10 Movies and Shows Similar to Billions (2016)

Description: As a seminal film about financial corruption, 'Wall Street' directly influenced 'Billions'. Both feature ambitious young men seduced by the power and excess of high finance, with older mentor figures (Gordon Gekko and Bobby Axelrod) representing the dark side of capitalism. The iconic 'Greed is good' speech parallels many of Axe's philosophies.

Fact: Oliver Stone based Gordon Gekko on several real financiers. Charlie Sheen's father Martin Sheen plays his on-screen father. The film popularized the term 'hostile takeover' in mainstream culture.

Description: While set in a different era, 'Mad Men' shares with 'Billions' its exploration of power dynamics, psychological manipulation, and the personal costs of ambition. Both shows feature deeply flawed protagonists (Don Draper and Bobby Axelrod) who are masters of their domains but struggle with personal demons. The sophisticated dialogue and examination of corporate culture are strong parallels.

Fact: Jon Hamm auditioned for the role of Don Draper twice before being cast. The show's creator, Matthew Weiner, wrote the pilot in 1999 but couldn't get it produced until

Description: This Martin Scorsese film shares with 'Billions' its exploration of excess, corruption, and the dark side of Wall Street. Both depict charismatic but morally bankrupt financiers (Jordan Belfort and Bobby Axelrod) who push legal boundaries. The high-energy tone and examination of wealth's intoxicating effects are strong parallels.

Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio improvised the famous 'sell me this pen' scene. The real Jordan Belfort has a cameo in the film. The film holds the record for most F-words in a non-documentary film (569).

Description: This legal-political drama shares with 'Billions' its focus on power, corruption, and the intersection of law and finance. Both shows feature strong female characters navigating male-dominated worlds (Alicia Florrick and Wendy Rhoades). The intricate plotting and examination of moral compromises in high-stakes environments are key similarities.

Fact: The show was inspired by several political sex scandals, including those of Eliot Spitzer and Bill Clinton. Julianna Margulies turned down a $27 million contract to continue on ER to star in 'The Good Wife'. The show's creators used real Chicago locations to add authenticity to the legal scenes.

Description: This financial crisis drama shares with 'Billions' its insider's look at Wall Street's complex mechanisms. Both use innovative techniques to explain financial concepts (breaking the fourth wall in 'The Big Short', Wendy's therapy sessions in 'Billions'). The films similarly expose the moral rot at finance's core while maintaining an entertaining tone.

Fact: Director Adam McKay cast comedians in serious roles to subvert expectations. The real Michael Burry appears in a cameo. The Margot Robbie in a bathtub explanation scene was filmed in one take.

Description: Like 'Billions', 'Suits' revolves around high-stakes legal battles, power struggles, and sharp-witted characters in a competitive environment. Both shows feature protagonists who are brilliant but morally ambiguous, navigating complex professional landscapes. The fast-paced dialogue and strategic maneuvering are key similarities.

Fact: 'Suits' was originally pitched as 'A Legal Mind' but was renamed to avoid confusion with the film 'A Beautiful Mind'. The show's creator, Aaron Korsh, initially wanted the main character to be a math genius rather than a legal prodigy. Meghan Markle's role as Rachel Zane was her breakout performance before becoming the Duchess of Sussex.

Description: Like 'Billions', this political thriller features high-stakes power plays, morally ambiguous characters, and rapid-fire dialogue. Olivia Pope and Chuck Rhoades are both fixers who manipulate systems to their advantage. The shows share a similar intensity in their depiction of Washington D.C. and New York power circles.

Fact: Kerry Washington was the first Black woman to lead a network drama in nearly 40 years. The show popularized the term 'gladiator' for Olivia's team. Many plotlines were inspired by real political scandals.

Description: Like 'Billions', this political drama explores themes of power, manipulation, and ruthless ambition. Both Frank Underwood and Bobby Axelrod are charismatic antiheroes who break the fourth wall to share their strategies with viewers. The shows share a similar tone of dark sophistication and moral ambiguity.

Fact: Kevin Spacey helped develop his character by studying Shakespearean villains like Richard III. The show was Netflix's first major original series. The iconic knocking-on-the-table scene in the finale was improvised by Robin Wright.

Description: Aaron Sorkin's drama shares with 'Billions' its fast-paced, intelligent dialogue and examination of power structures. While set in a newsroom rather than finance, both shows feature idealistic protagonists (Will McAvoy and Chuck Rhoades) fighting systemic corruption. The shows similarly blend professional drama with personal relationships.

Fact: Jeff Daniels learned to type without looking at the keyboard for his role. Many storylines were inspired by real news events. The famous 'America is not the greatest country' monologue was performed in one continuous take.

Description: This HBO drama shares with 'Billions' its focus on extreme wealth, family dynamics in business, and power struggles in high finance. Both shows feature razor-sharp dialogue, complex character relationships, and examinations of how immense wealth affects personal morality. The Roy family's media empire parallels Axe Capital's hedge fund in terms of influence and ruthlessness.

Fact: The show's creator, Jesse Armstrong, previously worked as a political satirist. Many scenes are improvised, especially those involving Kieran Culkin's character. The theme song was composed by Nicholas Britell, who also scored 'The Big Short'.