Get your popcorn ready because we’re about to take you on a movie adventure into the world of money! In this blog post, we’ve picked out the 10 best stock market movies that will not only entertain you but also teach you a thing or two about how investing works. So, get comfy, and let’s dive into these films that combine the excitement of Hollywood with the wisdom of Wall Street.
The Context
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy – James Howell (1659)
Investing is not just about crunching numbers and math; it can be a sophisticated and enjoyable form of amusement with money. Our investing philosophy views the stock market investment as not only educational and instructive but also highly enjoyable!
With positive outcomes and the excitement of participating in the markets, investing can be an entertaining experience, combining the thrill of the chase with the joy of success. The financial industry has a rich tapestry of stories, from scandals and collapses to mysteries and scams, but also tales of success and adventure. It has all the elements of a cinematic masterpiece, with plots that can captivate and inspire. Exploring this niche can offer insights into complex stock market topics like derivatives, contracts, options, and corporate activities, helping you gain a deeper understanding of their importance and workings.
Moreover, every investor deserves the freedom to relax and unwind from the pressures of the market once in a while, and what better way to do that than by enjoying a compelling stock market movie from Hollywood? So, here’s a quirky top 10 list of stock market movies that celebrates the greatest narratives ever produced, offering a delightful blend of entertainment and education for those with a passion for investing.
01. Inside Job (2010)
Our top pick for the best stock market movie is this documentary, which takes the number one spot on our list of the top 10 films in this genre. The documentary boasts an impressive 98% approval rating on the Tomato meter, along with a stellar 8.2 rating on IMDB, solidifying its critical acclaim.
This documentary, narrated by actor Matt Damon, dives into the global financial meltdown of 2008 that led to widespread job and home losses, plunging the United States into a severe economic recession. Directed by Charles Ferguson, the film features interviews and traces the story from the US to China, Iceland, and other financial hot spots.
It is divided into five sections: “The Foundation” which discusses the dominance of five main banks in the market and the lack of trustworthy rating methodology for financial organizations; “Mortgage Boom” which explores how the US mortgage boom contributed to the debt problem; “The Crisis” which highlights the warnings from the Federal Reserve and FBI about mortgage fraud and the fall of Lehman Brothers and other highly-rated financial institutions; “Accountability” which focuses on the senior management’s decisions and riches during the crisis; and “Where We Are Now” which discusses the impact on employment, manufacturing industry, and accumulation of debt.
The film “Inside Job” exposes the dishonest behavior of government officials, academics, financial institutions, regulators, and rating agencies that participated in a Wall Street monopoly game with monopoly money issued by a defunct economic monetary system.
Please note that unlike most movies about Wall Street, “Inside Job” is safe to watch with your family as it is rated 14+.
A must-watch for working professionals who want to unwind after a busy day filled with meetings and strategic planning.
02. The Wolf Of Wall Street (2013)
The Wolf of Wall Street holds the second spot on our top 10 list of stock market movies. This movie has a respectable 79% rating on the Tomato Meter and an impressive 8.2 rating on IMDB, showcasing its positive reception among both critics and audiences.
The Wolf of Wall Street, a highly acclaimed Hollywood blockbuster, depicts the life and career of Wall Street stockbroker Belfort. Released in 2013, this movie is known for its expert pacing and thought-provoking moral dilemmas.
The direction and character development in the film is praised for their excellence. The story follows Belfort’s career journey, from entry-level employment to significant losses during Black Monday, to a “pump and dump” penny stock scheme, and finally to the establishment of his new firm, which comes under investigation by the US SEC and FBI.
Considered one of the best stock market movies, it sheds light on the dark side of the stock market.
Please note that The Wolf of Wall Street is rated as 18+ due to references to violence, language, and drug abuse.
The Wolf of Wall Street is the perfect choice for a Friday night movie, accompanied by a bottle of wine.
03. The Big Short (2015)
This entry holds the prestigious third spot on our top 10 list of stock market movies. This film boasts an impressive 7.8 rating on IMDB and a stellar 89% Tomato meter score, further solidifying its acclaim among audiences and critics alike.
The Big Short” explores the riveting tale of how savvy traders and hedge fund managers capitalized on the housing market’s collapse by predicting the crash of sub-prime mortgage bonds, resulting in massive profits. Inspired by the 2008 financial crisis, the film weaves together three compelling narratives, including Michael Burry’s bold fund venture, Jared Venett’s foray into the CDs market, and Geller and Shipley’s epic short-selling gains.
While debt securities take center stage, this exceptional stock market flick also imparts crucial trading insights and sheds light on the aftermath of unforeseen events.
Please note: “The Big Short” is rated 17+ due to nudity and pervasive language.
Indubitably, “The Big Short” is a must-watch with a steaming tub of popcorn on a rainy Saturday, delivering a captivating cinematic experience that will keep you glued to your seat.
