Top 10 Crime Films About Financial Schemes

Description: This iconic film follows a young stockbroker who gets entangled with a ruthless corporate raider, learning the harsh realities of the financial world. It's a cautionary tale about greed and the pursuit of wealth at any cost.

Fact: The film's famous line, "Greed, for lack of a better word, is good," became synonymous with the excesses of the 1980s.

Description: This film recounts the true story of Nick Leeson, whose unauthorized speculative trading led to the collapse of Barings Bank. It's a gripping tale of one man's hubris and the catastrophic consequences of unchecked financial risk-taking.

Fact: Ewan McGregor, who plays Leeson, actually met with him to prepare for the role, providing an authentic portrayal of the rogue trader's mindset.

Description: A young man gets lured into the high-pressure world of stockbroking, where he learns the art of the "pump and dump" scheme. This film offers a gritty look at the inner workings of a boiler room operation, making it a classic in the genre.

Fact: The movie was inspired by real-life events and features a cameo by Ben Affleck, who plays a character based on Jordan Belfort.

Description: Based on the true story of the 1971 Baker Street robbery, this film mixes financial crime with political intrigue, as a group of thieves tunnel into a bank vault, uncovering more than they bargained for.

Fact: The film's plot was inspired by a real event, but many details were changed to avoid legal issues. The actual contents of the safe deposit boxes remain a mystery.

Description: This film is a rollercoaster ride through the excesses of Jordan Belfort's life, showcasing his rise and fall as a stockbroker who engaged in rampant corruption and fraud. It's a vivid portrayal of the 1990s financial scene, making it a must-watch for anyone intrigued by financial crime.

Fact: The film was based on the memoir of the same name by Jordan Belfort. Leonardo DiCaprio gained 30 pounds for the role to accurately depict Belfort's lifestyle.

Description: Mark Whitacre, a high-level executive at Archer Daniels Midland, becomes an informant for the FBI, exposing price-fixing in the lysine industry. This film blends comedy with corporate espionage, offering a unique take on financial crime.

Fact: The film's title uses an exclamation mark to reflect the surprise and absurdity of the real events it portrays.

Description: While not a traditional financial crime film, this movie explores the aftermath of corporate downsizing and the ethical dilemmas faced by executives and employees alike, providing a different angle on financial misconduct.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life experiences of the writer-director John Wells, who worked in corporate America before turning to filmmaking.

Description: This movie breaks down the complex world of the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on the few who saw it coming and bet against the housing market. It's an educational and entertaining look at the financial meltdown, making it a standout in this list.

Fact: The film uses celebrity cameos to explain financial jargon, making it accessible to a broader audience. It was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning Best Adapted Screenplay.

Description: Set during the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis, this film provides an insider's view of a Wall Street investment bank as it faces the imminent collapse of the housing market. It's a tense, character-driven drama that captures the panic and moral dilemmas of the time.

Fact: The film was shot in 17 days, and the script was inspired by the experiences of several real-life Wall Street insiders.

Description: This film tells the story of a con man and his lover, who are forced to work with an FBI agent to turn the tables on other cons, politicians, and the mafia. It's a stylish, character-driven exploration of deception and ambition.

Fact: The film was loosely based on the FBI's Abscam operation in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was nominated for ten Academy Awards.