Dive into the murky waters of corporate deceit with our curated list of 10 crime films that delve into the world of fraudulent bankruptcies. These movies not only entertain but also shed light on the intricate schemes and moral dilemmas faced by those involved in corporate fraud. From high-stakes financial crimes to the personal toll on individuals, this collection offers a thrilling exploration of greed, ambition, and the consequences of unethical business practices.

Rogue Trader (1999)
Description: This film tells the true story of Nick Leeson, whose unauthorized speculative trading caused the collapse of Barings Bank, one of the oldest banks in the UK, through fraudulent bankruptcy.
Fact: Ewan McGregor, who plays Leeson, visited him in prison to prepare for the role.


Boiler Room (2000)
Description: A young college dropout gets involved in a brokerage firm that turns out to be a front for a massive stock fraud operation, leading to a dramatic downfall through fraudulent bankruptcy.
Fact: The film features real-life stockbrokers as extras to add authenticity to the trading floor scenes.


The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Description: This film chronicles the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who engages in a massive pump-and-dump scheme, leading to his eventual downfall through fraudulent bankruptcy.
Fact: The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and Leonardo DiCaprio's portrayal of Belfort was critically acclaimed.


Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)
Description: A documentary that examines the Enron scandal, where executives used fraudulent accounting practices to hide billions in debt from failed deals and projects, leading to the company's bankruptcy.
Fact: The film includes interviews with former Enron employees and uses actual audio recordings from the company's internal communications.


The Informant! (2009)
Description: Mark Whitacre, an executive at Archer Daniels Midland, becomes an informant for the FBI, revealing a price-fixing conspiracy, which leads to his own downfall through fraudulent bankruptcy.
Fact: Matt Damon gained 30 pounds for his role to portray the real-life Mark Whitacre.


The Company Men (2010)
Description: This drama explores the lives of three men who are laid off from their high-paying jobs due to corporate downsizing and fraudulent practices, leading to personal and financial ruin.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life experiences of the writer/director John Wells during the 2008 financial crisis.


The Big Short (2015)
Description: Based on real events, this movie explores how several investors predicted and profited from the 2007-2008 financial crisis, highlighting the fraudulent practices that led to the collapse of major financial institutions.
Fact: The film uses a unique narrative style, breaking the fourth wall to explain complex financial terms, making it both educational and entertaining.


Margin Call (2011)
Description: Set during the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis, this film follows a Wall Street investment bank as it discovers its exposure to subprime loans, leading to a desperate attempt to save the company through fraudulent means.
Fact: The movie was shot in just 17 days, and the script was inspired by real events at Lehman Brothers.


The Accountant (2016)
Description: While not directly about bankruptcy, this film features an accountant with autism who uncovers corporate fraud and uses his skills to navigate through a web of deceit and financial manipulation.
Fact: Ben Affleck underwent extensive training to portray the character's autism spectrum disorder accurately.


The Bank (2001)
Description: An Australian thriller about a bank's unethical practices, including fraudulent bankruptcy, to maintain its power and influence in the financial world.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life collapse of several Australian banks in the 1990s.
