The Best Movies about Finance and Why They Matter
Movies often serve as both entertainment and educational tools, giving audiences a glimpse into various aspects of life. When it comes to the world of finance, certain films have stood out for their insightful narratives, intriguing plots, and thought-provoking commentary on money, power, and human behaviour. Here’s a curated list of some of the best movies about finance, each offering unique perspectives on the financial world and its impact on society.
The Best Movies About Finance
- “The Big Short” (2015) Toping our list of best movies about finance is a masterpiece that manages to be just as insightful as it is entertaining. Based on Michael Lewis’s book, “The Big Short” dives into the complexities of the 2008 financial crisis, exploring the actions of a group of investors who foresaw the impending collapse of the housing market and sought to profit from it. The film follows a handful of financial experts as they navigate the risky and often fraudulent world of mortgage-backed securities and collateralized debt obligations. Despite facing scepticism and ridicule, they persevere in their mission to expose the flaws in the system and capitalize on the impending collapse. “The Big Short” is celebrated for its accurate portrayal of the complexities of the financial crisis and the various factors that contributed to its occurrence. The film’s strong performances and engaging storytelling provide a gripping narrative that educates and entertains audiences simultaneously.
- “Wall Street” (1987) Directed by Oliver Stone, “Wall Street” delves into the world of corporate greed and the cutthroat environment of the financial industry during the 1980s. The movie follows an ambitious young stockbroker named Bud Fox as he becomes entangled in the manipulative schemes of the infamous corporate raider Gordon Gekko. Bud is torn between his loyalty to Gekko and his own moral compass, leading to a dramatic climax that questions the true cost of success and the ethical boundaries of financial ambition. “Wall Street” is renowned for its depiction of the high-stakes world of finance and the moral dilemmas faced by those driven by power and wealth. The film’s exploration of the dark side of financial ambition serves as a cautionary tale, urging audiences to consider the consequences of unchecked greed and ambition.
- “Margin Call” (2011) “Margin Call” offers a fictionalised account of a Wall Street investment firm’s actions leading up to the 2008 financial crisis, providing insights into the decision-making processes and ethical dilemmas faced by key players in the industry. The movie takes place over a tumultuous 24-hour period as a financial institution grapples with the impending collapse of the market and the ethical implications of its actions. As the firm’s employees grapple with the consequences of their decisions, the film sheds light on the intricate web of relationships and motivations that drive the financial world. “Margin Call” is applauded for its realistic portrayal of the behind-the-scenes conversations and decisions that took place within financial institutions during the 2008 crisis. The film’s emphasis on the human element of finance and the moral complexities involved makes it a compelling and thought-provoking addition to the list.
- “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013) Based on the memoir of Jordan Belfort, “The Wolf of Wall Street” chronicles the rise and fall of a stockbroker’s extravagant lifestyle and his involvement in widespread corruption and fraud on Wall Street during the 1990s. The film follows the ambitious Jordan Belfort as he builds his brokerage firm and indulges in a life of excess and debauchery. As his wealth and influence grow, so do his illegal activities and the authorities’ pursuit of justice, leading to a dramatic downfall that highlights the consequences of unchecked greed and corruption. “The Wolf of Wall Street” is known for its unapologetic portrayal of the excesses and moral bankruptcy prevalent in the financial industry. The film’s bold and unflinching approach serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the pitfalls of succumbing to the allure of wealth and power. Director Martin Scorsese himself has recently rebuked critics that claimed the film glorifies financial crime and decadence.
- “The Social Network” (2010) “The Social Network” provides an inside look at the founding of Facebook, exploring the complexities of friendship, betrayal, and innovation in the realm of social media and technology. The film traces the journey of Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook, as he navigates the challenges of building a ground-breaking social networking platform. As the company’s success grows, so do the legal battles and personal conflicts that test the limits of friendship and ambition. “The Social Network” offers a compelling narrative about the intersection of technology and finance, highlighting the intricate relationships and power struggles inherent in the world of tech entrepreneurship. The film’s exploration of ambition and innovation provides valuable insights into the modern landscape of digital entrepreneurship and its financial implications.
- “Inside Job” (2010) Directed by Charles Ferguson, “Inside Job” is a documentary that investigates the causes and repercussions of the 2008 global financial crisis, uncovering the systemic failures and corruption within the financial industry. The film exposes the intricate web of relationships and unethical practices that contributed to the housing market collapse and subsequent economic downturn. Through in-depth interviews with financial experts and policymakers, “Inside Job” provides a comprehensive analysis of the events leading up to the crisis and the widespread impact on the global economy. “Inside Job” is highly regarded for its rigorous examination of the complexities of the financial crisis, offering a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the factors that led to the collapse. The documentary’s thorough investigation and critical examination of the financial industry provide audiences with a nuanced understanding of the systemic issues and regulatory challenges within the world of finance.
Final Thoughts
Movies about finance provide audiences with a lens through which to examine the complexities and consequences of the financial world, and these are some of the best you will ever see, in our opinion. Through engaging narratives and compelling characters, these films shed light on the human elements at play, offering valuable lessons and insights into the intricacies of money, power, and morality.
Written with Support from ChatGPT by OpenAI
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