Dive into the world of high finance and high stakes with our selection of action films centered around the theme of bankruptcy. These movies not only deliver adrenaline-pumping action but also explore the human side of financial ruin, showcasing how desperation can lead to extraordinary measures. From heists to corporate espionage, these films offer a thrilling look at what happens when money runs out.

The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)
Description: A wealthy art thief orchestrates a heist to stave off boredom and financial loss from his investments. While not directly about bankruptcy, the film explores the thrill of financial risk-taking.
Fact: The film features a famous chess game scene between Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo.


The Bank Job (2008)
Description: This film is about a group of thieves who plan to rob a bank vault, which contains not only money but also compromising photos of a royal figure. The financial desperation of the characters drives them to take extreme risks, making it a perfect fit for this list.
Fact: The film is loosely based on the real-life 1971 Baker Street robbery in London.


Out of Time (2003)
Description: A police chief, framed for murder, must solve the crime to clear his name and avoid financial ruin due to his involvement in a corrupt scheme. The film blends action with the personal stakes of financial collapse.
Fact: Denzel Washington's character uses his detective skills to navigate through the plot's twists and turns.


The Italian Job (2003)
Description: After a heist goes wrong, a team of thieves must pull off another job to recover their stolen gold, driven by the need to avoid financial ruin. The film combines action with the theme of financial desperation.
Fact: The film features a memorable chase scene with Mini Coopers through the streets of Los Angeles.


Inside Man (2006)
Description: A bank heist movie where the robbers' plan involves creating a financial crisis for the bank, leading to a tense standoff with the police. The film's clever plot twists and financial motivations make it a standout.
Fact: Spike Lee directed this film, which was his first mainstream Hollywood movie.


The Town (2010)
Description: A group of bank robbers in Boston, driven by financial desperation, execute heists with increasing risk. The film explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of living on the edge of financial ruin.
Fact: Ben Affleck, who directed and starred in the film, grew up in the neighborhood where the story is set.


The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Description: While not directly about bankruptcy, this film showcases the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort, whose financial empire crumbles due to his excessive lifestyle and illegal activities, leading to personal and professional bankruptcy.
Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio improvised many of his lines, including the famous "I'm not leaving!" scene.


The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009)
Description: A subway train is hijacked in New York City, with the hijackers demanding a ransom to avoid financial ruin. The film's intense action and the financial motivations of the criminals make it a gripping watch.
Fact: The film is a remake of the 1974 movie of the same name.


The Big Short (2015)
Description: This film delves into the 2007-2008 financial crisis, focusing on the individuals who predicted the market's collapse. Their financial strategies to profit from the impending bankruptcy of major financial institutions make it a compelling watch.
Fact: The film uses celebrity cameos to explain complex financial concepts in an accessible way.


Margin Call (2011)
Description: Set during the early stages of the financial crisis, this film follows the key players at an investment bank as they realize their firm is on the brink of bankruptcy. The tension and action revolve around their desperate attempts to save the company.
Fact: The film was shot in just 17 days.
