As a digital marketer, inspiration can come from unexpected places—like films and documentaries. From advertising lessons in Mad Men to the data-driven insights of The Great Hack, these stories dive into the creative and strategic worlds of marketing, branding, and consumer behavior.
Here’s a curated list of must-watch movies, series, and documentaries that will spark your creativity and refine your marketing strategies.
The Ultimate Watchlist for Digital Marketers
- Mad Men (TV Series):
Why watch: Set in the 1960s, this iconic series offers timeless lessons on branding, creative pitches, and storytelling. It also explores how advertising and culture influence each other.
Key takeaway: Emotional storytelling is the cornerstone of impactful marketing, no matter the era. - The Social Dilemma (Documentary)
Why watch: This Netflix documentary uncovers how social media platforms use algorithms to drive user behavior. It’s a must-watch for social media marketers.
Key takeaway: Transparency and ethical marketing build trust in a data-driven world. - The Great Hack (Documentary)
Why watch: Explore the Cambridge Analytica scandal and its impact on elections through hyper-targeted advertising.
Key takeaway: Data is powerful—but it must be used responsibly to maintain audience trust. - Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened (Documentary)
Why watch: A cautionary tale about influencer marketing, showcasing how overhyped campaigns can lead to disaster.
Key takeaway: Authenticity and delivering on promises are critical for sustainable success. - Art & Copy (Documentary)
Why watch: Meet the creative minds behind legendary campaigns like Nike’s “Just Do It” and “Got Milk?”
Key takeaway: Creativity grounded in understanding human emotion drives successful advertising. - The Founder (Film)
Why watch: Discover how Ray Kroc turned McDonald’s into a global brand through strategic scaling and branding.
Key takeaway: Consistency and a strong brand system can fuel exponential growth. - The Social Network (Film)
Why watch: A dramatized look at Facebook’s founding, showcasing how innovation can reshape industries.
Key takeaway: Focus on user engagement and addressing audience needs to drive growth. - Generation Like (Documentary)
Why watch: Understand how teenagers interact with social media and the power of “likes” as social currency.
Key takeaway: Peer influence and social validation drive Gen Z’s online behavior. - Abstract: The Art of Design (Docuseries)
Why watch: Featuring creative disciplines, this series highlights the importance of design in marketing success.
Key takeaway: Great design can amplify a campaign’s impact and communicate a brand’s essence effectively. - Halt and Catch Fire (TV Series)
Why watch: Dive into the tech boom of the 1980s and learn about product positioning and adapting strategies in changing markets.
Key takeaway: Stay agile in the ever-evolving tech and consumer landscape. - Startup.com (Documentary)
Why watch: A cautionary tale about the rise and fall of a dot-com startup during the 1990s internet boom.
Key takeaway: Hype alone can’t sustain a business. Strong strategy and market understanding are vital.
Honorable Mentions
The Greatest Movie Ever Sold (Documentary): A witty look at product placement and branding in Hollywood.
Moneyball (Film): Explores how data-driven decisions can revolutionize traditional methods.
Steve Jobs (Film/Documentary): Learn how visionary marketing can transform consumer perception.
From the creative brilliance of Mad Men to the cautionary insights in The Great Hack, these films and documentaries offer invaluable lessons for modern digital marketers. By immersing yourself in these stories, you can gain fresh perspectives, spark your creativity, and fine-tune your strategies for better results.
Start with one of these recommendations, and let the inspiration flow!