The 9 best movies about finance you can’t miss

Discover 9 unmissable films that reveal the world of finance and its consequences.

best movies about finance
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The best movies about finance have always been fertile ground for fascinating stories in cinema. The complexity of the sector, combined with ethical dilemmas, power plays, and unbridled ambition, provides engaging narratives that go beyond mere entertainment. 

These productions offer not only profound reflections on the impact of money but also sharp critiques of the financial system and its players. Below, we explore nine of the best movies about finance, ranging from intense dramas to satires and eye-opening documentaries.

1. Wall Street (1987)

Directed by Oliver Stone, Wall Street is a classic that captures the spirit of the 1980s. Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen), an ambitious broker, becomes the protégé of investor Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas), who embodies corporate greed. 

The film exposes unethical practices such as insider trading and market manipulation, which were rampant at the time. Throughout the film, Bud grapples with moral dilemmas as he begins to question his actions and their consequences.

Despite its critique of ruthless capitalism, Wall Street inspired a generation of finance professionals. The phrase “greed is good,” uttered by Gekko, became an iconic representation of the ambition-driven culture on Wall Street. 

2. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013

Directed by Martin Scorsese, The Wolf of Wall Street depicts the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio). Belfort builds a financial empire based on fraud and manipulation while indulging in a life of excess.  The movie blends humor with a scathing critique of the predatory nature of the financial system.

Its comedic and exaggerated tone highlights the absurdities of corporate culture and the devastating consequences of unethical business practices. Belfort’s journey from humble beginnings to meteoric success serves as a stark reflection on the moral limits in the investment world.

3. Margin Call (2011)

Margin Call delves into the first 24 hours of the 2008 financial crisis. It follows a group of executives who discover that their company is on the brink of collapse due to high-risk financial decisions. The tense plot and incisive dialogue explore the global repercussions of choices made in luxurious offices. 

The film provides a realistic look behind the scenes of the crisis, highlighting the ethical dilemmas faced by those at its center. It serves as a reminder of how decisions made in conference rooms can have catastrophic effects on millions of lives.

4. The Big Short (2015)

Based on Michael Lewis’s book, The Big Short offers a critical and educational take on the housing bubble that led to the 2008 financial crisis. With a stellar cast, the film uses creative techniques to explain complex financial concepts, making it accessible even to laypeople. 

The film exposes the negligence and greed of the financial system while showcasing the few individuals who predicted and profited from the crisis. By doing so, it highlights how a lack of oversight and speculative behavior directly contributed to the economic collapse.

5. Rogue Trader (1999)

This film tells the story of Nick Leeson (Ewan McGregor), the trader whose reckless actions led to the collapse of Barings Bank. Leeson concealed massive financial losses while making increasingly risky bets.  Rogue Trader underscores the dangers of poor oversight and individual greed in the financial sector.

It highlights the importance of transparent corporate governance and robust controls to prevent similar disasters. Leeson’s case is a cautionary tale of how unethical behavior and negligence can destroy a centuries-old institution, leaving lasting damage to the global financial system.

6. Boiler Room (2000)

Boiler Room explores the dark world of illegal brokerage firms and fraudulent schemes. The story follows Seth Davis (Giovanni Ribisi), a young broker who discovers his firm is involved in dishonest practices like ‘pump and dump’. The film showcases the manipulation of stock prices to exploit investors while enriching operators. 

Seth’s ethical struggles as he realizes the impact of his actions provide a critique of the greed-driven behavior that persists in parts of the financial market. It reflects on the corrupting power of money and the moral compromises often made in the relentless pursuit of financial success.

7. Inside Job (2010)

Winner of the Academy Award for Best Documentary, Inside Job offers an in-depth analysis of the causes of the 2008 global financial crisis. Directed by Charles Ferguson, the film uncovers systemic failures, conflicts of interest, and questionable practices in banking and regulatory agencies. 

Divided into five sections, the documentary provides a clear and detailed understanding of the financial system’s complexities. It is an essential resource for anyone seeking to grasp the repercussions of poorly planned policies and insufficient market regulation. The film reveals how a small group of individuals can devastate entire economies.

8. Trading Places (1983)

One of the few comedies on this list, Trading Places addresses social and financial issues with wit and intelligence. The plot revolves around a bet between two wealthy men who swap the lives of a rich investor (Dan Aykroyd) and a poor con artist (Eddie Murphy). 

Despite its humorous tone, the film explores relevant themes such as social inequality and the influence of money on people’s opportunities. Trading Places is a classic that uses humor to deliver important messages about economics, power, and class divisions.

9. Molly’s Game (2017)

The movie Molly’s Game tells the story of Molly Bloom, a former Olympic skier who becomes an organizer of underground poker games. After an injury ends her sports career, she decides to explore a risky and glamorous world. With that, Molly builds an empire but also faces FBI investigations and ethical dilemmas.

Directed by Aaron Sorkin, the film addresses themes like ambition, power, and resilience and stands out among the best movies about finance. Molly’s relationship with her father and her legal struggles bring emotional depth to the narrative. Additionally, Jessica Chastain’s performance highlights the protagonist’s strength and vulnerability.

That’s it! We’ve reached the end of this list of the best movies about finance. In fact, it’s important to think about building a secure financial future. All these movies are very interesting and offer different perspectives on the same topic. We hope this post helps you get some ideas to get organized. See you in the next post!

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Graduated in Law with a specialization in Digital Law. I am passionate about creative minds and everything related to technology and social media.