What to expect:
Movies
Measuring the World (2012)
At the center of the story are Alexander von Humboldt and Carl Friedrich Gauss, who each try to gain a deeper understanding of the world in their own way. While Humboldt travels across the globe as a natural scientist, Gauss achieves groundbreaking mathematical discoveries from the comfort of his desk at home.
Streaming availability: Netflix
A Beautiful Mind (2001)
Based on his biography, this film portrays the life of John Forbes Nash, who became famous in part for his work on game theory. Beginning with his years as a student at Princeton University, viewers follow both the mathematical achievements and personal life of the outsider Nash, who also struggles with schizophrenia after completing his studies.
Streaming availability: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies & TV, Rakuten TV
The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015)
Another biographical film, this time telling the story of the Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. Coming from a humble background, he is invited to Cambridge by Professor Godfrey Harold Hardy because of his extraordinary mathematical talent. In England, Srinivasa faces prejudice, illness, and loneliness while pursuing his work.
Streaming availability: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies & TV, Rakuten TV
Adventures of a Mathematician (2020)
This film tells the story of the Jewish mathematician Stanisław Ulam. He flees Poland during World War II and moves to the United States, where he works on important mathematical projects. Among other things, he contributes to the development of the atomic bomb and the first computer. The film explores his internal conflict between scientific progress and moral responsibility, as well as his life in exile.
Streaming availability: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
Proof (2005)
After the death of her father Robert, a brilliant mathematician at the University of Chicago who suffered from a mysterious mental illness, his daughter Catherine discovers several notebooks containing his work. Together with the doctoral student Hal, she examines them and eventually finds a remarkable mathematical proof. However, Catherine doubts her own mental stability and repeatedly questions both herself and the supposed discoveries of her father.
Streaming availability: Amazon Prime Video
The Oxford Murders (2008)
The film follows Martin, an American mathematics student studying at Oxford under the famous logician Arthur Seldom. After Martin’s landlady is murdered, further deaths occur that seem to follow a sequence of mathematical and logical symbols. Using logic, number theory, and philosophical ideas, Martin and Seldom attempt to solve the series of murders.
Streaming availability: Amazon Prime Video, Joyn, Rakuten TV
Marguerite’s Theorem (2023)
Mathematics is not just for men! Brilliant mathematics student Marguerite is the only woman in the doctoral program of the renowned Professor Werner at the École Normale Supérieure in Paris. After making a mistake in her calculations, she leaves academia behind and earns a living by playing Mahjong. Eventually, however, she returns to her greatest passion: mathematics.
Streaming availability: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies & TV
M.C. Escher: Journey to Infinity (2018)
M. C. Escher was a master of optical illusions. Through lectures, diary entries, and letters, this documentary offers fascinating insights into the work and life of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
Streaming availability: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies & TV, Rakuten TV
Series
Numb3rs (2005)
Two brothers—one working for the FBI and the other teaching mathematics at a university—team up to solve and prevent crimes. Mathematical calculations and theories frequently play a key role in their investigations. The series concluded after six seasons.
Streaming availability: Joyn
Prime Target (2025)
A mathematics student at the University of Cambridge conducts research on prime numbers. During his work, he uncovers findings that attract the attention of the government. Together, Edward Brooks and government agent Sanders work to expose a conspiracy connected to prime numbers.
Streaming availability: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
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