Controversial Crypto Documentaries To Watch This Holiday Season
2024-12-17
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Unsurprisingly, families and friends are discussing Bitcoin (BTC) and cryptocurrency this holiday season. Documentaries focused on digital assets are gaining traction as a result. 
Crypto documentaries allow individuals to learn more about the ever-evolving blockchain ecosystem. Movies about cryptocurrency also demonstrate how digital assets extend beyond price action. Watching these documentaries provides viewers with unique perspectives about the entire cryptocurrency ecosystem – touching on even the most controversial topics.
From understanding who created Bitcoin, to learning how crypto mining can help save the planet, the films below highlight some of the most important – and controversial – aspects associated with Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery
Released in October this year on HBO, explores the battle over the future of money. 
The one-hour and forty minute long film delves into nation-state adoption efforts, the rise of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and the compromises that come with mainstream Bitcoin adoption. 
While these are important topics, Money Electric rose in popularity for the theory it presents about Bitcoin’s creator. The film names former Bitcoin developer Peter Todd as Satoshi Nakamoto.
Filmmaker Cullen Hoback – who produced and directed Money Electric – told Cryptonews that he cares greatly about digital privacy and rights, so making a film about Bitcoin seemed logical. 
“Today, Bitcoin more closely resembles digital gold than cash, a move away from its privacy-centric roots,” Hoback said. “Meanwhile, CBDCs – governments’ answer to Bitcoin – embody many of Bitcoin’s flaws while abandoning its protective freedoms. I hoped to unpack some of these headier issues into a film that mainstream audiences could enjoy.”
Hoback added that the film lays out a compelling theory as to who Satoshi Nakamoto may be – which is one of the most intriguing parts of the movie. 
“This is backed by evidence, and reinforced with revealing behavior during an on-screen confrontation,” Hoback said. “Frankly, I didn’t want to believe it at first either – it’s just where the evidence led me.”Source: HBO
Since the film’s release, Hoback says he has had quiet acknowledgments from crypto “OGs” who prefer to stay out of the public fray. He added that while people often gravitate toward the usual suspects as to who Satoshi Nakamoto may be, he believes that the original Bitcoin code doesn’t align with their skillsets.
“It’s messy, almost amateurish – more like something an electrical engineer would produce. That alone rules out pretty much all of the usual suspects,” he remarked. Peter Todd’s actions and evasions speak volumes.”
But Money Electric isn’t just about unraveling the Satoshi mystery; it’s a fast-paced, funny, and thrilling ride through the forces shaping our financial future. 
“You’re riding shotgun with figures like Adam Back and his right-hand man Samson Mow as they push for Bitcoin to become the global standard,” Hoback said. 
The filmmaker added that families have shared stories about watching Money Electric together, saying it’s sparked debates, laughter, and even a little detective work. 
The HBO documentary on Bitcoin was fun for us. My entire family watched it, even my little kids, riveted.— Takens Theorem (@takenstheorem) 
“With Bitcoin hitting all-time highs and relatives inevitably asking questions during holiday gatherings, the film is turning out to be an unexpectedly great holiday flick,” Hoback remarked. RIGGED FROM THE START
Released in November this year on the Fruition Productions’ website, (previously titled XRP Unleashed) showcases the United States Securities and Exchange Commissions’ (SEC) war on crypto. The film portrays this through the perspective of XRP token holders.
Christopher Dodge, Producer and Director of Rigged From The Start, told Cryptonews that the documentary explores the power dynamics between US regulators and the Ethereum Enterprise Alliance. 
“Rigged From The Start dives into the explosive connections between the SEC and private interests,” Dodge said. Source: Fruition Productions
Rigged From The Start features groundbreaking revelations from industry experts, such as John Deaton, Fred Rispoli, and Jimmy Vallee. 
