The Best Finance and Stock Market Movies In 2023

There’s something uniquely captivating about the financial industry that makes it ripe for gripping storytelling on the big screen.

From the frantic trading floors to the secretive backroom deals, the endless drama inherent to Wall Street and its counterparts around the world offer filmmakers a treasure trove of material to work with.

The sheer scale and global ramifications of financial decisions create an enthralling backdrop for stories that combine personal struggles with global consequences.

Take, for example, ‘Margin Call’, where a 24-hour period at an investment bank unfolds with heart-pounding tension as characters grapple with an impending financial meltdown.

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Movies like ‘The Big Short’ not only entertain but educate and unveil the complex layers of the financial world.

Not only that but the ethical dilemmas and moral quandaries faced by characters in finance movies are incredibly engaging.

Here in our list we go through some of the greatest finance and stock market movies ever made, from character studies to all-out crime thrillers.

Best Finance Movie of All Time

Wall Street

Year of Release: 1987
Cast: Michael Douglas, Charlie Sheen, Daryl Hannah, Martin Sheen, Terence Stamp, Hal Holbrook
Director: Oliver Stone
Written By: Oliver Stone, Stanley Weiser
Length: 126 minutes
Box Office Earnings: $43.9 million
IMDB Rating: 7.3/10 (June 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 81% (as of June 2023)
Awards: Michael Douglas won the Academy Award for Best Actor.

Synopsis: A young and ambitious stockbroker, Bud Fox, becomes involved with his hero, Gordon Gekko, a wealthy, unscrupulous corporate raider. As Bud is drawn into Gekko’s world of greed and insider trading, he must make moral choices.

Best Scene: The “Greed is good” speech by Gordon Gekko at a shareholder meeting for Teldar paper.

Best Quote: “The most valuable commodity I know of is information.” – Gordon Gekko

Why You Should Watch It: It’s a classic tale of ambition, greed, and the moral compromises people make in the pursuit of wealth. Michael Douglas’s performance is outstanding and the film provides insight into 1980s corporate culture.

Key Takeaways: The movie highlights the ethical dilemmas faced in the financial world and the consequences of unchecked greed.

Best For: Those interested in finance, ethics, and character-driven dramas.

Verdict: A must-watch classic that offers an enthralling look into the high-stakes world of finance with a powerhouse performance by Michael Douglas.

Best Wall Street Movies

The Wolf of Wall Street

Year of Release: 2013
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Matthew McConaughey, Kyle Chandler, Rob Reiner
Director: Martin Scorsese
Length: 180 minutes
Box Office Earnings: $406 million
IMDB Rating: 8.2/10 (as of June 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 83% (as of June 2023)
Awards: Nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor. It did not win any Oscars.

Synopsis: The film is based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who engages in corruption and fraud on Wall Street, living a life of excess and debauchery.

Best Scene: Matthew McConaughey’s character giving advice to a young Jordan Belfort during a lunch meeting.

Best Quote: “Let me tell you something. There’s no nobility in poverty. I’ve been a poor man, and I’ve been a rich man. And I choose rich every f**king time.” – Jordan Belfort

Why You Should Watch It: It’s a wild ride through the decadent and corrupt world of finance, with an energetic and captivating performance by Leonardo DiCaprio. It’s both a dark comedy and a cautionary tale.

Key Takeaways: The film exposes the excesses, corruption, and hedonism in the finance world and how unchecked ambition can lead to one’s downfall.

Best For: Viewers looking for an energetic, darkly comedic, and outrageous portrayal of the financial industry.

Verdict: An engaging and raucous film with fantastic performances and direction, though its depiction of excess may not be for everyone.

Boiler Room

Year of Release: 2000
Cast: Giovanni Ribisi, Vin Diesel, Nia Long, Nicky Katt, Scott Caan, Ben Affleck
Director: Ben Younger
Length: 120 minutes
Box Office Earnings: $28 million
IMDB Rating: 7.0/10 (as of July 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 78% (as of July 2023)
Awards: None

Synopsis: A college dropout, Seth Davis, gets a job as a broker in a suburban investment firm, which turns out to be a boiler room that sells worthless or nonexistent stocks. He gets lured into the high-earning lifestyle but soon faces the moral dilemmas associated with ripping off investors.

