Stock Market Shenanigans: The Best Movies About Finance in 2024

Did you know that some of the best finance movies online can teach you a lot about money? It turns out that you don't need to read boring old books or sit through complex lectures in gloomy university auditoriums to enhance your financial education.

Everyone with a bank account should understand the workings of the financial world. Here at MystNodes, we believe improving your financial literacy should be enjoyable and accessible to everyone. That's why, in this article, we'll walk you through the best movies about the financial industry!

Here are the top finance movies in 2024, from documentary films about capitalism, Wall Street, the stock market, and the global economy as a whole to finance movies featuring high-stakes battles for life-changing sums of money.

Best Finance Movies in 2024

Here are our recommendations for the best finance films to learn about the stock market, Wall Street, and the financial sector in general!

Financial documentaries also play a crucial role in providing financial education.

The Big Short (2015)

• Director: Adam McKay;
• IMDB Rating: 7.8/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 89%;
• Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime;
• Main Stars: Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt;
• Endorsement by Professionals: Yes, it's highly regarded for its accurate depiction of the 2008 economic crisis and endorsed by many financial experts for its educational value.

Based on the nonfiction book "The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine" by Michael Lewis, this film follows a group of investors who predict the 2008 mortgage market collapse and bet against the subprime mortgage industry. The movie was nominated for five Oscars at the 2016 Academy Awards, where it was ultimately named Best Adapted Screenplay.

The film The Big Short provides a detailed look at the causes and consequences of financial crises, particularly the 2008 housing bubble. Through clever storytelling and fourth-wall-breaking explanations, the film chronicles a comedic yet insightful look at the economic collapse. It highlights the complexity and corruption within the financial system.

Rogue Trader (1999)

• Director: James Dearden;
• IMDB Rating: 6.4/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 30%;
• Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Apple TV;
• Main Stars: Ewan McGregor, Anna Friel;
• Endorsement by Professionals: Yes, recognized for its depiction of the true story of one of the biggest financial scandals in history.

Rogue Trader is a biographical drama that tells the true story of Nick Leeson, a derivatives trader who single-handedly brought down Barings Bank, one of the oldest and most prestigious investment banks in the world.

The finance film follows Leeson's rise as a star trader in Singapore and his subsequent fall as he engages in unauthorized trading, concealing massive losses that eventually lead to the bank's collapse in a financial scandal. The story highlights the dangers of inadequate risk management and oversight in the financial industry.

Wall Street (1987)

• Director: Oliver Stone;
• IMDB Rating: 7.3/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 79%;
• Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Hulu;
• Main Stars: Michael Douglas, Charlie Sheen, Daryl Hannah;
• Endorsement by Professionals: Yes, it was widely praised for its portrayal of corporate greed and the finance culture of the 1980s.

Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen), a young and ambitious stockbroker, becomes involved with Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas), a ruthless corporate raider. As Fox gets deeper into Gekko's world of greed and corruption, he must confront his own morals. The finance movie tells you about the excesses and moral pitfalls of the finance world in the 1980s, particularly in corporate finance.

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

• Director: Martin Scorsese;
• IMDB Rating: 8.2/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 79%;
• Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Hulu;
• Main Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie;
• Endorsement by Professionals: The Wolf of Wall Street received mixed reviews. It was regarded as entertaining but criticized for glorifying unethical behavior.

This is probably the first movie that comes to mind when we think of either Wall Street or the American Dream. Wolf of Wall Street is a biographical film that chronicles the rise and fall of Wall Street's Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker working in a brokerage firm who engages in rampant corruption and stock market fraud on Wall Street.

Known for its wild and extravagant depiction of Belfort's lifestyle, it offers a critical look at unchecked ambition and greed. The story is both cautionary and entertaining.

Margin Call (2011)

• Director: J.C. Chandor;
• IMDB Rating: 7.1/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 87%;
• Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime;
• Main Stars: Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Zachary Quinto;
• Endorsement by Professionals: Yes, Margin Call was lauded for its realistic portrayal of the early stages of the financial crisis.

Set in a large investment bank during the initial stages of the 2008 economic crisis, Margin Call follows the true story of key people at the firm as they discover the impending collapse.

It provides a tense, behind-the-scenes look at the decisions made in the face of a financial meltdown. Margin Call is notable for its realistic portrayal of the financial world.

Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)

• Director: Alex Gibney;
• IMDB Rating: 8.0/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 97%;
• Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Hulu;
• Main Stars: This documentary features interviews with Sherron Watkins and Mike Muckleroy;
• Endorsement by Professionals: It was highly praised for its detailed investigation into the Enron scandal.

This documentary, based on a book of the same name, film explores the rise and fall of Enron, focusing on the corporate corruption that led to its bankruptcy. The documentary provides a deep dive into the unethical practices of financial institutions and their impact on society.

Using interviews, video footage, and insider testimony, it delves into the company's fraudulent practices and the broader implications for corporate America. It serves as a cautionary tale about unchecked greed and complex schemes, such as the Ponzi Scheme.

Money for Nothing: Inside the Federal Reserve (2013)

• Director: Jim Bruce;
• IMDB Rating: 7.5/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 85%;
• Where to Watch: Netflix, YouTube;
• Main Stars: This documentary includes interviews with Ben Bernanke and Janet Yellen;
• Endorsement by Professionals: Yes, it was highly praised for its comprehensive analysis of the Federal Reserve's role in the financial system.

This documentary film explores the inner workings of the Federal Reserve, the central banking system of the United States. It delves into its history, functions, and the pivotal role it plays in the global economy.

Using interviews, historical footage, and expert analysis, the documentary provides an in-depth look at the Federal Reserve's policies and decisions, particularly during times of economic crisis. It highlights the complexities of monetary policy, the balance between economic growth and inflation, and the impact of the Fed's actions on everyday citizens.

The film serves as both an educational resource and a critical examination of the power and influence of the Federal Reserve, offering insights into its decision-making processes and the controversies that surround its operations.

Inside Job (2010)

• Director: Charles Ferguson;
• IMDB Rating: 8.2/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 98%;
• Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, YouTube;
• Main Stars: Narrated by Matt Damon;
• Endorsement by Professionals: Yes, Inside Job received acclaim for its thorough analysis of the global monetary crisis.

This documentary comprehensively analyzes the 2008 economic crisis, exposing systemic corruption in the finance industry. The documentary exposes the systemic corruption within the financial sector that led to the crisis.

Through interviews with economists, policymakers, and financial insiders, it uncovers the roots of the crisis and its devastating effects. Narrated by Matt Damon, it's both informative and engaging. Inside Job was awarded the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature at the 2011 Academy Awards.

Boiler Room (2000)

• Director: Ben Younger;
• IMDB Rating: 7.0/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 66%;
• Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Hulu;
• Main Stars: Giovanni Ribisi, Vin Diesel, Nia Long, Ben Affleck;
• Endorsement by Professionals: Mixed, acknowledged for depicting the pump and dump schemes but seen as dramatized.

A college dropout becomes a successful investment banker only to discover he's involved in illegal activities. As he rises through the ranks, he faces moral dilemmas and the consequences of his ambition. Boiler Room highlights the manipulation and deceit prevalent in financial markets through pump-and-dump schemes.

Too Big to Fail (2011)

• Director: Curtis Hanson;
• IMDB Rating: 7.3/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 77%;
• Where to Watch: HBO Max, Amazon Prime;
• Main Stars: William Hurt, Paul Giamatti, Billy Crudup, Topher Grace;
• Endorsement by Professionals: Yes, valued for its insider perspective on the 2008 financial crisis.

Too Big to Fail offers a behind-the-scenes look at the economic crisis of 2008, focusing on the efforts of Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and other key figures to prevent economic collapse. It provides a dramatized yet insightful portrayal of the decisions and pressures faced by policymakers.

The Company Men (2010)

• Director: John Wells;
• IMDB Rating: 6.7/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 67%;
• Where to Watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime, Starz;
• Main Stars: Ben Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones, Chris Cooper, Kevin Costner;
• Endorsement by Professionals: Yes, praised for its realistic portrayal of the impact of business downsizing on individuals and their families.

The film follows Bobby Walker, a successful sales executive who is abruptly laid off from his high-paying job at a shipbuilding company. As he and his colleagues, who also face layoffs, navigate the emotional and financial struggles that come with unemployment, the movie delves into themes of personal identity, economic hardship, and the pursuit of dignity.

