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Top 17 Finance Movies You Must Watch in 2024
By Nathalie Okde
31 May 2024
Think finance is boring? Think again. The world of money is full of drama, intrigue, and scandal—and Hollywood knows it. Here’s our list of the top 17 finance movies we think you shouldn’t miss this year.
We’ve got everything from modern hits to classic finance films. These movies cover stock trading, corporate takeovers, financial crashes, and everything in between.
Get ready to dive into stories like Wall Street's ambitious climb, The Big Short's market meltdown, and Inside Job's revealing truths.
List of Best Financial Movies to Watch in 2024
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Wall Street
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The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
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Inside Job
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Boiler Room
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The Big Short
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Trading Places
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Margin Call
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Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
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Enron - The Smartest Guys in the Room
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Too Big to Fail
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Untouchables
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The Social Network
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Barbarians at the Gate (1993)
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Capitalism: A Love Story
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Other People’s Money
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Startup.com
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Scam 1992
1. Wall Street
Theatrical Release Poster, Wikipedia
IMDb rating: 7.3/10
"Wall Street" is a classic finance movie directed by Oliver Stone that set the standards for all finance movies.
It follows the duo Gordon Gekko (played by Michael Douglas), a greedy financier, and Bud Fox (played by Charlie Seen), a young, ambitious stockbroker, in their journey of illegal insider trading.
Gekko is so greedy that his “Greed is Good” mantra still echoes years after the film's release. If you love yourself and have a good ethical dilemma, this movie perfectly fits you.
2. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Theatrical Release Poster, Wikipedia
IMDb rating: 8.2/10
Next on our best finance movies list is none other than “The Wolf of Wall Street.” It is a biographical black comedy directed by Martin Scorsese.
We’re still in illegal waters watching Jordan Belfort, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, use pump-and-dump schemes, money laundering, and securities fraud to manipulate stock prices and defraud investors.
The Wolf of Wall Street became a classic in Wall Street cinema for its intense scenes, dark humor, and commentary on greed and corruption in the financial industry.
3. Inside Job
Theatrical Release Poster, Wikipedia
IMDb rating: 8.2/10
"Inside Job" is an eye-opening documentary that dives deep into the 2008 financial crisis.
The film exposes how greed and corruption in the banking industry led to the collapse of the global economy.
What makes "Inside Job" stand out among the finance movies on this list is its simple yet powerful storytelling. In 2011, it won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, sparking conversations about financial regulation and accountability.
In summary, "Inside Job" is a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand how the financial crisis happened and why it is vital to hold those responsible accountable.
4. Boiler Room
Theatrical Release Poster, Wikipedia
IMDb rating: 7/10
“Boiler Room” Imagine a fast-paced drama where ambition meets deception in the high-stakes world of stock trading.
The story revolves around Seth Davis, a young and ambitious college dropout caught up in the world of shady stockbrokers. It makes you peek behind the curtain of Wall Street and see the less glamorous side of the financial world.
Plus, it features standout performances from actors like Giovanni Ribisi and Vin Diesel.
"Boiler Room" is a must-watch on our financial movies list, especially if you’re looking for a thrilling ride through the world of high finance.
5. The Big Short
Theatrical Release Poster, Wikipedia
IMDb rating: 7.8/10
“The Big Short” is part comedy, part drama, and all about the chaos of the 2008 financial crisis.
The story follows a group of eccentric investors who predict the housing market crash and decide to bet against it. They're basically the underdogs taking on the big banks, and watching them navigate the risky world of Wall Street is a thrill.
Also, “The Big Short” is one of the few financial movies that breaks the fourth wall. Characters speak directly to the audience and use quirky metaphors to explain complex economic concepts.
It received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
6. Trading Places
Theatrical Release Poster, Wikipedia
IMDb rating: 7.5/10
Trading Places is the perfect financial film if you want a financial film that’s a hilarious comedy but also teaches you a thing or two about the stock market.
The story follows two characters, one a wealthy broker and the other a streetwise con artist, whose swap lives as part of a bet between wealthy businessmen. It's a wild ride filled with mistaken identities, outrageous schemes, and the best chemistry between the stars Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd.
"Trading Places" was a hit at the box office and remains a beloved financial classic for its sharp humor and timeless themes.
7. Margin Call
Theatrical Release Poster, Wikipedia
IMDb rating: 7.1/10
“Margin Call” is another one of the financial crisis films that shows us behind the scenes of a financial crisis. The movie unfolds over a 24-hour period at a fictional investment bank as employees realize their firm is on the brink of collapsing due to risky mortgage-backed securities.
What makes "Margin Call" compelling is its intense atmosphere and stellar ensemble cast, including Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, and Stanley Tucci.
It's a gripping drama that sheds light on the ethical dilemmas and personal sacrifices faced by Wall Street employees.
8. Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
Theatrical Release Poster, Wikipedia
IMDb rating: 6.2/10
Next on our finance movies list is “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps”. It’s a sequel to “Wall Street,” bringing the greedy Gekko back to our lives after serving time in prison.
The plot revolves around Gekko's attempts to rebuild his relationship with his estranged daughter while navigating the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. Along the way, we're treated to a mix of corporate intrigue, personal drama, and moral ambiguity.
One simply can’t get enough of Gekko.
9. Enron – The Smartest Guys in the Room
Theatrical Release Poster, Wikipedia
IMDb rating: 7.6/10
"Enron—The Smartest Guys in the Room" is a jaw-dropping documentary that exposes one of the biggest corporate scandals in history.
