10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Margin Call (2011)

Description: Like 'Margin Call', 'Wall Street' is a gripping portrayal of the high-stakes world of finance, focusing on greed, corruption, and moral ambiguity. Both films highlight the intense pressure and ethical compromises in the pursuit of profit. The character-driven narratives and tense atmospheres make them compelling critiques of the financial industry.

Fact: Oliver Stone directed the film, inspired by his father's career as a stockbroker. The phrase 'Greed is good' became iconic after this movie. Charlie Sheen's character was partly based on real-life trader Ivan Boesky.

Description: While not about finance per se, this film shares with 'Margin Call' a high-pressure, dialogue-driven exploration of moral compromise and desperation in a competitive environment. Both films use tight, intense scenes to reveal the cutthroat nature of their respective worlds, with stellar ensemble casts delivering powerful performances.

Fact: Based on David Mamet's Pulitzer-winning play. Alec Baldwin's 'Always be closing' speech was written specifically for the film. The film's title refers to two real estate properties mentioned in the story.

Description: This film, like 'Margin Call', is based on true events and examines the catastrophic consequences of unchecked risk-taking in finance. Both stories unfold with escalating tension as the protagonists' decisions lead to inevitable disaster, offering a cautionary tale about the dangers of financial hubris.

Fact: Stars Ewan McGregor as Nick Leeson. Leeson's actions led to the collapse of Barings Bank. The film was shot in part at the actual Singapore trading floor.

Description: This film shares with 'Margin Call' a focus on the cutthroat, high-pressure environment of finance, particularly the ethical compromises and personal costs involved. Both movies depict young professionals navigating morally ambiguous situations, with fast-paced dialogue and a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere that mirrors the intensity of trading floors.

Fact: Ben Younger wrote the script after interviewing real brokers. Vin Diesel's role was a departure from his typical action-hero persona. The film is often compared to 'Glengarry Glen Ross' for its sales-driven narrative.

Description: While more flamboyant than 'Margin Call', this film shares its critique of excess and corruption in finance. Both movies depict the seductive power of wealth and the ethical decay it can foster, though 'The Wolf of Wall Street' takes a more satirical and hyperbolic approach to these themes.

Fact: Based on Jordan Belfort's memoir. Leonardo DiCaprio improvised many scenes. It's Martin Scorsese's highest-grossing film.

Description: Like 'Margin Call', this film examines the human cost of corporate downsizing and financial instability. Both movies portray the personal toll of economic crises, focusing on characters grappling with identity and survival in the face of professional upheaval.

Fact: Features an ensemble cast including Ben Affleck and Tommy Lee Jones. Writer/director John Wells drew on his own experiences. The film highlights the impact of the Great Recession on white-collar workers.

Description: Similar to 'Margin Call' in its exploration of the financial crisis, 'The Big Short' delves into the complexities of the 2008 financial meltdown with a sharp, analytical approach. Both films use a high-stakes, fast-paced narrative to expose the moral and systemic failures within the financial industry. They also share a focus on the human element behind the numbers, portraying the tension and ethical dilemmas faced by those involved.

Fact: The film is based on the non-fiction book by Michael Lewis. Director Adam McKay, known for comedies, took a dramatic turn with this film. It features breaking the fourth wall to explain complex financial concepts.

Description: As a dramatization of the 2008 financial crisis, 'Too Big to Fail' parallels 'Margin Call' in its behind-the-scenes look at the decisions that led to the economic collapse. Both films emphasize the human drama and high-stakes decision-making in boardrooms, offering a critical view of the financial system's fragility.

Fact: Based on Andrew Ross Sorkin's book of the same name. William Hurt received an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Henry Paulson. The film was praised for its accurate depiction of real-life events.

Description: Similar to 'Margin Call', 'Arbitrage' explores themes of risk, deception, and moral compromise in the financial world. Both films feature protagonists facing personal and professional crises, with tension arising from the potential collapse of their carefully constructed lives. The sleek, high-stakes environments in both movies underscore the allure and peril of wealth and power.

Fact: Richard Gere's performance was widely acclaimed. The film marked Nicholas Jarecki's directorial debut. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

Description: 'Equity' shares with 'Margin Call' a focus on the personal and professional challenges faced by women in the male-dominated finance industry. Both films provide a nuanced look at power dynamics and ethical dilemmas, with a tense, intelligent script that avoids melodrama.

Fact: Written by and starring women, a rarity in finance films. The film was praised for its authentic portrayal of Wall Street. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.