10 Must-Watch Drama Films About Greed

Description: This classic film examines the corrosive effects of greed as three prospectors find gold in Mexico, only to have their friendship and sanity tested by their newfound wealth.

Fact: The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Director for John Huston, who also wrote and starred in the movie.

Description: Gordon Gekko's infamous "Greed is good" speech encapsulates the film's exploration of the financial world's moral ambiguity, where ambition and greed blur the lines between right and wrong.

Fact: The character of Gordon Gekko was loosely based on several real-life Wall Street figures, including Ivan Boesky.

Description: This film portrays the cutthroat world of real estate salesmen, where greed for leads and success drives them to unethical behavior, highlighting the desperation and moral decay of capitalism.

Fact: The film features an all-star cast, and Alec Baldwin's character was not in the original play but was added for the movie.

Description: Tom Ripley's desire for a life he can't afford leads him down a path of deception and murder, showcasing how greed can transform identity and morality.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Italy, and Matt Damon learned to play the piano for his role.

Description: A whistleblower's story where corporate greed and the quest for truth collide, showing how the pursuit of profit can compromise integrity and endanger lives.

Fact: The film was based on a true story, and Russell Crowe gained weight for his role to portray the character's physical transformation.

Description: Patrick Bateman's life of excess and his descent into madness is a satirical take on the 1980s yuppie culture, where greed and vanity lead to horrifying consequences.

Fact: The film was initially banned in several countries due to its graphic content, and Christian Bale's performance was critically acclaimed.

Description: Daniel Plainview's ruthless quest for oil wealth in early 20th-century America is a chilling study of greed's isolating effects, culminating in a dramatic confrontation with a preacher.

Fact: The film was inspired by Upton Sinclair's novel "Oil!", and Daniel Day-Lewis prepared for his role by studying the mannerisms of oil tycoons.

Description: This film dives into the life of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who becomes consumed by greed, leading to a life of excess, fraud, and eventual downfall. It's a vivid portrayal of how the pursuit of wealth can corrupt even the most charismatic individuals.

Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio improvised many of his lines, and the film's budget was so high that it was one of the most expensive ever made.

Description: Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel captures the opulence and moral decay of the Roaring Twenties, with Gatsby's pursuit of wealth and love driven by a deep-seated greed for acceptance.

Fact: The film's soundtrack was curated by Jay-Z, blending contemporary music with the era's jazz.

Description: This film dissects the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on the greed and shortsightedness of the financial sector, showing how a few saw the impending disaster and profited from it.

Fact: The film uses unconventional methods like celebrity cameos to explain complex financial concepts, making it both educational and entertaining.