Top 10 Crime Films About Greed

Description: Gordon Gekko's famous line, "Greed, for lack of a better word, is good," encapsulates the ethos of this film. It's a study of how greed can corrupt even the most ambitious and moral individuals in the high-stakes world of finance.

Fact: Michael Douglas won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Gordon Gekko. The film was inspired by real-life events and figures from Wall Street.

Description: Martin Scorsese's epic tale of the mob's control over Las Vegas casinos is a study in greed, corruption, and the American Dream gone awry. The characters' insatiable desire for money and power leads to their downfall.

Fact: The film was shot in chronological order to capture the aging of the characters. Robert De Niro's character, Sam "Ace" Rothstein, was based on real-life casino manager Frank Rosenthal.

Description: This film pits a master thief against a relentless detective in a cat-and-mouse game where greed for the perfect score and the perfect catch drive both men. It's a deep dive into the psyche of those who live on the edge.

Fact: The famous coffee shop scene between Al Pacino and Robert De Niro was improvised. The film was Michael Mann's first collaboration with Al Pacino.

Description: This film explores the concept of greed through the lens of deception and manipulation. The story revolves around a group of criminals and the elusive figure of Keyser Söze, whose greed for power and control is legendary.

Fact: The film's twist ending has become iconic in cinema history. Kevin Spacey won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role.

Description: Patrick Bateman's descent into madness and murder is fueled by his obsession with status, wealth, and appearance. This film satirizes the yuppie culture of the 1980s, highlighting the emptiness and greed at its core.

Fact: The film was initially given an NC-17 rating, but after some edits, it was released with an R rating. Christian Bale lost 30 pounds to portray Bateman's gaunt appearance.

Description: Based on the true story of the 1971 Baker Street robbery, this film showcases how greed can lead to unexpected alliances and betrayals. The heist is driven by the promise of wealth and the secrets hidden in the vault.

Fact: The film was inspired by a real event, but many details were changed to protect the identities of those involved. The actual contents of the safety deposit boxes remain a mystery to this day.

Description: In this tale of undercover cops and moles, greed for power and control within the criminal underworld and law enforcement drives the narrative. It's a gritty exploration of ambition and betrayal.

Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Martin Scorsese. It was a remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs."

Description: Set in Boston, this film follows a group of bank robbers whose lives are intertwined with crime and the desire for a better life. Greed drives their actions, leading to a thrilling narrative of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption.

Fact: Ben Affleck, who directed and starred in the film, used real-life bank robbers as consultants to ensure authenticity. The film was shot on location in Boston.

Description: This film delves into the life of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who becomes a symbol of greed and excess in the '90s Wall Street scene. It's a wild ride through the highs and lows of financial corruption, showcasing the allure and downfall of greed.

Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio improvised many of his lines, including the infamous "I'm not leaving!" scene. The film was also nominated for five Academy Awards.

Description: This film explains the 2008 financial crisis through the eyes of those who saw it coming. It's a tale of greed, not just in the financial sector but also in the very system that allowed such a crisis to occur.

Fact: The film uses celebrity cameos to break the fourth wall and explain complex financial terms. It also won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.