Best Scene: The recruitment scene where Ben Affleck’s character gives a speech to the new brokers.

Best Quote: “And there is no such thing as a no-sale call. A sale is made on every call you make. Either you sell the client some stock, or he sells you a reason he can’t. Either way, a sale is made…” – Jim Young

Why You Should Watch It: It’s an intense, gritty, and eye-opening look into the shady world of boiler rooms and the high-pressure sales tactics they employ.

Key Takeaways: The movie illustrates the darker side of the financial world and the moral consequences of unchecked ambition and greed.

Best For: Those interested in the ethics and underbelly of the stock market and sales.

Verdict: A gripping, well-acted drama that pulls back the curtain on the unsavory aspects of stock selling.

Best Trading Movies

Rogue Trader

Year of Release: 1999
Cast: Ewan McGregor, Anna Friel, Yves Beneyton, Betsy Brantley
Director: James Dearden
Length: 101 minutes
Box Office Earnings: $1.3 million
IMDB Rating: 6.4/10 (as of June 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 52% (as of June 2023)
Awards: None

Synopsis: The film is based on the true story of Nick Leeson, a derivatives trader who single-handedly caused the downfall of one of Britain’s oldest banks, Barings Bank, through unauthorized and speculative trading.

Best Scene: When Nick Leeson realizes the extent of the financial disaster he created.

Best Quote: “There’s no such thing as an innocent lie.” – Nick Leeson

Why You Should Watch It: It provides a real-life case study of the collapse of a venerable financial institution due to the reckless actions of a single trader.

Key Takeaways: The movie demonstrates the importance of oversight and risk management in the financial industry.

Best For: Viewers interested in real-life financial scandals and the human element behind them.

Verdict: While not a blockbuster, it’s an intriguing, cautionary tale that showcases the consequences of unchecked financial trading.

Trading Places

Year of Release: 1983
Cast: Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy, Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche, Jamie Lee Curtis, Denholm Elliott
Director: John Landis
Length: 116 minutes
Box Office Earnings: $90.4 million
IMDB Rating: 7.5/10 (as of June 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 85% (as of June 2023)
Awards: None

Synopsis: A snobbish investor and a street con artist find their positions reversed as part of a bet by two callous millionaires. The movie follows the comedic outcomes as they adapt to their new environments and eventually team up to settle the score.

Best Scene: The climactic trading scene at the commodities exchange where the protagonists turn the tables on the Dukes.

Best Quote: “The best way you hurt rich people is by turning them into poor people.” – Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy)

Why You Should Watch It: ‘Trading Places’ is a comedy classic that combines sharp social satire with hilarious performances by Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd. It’s an entertaining and timeless commentary on class and the world of finance.

Key Takeaways: Beyond the laughs, the movie cleverly portrays themes of class disparity, the role of nurture versus nature, and the ruthlessness of the financial world.

Best For: Those looking for a comedy that’s smart, socially conscious, and centered around the financial industry.

Verdict: A must-watch comedy gem that effectively uses the world of finance as the backdrop for its witty social commentary and memorable performances.

Best Finance Movies For Entrepreneurs

The Founder

Year of Release: 2016
Cast: Michael Keaton, Nick Offerman, John Carroll Lynch, Linda Cardellini, Patrick Wilson, B.J. Novak, Laura Dern
Director: John Lee Hancock
Length: 115 minutes
Box Office Earnings: $24.1 million
IMDB Rating: 7.2/10 (as of June 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 82% (as of June 2023)
Awards: None

Synopsis: The story of Ray Kroc, a struggling milkshake machine salesman who turned the McDonald brothers’ fast-food eatery into one of the biggest restaurant businesses in the world, McDonald’s.

Best Scene: When Ray Kroc first experiences the efficiency of the original McDonald’s restaurant.

Best Quote: “Contracts are like hearts, they are made to be broken.” – Ray Kroc

Why You Should Watch It: It’s an intriguing look into the story behind one of the world’s largest fast-food chains and the relentless ambition of the man who made it what it is.

