Top 10 Detective Films About Bankers

Description: While not directly about banking, it involves a tobacco industry whistleblower and the investigation by a 60 Minutes producer. The financial implications and corporate cover-ups make it relevant to this list.

Fact: Al Pacino and Russell Crowe both received Academy Award nominations for their roles.

Description: This film dives into the real-life 1971 Baker Street robbery, where a group of amateur thieves tunneled into a bank vault, uncovering more than just cash. It's a perfect blend of heist and detective work, as the police and MI5 scramble to cover up the scandal.

Fact: The film was inspired by a real event, but many details were changed to protect the identities of those involved. The actual contents of the safety deposit boxes remain a mystery to this day.

Description: An Interpol agent and an American attorney team up to take down a corrupt bank that's involved in arms dealing and money laundering. The film is a global chase, with detective work at its core.

Fact: The film's climax was shot in the Guggenheim Museum in New York, which was a logistical challenge due to the museum's unique architecture.

Description: While not strictly a detective film, it features the FBI's investigation into the fraudulent activities of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who lived a life of excess. The film showcases the detective work in unraveling Belfort's financial schemes.

Fact: The film was based on Belfort's memoir, and Leonardo DiCaprio improvised many of his lines, adding to the film's raw energy.

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows Mark Whitacre, an executive who turns informant for the FBI to expose price-fixing at his company. It's a detective story within the corporate world, with financial implications at its heart.

Fact: Matt Damon gained weight for the role to accurately portray Whitacre's physical transformation over the years.

Description: This film follows several investors who bet against the U.S. housing market, predicting the financial crisis of 2007-2008. It's a detective story in its own right, as these characters piece together the signs of the impending collapse.

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

Description: Set during the initial stages of the 2008 financial crisis, this film follows the key players at an investment bank as they realize the firm is on the brink of collapse. It's a detective story of sorts, as they uncover the extent of their exposure.

Fact: The film was shot in just 17 days, and many of the actors improvised their lines to capture the chaotic atmosphere of a financial institution in crisis.

Description: This HBO film dramatizes the events of the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on the efforts of Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson to prevent an economic meltdown. It's a detective story of sorts, as they piece together the puzzle of the crisis.

Fact: The film was based on the book by Andrew Ross Sorkin, who had unprecedented access to key players during the crisis.

Description: While the protagonist is an accountant, his work for criminal organizations and his detective-like skills in uncovering financial fraud make this film relevant. It's a thrilling mix of action and financial investigation.

Fact: Ben Affleck underwent extensive training to portray the autistic accountant with high-functioning autism.

Description: This Australian film tells the story of a bank's unethical practices and the subsequent investigation by a mathematician who uncovers a massive fraud. It's a tale of financial intrigue and detective work.

Fact: The film was inspired by real events in the Australian banking sector.