10 Must-Watch Debt Drama Films

Description: While not directly about financial debt, this film delves into the moral debt of corporate whistleblowing, as a tobacco executive risks everything to expose the industry's secrets.

Fact: Al Pacino and Russell Crowe both received Academy Award nominations for their performances. The film is based on a true story and real-life events.

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who takes custody of his son while grappling with homelessness and debt. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of financial adversity.

Fact: Will Smith's son, Jaden Smith, played his on-screen son, adding a layer of authenticity to their relationship. The film's title misspells "Happiness" to reflect the real-life sign Chris Gardner saw.

Description: Based on the memoir of Jordan Belfort, this film showcases the excesses of the stock market and the debt-fueled lifestyle of its protagonist, leading to his eventual downfall.

Fact: The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Leonardo DiCaprio improvised many of his lines, adding to the film's raw energy.

Description: When a large corporation downsizes, three men at different levels of the company hierarchy face financial ruin and personal crises. The film explores the ripple effects of corporate debt on individuals.

Fact: The film was inspired by writer and director John Wells' own experiences during the economic downturn. Ben Affleck learned to weld for his role.

Description: This thriller revolves around three Mossad agents who must confront their past when a mission to capture a Nazi war criminal goes awry. The debt here is not financial but moral, as they grapple with the consequences of their actions.

Fact: The film is a remake of the 2007 Israeli film "Ha-Hov" (The Debt). Helen Mirren's performance was critically acclaimed, earning her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Golden Globes.

Description: This film explains the complex financial instruments that led to the 2008 housing market crash, focusing on the few who saw it coming and bet against the market. It's a narrative about financial debt on a macro scale.

Fact: The film breaks the fourth wall to explain financial jargon, using celebrities like Margot Robbie and Selena Gomez to make the concepts accessible to a broader audience.

Description: Set during the initial stages of the 2008 financial crisis, this film examines the internal workings of a Wall Street investment bank as it faces a massive debt crisis. It's a study in corporate ethics and the human cost of financial decisions.

Fact: The film was shot in just 17 days. Many of the characters are loosely based on real-life figures from major financial institutions.

Description: A literature professor with a gambling addiction spirals into debt, leading him to make desperate decisions to save his life and career. This film explores the psychological toll of debt and the lengths one will go to escape it.

Fact: Mark Wahlberg's character was originally played by James Caan in the 1974 version of the film. The script was rewritten several times to fit Wahlberg's persona.

Description: A former martial arts instructor turned debt collector navigates the seedy underworld of debt collection, exploring themes of loyalty, redemption, and the personal cost of financial obligations.

Fact: The film features Scott Adkins, known for his roles in action films, showcasing his martial arts skills. It's a blend of action and drama, offering a unique take on the debt collection industry.

Description: A mathematical genius discovers a formula that predicts the stock market, leading to a confrontation with a ruthless bank CEO. The film explores themes of financial manipulation and the debt of power.

Fact: The film was shot in Australia and features a unique blend of financial thriller and drama. It was one of the first Australian films to tackle the subject of financial corruption.