Key Takeaways: The film illustrates the cutthroat nature of business and how ambition, persistence, and sometimes ruthless tactics can build an empire.

Best For: Entrepreneurs, business enthusiasts, and those interested in the history of iconic brands.

Verdict: A captivating and somewhat controversial portrayal of ambition and the American Dream with a standout performance by Michael Keaton.

Joy

Year of Release: 2015
Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper, Édgar Ramírez, Diane Ladd, Virginia Madsen, Isabella Rossellini
Director: David O. Russell
Length: 124 minutes
Box Office Earnings: $101.1 million
IMDB Rating: 6.6/10 (as of June 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 57% (as of June 2023)
Awards: Jennifer Lawrence won a Golden Globe for Best Actress and was nominated for an Academy Award.

Synopsis: A biographical comedy-drama, Joy tells the story of a self-made millionaire, Joy Mangano, who created her own business empire after inventing the Miracle Mop.

Best Scene: The QVC scene where Joy sells her mop on live television.

Best Quote: “Don’t ever think that the world owes you anything because it doesn’t. The world doesn’t owe you a thing.” – Joy Mangano

Why You Should Watch It: For an inspiring true story of a woman overcoming personal and professional challenges to build a business empire.

Key Takeaways: The movie showcases the perseverance, innovation, and determination required for entrepreneurial success.

Best For: Aspiring entrepreneurs and those looking for an inspirational story of a self-made woman.

Verdict: An inspiring, though somewhat uneven, film that is carried by Jennifer Lawrence’s strong performance.

Baby Boom

Year of Release: 1987
Cast: Diane Keaton, Harold Ramis, Sam Shepard, Sam Wanamaker, Pat Hingle, Annie Golden
Director: Charles Shyer
Written By: Nancy Meyers, Charles Shyer
Length: 103 minutes
Box Office Earnings: $26.7 million
IMDB Rating: 6.3/10 (as of June 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 62% (as of June 2023)
Awards: None

Synopsis: A Manhattan career woman’s life takes a radical turn when she inherits a baby from a distant relative. She struggles to balance career ambitions with her new responsibilities as a parent. Eventually, she moves to the countryside and starts her own business.

Best Scene: When J.C. Wiatt (Diane Keaton) decides to quit her corporate job and start anew.

Best Quote: “I can’t have it all.” – J.C. Wiatt

Why You Should Watch It: It’s a heartwarming comedy about finding personal fulfillment and balancing career ambitions with family life. Diane Keaton’s performance is charming and relatable.

Key Takeaways: The movie reflects on the sacrifices and choices that come with pursuing a career while also highlighting the possibilities of entrepreneurship and the joys of parenthood.

Best For: Anyone looking for a feel-good comedy that tackles work-life balance, and the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.

Verdict: A delightful and humorous film that offers a light-hearted but thoughtful exploration of the conflicts between career, entrepreneurship, and family life.

Best Movies For Sales

Glengarry Glen Ross

Year of Release: 1992
Cast: Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, Ed Harris, Alan Arkin, Kevin Spacey, Jonathan Pryce
Director: James Foley
Length: 100 minutes
Box Office Earnings: $10.7 million (North America)
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10 (as of June 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 88% (as of June 2023)
Awards: Al Pacino was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Synopsis: Based on David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, the film portrays two desperate days in the lives of four Chicago real estate salesmen after they are presented with a new incentive – sell undesirable real estate to unwilling buyers, or lose their jobs.

Best Scene: Alec Baldwin’s character delivers a motivational speech to the salesmen, highlighting the famous line “Always Be Closing”.

Best Quote: “Coffee’s for closers only.” – Blake (Alec Baldwin)

Why You Should Watch It: The film is renowned for its sharp dialogue, intense performances, and exploration of the pressures of sales culture.

Key Takeaways: It lays bare the desperation, moral compromises, and the cutthroat nature of sales in the pursuit of success.

Best For: Those who appreciate intense dramas, strong character-driven stories, and sharp dialogues.

Verdict: A gripping, high-stakes drama with a stellar ensemble cast that delivers a masterclass in acting and storytelling.