The story highlights the profound impact of corporate downsizing on the inner workings of individuals' lives and the resilience required to rebuild in the face of adversity.

The Founder (2016)

• Director: John Lee Hancock;
• IMDB Rating: 7.2/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 81%;
• Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu;
• Main Stars: Michael Keaton, Nick Offerman, John Carroll Lynch, Linda Cardellini, Laura Dern;
• Endorsement by Professionals: Yes, praised for its detailed and compelling portrayal of the rise of one of the world's largest fast-food chains.

"The Founder" tells the true story of Ray Kroc, a struggling salesman from Illinois, who meets Mac and Dick McDonald, who are running a burger operation in 1950s Southern California. Kroc is impressed by the brothers' speedy system of making food and sees the franchise's potential.

With a mix of ambition, persistence, and ruthlessness, Kroc maneuvers himself into a position to create a fast-food empire. He ultimately bought the company from the brothers and transformed it into the McDonald's business empire we know today.

American Psycho (2000)

• Director: Mary Harron;
• IMDB Rating: 7.6/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 69%;
• Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Hulu;
• Main Stars: Christian Bale, Willem Dafoe, Jared Leto;
• Endorsement by Professionals: Not directly endorsed by finance professionals, more of a cultural critique of the financial elite.

Set in the 1980s, American Psycho follows Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker that Christian Bale plays, with a double life as a serial killer. While it focuses more on Bateman's alternate psychopathic ego, it provides a satirical take on the excesses and superficiality of the financial elite. American Psycho is both disturbing and thought-provoking.

Trading Places (1983)

• Director: John Landis;
• IMDB Rating: 7.5/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 88%;
• Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Hulu;
• Main Stars: Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis;
• Endorsement by Professionals: Yes, considered both entertaining and insightful into commodities trading and market dynamics.

This is one of the many trading movies out there. Trading Places revolves around a wealthy broker and a street hustler whose lives are swapped as part of a bet by two callous millionaires. The film culminates in a high-stakes commodities trading showdown, offering both humor and insight into trading and market manipulation.

The Social Network (2010)

• Director: David Fincher;
• IMDB Rating: 7.8/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 96%;
• Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu;
• Main Stars: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Armie Hammer;
• Endorsement by Professionals: Yes, praised for its engaging storytelling and accurate depiction of the early days of Facebook and its founder, Mark Zuckerberg.

The Social Network chronicles the founding of Facebook and the ensuing legal battles. The film focuses on Mark Zuckerberg, a Harvard student who developed a revolutionary social networking site.

As Facebook grows, conflicts arise between Zuckerberg and his co-founders, leading to lawsuits and fractured relationships. The movie delves into themes of ambition, betrayal, the personal cost of success, and the intense startup culture.

Trust No One: The Hunt for the Crypto King (2022)

• Director: Luke Sewell;
• IMDB Rating: 6.3/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 50%;
• Where to Watch: Netflix;
• Main Stars: The documentary includes interviews with various individuals involved in the case, including investors, journalists, and legal experts;
• Endorsement by Professionals: Mixed, acknowledged for its intriguing story but criticized for its execution.

Trust No One: The Hunt for the Crypto King is one of the many financial documentaries out there. It delves into the mysterious death of Gerald Cotten, the CEO of Canada's largest cryptocurrency exchange, QuadrigaCX.

Following Cotten's sudden demise, $250 million worth of cryptocurrency disappears, leaving investors in turmoil. The film explores the ensuing conspiracy theories and the frantic efforts of the investors to uncover the truth behind the missing funds.

The Laundromat (2019)

• Director: Steven Soderbergh;
• IMDB Rating: 6.3/10;
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 41%;
• Where to Watch: Netflix;
• Main Stars: Meryl Streep, Gary Oldman, Antonio Banderas, Jeffrey Wright;
• Endorsement by Professionals: Mixed, praised for its star-studded cast and unique storytelling but criticized for its handling of complex financial issues.

The Laundromat explores the Panama Papers scandal, following Ellen Martin, a widow whose investigation into a fake insurance policy leads her to Panama City and two cunning lawyers exploiting the world's financial system.

The film reveals the intricate network of tax evasion and financial fraud used by the wealthy and powerful to hide their money.

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