Money makes the world go round, but what happens when you're in over your head with debt? This curated list dives into the cinematic universe of credit, loans, and financial struggles. Whether you're a finance enthusiast or just love a good story, these films offer a thrilling look at the consequences of borrowing, the allure of wealth, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of economic hardship. From heart-wrenching dramas to edge-of-your-seat thrillers, these movies will keep you hooked while shedding light on the complex world of credit.

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Description: Based on a true story, this film follows a struggling salesman who takes custody of his son while juggling homelessness, joblessness, and an unpaid internship, all while dealing with credit issues.
Fact: The title misspelling is intentional, reflecting a typo on a mural in the film.


The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Description: Based on the memoir of Jordan Belfort, this film showcases the rise and fall of a stockbroker who engages in rampant corruption, fraud, and excess, all fueled by easy credit and greed.
Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio improvised many of his lines, including the infamous "I'm not leaving!" scene.


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, highlighting the personal impact of economic downturns and credit issues.
Fact: The film was inspired by director John Wells' own experiences with corporate layoffs.


The Big Short (2015)
Description: This film delves into the housing market collapse of the mid-2000s, where a few savvy investors bet against the American economy, predicting the credit crisis. It's a must-watch for understanding the intricacies of credit and financial markets.
Fact: The film uses a unique narrative technique, breaking the fourth wall to explain complex financial concepts through celebrity cameos like Margot Robbie in a bubble bath.


Margin Call (2011)
Description: Set during the initial stages of the 2008 financial crisis, this film follows a Wall Street investment bank as it discovers its exposure to the subprime mortgage market, leading to a frantic 24-hour scramble to save the firm.
Fact: The film was inspired by real events at Lehman Brothers, though the characters are fictional.


Inside Job (2010)
Description: This documentary investigates the causes of the global financial crisis of 2008, focusing on the systemic corruption of the financial industry and the role of credit default swaps.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in


Arbitrage (2012)
Description: A hedge fund magnate tries to cover up a financial scandal involving a bad investment, showing the lengths to which people will go to protect their credit and reputation.
Fact: Richard Gere was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance in this film.


Too Big to Fail (2011)
Description: This HBO film dramatizes the events of the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on the decisions made by key figures in the U.S. government and financial institutions to prevent a total economic collapse.
Fact: The film was based on the book by Andrew Ross Sorkin, who also served as a consultant for the film.


Money Monster (2016)
Description: A TV financial expert is taken hostage on-air by an investor who lost everything due to a bad stock tip, exposing the dark side of financial advice and the credit system.
Fact: The film was shot in real-time to capture the intensity of the hostage situation.


The Bank (2001)
Description: An Australian thriller where a bank executive faces a moral dilemma when a mathematician discovers a pattern in the bank's loan approvals, leading to a battle over credit and ethics.
Fact: The film was one of the first to explore the ethical implications of financial algorithms.
