10 Movies & Shows Like The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Description: A clear influence on 'The Wolf of Wall Street', 'Scarface' shares themes of unchecked ambition, wealth, and violence. Both Tony Montana and Jordan Belfort rise from nothing to immense wealth, only to be undone by their own hubris.

Fact: Directed by Brian De Palma and written by Oliver Stone. Initially criticized for its violence but now considered a classic. Al Pacino's performance as Tony Montana is legendary.

Description: A direct precursor to 'The Wolf of Wall Street', this film also explores the excesses of the financial world, with Gordon Gekko's 'Greed is good' mantra echoing Jordan Belfort's philosophy. Both films depict the rise and fall of their protagonists due to unethical practices.

Fact: Won Michael Douglas an Academy Award for Best Actor. Directed by Oliver Stone, known for his politically charged films. Inspired many to pursue careers in finance, ironically despite its cautionary tale.

Description: Another Martin Scorsese film, 'Casino' shares 'The Wolf of Wall Street's' lavish depiction of excess and moral decay. Both films are based on true stories and feature voice-over narration to guide the audience through complex plots.

Fact: Stars Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone. Sharon Stone received an Oscar nomination for her role. The film's depiction of Las Vegas' mob-controlled past is meticulously detailed.

Description: Shares the themes of excess, narcissism, and moral decay among the wealthy elite, much like 'The Wolf of Wall Street'. Both protagonists are obsessed with status and material possessions, though 'American Psycho' takes a darker, more surreal approach.

Fact: Based on the controversial novel by Bret Easton Ellis. Christian Bale's performance as Patrick Bateman is iconic. Initially received mixed reviews but has since gained a cult following.

Description: Shares the high-energy, morally ambiguous world of stockbrokers with 'The Wolf of Wall Street'. Both films showcase young, ambitious characters seduced by wealth and the fast-paced lifestyle of trading, though 'Boiler Room' focuses more on the fraudulent aspects of penny stocks.

Fact: Features early performances by Vin Diesel and Ben Affleck. Inspired by real-life boiler room operations. Often compared to 'Glengarry Glen Ross' for its intense sales scenes.

Description: Like 'The Wolf of Wall Street', 'Blow' is a rise-and-fall story of excess, detailing the life of drug trafficker George Jung. Both films glamorize their protagonists' lifestyles before showing the inevitable downfall.

Fact: Stars Johnny Depp in one of his most memorable roles. Based on the true story of George Jung, a key figure in the Medellín Cartel. Features a soundtrack with classic rock hits, enhancing its period feel.

Description: While not about finance, this film shares 'The Wolf of Wall Street's' themes of ambition, betrayal, and the dark side of success. Both films feature charismatic, flawed protagonists who achieve massive success but at a personal cost.

Fact: Directed by David Fincher with a screenplay by Aaron Sorkin. Won three Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay. Jesse Eisenberg's portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg is highly stylized and not entirely factual.

Description: Similar to 'The Wolf of Wall Street' in its exploration of financial excess and corruption, 'The Big Short' delves into the 2008 financial crisis with a darkly comedic tone. Both films critique the greed and recklessness of the financial industry, though 'The Big Short' takes a more analytical approach.

Fact: Directed by Adam McKay, known for his comedic background but took a sharp turn into drama with this film. Features breaking the fourth wall to explain complex financial concepts. Won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Description: Like 'The Wolf of Wall Street', this film provides a glimpse into the high-stakes world of finance, though with a more sober and tense atmosphere. Both films highlight the moral compromises and systemic issues within the financial industry.

Fact: Features an ensemble cast including Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, and Zachary Quinto. Set over a 24-hour period during the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis. J.C. Chandor's directorial debut, earning him an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

Description: Similar to 'The Wolf of Wall Street' in its depiction of young, ambitious men who exploit a system for personal gain, 'War Dogs' follows arms dealers who game the government contract system. Both films blend humor with a critique of unchecked ambition.

Fact: Based on a true story reported by Rolling Stone. Features Jonah Hill in a dramatic role, much like his performance in 'The Wolf of Wall Street'. Directed by Todd Phillips, who also directed 'The Hangover' series.