Yes, it is a true story of Enron, once hailed as one of America's most innovative companies,
before its spectacular collapse due to massive accounting fraud and corporate greed. Through interviews with former employees, journalists, and whistleblowers, the film reveals the deceitful practices and toxic culture that led to Enron's downfall.
I just love financial documentaries.
10. Too Big to Fail
Theatrical Release Poster, Wikipedia
IMDb rating: 7.3/10
"Too Big to Fail" takes you behind the scenes of the government's response to the crisis, focusing on the key players involved in the bailout of major financial institutions.
Based on Andrew Ross Sorkin's book of the same name, the movie offers a gripping portrayal of the high-stakes negotiations and political maneuvering during one of the most turbulent periods in economic history.
11. Untouchables
Theatrical Release Poster, Wikipedia
IMDb rating: 7.8/10
"Untouchables” is a crime drama that follows the real-life story of Treasury agent Eliot Ness and his team as they try to take down notorious gangster Al Capone.
It became a big hit in the financial movies genre as it succeeded in capturing the imagination of audiences with its blend of historical drama and pulse-pounding suspense.
12. The Social Network
Theatrical Release Poster, Wikipedia
IMDb rating: 7.8/10
"The Social Network" tells the story of Facebook's founding and the following legal battles. Have you ever wondered how Facebook went from a dorm room project to a global phenomenon? This film provides a detailed answer.
The movie explores friendship, betrayal, and ambition through the eyes of Mark Zuckerberg and his fellow co-founders. “The Social Network” went viral with its dynamic characters winning Aaron Sorkin an Oscar.
It’s one of those financial movies that you must watch to understand exactly how the applications you’re using come to life.
13. Barbarians at the Gate (1993)
Theatrical Release Poster, Wikipedia
IMDb rating: 7.2/10
Step into the world of corporate America in the 1980s with "Barbarians at the Gate."
Based on a true story, this made-for-TV movie chronicles the leveraged buyout of RJR Nabisco, one of the most significant and controversial takeovers in history.
It succeeded in shedding light on corporate finance's ruthless world while providing a satirical commentary on greed and excess. I don’t know about you, but I love a good satire-rich film.
14. Capitalism: A Love Story
Theatrical Release Poster, Wikipedia
IMDb rating: 7.4/10
Next on our finance movies list is "Capitalism: A Love Story," which explores the impact of corporate greed and economic inequality on American society.
Through interviews, archival footage, and Moore's trademark blend of humor and outrage, the film challenges you to rethink your assumptions about the economy and the role of government.
"Capitalism: A Love Story" received mixed reviews but succeeded in sparking conversations about wealth distribution and social justice. It’s definitely thought-provoking and a financial film that can be discussed in most conversations.
15. Other People’s Money
Theatrical Release Poster, Wikipedia
IMDb rating: 6.2/10
Ready for a corporate showdown? "Other People’s Money" is a comedy-drama that pits a small-town businessman against a ruthless corporate raider.
The movie follows the battle for control of a struggling company and explores themes of corporate ethics, greed, and the human cost of capitalism.
16. Startup.com
Theatrical Release Poster, Wikipedia
IMDb rating: 7.1/10
"Startup.com" gives you a front-row seat to the rise and fall of a dot-com company during the late 1990s.
The documentary follows childhood friends Tom Herman and Kaleil Isaza Tuzman as they navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.
With its intimate access and candid portrayal of the dot-com bubble, "Startup.com" offers a closer look at the challenges of building a business in the digital age.
17. Scam 1992
Theatrical Release Poster, Wikipedia
IMDb rating: 9.2/10
Last but not least on our finance movies list is “Scam 1992”. It’s a gripping web Indian series based on the true story of Harshad Mehta, a stockbroker who orchestrated one of India's biggest financial scams.
Did you also notice the number of troublemaking stockbrokers in the best finance movies in history?
“Scam 1992” became a runaway hit with its compelling storyline, complex characters, and attention to detail. The series received widespread critical acclaim and is praised as one of the best Indian web series of all time.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan of some hardcore thriller or an eye-opening documentary, our top 17 finance movies have a pick for you. So, grab some popcorn and prepare these movies for your next movie night. And, if you’re looking to kickstart your trading journey, join us! We’d love to help.
FAQs
Which Movie Is Based on the Stock Market?
"The Wolf of Wall Street" and "Wall Street" are the most well-known financial films on the stock market. While there are multiple stock trading movies, these two are the leading in their genre.
What Is the Finance Movie About the Crash?
“The Big Short” is one of the best financial crisis films. It depicts the financial crisis by breaking down complex financial concepts in a way that's easy to understand. They even use funny and straightforward explanations to make sure you get what's going on.
What Is the Financial Advice Documentary on Netflix?
“Money Explained” is a great pick if you’re looking for a financial advice documentary on Netflix. Each episode covers different aspects of personal finance, such as credit cards, student loans, gambling, and retirement.
It uses engaging visuals and clear explanations to help viewers grasp complex financial concepts.
What Is the Movie about Financial Status?
"The Pursuit of Happyness" is a great classic about financial status. This film stars Will Smith and tells the true story of Chris Gardner, who goes from being homeless to becoming a successful stockbroker.
It’s a great film that shows how financial status can affect every aspect of life and how it can be changed with dedication and hard work.
