Lights, Camera, Finance!

The world of finance, often perceived as dry and complex, can actually make for compelling cinema. From nail-biting dramas depicting market crashes to insightful documentaries revealing the inner workings of the financial system, these films entertain and educate. Here are some of the best finance films that offer both gripping narratives and valuable lessons.

The Big Short (2015)

Based on the Michael Lewis book, The Big Short chronicles the true story of a group of investors who bet against the US mortgage market before the 2008 financial crisis. It cleverly explains complex financial instruments like collateralized debt obligations (CDOs) and credit default swaps in an accessible way, using humor and relatable characters. The film highlights the systemic flaws and reckless behavior that led to the crisis, leaving viewers both entertained and disturbed.

Wall Street (1987) & Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010)

Oliver Stone’s Wall Street, starring Michael Douglas as the iconic Gordon Gekko, embodies the excesses and ethical compromises of the 1980s. The famous line, “Greed, for lack of a better word, is good,” encapsulates the film’s exploration of ambition and moral ambiguity. The sequel, Money Never Sleeps, revisits Gekko in the aftermath of the 2008 crisis, offering a more nuanced perspective on the complexities of the financial world.

Margin Call (2011)

Margin Call provides a tense, behind-the-scenes look at the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis within an investment bank. Taking place over a 36-hour period, the film focuses on the ethical dilemmas faced by employees as they grapple with the impending collapse of their firm. With a stellar ensemble cast, Margin Call offers a gripping and realistic portrayal of the human cost of financial instability.

Too Big to Fail (2011)

This HBO film dramatizes the events surrounding the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on the actions taken by then-Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke to prevent a complete economic meltdown. Based on the book of the same name, Too Big to Fail offers a detailed and sobering account of the government’s intervention in the financial system and the difficult choices that were made.

Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)

This documentary explores the rise and fall of Enron, one of the biggest corporate scandals in history. Through interviews and archival footage, the film uncovers the fraudulent accounting practices and corrupt corporate culture that led to Enron’s downfall. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked greed and corporate malfeasance.

These films, while entertaining, offer valuable insights into the complex and often opaque world of finance. By exploring themes of greed, ambition, ethical dilemmas, and systemic risks, they provide a deeper understanding of the forces that shape our economy and the consequences of financial decisions.