10 Movies & Shows Like Trading Places (1983)

Description: This film shares with 'Trading Places' the theme of a financial challenge that tests the protagonist's morals and ingenuity. Both movies involve a bet or wager that dictates the protagonist's financial situation, leading to comedic and insightful situations about money and values.

Fact: The film is based on a 1902 novel that has been adapted over 10 times. Richard Pryor was considered for the lead role before it went to Richard Pryor. The film's premise has inspired reality TV shows like 'How to Lose a Million Dollars'.

Description: This Michael J. Fox vehicle shares with 'Trading Places' the theme of an ambitious young man navigating the corporate world through unconventional means. Both films mix workplace comedy with romantic subplots and commentary on social climbing.

Fact: The film was shot in just 40 days to accommodate Michael J. Fox's 'Family Ties' schedule. The role was originally offered to Tom Cruise. The New York office scenes were filmed in Dallas to save money.

Description: While more dramatic than 'Trading Places', 'Wall Street' similarly explores themes of greed, ambition, and the moral compromises in high finance. Both films are quintessential portraits of 1980s capitalism, with memorable characters who embody the excesses of the era.

Fact: Gordon Gekko's 'Greed is good' speech was inspired by real-life financier Ivan Boesky. Charlie Sheen's father, Martin Sheen, plays his on-screen father. The film's release coincided with the real-life Black Monday stock market crash.

Description: Like 'Trading Places', 'Coming to America' is a comedy that explores themes of wealth, class, and social mobility. Both films feature Eddie Murphy in a leading role, showcasing his comedic talent and ability to portray characters navigating different social strata. The films also share a satirical take on American capitalism and the idea of the 'American Dream'.

Fact: Eddie Murphy plays multiple roles in the film, including the barber shop characters. The film was originally conceived as a sequel to 'Trading Places'. The McDowell's restaurant is a parody of McDonald's, designed to avoid copyright infringement.

Description: Like 'Trading Places', this film explores class mobility and the challenges of breaking into the upper echelons of business. Both feature protagonists who use their wits to overcome their lack of privileged backgrounds, with a mix of humor and heart.

Fact: Melanie Griffith did many of her own stunts, including the famous elevator scene. The film's success helped popularize the power shoulder pad look in women's fashion. Harrison Ford agreed to the role to work with director Mike Nichols.

Description: This film delves into the cutthroat world of corporate takeovers, much like the financial maneuvering in 'Trading Places'. Both films blend comedy with sharp commentary on greed and ethics in business, featuring charismatic leads who navigate morally ambiguous situations.

Fact: Danny DeVito's character is loosely based on real-life corporate raiders of the 1980s. The film was adapted from a successful off-Broadway play. Gregory Peck was originally considered for the role eventually played by Gregory Peck.

Description: While much darker in tone, this film shares 'Trading Places'' examination of the high-pressure world of sales and the moral compromises it demands. Both films feature ensemble casts delivering sharp dialogue about the American dream gone awry.

Fact: Alec Baldwin's famous 'Always be closing' speech was written specifically for the film. The play's original Broadway run featured Joe Mantegna in the role played by Al Pacino. David Mamet based the script on his own experiences in a Chicago real estate office.

Description: Co-written by the Coen Brothers, this film shares 'Trading Places'' satirical look at corporate America and the whims of fortune. Both films feature a protagonist who is manipulated by wealthy elites for their own amusement or profit, leading to a mix of comedy and social commentary.

Fact: The film pays homage to classic Hollywood comedies of the 1930s and 40s. Jennifer Jason Leigh's performance is modeled after Rosalind Russell's fast-talking reporters in old movies. The hula hoop is central to the plot, symbolizing the cyclical nature of business trends.

Description: This film updates the 'Trading Places' formula for the dot-com era, exploring how young ambitious men get seduced by fast money and questionable ethics. Both films serve as cautionary tales about the allure and dangers of quick wealth.

Fact: Ben Affleck's monologue was improvised based on his observations of real brokers. Many former brokers served as consultants to ensure accuracy. The film's release preceded several real-life brokerage scandals.

Description: Martin Scorsese's film takes the financial world excesses depicted in 'Trading Places' to their logical extreme. Both films use humor to explore the moral bankruptcy behind wealth accumulation, though 'Wolf' does so with more explicit debauchery.

Fact: The real Jordan Belfort has a cameo as the wedding MC. Leonardo DiCaprio improvised the quaalude crawl scene. The film holds the record for most F-words in a non-documentary film (569).