Let’s face it. Wall Street movies have the perfect setting. After all, everything you need to make for a great cinema is found right there in the financial world. Everything from comedy, tragedy, and catastrophe to success and redemption are found there in abundance. It’s not really surprising that Hollywood has produced so many Wall Street movies over the years.
Yes, a lot of these movies undoubtedly show financial professionals in a bad light. But many of them are worth watching too. If you are an ardent movie lover with a knack for finances, there are some Wall Street movies you absolutely cannot miss. Here are some of them.
· Trading Places (1983)
This one’s for all those who would love to see a comedy touch on the otherwise serious world of Wall Street. Directed by John Landis, the movie stars Eddie Murphy and Dan Akroyd in tutorial roles. The movie basically showcases how someone’s fall from Wall Street can be a blessing for another. It’s undoubtedly pretty creative how beautifully they have shown the futures and markets of Wall Street in a humorous manner.
· The Big Short (2015)
This movie will go down in history as being one of the most well-made Wall Street movies. Starring Christian Bale, Brad Pitt, Steve Carell, and Ryan Gosling, The Big Short has won an Oscar, and understandably so.
The movie is set against the backdrop of the 2008 financial crisis. It takes us through the journey of a group of investors right before the crisis who bet against the U.S. mortgage market.
Yes, the movie can be confusing for some who are unable to understand the complicated financial information. But the good thing is that a lot of these terms are broken down for the audience humorously. So this movie offers you a chance to polish your knowledge about finances and learn more about the financial crisis while also being entertained.
· The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
We can’t discuss Wall Street movies without talking about this one. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead role and shares the true story of Jordan Belfort.
He was a small-time stockbroker who went on to become among the wealthiest Wall Street people, and that too in a few years. Indeed, such things don’t only happen in movies.
Of course, it wasn’t all legal, and eventually, his investment firm was shut down. But one cannot deny the journey was incredible, and this was a story that deserved to be told. And the movie does full justice to it.
· Rogue Trader (1999)
James Dearden has written and directed this movie. It follows the story of Nick Leeson, who was behind the much-talked-about downfall of the Barings bank. Interestingly, Barings Bank was a highly distinguished financial institute in England.
The best thing about this movie is that it teaches much about greed and how the desire to earn money can change you forever. People usually don’t associate emotions with the Wall Street world. But this movie can change that.
· Wall Street (1987)
How could it be that we don’t talk about this one among the best Wall Street movies? After all, there’s a reason that it has attained an iconic status and is counted among the financial cinema’s marvels.
Directed by Oliver Stone, the movie features Michael Douglas in the key role. He plays the character of Gordon Gekko, a performance that won him the Academy Award. If you are interested in pursuing a career in stockbroking or investment banking, this is a must-watch movie for you.
· Boiler Room (2000)
Giovanni Ribbi plays a key role in this film which is based on the life of Seth Davis. This movie forces us to see the dark side of stockbroking. When Seth fails to do much with his unlicensed casino in his apartment, he joins a brokerage firm.
And hence he sees a world that he never knew existed. The movie is pretty well-researched. Indeed, the director of the film, Ben Younger, interviewed many stockbrokers before writing this story. You will definitely enjoy this one!
· Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
This is an adaptation of a David Mamet play. It follows the journey of a team of real estate salesman who has forgotten morals and ethics after working for an evil company for many years. With this movie, you will learn a lot about the underhanded tactics of sales positions as well as the pressure these salespeople are subjected to.
Although slightly different from other Wall Street movies, what makes this movie incredible to watch is how beautifully it shows the consequences of being forced to work under pressure.
· Margin Call (2011)
If you want to watch a Wall Street movie with financial accuracy, this one’s for you. It takes you on a 24 hours journey of life of a Wall Street firm that’s just on the brink of disaster.
The movie shows us how the reckless risk-taking by some led the world to witness the great financial crisis in 2008. In this movie, we learn how the decisions of a few can lead to the downfall of people who had nothing to do with it.
Join the World of Entertainment with Wall Street Movies
You don’t have to be a financial expert to enjoy these movies. Even if you lack interest in the field, these Wall Street movies provide much-needed insight into the world of finance. The best thing about these movies is that they aren’t preachy.
Interestingly a lot of these Wall Street movies are based on real-life stories. After all, we all know the truth is stranger than fiction. And these movies along with others simply prove that!
