17+ Best Movies About Finance & Wall Street (Top Picks)

When it comes to movies about finance and Wall Street, there is no shortage of options.

These films provide a glimpse into the high-stakes world of finance, showcasing the triumphs and failures of individuals navigating the complex world of money and power.

Whether you’re a finance enthusiast or simply looking for an entertaining movie night, these films offer valuable insights and captivating storytelling.

Here’s a list of some of the best movies about finance and Wall Street, along with their year of release and a very short summary:

Wall Street (1987) – Greed and corruption in the 1980s finance world.

The Big Short (2015) – The lead-up to the 2008 financial crisis.

Margin Call (2011) – 24 hours at an investment bank during a crisis.

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) – Rise and fall of a stockbroker.

Boiler Room (2000) – Young broker in a corrupt stock selling operation.

Trading Places (1983) – A bet changes the lives of a broker and a beggar.

Inside Job (2010) – Documentary on the 2008 financial meltdown.

Glengarry Glen Ross (1992) – Desperate real estate agents and their sales tactics.

American Psycho (2000) – Investment banker’s double life.

Too Big to Fail (2011) – The U.S. government’s response to the 2008 crisis.

Rogue Trader (1999) – True story of the Barings Bank collapse.

Capitalism: A Love Story (2009) – Michael Moore’s take on corporate greed.

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010) – Sequel to Wall Street, post-financial crisis.

Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005) – Documentary on the Enron scandal.

The China Hustle (2017) – Fraudulent Chinese companies scamming U.S. investors.

Barbarians at the Gate (1993) – The RJR Nabisco takeover.

Other People’s Money (1991) – Corporate raider vs. a family-run company.

Equity (2016) – Female investment banker navigates Wall Street challenges.

These films offer a mix of drama, comedy, and documentary styles to provide insights into the world of finance, the personalities that shape it, and the events that have defined modern financial history.

Below we look deeper into some of the best movies about finance and Wall Street, highlighting their key themes, memorable performances, and the lessons they impart.

Table of Contents

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, “The Wolf of Wall Street” is a biographical black comedy that follows the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who becomes involved in securities fraud and corruption on Wall Street.

The film explores themes of greed, excess, and the dark side of the finance industry.

With its fast-paced narrative and DiCaprio’s captivating performance, “The Wolf of Wall Street” offers a compelling portrayal of the allure and consequences of unbridled ambition.

Wall Street (1987)

Oliver Stone’s “Wall Street” is a classic film that delves into the world of corporate raiders and insider trading.

The movie centers around Bud Fox, a young and ambitious stockbroker who becomes entangled with Gordon Gekko, a ruthless and wealthy investor.

Through its exploration of themes such as greed, morality, and the pursuit of wealth, “Wall Street” provides a thought-provoking commentary on the financial industry.

Michael Douglas’s portrayal of Gordon Gekko earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor, solidifying the film’s place in cinematic history.

Margin Call (2011)

“Margin Call” takes viewers inside the high-pressure environment of an investment bank during the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis.

The film follows a group of employees as they uncover the impending collapse of their firm and grapple with the moral and ethical implications of their actions.

With its stellar ensemble cast, including Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, and Stanley Tucci, “Margin Call” offers a gripping portrayal of the human cost of financial crises and the difficult decisions faced by those in power.

Inside Job (2010)

For those seeking a documentary-style exploration of the 2008 financial crisis, “Inside Job” is a must-watch.

Directed by Charles Ferguson, the film provides a comprehensive analysis of the causes and consequences of the crisis, exposing the corruption and systemic flaws that led to the collapse of major financial institutions.

Through interviews with prominent economists, policymakers, and industry insiders, “Inside Job” offers a critical examination of the financial industry and its impact on society.

Boiler Room (2000)

“Boiler Room” offers a fictionalized portrayal of the pump-and-dump schemes prevalent in the finance industry.

The film follows Seth Davis, a college dropout who becomes a successful stockbroker at a fraudulent brokerage firm.

As Seth becomes entangled in the world of illegal activities, he must confront his own moral compass.

With its intense performances and exploration of themes such as greed and morality, “Boiler Room” provides a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition.

The Big Short (2015)

Based on Michael Lewis’s book of the same name, “The Big Short” offers a comedic yet sobering look at the events leading up to the 2008 financial crisis.

The film follows a group of investors who predicted the housing market collapse and bet against the subprime mortgage industry.

Through its clever storytelling and stellar ensemble cast, including Christian Bale, Steve Carell, and Ryan Gosling, “The Big Short” sheds light on the complexities of the financial system and the individuals who profited from its downfall.

FAQs – Best Movies About Finance & Wall Street

1. What are some other notable movies about finance and Wall Street?

Aside from the movies mentioned above, there are several other notable films that delve into the world of finance and Wall Street.

Some of these include:

“Glengarry Glen Ross” (1992) – A drama film that explores the cutthroat world of real estate salesmen.
“Too Big to Fail” (2011) – A television movie that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the 2008 financial crisis.
“Rogue Trader” (1999) – Based on a true story, this film follows the downfall of Nick Leeson, a trader who caused the collapse of Barings Bank.
“The Company Men” (2010) – A drama film that depicts the impact of corporate downsizing on the lives of employees.