“These individuals uncover previously hidden ties between regulatory decision-makers and influential blockchain entities,” Dodge said. “The film also showcases a diverse group of XRP researchers and influencers who rigorously investigate and expose the alleged ‘revolving door’ that may have advantaged Ethereum while disadvantaging XRP and other decentralized assets.”
XRP Unleashed 🚀New Documentary revealing bombshells about the battle for control of the new monetary system. Stop the SEC’s war on crypto. Releases Nov. 21st Support independent films 🎥 Order now — Fruition News (@Fruition_News) 
Dodge emphasized that Rigged From The Start explores how the SEC may have picked “winners and losers” based on the financial interests of commissioners who had ties to the Ethereum Enterprise Alliance and major banking institutions. 
Rigged From The Start is a documentary that is sure to spark heated crypto debates this holiday season. Born In Denver 
Newly released documentary, , is a story about cowboys, energy, and technology colliding in Pecos, Texas – a small West Texas town at the frontier of the crypto movement. 
The one-hour and thirty minute long film follows a group of ranchers and oilmen who attend ETH Denver 2023 to discover how blockchain can transform their community. 
Breckyn Hager, CEO of Cuneiform, told Cryptonews that the film is an entertaining and relatable look at how a traditional, hardworking Texas town grapples with the possibilities of innovation.
“Born in Denver focuses on the human side of the story,” Hager said. “It’s told through the eyes of people who never imagined themselves in the tech world, making it an approachable and compelling watch even for those outside the blockchain space. This relatability makes it a perfect bridge for mainstream audiences to understand the promise of blockchain.”
The future of filmmaking rides through West Texas. Cowboys meet blockchain in Born in Denver: Raised in Pecos – the first feature documentary fully integrated with blockchain. Stream now and join — Cuneiform (@cuneiform) 
Indeed, Born in Denver is easy to watch and understand, especially for newcomers. Throughout the film, terms such as “DAOs” are explained through visuals and plain English definitions. Source: Born In Denver
Johnny Rapp, CMO of Cuneiform, told Cryptonews that a key takeaway from Born in Denver includes explaining how blockchain can empower communities like Pecos to take control of their resources, finances, and futures. 
“There is also the importance of accessibility – this film presents blockchain in a relatable way that can inspire mass adoption,” said Rapp. 
Viewers can stream Born in Denver exclusively on . This is achieved by purchasing a non-fungible token (NFT) movie ticket. Like other blockchain-based films, the NFT movie ticket also acts as a collectible digital asset that connects viewers to the film’s community. 
“Channels have labeled the film as ‘too innovative,’ and even independent film festivals are reluctant to embrace it,” Rapp added. “We’re finalizing secondary distribution deals to bring the film to wider audiences and preparing to open Cuneiform to other independent filmmakers. Our goal is to establish a new standard for producing and distributing independent films through blockchain technology.”DIRTY COIN
Released this year, is a documentary that goes in depth about Bitcoin mining and its role in the global energy crisis. The film is an hour and ten minutes long and contains key takeaways focused on the Bitcoin mining industry. 
Alana Mediavilla, Director of DIRTY COIN, told Cryptonews that the documentary challenges the mainstream narrative by showcasing how Bitcoin mining – when done responsibly – can drive innovation in energy infrastructures, and even help stabilize power grids. Source: DIRTY COIN
“What sets DIRTY COIN apart from other crypto documentaries is its unique perspective on the real world effects of the data center side of the digital industry,” Mediavilla said. “it’s not just about the technology or the controversies, but about the bigger picture of energy infrastructure and the opportunities Bitcoin mining brings to communities.” 
This documentary further fueled my pre-existing love, respect and understanding of Bitcoin mining.Great watch <3 — donny (@itsdonnyok) 
Mediavilla added that crypto documentaries like DIRTY COIN are critical for the mainstream because they help bridge the gap between complex technology and public understanding. 
DIRTY COIN won “Best Movie” at the . Viewers can watch DIRTY COIN through the streaming platform through November 2025.