Endlessly scrolling, searching for something binge-worthy that won’t turn your brain to mush? I’ve got you!
These must-watch series and films are packed with valuable insights and lessons that every marketer can learn from:
1. Art & Copy
This documentary dives into the world of advertising and the creative minds behind some of the most influential campaigns in history. Art & Copy features interviews with advertising legends like George Lois, Mary Wells and Lee Clow who have forever changed the way we view brands and consume media.
Why you should watch it:
- Peek behind the curtain at the creative minds shaping consumer culture
- Examine legendary ads that changed the way we think and feel
- Discover how powerful storytelling fosters brand loyalty
2. The Playlist
This six-part limited series tells the story of how Spotify went from a scrappy Swedish startup to a platform that changed how the world listens to music. Each episode follows a different player, including the founder, the lawyer, the programmer, and the artist. The result shows that disrupting an industry takes more than a great product.
Why you should watch it:
- See how a startup won over an industry that didn’t want to change
- Discover how user experience can become a brand’s biggest selling point
- Explore how one story looks different depending on who’s telling it
3. Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker
Set in the early 1900s, this four-part limited series chronicles the inspiring journey of Madam C.J. Walker, America’s first female self-made millionaire. Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker highlights Walker’s rise from a washerwoman to a hair care mogul.
Why you should watch it:
- Gain insights into building a successful brand from scratch
- Get inspired by Walker’s persistence in overcoming societal barriers
- Uncover the power of identifying opportunities where others see obstacles
4. The Founder
Through Ray Kroc’s journey in transforming McDonald’s, this film examines how a simple concept grew into an internationally recognized brand, while also touching on ethical issues in rapid business growth and brand consistency.
Why you should watch it:
- See how one man’s vision sparked a global food empire
- Understand the impact of brand consistency and customer experience
- Reflect on ethical considerations in business expansion
5. Swiped
After helping launch one of the world’s biggest dating apps, Whitney Wolfe Herd saw an opportunity to do things differently. This 2025 biopic, starring Lily James, follows her journey to create Bumble, a dating app where women make the first move, and her rise to become the youngest female self-made billionaire.
Why you should watch it:
- See how one insight about an underserved audience sparked a new brand
- Discover how a clear point of difference can stand out in a crowded market
- Get inspired by a founder who turned a setback into a breakthrough
6. Helvetica
This independent documentary explores the ubiquitous Helvetica typeface and its impact on visual culture. It’s a deep dive into the world of typography, graphic design, and how visual elements shape our daily lives.
Why you should watch it:
- Explore the role of design in brand recognition
- Explore how typography shapes emotions and connections
- Learn about the value of simplicity in creating iconic designs
7. The Creative Brain
The Creative Brain merges science and art to explore how innovators tap into their creative potential. The documentary provides thought-provoking insights into the neuroscience of creativity, offering techniques that can inspire fresh thinking.
Why you should watch it:
- Discover techniques for fostering innovation and creativity
- Explore how neuroscience can enhance your creative process
- Gain insights on turning ideas into impactful realities
8. Air
In 1984, Nike was a running shoe company losing the basketball market to its competitors. Air follows the high-stakes gamble to sign a rookie named Michael Jordan and build a product line around him. The result reshaped athlete endorsements forever.
Why you should watch it:
- Watch a brand bet big on a single, bold idea
- Discover how a partnership can redefine a brand’s identity
- Learn why sometimes the best pitch breaks all the rules
9. Apple Cider Vinegar
This limited series dramatizes the rise and fall of Belle Gibson, a wellness influencer who built an app and cookbook empire on the claim that she’d healed her cancer through diet. The claim turned out to be false. Apple Cider Vinegar is a gripping look at how authenticity, or the appearance of it, can build and destroy a personal brand.
Why you should watch it:
- Gain fresh insights into topics shaping consumer interests
- Broaden your understanding of the impact of societal trends
- Discover strategies for conveying complex ideas to diverse audiences
10. Miss Americana
This one’s for all of the Swifties. Taylor Swift’s journey in Miss Americana provides a candid look at the challenges of personal branding and staying relevant. It’s a powerful study of authenticity, public image, and the constant evolution required to stay connected with audiences.
Why you should watch it:
- Witness the evolution of a personal brand under public pressure
- Understand authenticity’s role in cultivating a loyal audience
- Gain ideas on adapting brand strategies to stay in sync with trends
The Bottom Line
The next time you’re stuck scrolling, you’ve got options. Each of these tells the story behind a brand, a founder, or an idea that changed how we think about marketing.
Pick one, press play, and see what ideas you bring back to your next project.
