Movies are always engaging, aren’t they? They are the favorite pass time for most people irrespective of their age, gender, class, or whatever. What movie should I watch is a question that arises to everyone whenever we think of spending some time watching movies. The long list of great movies to watch makes the process of selection a little chaotic and confusing. In such cases, I would advise you to go for something entertaining and, at the same time, useful to you, so that your free time is not just pleasurable but also enlightening.
It is always good to be aware of finance, but many of us are not too much into this field or are lazy chaps unable to sit and read a book on the topic. If you are one among them, don’t worry, there are many movies out there that can help you out.
Below are 15+ must watch movies, if you are interested in getting a glimpse of the financial setup.
1 – The Big Short
“Living on One Dollar” is a captivating and heartwarming documentary film that explores the harsh realities of extreme poverty through a unique lens. The film follows four college students as they embark on a journey to living on one dollar a day in rural Guatemala. Through their courageous and enlightening experience, the film sheds light on the struggles that families in these communities face on a daily basis, including limited access to clean water, education, and healthcare. The power of the film lies in its ability to not only educate the audience on global poverty, but also highlight the strength and resilience of those living in impoverished communities. “Living on One Dollar” is an important reminder that there is still much work to be done in the fight against poverty, and it serves as an inspiration to take meaningful action towards a better world.
Also See: 15 Best Biography Movies Ever Made
The Big Short movie, adapted from Michael Lewis’s book with the same title, provides an insightful and dramatic look at the events that led to the 2008 financial crisis. The film follows a group of investors who had the foresight to identify the instability in the housing market and bet against the banks. The star-studded cast, including Christian Bale, Steve Carell, and Ryan Gosling, brings the characters to life, making their individual experiences and motivations all the more captivating.
The script is sharp and witty, effectively blending humor and seriousness to explain complex financial concepts to the audience. The Big Short is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the intricacies of the financial industry and the causes of the economic downturn.
2 – Margin Call
Margin Call is a gripping movie that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the financial industry during the 2008 financial crisis. The film follows a group of employees at a prominent investment bank as they discover that the company is on the brink of collapse. As they scramble to find a solution, tensions rise and tough decisions must be made.
The movie highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by those working in finance and the consequences of prioritizing profits over people. With an all-star cast including Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, and Demi Moore, Margin Call is a must-watch for anyone interested in finance or the intricacies of the business world.
3 – The Wolf of Wall Street
The Wolf of Wall Street may seem like just another Wall Street movie, but it’s so much more than that. Director Martin Scorsese and actor Leonardo DiCaprio bring to life the true story of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who made millions through illegal means and lived a life of hedonistic excess. The film is a fast-paced roller coaster ride that takes the audience through Belfort’s rise to power, his addiction to drugs and sex, and his ultimate downfall.
The characters are incredibly well-developed and the performances are outstanding, especially DiCaprio’s unforgettable portrayal of Belfort. Despite the film’s controversial subject matter and explicit content, it is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a great cinematic experience.
4 – Boiler Room
Also See: Best War Movies Ever Made: Top 15 Films
Boiler Room is a thrilling crime drama that follows the story of a young stockbroker named Seth Davis who is eager to make it big in the high stakes world of finance. Set in the late 1990s, the movie takes us on a fast-paced ride through the underground world of illegal stock trading, where greed and ambition are the driving forces behind every decision. With a talented cast including Giovanni Ribisi, Vin Diesel, and Ben Affleck, Boiler Room offers a gripping look into the darker side of the American Dream, where the pursuit of wealth and success can lead to dangerous and unethical behavior.
From its intense opening scene to its shocking conclusion, Boiler Room is a must-see movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
5 – Rogue Trader
The Rogue Trader movie is an action-packed rollercoaster ride through the exhilarating highs and devastating lows of financial world. Based on the true story of infamous investment banker Nick Leeson, the film takes viewers on a thrilling journey as Leeson single-handedly brings down one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious banks. With incredible performances from its talented cast and breathtaking cinematography, the Rogue Trader movie is a must-see for anyone who loves a gripping financial drama.
From the intense trading floors of Singapore to the tense boardrooms of London, this film immerses you in the cutthroat world of high-stakes finance and leaves you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Don’t miss your chance to experience the excitement and drama of this captivating film.
6 – Wall Street
The Wall Street movie has been captivating audiences for decades. From Michael Douglas’s iconic performance as the ruthless Gordon Gekko to the film’s stylish cinematography, it’s no wonder this classic movie continues to be a fan favorite. The story follows young stockbroker Bud Fox as he becomes enthralled with the glamorous and fast-paced world of high finance. However, he soon learns that success comes at a steep price and must navigate the cutthroat world of Wall Street to survive.
The film’s themes of greed and corruption are still as relevant today as they were in the 1980s, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of finance. Whether you’re a seasoned Wall Street professional or just a casual moviegoer, the Wall Street movie is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat.
7 – Inside Job
Also See: 15+ Best Movies About Flying Ever Filmed
Inside Job is a documentary that dives into the 2008 financial crisis that devastated the American economy. Through in-depth interviews with prominent figures in the finance industry, the film exposes the corruption and greed that led to the global recession. Director Charles Ferguson does an excellent job of simplifying complex concepts for the average viewer, making it easy to understand how the crisis came about.
The film also reveals the harsh reality of how the failure of big banks affected middle-class Americans. At times shocking and infuriating, Inside Job is a must-watch for anyone who wants to learn more about the events leading up to one of the most significant economic crashes in modern history.
8 – American Psycho
“American Psycho” is a cult classic film that delves deep into the mind of its protagonist, Patrick Bateman. Christian Bale’s portrayal of the Wall Street executive turned serial killer is both mesmerizing and alarming, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats with each new twist and turn. The film’s dark humor and satirical commentary on consumerism in the 1980s make it a unique entry in the thriller genre.
