Are you looking to gain a deeper understanding of the business world? Documentaries can be an excellent way to get insights into some of the most successful companies and their strategies. From detailing the rise and fall of iconic brands, to exploring technology’s impact on businesses, documentaries provide viewers with a unique learning experience that is both informative and entertaining. In this article, we will take a look at 15 of the best documentaries about business that are available today. These films offer fascinating glimpses into how organizations succeed or fail, inspiring us with lessons in leadership, innovation, and resilience. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your own venture or just curious about what makes great businesses tick – these films have something to offer everyone!
1. The Business Strategies Behind Costco, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A and More
Do you want to know what it takes to be one of the most successful businesses in the world? From Costco and Starbucks, to Chick-fil-A and Ikea, this documentary dives into the strategies behind their success. Learn from CEOs and business leaders firsthand about their approach leading these major brands. Unlock the secrets that make them so successful today!
2. Goldman Sachs – Company that Ruled the World
This documentary takes a deep dive into the history of an iconic Wall Street company. From its humble beginnings to its eventual rise in power, we explore the ruthless tactics and business strategies that helped Goldman Sachs become one of the most powerful financial empires in America. We also investigate how it eventually fell from grace, leading to its ultimate demise. Through this film, we gain insight into the world of finance and learn what it takes to survive in such a cut-throat industry.
3. Sri Lanka’s flourishing tuk-tuk business
Meet three extraordinary women in Sri Lanka who have taken on a traditionally male-dominated profession – auto rickshaw driving. Anulawathi, Thushari and Jega all left their husbands and had to find ways to support themselves and their children. With the help of the popular tuk-tuk business, they are now able to earn a steady income while challenging societal norms. Learn how these courageous women are using this business as a path towards independence and freedom!
4. Business of Disaster
Are you curious about the business of disaster? FRONTLINE and NPR have conducted an extensive investigation into two key aspects of the emergency recovery system in America. This documentary looks at special housing aid given to local governments after major disasters, as well as the National Flood Insurance Program run by FEMA. Though insurance companies declined to be interviewed, this joint investigation has revealed troubling questions about the profit motives behind these programs following natural catastrophes like Superstorm Sandy. Watch this video to learn more!
5. How are luxury brands beating the cost of living crisis?
The cost of living is rising, but the luxury market continues to boom. How are some of the biggest names in luxury beating the crisis? In this documentary, we explore how markets for goods like cars and real estate are faring during these difficult times. With help from industry experts and insiders, we investigate where these markets could be headed. Plus get a behind-the-scenes look at Europe’s most valuable corporation, LVMH—and its CEO who is now continent’s richest person!
6. Oligarchs and millionaires: The business of luxury yachts
From Russian oligarchs to millionaires, the luxury yacht business continues to boom. But with a value of up to 600 million Euros, these palaces on the sea come at an immense cost – both financially and environmentally. In this documentary, we explore the changing world of luxury yachting – from interior designer Sabrina Monteeone-Oeino’s latest creation to Francis Lapp’s solar-powered yacht and manufacturers working on hydrogen-powered engines. We also investigate how some have evaded sanctions or ‘gone dark’ by moving their floating palaces to Turkey. Explore this murky world as we take a look into one of the ultimate status symbols coveted and despised in equal measure!
7. Amazon, Jeff Bezos and collecting data
Have you ever wondered how Amazon collects data from its millions of customers? In this documentary, we explore the company’s incredible ability to observe, compare and analyze more than 300 million people worldwide. We’ll also take a look at what happens when Amazon’s data streams are combined with other business areas such as health care and insurance. Plus, learn about how police officers are using Amazon’s facial recognition software for law enforcement purposes. Don’t miss out on this fascinating exploration into the world of Jeff Bezos’ massive enterprise!