Thank You For Smoking

Year of Release: 2005
Cast: Aaron Eckhart, Maria Bello, Cameron Bright, Adam Brody, Sam Elliott, Katie Holmes, David Koechner, Rob Lowe, J.K. Simmons, Robert Duvall
Director: Jason Reitman
Length: 92 minutes
Box Office Earnings: $39.3 million
IMDB Rating: 7.5/10 (as of June 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 87% (as of June 2023)
Awards: Aaron Eckhart recieved a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.

Synopsis: Nick Naylor, a lobbyist and spokesman for the tobacco industry, utilizes rhetorical skills to defend cigarette companies while trying to be a role model for his son. The movie is a satirical comedy that delves into the machinations of lobbying and public relations.

Best Scene: The MOD (Merchants of Death) squad meeting where lobbyists from the alcohol, tobacco, and firearms industries casually discuss the moral implications of their work.

Best Quote: “Michael Jordan plays ball. Charles Manson kills people. I talk. Everyone has a talent.” – Nick Naylor

Why You Should Watch It: For its witty satire, sharp dialogue, and a clever look at the art of spin in public relations.

Key Takeaways: The film satirizes the ethical flexibility of the lobbying industry and highlights the power of rhetoric and persuasion.

Best For: Those who enjoy smart, satirical comedies and are interested in public relations and lobbying.

Verdict: A sharply written and clever satire with a standout performance by Aaron Eckhart, ‘Thank You for Smoking’ is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Best Movies About Investment Banking

Margin Call

Year of Release: 2011
Cast: Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Zachary Quinto, Penn Badgley, Simon Baker, Mary McDonnell, Demi Moore, Stanley Tucci
Director: J.C. Chandor
Written By: J.C. Chandor
Length: 109 minutes
Box Office Earnings: $19.5 million
IMDB Rating: 7.1/10 (as of June 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 74% (as of June 2023)
Awards: Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Synopsis: Set in the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis, Margin Call follows key people at an investment bank over a 24-hour period as they become aware of the imminent financial meltdown and must decide how to handle the crisis.

Best Scene: The rooftop conversation between Sam Rogers (Kevin Spacey) and Peter Sullivan (Zachary Quinto) discussing the ethics of their actions.

Best Quote: “There are three ways to make a living in this business: be first, be smarter, or cheat.” – John Tuld (Jeremy Irons)

Why You Should Watch It: Margin Call is a riveting, tension-filled drama that takes a behind-the-scenes look at the financial crisis, focusing on the decisions made by investment bankers.

Key Takeaways: The movie illustrates the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by those in the finance industry and the consequences of their actions.

Best For: Those interested in the financial crisis of 2008 and the inner workings of investment banks.

Verdict: A tense and intelligent thriller that effectively captures the atmosphere and moral challenges of the financial world during a crisis.

Enron: The Smartest Guys In The Room

Year of Release: 2005
Cast:(Documentary) Featuring interviews with various Enron executives and employees, as well as stock analysts and reporters.
Director: Alex Gibney
Length: 109 minutes
Box Office Earnings: $4.9 million
IMDB Rating: 7.6/10 (as of June 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 88% (as of June 2023)
Awards: Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Synopsis: A documentary based on the best-selling book of the same name, which examines the collapse of the Enron Corporation, revealing one of the largest business scandals in American history.

Best Scene: The segment explaining the “mark-to-market” accounting method and how it was exploited.

Best Quote: “From the 100th floor, if the windows had been open, you could probably have heard the screams.”

Why You Should Watch It: To gain an in-depth understanding of the Enron scandal and the intricate web of deceit, corporate greed, and corruption that led to its downfall.

Key Takeaways: The film serves as a cautionary tale about the dangerous combination of corporate greed, lack of regulation, and unethical business practices.

Best For: Students of business, finance enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding corporate scandals.

Verdict: An engrossing and incisive documentary that effectively breaks down one of the most significant corporate scandals in American history.

