10 Movies & Shows Like Wall Street (1987)

Description: A sharp-witted comedy-drama about corporate raiders and the ethical dilemmas of hostile takeovers, blending humor with serious financial themes.

Fact: The film is based on a Pulitzer Prize-nominated play of the same name. Danny DeVito's character, Larry the Liquidator, became iconic for his ruthless yet charismatic portrayal of a corporate raider.

Description: A gritty, intense drama about the pressures and moral compromises in the world of sales, with a focus on ruthless competition and desperation.

Fact: The film's famous 'Always Be Closing' monologue was written specifically for the movie and does not appear in the original play. The play's author, David Mamet, also wrote the screenplay.

Description: A true-story drama about unchecked ambition and financial recklessness, leading to catastrophic consequences in the banking sector.

Fact: The film is based on the autobiography of Nick Leeson, whose unauthorized trading led to the collapse of Barings Bank. It was shot on location in London and Singapore.

Description: A dark satire of materialism and superficiality in the corporate world, featuring a protagonist whose psychopathy is intertwined with his professional life.

Fact: The film's violent content sparked controversy upon release, but it has since gained a cult following. The role of Patrick Bateman was initially offered to several A-list actors before Christian Bale was cast.

Description: Explores the cutthroat world of stockbrokers, focusing on young, ambitious individuals drawn into unethical practices for quick wealth.

Fact: The film's script was heavily influenced by real-life stories of brokers working in 'chop shops.' Many of the sales tactics depicted were based on actual techniques used in fraudulent brokerage firms.

Description: A high-energy portrayal of excess, greed, and corruption in the financial world, featuring charismatic yet morally ambiguous characters.

Fact: The film is based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, whose memoir inspired the screenplay. It holds the record for the most uses of the word 'fuck' in a non-documentary film.

Description: A poignant drama about the human cost of corporate downsizing, focusing on the personal and professional struggles of laid-off executives.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life experiences of screenwriter John Wells during the 2008 financial crisis. It features a strong ensemble cast, including Ben Affleck and Tommy Lee Jones.

Description: A sharp, satirical take on the financial industry's collapse, highlighting the greed and systemic failures that led to the 2008 crisis.

Fact: The film uses unconventional storytelling techniques, including breaking the fourth wall, to explain complex financial concepts. It won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Description: A tense, dialogue-driven drama that delves into the ethical dilemmas and high-stakes decisions during a financial crisis.

Fact: The film was shot in just 17 days, and much of the dialogue was improvised by the cast. It was praised for its accuracy in depicting the 2008 financial collapse.

Description: A thriller centered around a wealthy hedge fund manager whose fraudulent activities and personal misdeeds threaten to unravel his empire.

Fact: Richard Gere's performance was widely praised, earning him a Golden Globe nomination. The film explores themes of moral ambiguity and the consequences of unchecked ambition.