2. Are these movies accurate portrayals of the finance industry?

While these movies may take creative liberties for the sake of storytelling, many of them are based on real events or inspired by true stories.

They often provide a glimpse into the inner workings of the finance industry and the ethical dilemmas faced by those involved.

However, it’s important to remember that these films are works of fiction or dramatizations and may not capture the full complexity of the industry.

3. What lessons can be learned from these movies?

These movies offer valuable lessons and insights into the world of finance and Wall Street.

Some common themes include:

The dangers of unchecked ambition and greed
The importance of ethical decision-making
The impact of financial crises on individuals and society
The need for transparency and accountability in the financial industry

4. Can these movies be educational for individuals interested in finance?

Yes, these movies can be educational for individuals interested in finance.

While they may not provide a comprehensive understanding of financial concepts, they offer a glimpse into the industry’s dynamics and the human stories behind it.

They can spark curiosity and serve as a starting point for further exploration and learning.

5. Are there any documentaries specifically focused on Wall Street?

Yes, there are several documentaries specifically focused on Wall Street. Some notable examples include:

“Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room” (2005) – Explores the collapse of Enron, one of the largest corporate scandals in history.
“Trader” (1987) – Follows the life and career of Paul Tudor Jones, a hedge fund manager.
“Floored” (2009) – Examines the lives of floor traders in the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.

6. Are these movies suitable for all audiences?

These movies often contain mature themes, strong language, and scenes of violence or explicit content.

As such, they may not be suitable for all audiences.

It’s important to consider the film’s rating and content warnings before watching, especially if viewing with younger audiences.

7. Can these movies inspire individuals to pursue a career in finance?

These movies can certainly inspire individuals to pursue a career in finance.

They showcase the excitement, challenges, and potential rewards of working in the industry.

However, it’s important to approach these films with a critical mindset and understand that they may not fully represent the day-to-day realities of a finance career.

8. Do these movies provide a balanced perspective on the finance industry?

These movies often present a critical perspective on the finance industry, highlighting its flaws and the negative consequences of unchecked greed.

While they may not provide a fully balanced view, they offer valuable insights and raise important questions about the ethics and practices within the industry.

9. Are there any foreign films that explore finance and Wall Street?

Yes, there are several foreign films that explore finance and Wall Street from different cultural perspectives. Some examples include:

“The City of Lost Souls” (2000) – A Chinese film that follows the lives of stockbrokers in Shanghai.
“The Secret in Their Eyes” (2009) – An Argentine film that intertwines a murder mystery with corruption in the justice system.
“The Salesman” (2016) – An Iranian film that explores the moral dilemmas faced by a couple in the aftermath of a violent incident.

10. Can these movies help individuals understand the causes of financial crises?

Yes, many of these movies, particularly those focused on the 2008 financial crisis, provide insights into the causes and factors that contributed to these crises.

They shed light on complex financial instruments, regulatory failures, and the role of greed and speculation in driving market instability.

11. Are there any movies that focus on the positive aspects of finance and Wall Street?

While many movies about finance and Wall Street tend to highlight the negative aspects, there are a few films that showcase the positive side of the industry.

One example is “The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006), which tells the true story of Chris Gardner’s journey from homelessness to becoming a successful stockbroker.

12. Can these movies be used as teaching tools in finance courses?

Yes, these movies can be used as teaching tools in finance courses to supplement theoretical knowledge with real-world examples.

They can spark discussions on ethics, risk management, and the impact of financial decisions on individuals and society.

13. Are there any movies that focus on women in finance?

While the majority of movies about finance and Wall Street tend to focus on male protagonists, there are a few films that highlight the experiences of women in the industry.

One example is “Equity” (2016), a drama film that follows a senior investment banker as she navigates the world of high-stakes finance.

14. Do these movies accurately depict the lifestyle of finance professionals?

These movies often portray the extravagant lifestyles of finance professionals, showcasing luxurious homes, expensive cars, and lavish parties.

While some individuals in the industry may lead such lifestyles, it’s important to recognize that these depictions may not represent the reality for the majority of finance professionals.

15. Can these movies be enjoyed by individuals with no background in finance?

Yes, these movies can be enjoyed by individuals with no background in finance.

While they may contain financial jargon and complex concepts, they are designed to entertain and engage a wide audience.

The compelling storytelling and universal themes make them accessible to viewers from various backgrounds.

Summary – Best Movies About Finance & Wall Street

These movies about finance and Wall Street provide captivating narratives that explore the complexities of the financial industry.

From the allure of wealth and power to the moral dilemmas faced by those in the industry, these films offer valuable insights and thought-provoking commentary.

Whether you’re interested in the historical events that shaped the financial landscape or the personal stories of individuals navigating this world, these movies provide a compelling and entertaining experience.

So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare to be immersed in the thrilling world of finance and Wall Street.

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