Goldman Sachs: The Bank that Rules the World

Year of Release: 2012
Cast: (Documentary) Features interviews with various experts, ex-employees, and critics.
Director: Jérôme Fritel and Marc Roche
Length: 71 minutes
Box Office Earnings: Not Applicable
IMDB Rating: 7.2/10 (as of June 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: None
Awards: None

Synopsis: This French documentary provides an in-depth look at the influential investment bank Goldman Sachs. It examines the bank’s history, business practices, and its influence in global finance.

Best Scene: The segment exploring the bank’s involvement in the 2008 financial crisis.

Best Quote: The documentary is mostly in French, with English subtitles, and doesn’t focus on quotable moments but on the analysis and presentation of facts and interviews.

Why You Should Watch It: To gain a better understanding of the inner workings and influence of one of the world’s most powerful investment banks.

Key Takeaways: The documentary showcases the extensive reach and influence of Goldman Sachs in the global financial system, while also critiquing its practices and ethics.

Best For: Finance enthusiasts, students of economics, and anyone interested in the complexities and power dynamics within the global banking industry.

Verdict: A thought-provoking and insightful documentary that sheds light on the power, practices, and controversies associated with Goldman Sachs.

Best Finance Movies on Amazon Prime

The Pursuit of Happyness

Year of Release: 2006
Cast: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandie Newton, Brian Howe, James Karen, Dan Castellaneta
Director: Gabriele Muccino
Length: 117 minutes
Box Office Earnings: $307.1 million
IMDB Rating: 8.0/10 (as of June 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 87% (as of June 2023)
Awards: Will Smith was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Actor.

Synopsis: Based on the true story of Chris Gardner, the film depicts a struggling salesman who takes custody of his son as he begins an unpaid internship in a stock brokerage firm, trying to make ends meet and secure a better future for both of them.

Best Scene: The emotional bathroom scene where Chris and his son spend the night in a subway station bathroom.

Best Quote: “Don’t ever let somebody tell you, you can’t do something. Not even me. You got a dream, you got to protect it.” – Chris Gardner (Will Smith)

Why You Should Watch It: For its inspirational story and heartwarming performances that showcase resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit.

Key Takeaways: The film emphasizes the importance of perseverance, hard work, and optimism in the face of adversity.

Best For: Those looking for an uplifting, motivating, and emotionally rich story.

Verdict: A moving and inspiring film with a remarkable performance by Will Smith that tugs at the heartstrings.

American Psycho

Year of Release: 2000
Cast: Christian Bale, Willem Dafoe, Jared Leto, Josh Lucas, Samantha Mathis, Matt Ross, Bill Sage, Chloë Sevigny, Guinevere Turner, Cara Seymour, Justin Theroux, Reese Witherspoon.
Director: Mary Harron
Length: 101 minutes
Box Office Earnings: $34.3 million
IMDB Rating: 7.6/10 (as of June 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 85% (as of June 2023)
Awards: None

Synopsis: Set in the late 1980s, ‘American Psycho’ follows the life of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy New York investment banker who is also a psychopathic serial killer. The film is a psychological thriller and a darkly comedic critique of the yuppie culture of the 1980s.

Best Scene: The “business card” scene, where Patrick Bateman becomes increasingly agitated by the quality of his colleagues’ business cards.

Best Quote: “I’m on the verge of tears by the time we arrive at Espace, since I’m positive we won’t have a decent table. But we do, and relief washes over me in an awesome wave.” – Patrick Bateman

Why You Should Watch It: For its dark humor, biting social commentary, and Christian Bale’s chilling and captivating performance.

Key Takeaways: The film serves as a satirical and psychological exploration of the excesses and moral vacuity of the Wall Street elite during the 1980s.

Best For: Fans of dark humor, psychological thrillers, and social satires.

Verdict: A disturbing yet compelling film that combines horror, dark comedy, and social critique with a standout performance by Christian Bale.

Best Finance Movies for CFA Candidates

The Big Short

Year of Release: 2015
Cast: Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt, Melissa Leo, Hamish Linklater, John Magaro, Rafe Spall, Jeremy Strong, Marisa Tomei, Finn Wittrock
Director: Adam McKay
Length: 130 minutes
Box Office Earnings: $133.4 million
IMDB Rating: 7.8/10 (as of June 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 88% (as of June 2023)
Awards: Won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, and was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Film Editing.

