10 Netflix Documentaries Every Entrepreneur Should Watch

If you’re an entrepreneur, startup founder, or simply someone who loves business, learning from real-world success (and failure) stories is invaluable. Netflix offers a treasure trove of business documentaries that provide insights into leadership, innovation, finance, and risk-taking—all through compelling real-life stories.

Here are 10 must-watch Netflix documentaries that every entrepreneur should see.

1. The Playbook (2020) – Leadership Lessons from Top Coaches

What It’s About:

This docu-series features some of the world’s greatest coaches—from the NBA to soccer—sharing their rules for success, resilience, and motivation.

Why Entrepreneurs Should Watch:

✔️ Leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about inspiring teams.

✔️ Success often comes from overcoming failures.

✔️ The best leaders adapt and evolve to stay ahead.

2. Inside Bill’s Brain: Decoding Bill Gates (2019) – How a Genius Thinks

What It’s About:

This three-part Netflix series dives deep into the mindset, problem-solving skills, and work ethic of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.

Why Entrepreneurs Should Watch:

✔️ Learn how Gates approaches challenges and innovation.

✔️ See how big-picture thinking helps solve global problems.

✔️ Understand the importance of lifelong learning and adaptability.

3. The Great Hack (2019) – The Dark Side of Data & Business Ethics

What It’s About:

A chilling look at how data was weaponized in the Cambridge Analytica scandal, showing how companies manipulate consumer behavior through targeted ads.

Why Entrepreneurs Should Watch:

✔️ Understand the power (and risks) of data-driven marketing.

✔️ Learn about ethics in digital advertising and privacy concerns.

✔️ Discover why transparency matters in business.

4. Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened (2019) – When Hype Fails

What It’s About:

The Fyre Festival disaster was marketed as the ultimate luxury event but turned into one of the biggest business failures of all time.

Why Entrepreneurs Should Watch:

✔️ A masterclass in how NOT to run a business.

✔️ Understand the dangers of overpromising and underdelivering.

✔️ See the importance of execution over marketing hype.

5. Print the Legend (2014) – The Startup Battle in 3D Printing

What It’s About:

Follows the rise of 3D printing startups, capturing the intense competition, innovation, and the brutal reality of Silicon Valley culture.

Why Entrepreneurs Should Watch:

✔️ Learn the challenges of launching a tech startup.

✔️ Understand the pressures of raising venture capital.

✔️ See how disruptive technologies shake up industries.

6. The Minimalists: Less Is Now (2021) – Rethinking Business & Life

What It’s About:

This documentary challenges the traditional idea of success and explores how minimalism can create financial freedom, focus, and a better life.

Why Entrepreneurs Should Watch:

✔️ Learn why less is often more in business.

✔️ Understand how intentionality can drive success.

✔️ See why simplicity can lead to greater innovation.

7. American Factory (2019) – The Clash Between Business & Workers

What It’s About:

An inside look at how a Chinese billionaire revived a factory in Ohio—and the cultural clashes that followed between American workers and Chinese business practices.

Why Entrepreneurs Should Watch:

✔️ Learn about global business dynamics and leadership challenges.

✔️ Understand the complex relationship between automation and human labor.

✔️ Gain insights into managing a diverse workforce.

8. Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011) – The Pursuit of Perfection

What It’s About:

This documentary follows Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi master, as he obsesses over perfecting his craft in a tiny Tokyo restaurant that Michelin rated three stars.

Why Entrepreneurs Should Watch:

✔️ A lesson in dedication, discipline, and craftsmanship.

✔️ See how consistency and passion lead to mastery.

✔️ Learn why small businesses can thrive through excellence.

9. Dirty Money (2018) – The Dark Side of Business

What It’s About:

This eye-opening series exposes corporate corruption, fraud, and unethical business practices in various industries.

Why Entrepreneurs Should Watch:

✔️ Learn about the consequences of unethical decision-making.

✔️ Understand the importance of business integrity.

✔️ See how short-term greed can destroy long-term success.

10. The Mind, Explained (2019) – The Science of Decision-Making

What It’s About:

This Netflix series explores how the human brain works, from memory to decision-making and creativity.

Why Entrepreneurs Should Watch:

✔️ Learn how people make business decisions.

✔️ Understand the psychology of persuasion & marketing.

✔️ Discover how to improve focus and creativity.

Final Thoughts: Learn from the Best, Avoid the Worst

Netflix is more than just entertainment—it’s a powerful educational tool for entrepreneurs. These 10 documentaries offer real-world lessons in leadership, marketing, risk-taking, and innovation.

Which of these documentaries inspired you the most? Let’s discuss in the comments!