04. Trading Places (1983)
On our top 10 list of stock market movies, “Trading Places” secures an impressive fourth place, cementing its position as a classic in the genre. Boasting an enduring legacy, this timeless classic has earned a noteworthy 7.5 rating on IMDB and an impressive 88% approval rating on the Tomato meter.
Trading Places” is a thought-provoking dark comedy that highlights the socioeconomics and class structure in America. The plot follows a cunning con man and a wealthy commodity broker whose lives are switched as part of a bet made by affluent Wall Street brothers, Mortimer and Randolph Duke.
As the story unfolds, the characters of Billy Ray Valentine, a street hustler played by Eddie Murphy, and Louis Winthorpe, a privileged investment executive portrayed by Dan Aykroyd, become pawns in the Duke brothers’ game. While Randolph believes that a person’s upbringing shapes their destiny, Mortimer argues that success is determined by breeding. When Valentine and Winthorpe uncover the brothers’ scheme, they team up to exact revenge.
It’s worth noting that “Trading Places” is rated 17+ due to its depictions of hard-core narcotics, foul language, and explicit female nudity, making it unsuitable for minors under 17 years of age.
An indulgent weekday evening flick, perfect for unwinding on a well-deserved day of leisure.
05. Wall Street (1987)
Wall Street takes its well-deserved spot as a distinguished contender in our esteemed lineup of the best stock market movies, securing the respectable fifth position. It has an IMDB rating of 7.3 and a 78% tomato meter score.
Wall Street, a captivating tale of ambition and greed, centers around Bud Fox, a young and driven stockbroker played by Charlie Sheen, who will stop at nothing to succeed. When he crosses paths with Gordon Gekko, a shrewd and rapacious corporate raider portrayed by Michael Douglas, Fox is drawn into a world of shady methods.
With impeccable character development and storytelling, Wall Street boasts flawless acting and a compelling storyline. Gekko is depicted as formidable and ruthless, while Fox is portrayed as ambitious yet cautious. The film explores complex stock market concepts such as “pump and dump,” insider trading, and their repercussions, making it a classic for understanding the darker side of Wall Street.
The movie’s sharp dialogue and memorable phrases further solidify its place on our list. It effectively captures the tone and strategies of Wall Street without overwhelming audiences with unnecessary complexity. It serves as both a cautionary tale against unchecked capitalism and insatiable greed, and a poignant family drama with a traditional rise-and-fall arc, thanks to its powerful morals, precise script, top-notch acting, and focused direction.
Note: Rated 16+ due to brief strong language, smoking, and sexual themes.
Wall Street makes for a captivating and enjoyable Sunday afternoon viewing, packed with compelling characters, intriguing plotlines, and valuable insights into the world of finance and greed.
06. Margin Call (2011)
Margin Call secures a noteworthy sixth position on our prestigious list of top 10 stock market movies. Margin Call boasts an impressive Tomato Meter rating of 87% and a solid IMDB rating of 7.1, attesting to its critical acclaim and positive audience reception.
Since the 2008 financial crisis eventually attracted enough interest and taught investors a wealth of valuable lessons, we give this particular story a good rating. The employees of a successful brokerage firm are the focus of the Wall Street thriller Margin Call, which follows them in the 24 hours before the 2008 stock market crash. Margin Call depicts a day in the life of a bank that resembles Lehman Brothers as it struggles to stay out of the early stages of the financial crisis.
The film, which is briskly paced and superbly acted, shows how significant financial institutions function and the motivations of the people who work there. The film is about corporate manners—hierarchical conventions, power rituals, and—most importantly—the challenge of addressing blatant habits of speculative behavior with reality.
Note: As a result of the movie’s moderate profanity, violence, and use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco, Margin Call is rated 18+.
If you’re interested in learning what happens in the boardrooms of the best financial organizations, the movie should absolutely be on your watch list.
07. Boiler Room (2000)
Boiler Room has earned its place on our esteemed list of top 10 stock market movies, securing the number seven spot. It has a 7 IMDB rating and a 66% Tomato meter score.
Boiler Room and The Wolf of Wall Street, which comes in at number two on our list, are both based on some true events. Based on Jordan Belfort’s 2008 autobiography of the same name, “The Wolf of Wall Street” is told from the perspective of the boss known as “The Wolf” (Jordan Belfort).
In the film, Giovanni Ribisi plays Seth Davis, a clever and ambitious college dropout who operates a gambling operation out of a filthy flat. Seth is given the chance to work as a broker at one of his client’s tiny trading companies. Seth overcomes his inhibitions when presented with the prospect of sports cars, millions of wealth, and a plethora of women.
To leave the dishonest firm before the Feds raid the business, Seth eventually finds a method to make amends with the client he has most gravely wronged: a family man with a small salary. The film also celebrates the father-son bond and shows how much Seth loves his father.