Synopsis: Based on the book by Michael Lewis, ‘The Big Short’ tells the story of a group of investors who bet against the US mortgage market in the run-up to the 2008 financial crisis.

Best Scene: When Mark Baum (Steve Carell) grills an executive at a mortgage bond conference in Las Vegas.

Best Quote: “The truth is like poetry, and most people f****** hate poetry.” – Overheard at a Washington, D.C. bar (shown as text on screen)

Why You Should Watch It: For its engaging and insightful portrayal of the events leading up to the 2008 financial crisis, with an ensemble cast delivering exceptional performances.

Key Takeaways: The film is a critical examination of the financial industry and highlights the lack of accountability and the systemic corruption that led to the housing market collapse.

Best For: Those interested in economics, the financial crisis, and dark comedy-dramas.

Verdict: A smart and captivating film that expertly blends humor and drama to provide a sobering look at the financial crisis of 2008.

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

Year of Release: 2010
Cast: Michael Douglas, Shia LaBeouf, Josh Brolin, Carey Mulligan, Eli Wallach, Susan Sarandon, Frank Langella
Director: Oliver Stone
Length: 133 minutes
Box Office Earnings: $134.7 million
IMDB Rating: 6.2/10 (as of June 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 44% (as of June 2023)
Awards: None

Synopsis: In this sequel to the 1987 film ‘Wall Street’, Gordon Gekko is released from prison and attempts to rebuild his life and reconnect with his estranged daughter. Meanwhile, a young Wall Street trader becomes involved with Gekko and is drawn into the world of high finance.

Best Scene: Gordon Gekko’s speech at the university, where he discusses the modern economic climate and the “Greed is good” mentality.

Best Quote: “Someone reminded me I once said ‘Greed is good’. Now it seems it’s legal.” – Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas)

Why You Should Watch It: To see Michael Douglas reprise his iconic role as Gordon Gekko and to get a look into the changes in the financial world since the original film.

Key Takeaways: The film explores the themes of redemption, the cyclical nature of financial markets, and the impact of personal relationships in the high-stakes world of finance.

Best For: Fans of the original ‘Wall Street’ movie and those interested in financial dramas.

Verdict: Although not as critically acclaimed as its predecessor, ‘Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps’ offers an intriguing look at the financial industry amidst the backdrop of the 2008 economic crisis.

Best Business Movies

The Social Network

Year of Release: 2010
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Armie Hammer, Max Minghella, Rooney Mara
Director: David Fincher
Length: 120 minutes
Box Office Earnings: $224.9 million
IMDB Rating: 7.8/10 (as of June 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 87% (as of June 2023)
Awards: Won three Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Film Editing.

Synopsis: Set in the early 2000s, ‘The Social Network’ tells the story of Mark Zuckerberg, a Harvard University student who creates the social networking website Facebook. It follows the legal and business disputes between Facebook’s founders, investors, and other entities.

Best Scene: When Eduuardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield) confronts Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) after finding out his shares in Facebook have been diluted.

Best Quote: “The internet’s not written in pencil, Mark, it’s written in ink.” – Erica Albright (Rooney Mara)

Why You Should Watch It: To see an engaging and critically acclaimed portrayal of the rise of Facebook and the legal and personal conflicts that emerged.

Key Takeaways: The film explores themes of ambition, friendship, and the ethical dilemmas faced in the pursuit of success.

Best For: Those interested in entrepreneurship, social media, and legal drama.

Verdict: A riveting and sharply-written drama that offers a critical and nuanced depiction of the creation of a social media giant.

Steve Jobs

Year of Release: 2015
Cast: Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen, Jeff Daniels, Michael Stuhlbarg, Katherine Waterston
Director: Danny Boyle
Length: 122 minutes
Box Office Earnings: $34.4 million
IMDB Rating: 7.2/10 (as of June 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 73% (as of June 2023)
Awards: Kate Winslet won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress.

Synopsis: The film is structured around three iconic product launches and portrays key moments in the life of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.

