felt it overlapped a lot with Trust No One, it still gave me a new angle and added depth to the whole story.
Why You Should Watch It: It’s a must for true-crime lovers and anyone fascinated by crypto scandals. Even if you’ve seen the other documentary, this one gives you another perspective.
Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV.
9. Banking on Bitcoin (2016)
Banking on Bitcoin was one of the first crypto movies I ever watched, and it really helped me understand how Bitcoin started.
The documentary goes through the early days of the cryptocurrency, with interviews from developers, investors, and the people who believed in it long before the rest of the world caught on.
What I loved was how it captures the tension between these early adopters and the institutions trying to shut Bitcoin down.
It felt like watching history being made. Although some parts feel a little slow, especially if you already know the basics, I appreciated how thorough it was in showing the uphill battle Bitcoin faced.
Why You Should Watch It: It’s basically a time machine back to the early Bitcoin era. If you’ve ever been curious about the people who helped build the foundation for what crypto is today, this is the one to see.
Where to Stream: Netflix.
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10. The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin (2014)
I found The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin fascinating because it feels like a time capsule of the early Bitcoin days. The documentary follows Daniel, a computer programmer who becomes obsessed with Bitcoin just as the community is starting to grow.
Through his eyes, you see small-time miners, ambitious entrepreneurs, and dreamers who believed Bitcoin could change the world.
What I really liked was how it shows both the excitement and the risks of being part of something so new and untested.
Although it sometimes dives a little too deep into the technical side, I appreciated that it didn’t shy away from showing the rough edges of Bitcoin’s early years.
Why You Should Watch It: It captures the energy of a movement before it went mainstream. If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to be there at the beginning, this film gives you that rare inside look.
Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video.
11. Trust Machine: The Story of Blockchain (2018)
When I watched Trust Machine, I realized how much bigger blockchain is than just Bitcoin.
Narrated by Rosario Dawson, this crypto movie digs into how decentralized systems could reshape industries like healthcare, law, and even social justice. It mixes expert interviews with real-world examples, showing how this technology might power the future.
I liked how it made me think beyond trading coins and more about what’s possible when you take middlemen out of the picture. Although at times it feels a little too idealistic, it still left me inspired about what blockchain could become.
Why You Should Watch It: It’s thought-provoking and uplifting. If you’ve only seen blockchain mentioned in relation to crypto prices, this film will completely expand your view.
Where to Stream: Apple TV.
12. The Great Hack (2019)
Even though The Great Hack isn’t directly about crypto, I still think it’s an essential watch. The Netflix documentary dives into the Cambridge Analytica scandal and shows how personal data was harvested to influence elections and social behavior.
The pace and style make it feel like a thriller, even though it’s very real. What really hit me was how it connects to why blockchain and crypto matter, because they’re about control, ownership, and freedom in a digital world.
Although it can feel overwhelming at times with the sheer amount of information, it left me thinking about my own data in a way I hadn’t before.
Why You Should Watch It: It explains why decentralization is so important. If you care about privacy, online freedom, and the hidden power of data, this one is a must-see.
Where to Stream: Netflix.
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13. Life on Bitcoin (2014)
This is one of the crypto movies that is just plain fun. Life on Bitcoin follows a newlywed couple who decide to live for 90 days using nothing but Bitcoin. From buying groceries to paying rent, every part of their lives has to be handled through crypto.
I loved watching their determination as they navigated awkward situations like convincing local businesses to accept Bitcoin or figuring out gas payments.
It’s funny, lighthearted, and surprisingly insightful about how practical Bitcoin was back in those early days. Although it’s not as polished as some of the bigger documentaries, the authenticity of their struggle makes it really charming.
Why You Should Watch It: It’s relatable, entertaining, and gives you a glimpse of just how far crypto adoption has come. You’ll find yourself rooting for the couple as they take on a challenge most of us wouldn’t dare try.
Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV.
Conclusion: Crypto on the Big Screen
After watching all these crypto movies, I can say one thing: crypto on screen is never boring. Sometimes it’s dramatic, sometimes it’s funny, and sometimes it’s downright unbelievable.
What I like most is how these stories capture the human side of technology; the dreamers, the hustlers, the pioneers, and even the scammers.
Although not every movie nails it, together they show how far crypto has come, from being a niche experiment to a cultural phenomenon. And honestly, I think the best is still ahead.
As crypto keeps rewriting the rules of money and trust, filmmakers are going to have plenty of wild stories to bring more crypto movies life. For now, grab your popcorn, pick one of these, and enjoy the ride.
The crypto story is still being written, and the next great movie might be inspired by what’s happening today.
