Top 10 Documentaries on Financial Markets

Description: This documentary examines the rise and fall of Enron, one of the most infamous corporate scandals in history. It's a cautionary tale about corporate culture, greed, and the manipulation of financial markets.

Fact: The film uses archival footage and interviews with former Enron employees. It was directed by Alex Gibney, who has made several other notable documentaries on corporate malfeasance.

Description: Michael Moore's critique of capitalism focuses on the financial crisis, corporate greed, and the widening gap between the rich and the poor. It's a provocative look at the American economic system.

Fact: The film includes interviews with people directly affected by the financial crisis, including families facing foreclosure. It was Moore's first film to be released under his own production company.

Description: Based on the book by Michael Lewis, this film dramatizes the build-up to the 2007-2008 financial crisis through the eyes of several characters who bet against the housing market. It's both educational and entertaining, making complex financial instruments accessible.

Fact: The film breaks the fourth wall to explain financial terms through celebrity cameos like Selena Gomez and Anthony Bourdain. It was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning Best Adapted Screenplay.

Description: While not strictly a documentary, this film provides a fictionalized account of the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis at an investment bank. It's included for its realistic portrayal of the financial industry's inner workings.

Fact: The film was inspired by real events at Lehman Brothers. It was shot in just 17 days, and the script was written by J.C. Chandor, who also directed.

Description: This Oscar-winning documentary explores the 2008 global financial crisis, revealing the systemic corruption of the financial industry. It's a must-watch for understanding how interconnected and fragile our financial systems are.

Fact: The film was directed by Charles Ferguson, who also directed "No End in Sight" about the Iraq War. It features interviews with key financial figures like Nouriel Roubini and Christine Lagarde.

Description: Based on Andrew Ross Sorkin's book, this HBO film dramatizes the events of the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on the efforts to save the U.S. financial system from collapse. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at the decisions made by key figures.

Fact: The film features a star-studded cast including William Hurt, Paul Giamatti, and Billy Crudup. It was nominated for 11 Primetime Emmy Awards.

Description: This documentary follows hedge fund manager Bill Ackman as he bets against Herbalife, a company he accuses of being a pyramid scheme. It explores the ethics of short-selling and the impact on everyday investors.

Fact: The film includes footage from Herbalife's corporate events and interviews with both supporters and critics of the company. It was directed by Ted Braun, who also directed "Darfur Now."

Description: This documentary provides an in-depth look at the Federal Reserve, exploring its history, its role in the economy, and its controversial decisions during financial crises.

Fact: The film features interviews with former Fed Chairman Paul Volcker and other key economic figures. It was directed by Jim Bruce, who also made "The Forecaster."

Description: Hosted by Niall Ferguson, this series traces the evolution of money and financial systems from ancient times to the modern era, offering a broad perspective on how financial markets have shaped history.

Fact: The series was adapted from Ferguson's book of the same name. It was co-produced by the BBC and PBS.

Description: This documentary investigates the causes of the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on the concept of inequality and how it contributed to the economic collapse.

Fact: The film features interviews with economists like Joseph Stiglitz and Robert Shiller. It was directed by David Sington, known for his work on "In the Shadow of the Moon."