Best Scene: The confrontation between Steve Jobs (Michael Fassbender) and Steve Wozniak (Seth Rogen) before the iMac launch.

Best Quote: “The musicians play their instruments. I play the orchestra.” – Steve Jobs (Michael Fassbender)

Why You Should Watch It: For its unique structure, sharp dialogue, and powerful performances that delve into the complex personality of Steve Jobs.

Key Takeaways: The film explores Jobs’ drive for perfection, his relationships with colleagues and family, and his impact on the tech industry.

Best For: Fans of Apple, those interested in entrepreneurship, and character-driven dramas.

Verdict: An intellectually and emotionally engaging film with a strong script and excellent performances.

Best Finance Documentaries

Becoming Warren Buffet

Year of Release: 2017
Cast: Documentary featuring Warren Buffett, Charlie Munger, Bill Gates, and others.
Director: Peter Kunhardt
Length: 88 minutes
Box Office Earnings: Not applicable as it’s an HBO documentary film.
IMDB Rating: 7.5/10 (as of June 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 85% (as of June 2023)
Awards: None

Synopsis: This documentary delves into the life and career of Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. It explores his investment philosophy, personal life, and his views on wealth and philanthropy.

Best Scene: Buffett reflecting on his relationship with his wife and how she changed him as a person.

Best Quote: “Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.”

Why You Should Watch It: To gain insights into the mind of one of the world’s most successful investors, his humble lifestyle, and his philosophies on wealth and giving.

Key Takeaways: The film emphasizes the importance of value investing, ethical business practices, and philanthropy.

Best For: Investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in learning about finance and wealth management from one of the most successful investors of all time.

Verdict: A compelling and insightful documentary that gives a rare glimpse into the personal and professional life of Warren Buffett, and offers valuable lessons in investing and living.

Startup.com

Year of Release: 2001
Cast: Documentary featuring Kaleil Isaza Tuzman, Tom Herman, and others.
Director: Jehane Noujaim and Chris Hegedus
Length: 106 minutes
Box Office Earnings: $1.83 million
IMDB Rating: 7.1/10 (as of June 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 73% (as of June 2023)
Awards: None

Synopsis: ‘Startup.com’ is a documentary that follows the rise and fall of GovWorks, a startup company during the dot-com bubble era. It documents the challenges and tensions faced by its co-founders Kaleil Isaza Tuzman and Tom Herman.

Best Scene: The confrontation scene between the co-founders, Kaleil and Tom, which shows the emotional strain and challenges of running a startup.

Best Quote: Not centered on quotable moments, but focused on an in-depth look into the startup world.

Why You Should Watch It: To get a raw and unfiltered look at the inner workings of a tech startup and the challenges entrepreneurs face, especially during the dot-com bubble.

Key Takeaways: The documentary serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges and realities of entrepreneurship and the volatile nature of the tech industry.

Best For: Entrepreneurs, business students, and anyone interested in the tech industry or startup culture.

Verdict: ‘Startup.com’ is a gripping and educational documentary that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the roller-coaster world of startups during one of the most turbulent times in the tech industry.

Thoughts On Best Finance Movies

In the high-stakes world of finance, where fortunes are made and lost in the blink of an eye, it’s no wonder that Hollywood finds an endless source of inspiration.

From the ruthless pursuits of Wall Street moguls to the innovative minds of legendary entrepreneurs, and the dark underbellies of economic meltdowns, finance movies not only entertain but also educate and provoke thought. The films we’ve delved into in this blog post, with their myriad of characters and captivating plots, offer a kaleidoscope of the financial landscape. So whether you’re an aspiring investor, an economics enthusiast, or just in search of a gripping story, there’s something in this cinematic treasure trove for everyone.

Remember that while movies offer a lens into the world of finance, they can also be dramatized and romanticized versions of reality. Nevertheless, they serve as great conversation starters, and for the discerning viewer, they can even provide valuable insights and lessons.

So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and dive into these finance films that promise to leave you richer—in knowledge, if not in your bank account. From Wall Street to The Big Short, the narratives woven into these movies will enthrall you, sometimes educate you, and surely entertain you. Let the credits roll!