This curated list of films delves into the high-stakes world of finance, banking, stock markets, fraud, and Wall Street. These movies not only entertain but also educate viewers on the complexities and ethical quandaries of the financial sector. Whether you're a finance enthusiast or simply intrigued by tales of ambition, greed, and redemption, this collection offers a cinematic journey through the corridors of power and money.

Wall Street (1987)
Description: A classic tale of ambition and greed, this film follows a young stockbroker who becomes entangled with a ruthless corporate raider. It's an iconic look at the moral decay within the financial world.
Fact: The famous line "Greed, for lack of a better word, is good" was improvised by Michael Douglas.


Rogue Trader (1999)
Description: Based on the true story of Nick Leeson, whose unauthorized speculative trading caused the collapse of Barings Bank, this film examines the pressures and temptations within the banking industry.
Fact: Ewan McGregor gained weight for the role to portray Leeson's physical transformation over time.


Boiler Room (2000)
Description: This film explores the world of a brokerage firm that engages in pump-and-dump schemes, showing the allure and the dark side of quick money in the stock market.
Fact: The movie was inspired by the real-life experiences of former stockbrokers who worked in similar environments.


The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Description: This film chronicles the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who engages in rampant corruption and fraud on Wall Street. It's a vivid portrayal of excess, greed, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
Fact: The film was based on the memoir by Jordan Belfort. Leonardo DiCaprio improvised many of his lines, contributing to the film's raw energy.


The Big Short (2015)
Description: This movie explains the complex financial instruments that led to the 2008 housing market crash in an engaging and accessible way, focusing on the few who saw it coming and bet against the market.
Fact: The film uses celebrity cameos to break the fourth wall and explain financial jargon, making it both educational and entertaining.


Margin Call (2011)
Description: Set during the initial stages of the 2008 financial crisis, this film provides an insider's look at the decisions made by a Wall Street investment bank as it faces potential collapse. It's a tense, dialogue-driven drama about the ethics of finance.
Fact: The film was shot in just 17 days. Many of the characters were inspired by real-life figures from major financial institutions.


Inside Job (2010)
Description: This documentary investigates the causes of the global financial crisis of 2008, offering a critical analysis of the financial industry's practices and the systemic issues that led to the crisis.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.


Arbitrage (2012)
Description: Richard Gere stars as a hedge fund magnate who must cover up a deadly accident while trying to close a major deal, showcasing the lengths to which people will go to maintain their financial empires.
Fact: The film was shot in New York City, providing an authentic backdrop for the story's setting.


Too Big to Fail (2011)
Description: A dramatization of the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on the efforts of U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson to prevent an economic meltdown. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at the crisis management.
Fact: The film was based on the book by Andrew Ross Sorkin, which provided detailed accounts of the crisis.


The Bank (2001)
Description: This Australian film tells the story of a bank's unethical practices and a mathematician's attempt to expose them, highlighting the moral conflicts in the financial sector.
Fact: The film was inspired by real events involving the Australian banking industry.
