Fantastic films with a financial slant to add to your watchlist
As the evenings draw in and the temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like getting cosy at home and curling up with a good film.
From entrepreneurial success to stories of boom and bust, there’s a wealth of brilliant films that blend money, ambition, and drama in equal measure.
If you want to enjoy a great watch while also gaining valuable financial insights, here is a selection of fantastic films with a financial twist to add to your watchlist.
Margin Call (2011)
Set over a tense 24-hour period at a major investment bank, Margin Call captures the moment executives realise their firm is on the brink of collapse.
The gripping drama provides a clear view of the ethical and human side of the 2008 financial crisis.
It also shows the importance of understanding risk – and how small miscalculations can lead to massive consequences. It’s a stark reminder of why diversification and prudent planning matter.
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes review
“Everyone thinks this movie is a fairly routine, not particularly notable drama… my love for Margin Call boils down to it being the one film that, more than any other, seems to understand the modern workplace.”
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Directed by Martin Scorsese, The Wolf of Wall Street stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort, a fast-talking stockbroker who builds an empire of greed, excess, and fraud. Based on real events, it’s wild, funny, and shocking – revealing the ugly truth about how far people can go in pursuit of wealth.
The Wolf of Wall Street is a cautionary tale about unchecked ambition, risk-taking, and the darker side of financial success. It’s a reminder that ethics and integrity are worth far more than short-term gains.
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes review
“Have you ever partied hard and wondered how you would party hard if you had copious amounts of money and a group of just-as-crazy-as-you friends? I think this is it and then some. Forget good taste, forget politically correct […] and have a good laugh along the way. Casting is spot on, have seen this over a half a dozen times and not bored yet.”
The Big Short (2015)
They say the best stories are the true ones, and this is another excellent film based on real-life events. It follows a handful of investors who foresaw the 2008 financial crisis and bet against the housing market. Expect sharp wit and clever storytelling, as complex finance transforms into an unexpectedly gripping drama.
The Big Short shows the danger of complacency and the value of doing your homework. It’s a powerful reminder that even experts can get it wrong – and that understanding what you’re investing in matters.
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes review
“Stellar cast. Don’t let the subject matter put you off. I found it well explained, funny, shocking, and slightly depressing knowing nothing has really changed. A favourite movie. Loved the soundtrack. I understood the ideas after a second viewing probably because I was flabbergasted at how it all happened. Definitely rewatchable.”
The Founder (2016)
Michael Keaton stars as Ray Kroc, a struggling salesman who turns a small burger restaurant into a global empire – McDonald’s. But behind the golden arches lies a story of ambition, persistence, and questionable business ethics.
The Founder is a masterclass in recognising the true value of a business. Kroc realises McDonald’s isn’t just about burgers – it’s about real estate. His ability to pivot from food to property management highlights the importance of understanding where real value lies in any investment.
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes review
“A very entertaining and interesting biopic on how Ray Kroc bought out McDonald’s to start an empire! The whole story is inspiring, believable, and fact-filled! The actors did amazing! The set pieces are also very beautiful!”
Dumb Money (2023)
This hit movie retells the incredible true story of how everyday investors took on Wall Street during the GameStop stock frenzy.
A surprisingly fun watch, it celebrates the power of the small investor in the age of social media, while highlighting the dangers of speculation and herd mentality.
While it’s exciting to “play the market,” what goes up fast can often come down faster.
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes review
“I really enjoyed this movie. They did a great job showing all the different points of view regarding this situation, from the Wall Street investors to the average Joes. It had a lot of great moments and felt all the emotions: happiness, excitement, anger, sadness, and shock. Also, the music selection was top notch. I was jamming the whole time.”
