The 10 Best Finance and Wall Street Movies
In the world of finance and Wall Street, where high stakes, big trade sessions, and intense rivalries dominate, the silver screen often seeks to capture the drama and highlight the truth of the finance world.
The film industry has given us many great finance and Wall Street movies. We have listed the top 10 films in the post below.
Here you go with the list:
- The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Directed by Martin Scorsese “The Wolf of Wall Street” is an engaging biographical black comedy film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio who delivered a great performance as Jordan Belfort. His role portrays a stockbroker who became rich by practicing illegal methods.
Based on Belfort’s memoir of the same name, the movie tells the story of his meteoric rise, reckless behavior, drug indulgence, and downfall within the financial industry.
- Margin Call (2011)
Set during the early stages of the 2007-2008 financial crisis, Margin Call is a gripping drama film that takes place over a 24-hour timeframe at an investment bank.
The film delves into the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by bankers as they realize the consequences of their actions. With a talented cast including actors like Jeremy Irons, Stanley Tucci, and Kevin Spacey, the movie explores the repercussions of their actions.
- Wall Street (1987)
Wall Street features Michael Douglas in the role of Gordon Gekko, a rich and unscrupulous stockbroker. Directed by Oliver Stone, the story revolves around Gekko taking a young stockbroker named Bud Fox, portrayed by Charlie Sheen, under his wing.
As Gekko uses his dirty tricks to manipulate the stock market for personal gains, Fox becomes entangled in his unfair schemes. The film explores the corruption and unfair practices prevailing in the financial industry.
- The Big Short (2015)
The Big Short is a film adaptation of a book of the same name by Michael Lewis. It is a story of a group of investors who predicted the meltdown of the housing market and decided to bet against it.
The film features a stellar cast including Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt, and Steve Carell. The movie presents a thought-provoking narrative and offers an insightful perspective on the financial market and the events that ultimately led to the 2008 financial market crash.
- Boiler Room (2000)
Boiler Room is a compelling crime drama featuring Vin Diesel, Giovanni Ribisi, and Ben Affleck. Directed by Ben Younger, the plot of the movie centres around Seth Davis, played by Ribisi, a college dropout who secures a job at a brokerage firm only to find out it to be a pump-and-dump scheme.
As Davis becomes entwined with the company and its unethical practices, he is forced to uphold his moral values or lose himself to the allure of wealth and success.
- Trading Places (1983)
Trading Places is more of a comedy film that unravels the tale of two wealthy brothers who make a bet on whether nurture or nature is the key to success.
To test their hypothesis, they force a poor street hustler and prosperous commodities broker to switch their lives. As Murphy and Aykroyd adapt to their newfound realities, they gradually understand the challenges faced by others and begin to question the morality of their actions.
- American Psycho (2000)
American Psycho is a classic movie in the history of Wall Street cinema. With Christian Bale in the lead role, the movie revolves around the world of Patrick Bateman, a successful investment banker who is also a serial killer.
As the movie progresses, Bateman’s obsession with his status and materialism leads him on a journey of violence and hysteria.
- Equity (2016)
Equity tells the story of Naomi Bishop, a seasoned investment banker who is determined to seal the most important deal of her career. But unfortunately, her morals and ambitions are put to the test when a younger colleague uncovers compromising information that would jeopardize the deal’s progress.
The film highlights the theme of gender discrimination, and how women face unique challenges in the finance industry.
- Rogue Trader (1999)
Based on real events, Rogue Trader tells the story of Nick Leeson whose actions led to the 1995 downfall of Barings Bank. The film follows his rise from the position of clerk to an esteemed position.
However, his success made him greedier as he wanted more money. The film delves into the themes of deception, greed, and the consequences that follow.
- The Wizard of Lies (2017)
The Wizard of Lies tells the story of Bernie Madoff, the mastermind behind the biggest Ponzi scheme in U.S. history. This film highlights the rise and fall of Madoff.
The movie delves into the impact of Madoff’s deception on the people around him and how their financial lives are spoiled by his action.
Final Words
The world of finance provides a rich backdrop for some captivating stories. Watch these movies to get a diverse perspective on the finance sector. These movies are suitable for everyone, including those who are not involved in this industry.