Banking and finance have given cinema some of its most compelling villains — and some of its most complex heroes.
These films explore Wall Street greed, financial collapse, fraud, and the human cost of capitalism.
Every banker, investor, and finance professional should see these 10 films.
1. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) 8.0
Genre: Crime, Drama, Comedy · Director: Martin Scorsese · Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie
A New York stockbroker refuses to cooperate in a large securities fraud case involving corruption on Wall Street, corporate banking world and mob infiltration. Based on Jordan Belfort’s autobiography.
2. The Big Short (2015) 7.4
Genre: Comedy, Drama · Director: Adam McKay · Cast: Steve Carell, Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling
The men who made millions from a global economic meltdown.
3. Too Big to Fail (2011) 7.0
Genre: Drama, TV Movie, History · Director: Curtis Hanson · Cast: James Woods, John Heard, William Hurt
An intimate look at the epochal financial crisis of 2008 and the powerful men and women who decided the fate of the world’s economy in a matter of a few weeks.
4. Margin Call (2011) 6.9
Genre: Thriller, Drama · Director: J.C. Chandor · Cast: Kevin Spacey, Zachary Quinto, Paul Bettany
Set in the high-stakes world of the financial industry, involving the key players at an investment firm during one perilous 24-hour period in the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis. An entry-le
5. American Made (2017) 6.9
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama · Director: Doug Liman · Cast: Tom Cruise, Domhnall Gleeson, Sarah Wright
The true story of pilot Barry Seal, who transported contraband for the CIA and the Medellin cartel in the 1980s.
6. 99 Homes (2015) 6.8
Genre: Drama, Crime · Director: Ramin Bahrani · Cast: Andrew Garfield, Michael Shannon, Laura Dern
After his family is evicted from their home, proud and desperate construction worker Dennis Nash tries to win his home back by striking a deal with the devil and working for Rick Carver, the corrupt r
7. Boiler Room (2000) 6.7
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller · Director: Ben Younger · Cast: Giovanni Ribisi, Vin Diesel, Nia Long
A college dropout gets a job as a broker for a suburban investment firm and is on the fast track to success—but the job might not be as legitimate as it sounds.
8. Money Monster (2016) 6.4
Genre: Thriller, Drama · Director: Jodie Foster · Cast: George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Jack O’Connell
Financial TV host Lee Gates and his producer Patty are put in an extreme situation when an irate investor takes over their studio.
9. Rogue Trader (1999) 5.9
Genre: Drama, History, Thriller · Director: James Dearden · Cast: Ewan McGregor, Anna Friel, Nigel Lindsay
Rogue Trader tells the true story of Nick Leeson, an employee of Barings Bank who–after a successful trading run–ends up accumulating $1.4 billion in losses hidden in account #88888.
These films are more than entertainment — they’re warnings, lessons, and mirrors. If you work in finance, these movies will make you a better professional.