Movies Like Holy Rollers: Crime, Faith, and Redemption

Description: A gritty portrayal of organized crime's infiltration of Las Vegas casinos, highlighting greed, betrayal, and the destructive power of unchecked ambition.

Fact: Many scenes were filmed at the now-demolished Landmark Hotel. The film's script was based on real events and people, though names were changed.

Description: Explores the high-stakes world of financial fraud and the moral dilemmas faced by those involved, focusing on young, ambitious individuals drawn into illegal schemes.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life brokerage firms that operated as 'boiler rooms,' pushing questionable investments. Many of the sales tactics depicted were based on actual practices.

Description: Chronicles the rise and fall of a drug trafficker, blending themes of ambition, excess, and the inevitable consequences of a life of crime.

Fact: Johnny Depp prepared for his role by meeting with the real George Jung, who praised Depp's portrayal. The film's soundtrack features a mix of classic rock and period-appropriate music.

Description: A thrilling cat-and-mouse game between a charming con artist and a determined FBI agent, blending humor with a deeper exploration of identity and deception.

Fact: Frank Abagnale Jr., the real-life con artist, has a cameo as a French police officer. The film's title sequence was designed to resemble 1960s TV shows like 'The Fugitive.'

Description: A chilling look at the global arms trade, focusing on a morally ambiguous protagonist who profits from war and conflict.

Fact: The opening sequence following a bullet's journey from factory to victim was achieved in one continuous shot. The film used real weapons and ammunition from actual arms dealers.

Description: A wild ride through the excesses and corruption of the financial world, showcasing the rise and fall of a charismatic but morally bankrupt protagonist.

Fact: Holds the record for the most uses of the word 'f***' in a non-documentary film, with 569 instances. The real Jordan Belfort makes a cameo in the film.

Description: Explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding the creation of a revolutionary but controversial tech empire.

Fact: Aaron Sorkin wrote the script before Facebook became profitable, focusing on the legal battles rather than the business model. The film's score was composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.

Description: Exposes the complexities and corruption behind the 2008 financial crisis, using dark humor and unconventional storytelling to explain complex financial concepts.

Fact: Director Adam McKay used celebrity cameos to explain financial terms, breaking the fourth wall. The film's budget was relatively low at $28 million but earned over $133 million worldwide.

Description: Delves into the world of con artists and elaborate scams, with a focus on the blurred lines between criminals and law enforcement.

Fact: Christian Bale gained 43 pounds for his role and based his character's comb-over hairstyle on real-life con artist Mel Weinberg. The film was loosely inspired by the FBI's Abscam operation.

Description: Follows two young arms dealers who exploit government contracts, blending dark comedy with a critique of war profiteering and unchecked ambition.

Fact: Based on the true story of Efraim Diveroli and David Packouz, who won a $300 million Pentagon contract. Jonah Hill lost weight and wore prosthetic teeth for his role.