10 Movies & Shows Like Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)

Description: Oliver Stone's classic shares with 'Glengarry Glen Ross' a cynical view of American capitalism and the moral compromises people make for success. Both feature iconic performances (Baldwin's in 'Glengarry', Douglas's in 'Wall Street') that define ruthless business mentalities.

Fact: The 'Greed is good' speech was based on real statements by arbitrageur Ivan Boesky. Charlie Sheen's father Martin Sheen plays his on-screen father. The film inspired many young people to pursue careers in finance.

Description: This corporate takeover drama shares 'Glengarry Glen Ross's' focus on ruthless business tactics and the human cost of capitalism. Both feature charismatic but morally questionable protagonists who excel at high-pressure negotiations.

Fact: Danny DeVito's character was inspired by real corporate raiders. The courtroom speech about capitalism was widely shown in business schools. Gregory Peck was originally considered for the lead role.

Description: Like 'Glengarry Glen Ross', this film explores moral courage versus corporate loyalty through intense dialogue scenes. Both feature protagonists who must choose between their careers and doing what's right, though 'The Insider' is based on true events.

Fact: Russell Crowe gained 35 pounds for his role. The real Jeffrey Wigand served as a consultant on the film. Al Pacino's character is based on real '60 Minutes' producer Lowell Bergman.

Description: Shares 'Glengarry Glen Ross's' critique of 1980s corporate culture and masculine identity. Both feature protagonists obsessed with status symbols and business card one-upmanship, though 'American Psycho' takes these themes to violent extremes.

Fact: Christian Bale based his performance on Tom Cruise's intense interview demeanor. The film was controversial, with protests during production. All the business cards shown were real designs from the 1980s.

Description: Shares with 'Glengarry Glen Ross' the intense focus on sales culture and the psychological toll of high-pressure environments. Both films feature young men desperate to prove themselves in cutthroat business worlds, with moral compromises and ethical dilemmas at their core.

Fact: Ben Affleck's motivational speech was inspired by Alec Baldwin's famous 'Always Be Closing' monologue from 'Glengarry Glen Ross'. Many real stockbrokers have said the film accurately portrays the culture of brokerage firms. Vin Diesel learned about stock trading from real brokers to prepare for his role.

Description: Similar to 'Glengarry Glen Ross' in its portrayal of high-pressure sales environments and morally ambiguous characters. Both films explore themes of greed, ambition, and the dark side of the American Dream. The fast-paced, dialogue-heavy storytelling style is also reminiscent of 'Glengarry Glen Ross'.

Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio improvised many of his lines, including the famous 'sell me this pen' scene. The real Jordan Belfort makes a cameo as the MC introducing DiCaprio's character at the end of the film. It holds the record for most uses of the F-word in a non-documentary film (569 times).

Description: Examines the personal toll of corporate downsizing, similar to how 'Glengarry Glen Ross' shows the desperation of salesmen facing obsolescence. Both films explore masculine identity tied to professional success.

Fact: Writer/director John Wells drew on his father's experience with layoffs. Ben Affleck lost 25 pounds for his role. The film was shot in just 33 days.

Description: While more focused on systemic issues than individual salesmanship, it shares 'Glengarry Glen Ross's' darkly comic take on financial corruption. Both use innovative storytelling techniques to expose the ugly realities behind American business myths.

Fact: Director Adam McKay used celebrity cameos to explain complex financial concepts. The real Michael Burry (played by Christian Bale) is a metal drummer who posts his performances online. Steve Carell's character is based on real investor Steve Eisman, who visited the set.

Description: Like 'Glengarry Glen Ross', this film examines the human cost of financial systems through sharp dialogue and tense interpersonal dynamics. Both explore themes of moral compromise in business, though 'Margin Call' focuses more on the systemic level while 'Glengarry' examines individual salesmen.

Fact: The film was shot in just 17 days. Writer/director J.C. Chandor's father worked at Merrill Lynch for 40 years. The entire script was only 82 pages long, unusually short for a feature film.

Description: Like 'Glengarry Glen Ross', this film shows the dark side of the American Dream through a charismatic but ruthless protagonist. Both explore themes of ambition, betrayal, and the cost of success in business.

Fact: Michael Keaton spent time with the real Ray Kroc's widow for research. The McDonald's brothers were played by real-life brothers Nick and John Carroll Lynch. The film's budget was just $7 million.