Note: Due to the film’s extremely strong language, which includes racial, sexist, homophobic, and hate slurs, Boiler Room is rated as 18+.
It’s couch-friendly entertainment that’s enjoyable with a chilled beer.
08. Money Monster (2016)
Money Monster features at number 8 in our top 10 list of Stock market movies. It has a 59% rating on Tomato Meter and an IMDB rating of 6.5.
The protagonist of the film, Budwell, goes after the financial expert and his team and holds them hostage to find out why the stock fell after he lost all of his funds as a result of the expert’s advice on a TV show. The film makes a point of emphasizing how foolish it is to have unquestioning faith in supposed market experts.
Note: Boiler Room has a 15+ rating due to its intense language, some sexual content, and brief acts of violence.
George Clooney and Julia Roberts give outstanding performances in this charming American crime thriller.
09. Chasing Madoff (2010)
Chasing Madoff, another documentary selection, is ranked number nine on our list of the top 10 stock market movies. It has a 46% rating on the Tomato meter and an IMDB rating of 6.2.
In Chasing Madoff, one guy tries to break the quiet by telling his story. The film shows the story of Harry Markopolos, an unknown securities analyst turned fraud investigator who persistently pursued the trail of Bernard Madoff’s international pyramid investment scheme for ten years before his arrest in 2008.
Along the way, the story emphasizes Harry’s struggle as he encountered insurmountable obstacles and the stupidity of those who ought to have been handling the situation themselves. It’s a commendable tale of perseverance about a ten-year investigation into Bernie Madoff’s vast Ponzi scheme, which defrauded investors of an estimated $18 billion.
Note: Aren’t documentaries lovely? Because of its intricacy and lack of overtly sexual content, violence, or profanity, Chasing Madoff is given a rating of 13+.
An intelligently made dinner-time documentary for all investors out there.
10. Equity (2016)
Last but not least, the movie Equity is ranked number 10 on our list. It has a Tomato meter rating of 82% and an IMDB rating of 5.5.
Although not in the typical sense, Equity is a different movie about Wall Street. It is about women working on Wall Street. The movie also doesn’t deal with the financial crisis or any other well-known controversy; instead, it focuses solely on Naomi Bishop (Anna Gunn), a successful investment banker who competes with the big boys in what is a primarily male-dominated industry.
The plot thickens on the predicament of this senior investment banker who must unravel a network of corruption while being threatened by a financial scandal. That is a lot of authenticities, and all that “women’s strength” piques our interest in the movie as a whole.
Note: As a result of the language and mature references, Equity is rated as 15+.
A must-see film to applaud the involvement of women in a society where the financial markets are portrayed as being a male-dominated industry.
Bonus Pick
Here is your reward for reading all the way through. Too Big To Fail is added as a bonus entry to our top 10 list of Stock market movies. Yet another intriguing story on the 2008 financial meltdown is rated 7.3 on IMDB and 77% on Tomato Meter.
The film focuses on the significance of financial institution stability and how risky it could be for the overall economy if they fail. The 2008 financial crisis almost caused the US banking system to collapse, and Too Big to Fail is a gripping account of that close call. Nobody anticipated the financial crisis, and no one knew how to handle the catastrophe when it struck.
In this movie, US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Ben Bernanke attempt to stabilize the US economy by offering a no-strings rescue, but Paulson is left wondering whether banks will lend. Should banks truly be too large to fail? is a topic that is explored in this feature.
Note: Too Big To Fail is rated 14+ and may bore teens due to how sophisticated the financial world is portrayed.
A casual TV-movie for all market fans without a doubt.
Conclusion
Any good movie has a compelling plot and narrative at its core. Without a compelling tale to tell, character development, special effects, and setting are all pointless. Movies are a visual medium that has affected popular social media culture and bundles of contemporary stock market literature throughout the decades.
We strongly advise you to watch these masterpieces if you haven’t already. With some takeaway lessons to inspire, motivate, and entertain you, our recommended collection will help you acquire insight into the world of finance.
We sincerely hope you liked reading this list as much as we did when researching and putting it together.
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Have fun bingeing!
5 Comments
Lol, Wolf of wall street is a must watch. Your writeup made me watch it again 😂
Might want to consider adding the movie Dumb Money to your list. I watched it last week and found it really interesting about how market madness can lead to rise and. fall. It would be a great bonus recommendation for the readers on this forum.
Here’s a suggestion. Including ‘The Wizard of Lies’ would really complete this list.
This is an excellent selection for anyone interested in finance. I was surprised by how much I learned from the movies when I was just starting about 5 years ago. Great selection.
This post is cool. I’ve seen a couple of the movies on the list, but the explanations of their concepts helped me understand them in a new light. I am definitely going to watch the others. Great job bringing entertainment and education together!