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Top 29 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 29 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
- Wall Street
- The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
- Inside Job
- Boiler Room
- The Big Short
- Trading Places
- Margin Call
- Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
- Enron - The Smartest Guys in the Room
- Too Big to Fail
- Untouchables
- The Social Network
- Barbarians at the Gate (1993)
- Capitalism: A Love Story
- Other People’s Money
- Startup.com
- Scam 1992
- Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
- The Corporation (2003)
- American Psycho (2000)
- Quicksilver
- Money Monster (2016)
- Working Girl (1998)
- The Bank
- The Wizard of Lies 92017)
- Dumb Money (2023)
- Arbitrage
- Money, Explained
- The Pursuit of Happyness
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.”
"The Wolf of Wall Street" 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.
It’s one of the best movies about finance. 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, making it one of the best trading movies.
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 the top finance 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
Next on our top trading movies 2024 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.
18. Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
Theatrical Release Poster, Wikipedia
IMDb rating: 7.7/10
Glengarry Glen Ross, directed by James Foley and based on David Mamet's play, is a gripping drama about the cutthroat world of real estate salesmen.
The film features a stellar cast, including Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, and Alec Baldwin, and delves into the desperate measures salesmen take to keep their jobs.
Baldwin's famous "Always Be Closing" speech has become iconic in the portrayal of high-pressure sales environments.
The film was produced with a budget of around $12.5 million and grossed approximately $10.7 million at the box office. Despite its modest commercial performance, Glengarry Glen Ross received critical acclaim for its sharp dialogue and powerful performances.
Glengarry Glen Ross was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (Al Pacino) and has since become a classic.
Its intense portrayal of the competitive nature of sales and the ethical dilemmas faced by those in the industry make it a compelling watch.
19. The Corporation (2003)
Theatrical Release Poster, Wikipedia
IMDb rating: 8/10
The Corporation is a Canadian documentary directed by Mark Achbar and Jennifer Abbott.
The film critically examines the modern-day corporation's influence on society and the environment through interviews with CEOs, whistleblowers, and intellectuals like Noam Chomsky and Michael Moore.
The film uses a psychological lens to analyze corporations, likening them to individuals with psychopathic traits, a provocative yet insightful approach.
The documentary, which was made with a budget of approximately $1.5 million, grossed around $4.6 million worldwide. Its success can be attributed to its compelling narrative and the depth of its investigation into corporate behavior.
The Corporation received numerous awards, including awards from film festivals such as the Sundance Film Festival and the Genie Awards. It sparked endless discussions about corporate ethics and responsibility, making it one of the best financial drama films.
20. American Psycho (2000)
Theatrical Release Poster, Wikipedia
IMDb rating: 7.6/10
American Psycho, directed by Mary Harron and based on Bret Easton Ellis's novel, is a darkly satirical film about the life of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy New York City investment banker who leads a double life as a serial killer.
Set in the 1980s, Bateman's superficial and materialistic lifestyle serves as a backdrop for his violent tendencies, which he meticulously hides from his fiancée, friends, and colleagues.
Christian Bale's chilling performance as Bateman is both terrifying and captivating, making the character unforgettable.
The film, released in 2000, had a production budget of around $7 million and grossed approximately $34 million worldwide. Despite its controversial subject matter, American Psycho received critical acclaim and has since become a classic.
Christian Bale's performance earned him praise, and the movie itself has been referenced in various media for its critique of 1980s yuppie culture.
21. Quicksilver
Theatrical Release Poster, Wikipedia
IMDb rating: 5.7/10
Quicksilver, directed by Thomas Michael Donnelly, is an energetic drama that stars Kevin Bacon as Jack Casey, a former hotshot stockbroker who loses everything in a risky market gamble.
Disillusioned by his fall from grace, Casey trades in his fast-paced life in the financial sector for the physically demanding and less glamorous job of a bicycle messenger in San Francisco.
Released in 1986, Quicksilver was produced with a budget of approximately $10 million. The film, blending action with drama, grossed about $7 million at the box office, which was modest compared to its production costs.
Despite its underwhelming financial performance, "Quicksilver" gained a massive following, particularly for depicting the urban bike messenger subculture and its thrilling chase sequences.
The movie's soundtrack, featuring artists like Roger Daltrey and Genesis, also received attention and contributed to its unique atmosphere. Quicksilver has become one of the best stock market movies in 2024, receiving much praise online, especially within the Reddit trading community.
22. Money Monster (2016)
Theatrical Release Poster, Wikipedia
IMDb rating: 6.5/10
Money Monster (2016) is an intense American thriller directed by Jodie Foster, starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts.
The film's storyline revolves around a financial TV host, Lee Gates (played by Clooney), who is taken hostage live on air by a distraught investor named Kyle Budwell (Jack O'Connell).
Kyle lost his life savings due to a bad stock tip from Lee's show and demanded answers. As the drama unfolds in real-time, Lee and his producer, Patty Fenn (Roberts), work to uncover the truth behind the stock crash and expose a conspiracy within the financial world.
With a production budget of about $27 million, Money Monster was a mid-range Hollywood film. It grossed around $93 million worldwide, making it a commercial success.
The film's real-time narrative, combined with strong performances by the lead actors, captivated audiences. Although it did not receive major awards, it was praised for its gripping storyline and timely commentary on corporate greed and financial misconduct.
23. Working Girl (1988)
Theatrical Release Poster, Wikipedia
IMDb rating: 6.8/10
Working Girl (1988) is a classic romantic comedy-drama directed by Mike Nichols, starring Melanie Griffith, Harrison Ford, and Sigourney Weaver.
