10 Must-Watch Films About Corruption

Description: A classic tale of investigative journalism, this film follows the Washington Post reporters who uncovered the Watergate scandal, leading to the resignation of President Nixon.

Fact: The film was shot in the actual Washington Post newsroom, and many of the actors portrayed real-life figures involved in the scandal.

Description: This film explores the potential for nuclear power plant corruption and the cover-up of safety issues, eerily predicting the Three Mile Island accident which occurred just weeks after its release.

Fact: The film's title refers to a hypothetical nuclear meltdown scenario where the core could theoretically melt through the Earth to China.

Description: This film portrays the battle against Al Capone's corrupt empire during the Prohibition era, focusing on the efforts of Eliot Ness and his team to bring down the notorious gangster.

Fact: The famous "Untouchables" team was actually much larger than depicted in the film, with over 50 members at its peak.

Description: This film tells the story of a tobacco executive who becomes a whistleblower, exposing the industry's knowledge of the dangers of smoking, showcasing corporate corruption at its finest.

Fact: The film was inspired by a real 60 Minutes segment, and Al Pacino's character is based on the real-life CBS producer Lowell Bergman.

Description: A complex narrative that interweaves stories of corruption in the oil industry, political intrigue, and the impact of global energy politics, offering a multifaceted look at corruption.

Fact: George Clooney gained 35 pounds for his role and performed many of his own stunts, including a scene where his character is tortured.

Description: Set in Kenya, this film explores pharmaceutical corruption, where a diplomat investigates the murder of his activist wife, uncovering a conspiracy involving drug testing on unsuspecting locals.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Kenya, and the story is loosely based on real events involving pharmaceutical companies in Africa.

Description: This film dives into the world of Wall Street excess, showcasing the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who engages in rampant corruption and fraud. It's a wild ride through the excesses of the 90s financial scene.

Fact: The film was based on the real-life memoir of Jordan Belfort. Leonardo DiCaprio gained 30 pounds for his role to portray Belfort's indulgent lifestyle.

Description: A ghostwriter hired to complete the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister uncovers secrets that suggest political corruption and a conspiracy at the highest levels of government.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life memoirs of Tony Blair, though the story is entirely fictional.

Description: This film unravels the complex web of corruption and greed that led to the 2008 financial crisis. It uses humor and innovative storytelling to explain how a few savvy investors saw the collapse coming.

Fact: The film features cameos by real-life figures like Anthony Bourdain and Selena Gomez, who help explain financial concepts in an accessible way.

Description: Based on true events, 'Spotlight' follows the Boston Globe's investigative team as they uncover a massive scandal involving child molestation and cover-up within the Catholic Church, highlighting institutional corruption.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2016, and its script was based on extensive research and interviews with the real journalists involved.