However, what truly sets “American Psycho” apart is its unrelenting examination of the human psyche and how easily it can be corrupted. Even years after its release, this film continues to shock and fascinate viewers with its stark portrayal of a descent into madness.
9 – Trading Places
The Trading Places movie is a classic comedy that is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. The film follows the lives of two very different men, one a wealthy investor and the other a poor hustler, who are forced to switch lives due to a bet made by two wealthy brothers. As they navigate their new surroundings and attempt to succeed in their newfound roles, hilarity ensues.
With memorable performances by Hollywood legends Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy, Trading Places has become a beloved film that continues to entertain audiences to this day. So settle in, grab some popcorn, and get ready to laugh out loud with this comedic gem.
10 – Glengarry Glen Ross
Glengarry Glen Ross is a captivating and intense movie that takes viewers into a world of desperation and deceit in the cutthroat world of real estate business. The all-star cast, featuring Al Pacino, Kevin Spacey, Jack Lemmon, and Alec Baldwin, brings their A-game as they navigate through the challenges of making big sales in a highly competitive environment. The movie is full of twists and turns that keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
With its strong screenplay and powerful performances, Glengarry Glen Ross is an unforgettable cinematic masterpiece that will leave you with a deeper understanding of the lengths some will go to achieve success.
11 -Wall Street – Money Never Sleeps
Also See: The Best Kids Movies to see in 2021
The financial world is an ever-evolving entity that always seems to attract its fair share of controversy and drama. Oliver Stone’s film, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, takes a closer look at the inner workings of the financial capital of the world. The movie follows the story of young trader Jake Moore (Shia LaBeouf), as he navigates the cutthroat world of Wall Street.
With the help of his mentor, Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas), Jake battles greed, corruption, and his own personal demons in pursuit of success. The film offers a gripping commentary on the dangers of unchecked ambition and the high stakes of the financial world.
12 – The Ascent of Money
The Ascent of Money movie is a thrilling ride through the history of our worldwide financial system. The documentary is narrated by renowned historian Niall Ferguson, who takes us on a journey through the evolution of money, from the first currencies used by ancient civilizations to the current state of global economic affairs. Along the way, we learn about the impact of financial innovations like bonds, credit cards, and derivatives, and explore how these tools have shaped the course of human history.
With stunning visuals and insightful analysis, The Ascent of Money is a must-see film for anyone interested in understanding the complex world of finance.
13 – Money Ball
Money Ball is a captivating and inspiring movie that tells the story of Oakland Athletics’ General Manager, Billy Beane, who uses a unique mathematical approach to build a competitive team with a limited budget. The movie is based on a true story and provides a fresh perspective on how challenges can be turned into opportunities.
Money Ball is a must-watch movie that not only showcases the power of data analysis but also highlights the importance of determination and perseverance in achieving success. The movie is a perfect example of how innovation, hard work, and dedication can lead to groundbreaking achievements.
14 – The Gambler
The Gambler, starring Mark Wahlberg, is a captivating masterpiece that takes viewers on a wild ride through the world of gambling addiction. Wahlberg plays a brilliant college professor who has an insatiable urge to throw away all his wealth on games of chance. He borrows from loan sharks and puts his own life at risk to fuel his addiction.
The film is a gripping portrayal of the lure of addiction and the danger that comes with it. The Gambler will have audiences on the edge of their seats as they witness the struggles of its protagonist and the high stakes of his obsession.
15 – Too Big to Fail
Also See: 15 Best Thriller Movies Ever Made
The 2011 film, “Too Big to Fail,” delves into the gripping true story of the 2008 financial crisis. The movie takes viewers inside the closed-door meetings of some of the most powerful people in the world, as they struggled to save the economy from complete collapse. Starring a star-studded cast, including William Hurt, James Woods, and Paul Giamatti, this movie is a must-see political thriller.
While the subject matter may seem daunting, the film delivers the story in a way that is both informative and entertaining. From the fierce debates over how much taxpayer money should be used to bail out the banks, to the tense phone calls between world leaders, “Too Big to Fail” is a drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
16- Slumdog Millionaire
Slumdog Millionaire is a heartwarming movie that takes you on a journey through the life of Jamal, a young boy living in the slums of Mumbai. Despite the harsh living conditions and poverty he faces, Jamal holds on to his dreams with unwavering perseverance. The film portrays the struggles of his life as he navigates relationships, deals with loss and ultimately finds himself on the hot seat competing in a game show.
With a captivating storyline, stunning visuals and a brilliant cast, Slumdog Millionaire offers a refreshing take on the power of hope and determination. The movie has been widely praised for its portrayal of the grit and resilience of people living in the slums of India and has earned numerous awards, including eight Oscars. It is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted story that inspires and uplifts.
17- Living on One Dollar
Also See: 15 Best Korean Movies of All-Time (Ranked)
“Living on One Dollar” is a captivating and heartwarming documentary film that explores the harsh realities of extreme poverty through a unique lens. The film follows four college students as they embark on a journey to living on one dollar a day in rural Guatemala. Through their courageous and enlightening experience, the film sheds light on the struggles that families in these communities face on a daily basis, including limited access to clean water, education, and healthcare.
The power of the film lies in its ability to not only educate the audience on global poverty, but also highlight the strength and resilience of those living in impoverished communities. “Living on One Dollar” is an important reminder that there is still much work to be done in the fight against poverty, and it serves as an inspiration to take meaningful action towards a better world.
Conclusion
These are some of the must-watch movies for all those interested in financial matters and want to make their free time more productive.