8. Investigating Australia’s home building industry crisis
The housing supply crisis in Australia is a growing issue, with rents skyrocketing and not enough homes to accommodate the influx of migrants. In this documentary, we uncover the pressures that are forcing building businesses into bankruptcy at unprecedented numbers. We also investigate companies who have been exploiting legal loopholes, leaving many victims behind in their wake. This video explores an industry on its last legs and what needs to be done to fix it. Don’t miss out as we reveal how broken the system really is!
9. Congo’s Millionaires: Being Extremely Rich in One of World’s Poorest Countries
Are you curious to know how people become millionaires in one of the world’s poorest countries? This documentary takes you on a journey to Congo and explores the lives of those who have made fortunes amidst chaos. We follow businessmen, artists, former rebel leaders and evangelists as they live their life in secure and luxurious enclaves. You’ll also get an inside look at how children work several hours a day tens of meters underground extracting coltan. Get ready for a fascinating exploration into what it means to be extremely rich in this African country!
10. He Got Fired, Then Turned His Side Hustle Into Billions!
Fired from the biggest food processing company in town, one man decided to take his fate into his own hands and start a business. What he never imagined was that it would become one of the most successful companies in history. This is the inspiring story of how Lay’s chips began with an idea and turned into a billion-dollar empire!
11. Fast fashion – The shady world of cheap clothing
Are you interested in learning about the shady world of fast fashion? In this video, we explore how cheap clothing is drastically transforming the textile industry. We discuss how companies are locked in an ongoing race to create new styles and win higher profits, as well as their influence on customers’ buying behavior using neuromarketing specialists. We also look at e-commerce’s role in making clothes more affordable – but at a cost – and examine the health issues associated with producing materials like viscose from wood fibers. Finally, we take a look at how much clothing ends up in landfills every year and why sustainability efforts are not always successful. Tune into this documentary to learn all about fast fashion!
12. How LVMH Became A $500 Billion Luxury Powerhouse
This video explores the journey of Bernard Arnault’s LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, from its humble beginnings to becoming a 500 billion dollar luxury powerhouse. We’ll look at how Arnault has acquired some of the world’s biggest names in fashion and beauty, as well as his ruthless negotiation skills and effective business acumen that have enabled him to pull off deals like Tiffany & Co for 15.8 billion dollars during Covid-19. We will also see how despite pandemic struggles, LVMH was able to report record revenues year after year due to revenge spending by wealthy consumers. Finally, we examine their success when they became the first European company surpassing $500 billion in market value in April 2023 following an impressive 17% increase in revenue from the previous quarter!
13. The Dyslexic Man Who Built a 7 Trillion Dollar Empire
This inspiring documentary tells the story of Charles Schwab, a man who overcame dyslexia and humble beginnings to build one of the biggest financial empires in history. From his struggles with learning disabilities to becoming one of the most successful businessmen in history, this documentary is an amazing tale of perseverance and determination that shows us that limitations can be overcome. Witness how a boy from a small town achieved greatness by building a 7 trillion dollar empire!
14. Inside the Business Tornado : Grab, Apple, Haier, Japan Airlines
Take a look at the stories of four major companies that were on the brink of failure, and how they managed to survive. In this documentary series, “Inside The Storm,” you’ll get an inside view into Grab, Apple, Haier and Japan Airlines; each with their own unique story. Learn how Asia’s most valuable tech start-up, Grab became market leaders in the highly competitive ride-hailing industry. Find out how Apple survived near bankruptcies due to mismanagement, unpopular products and lack of direction. Hear about Haier CEO Zhang Ruimin who turned around a failing Chinese refrigerator company and took on one of America’s most iconic brands – General Electric. And explore how a Buddhist monk turned CEO transformed Japan Airlines from collapsing due to global disasters and rising costs into a highly profitable airline. Don’t miss this revealing series! Tune in now for an insightful look into these incredible stories of success against all odds!
15. Business Creativity in China
Are you curious about the creativity and business revolutions taking place in China? This documentary will take you on a journey to discover the amazing speed, learning and breakthroughs behind Chinese business. Get an insight into how creative minds are driving success in this country – it’s more than just speed! See for yourself what makes Chinese businesses so successful, with this incredible documentary.