The story follows Tess McGill (Griffith), a secretary with big dreams of climbing the corporate ladder. When her boss, Katharine Parker (Weaver), is temporarily out of commission, Tess seizes the opportunity to pitch her ideas to a top executive, Jack Trainer (Ford).
As she navigates office politics and personal challenges, Tess strives to prove that she can succeed in the cutthroat world of business.
The film was produced on a budget of about $28 million and earned over $103 million worldwide, making it a significant commercial success. "Working Girl" was not only a box office hit but also received critical acclaim.
It was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won the Oscar for Best Original Song for Carly Simon's "Let the River Run." Melanie Griffith's performance as Tess earned her a nomination for Best Actress, further cementing the film's success.
"Working Girl" remains a beloved film for its inspiring story and memorable performances, making it one of the best stock market movies.
24. The Bank
Theatrical Release Poster, Wikipedia
IMDb rating: 6.5/10
The Bank is an Australian thriller directed by Robert Connolly, which revolves around the story of a mathematician named Jim Doyle who develops a formula to predict stock market trends.
He is hired by a corrupt bank led by CEO Simon O'Reilly to exploit the formula for massive profits. As Doyle delves deeper into the world of high finance, he becomes entangled in the bank's unethical practices and faces moral dilemmas that challenge his principles.
Released in 2001, The Bank had a modest production budget and was well-received in Australia, earning over $2 million at the box office.
The film won several awards, including the Australian Film Institute (AFI) Award for Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for David Wenham. Its intelligent plot and strong performances stand out among financial thriller movies.
25. The Wizard of Lies (2017)
Theatrical Release Poster, Wikipedia
IMDb rating: 6.8/10
The Wizard of Lies (2017) is a compelling HBO biographical drama that delves into the life of Bernie Madoff, the mastermind behind one of the largest Ponzi schemes in history.
Starring Robert De Niro as Madoff and Michelle Pfeiffer as his wife, Ruth, the film explores the personal and financial devastation caused by Madoff's fraudulent activities.
It provides a deep look into Madoff's manipulative schemes, the impact on his family, and the countless victims who lost their life savings.
The film had a budget of approximately $15 million. Being a television movie, it didn't have a traditional box office run. However, it received widespread critical acclaim and performed well in terms of viewership on HBO.
The Wizard of Lies was nominated for several awards, including Primetime Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards. Robert De Niro's portrayal of Bernie Madoff earned him significant praise and nominations, highlighting the film's impact.
26. Dumb Money (2023)
Theatrical Release Poster, Wikipedia
IMDb rating: 6.9/10
Dumb Money, directed by Craig Gillespie, is a dramatic portrayal of the 2021 GameStop short squeeze, which saw retail investors from the Reddit community "WallStreetBets" taking on major hedge funds.
The film follows the story of everyday people, including characters like Keith Gill, who invested in GameStop stock and ignited a populist movement against Wall Street giants.
The narrative highlights the clash between small investors and powerful financial institutions, exploring themes of financial rebellion, community solidarity, and the impact of social media on the stock market.
Dumb Money has been praised for its timely relevance and insightful commentary on modern financial markets.
The film's depiction of ordinary investors challenging the status quo has resonated with audiences, reflecting broader societal frustrations with economic inequality. It’s currently one of the best trading movies on Netflix 2024.
27. Arbitrage (2012)
Theatrical Release Poster, Wikipedia
IMDb rating: 6.6/10
Arbitrage, directed by Nicholas Jarecki, is a tense thriller that follows Robert Miller, a hedge fund magnate played by Richard Gere, who is desperate to sell his trading empire before his fraudulent practices are exposed.
The film delves into themes of morality, power, and the lengths one will go to maintain a façade of success.
Released in 2012, Arbitrage was produced with a budget of $12 million and grossed around $35 million worldwide. Richard Gere's compelling performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination, and the film itself was praised for its smart script and gripping narrative.
Arbitrage stands out for its sophisticated take on financial corruption and personal ethics, making it a noteworthy entry in the financial drama genre.
28. Money, Explained
Theatrical Release Poster, IMDb
IMDb rating: 7/10
"Money Explained" is one of the best finance documentary series on Netflix that explores different aspects of personal finance.
Each episode tackles a different financial topic, such as credit cards, student loans, gambling, and retirement, providing viewers with clear, engaging explanations.
The series uses a mix of interviews, graphics, and real-world examples to break down complex financial concepts in an easy-to-understand way.
It's a great pick if you’re looking for a financial advice documentary that’s both informative and entertaining.
29. The Pursuit of Happyness
Theatrical Release Poster, Wikipedia
IMDb rating: 8/10
Last but not least is none other than "The Pursuit of Happyness".
"The Pursuit of Happyness" is a heartfelt drama based on the true story of Chris Gardner, played by Will Smith. The film follows Gardner's journey from homelessness to becoming a successful stockbroker.
It's a powerful narrative about overcoming adversity, resilience, and the impact of financial status on every aspect of life. Smith's performance and the inspiring story make this film a must-watch for traders and anyone interested in finance and personal growth.
Even tho it’s 29 on this list, but I definitely shed some major tears watching it.
Best Finance Movies Final Verdict
Whether you’re a fan of some hardcore thriller or an eye-opening documentary, our top 29 finance movies have a pick for you. We told you our favorite financial movies, and now the final verdict is yours.
So, grab some popcorn and prepare yourself to binge-watch the best finance movies 2024.
And, if you’re looking to kickstart your trading journey, join XS 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.
What Is the Stock Market Hack Movie?
The Big Short (2015) can be considered a "stock market hack" movie. It depicts investors who predicted and profited from the housing market crash. The film showcases how a few savvy individuals managed to exploit the flaws in the financial system to their advantage.
