The Big Short
This film delves into the complexities of the 2008 financial crisis, following a group of investors who predicted the collapse of the housing market and profited from it. Through its sharp satire and compelling storytelling, it exposes the greed and corruption within the banking industry.
The Wolf of Wall Street
Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, this Martin Scorsese-directed film chronicles the rise and fall of a stockbroker who indulges in excess and corruption on Wall Street during the 1990s. It offers a wild and unapologetic portrayal of financial fraud and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
Inside Job
A documentary narrated by Matt Damon, "Inside Job" meticulously explores the causes and aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. Through interviews with financial experts and policymakers, it exposes the systemic flaws and conflicts of interest that led to the global economic meltdown.
Wall Street
Oliver Stone's iconic film portrays the cutthroat world of high finance in the 1980s, focusing on the ambitious young stockbroker Bud Fox and his mentor, the ruthless corporate raider Gordon Gekko. It highlights the moral dilemmas faced by those navigating the allure of wealth and power on Wall Street.
Boiler Room
This drama follows a young college dropout who gets entangled in the world of fraudulent stock trading at a suburban brokerage firm. Inspired by real-life events, it sheds light on the culture of deception and manipulation prevalent in the financial industry.
Gafla
A lesser-known Indian film, "Gafla" uncovers the underbelly of the Indian stock market, tracing the journey of a young man who becomes embroiled in insider trading and market manipulation. It offers a gripping portrayal of ambition and betrayal within the context of India's financial landscape.
Margin Call
Set during the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis, this thriller unfolds over a 24-hour period at an investment bank facing imminent collapse. Through its tense atmosphere and stellar performances, it provides a chilling glimpse into the ethical compromises made in pursuit of profit.
Floored
A documentary that explores the world of Chicago's trading pits, "Floored" captures the human drama and adrenaline-fueled intensity of open-outcry trading before the rise of electronic trading. It offers a nostalgic look at a bygone era in financial markets.
Arbitrage
This suspenseful drama follows a hedge fund manager who finds himself embroiled in a web of deceit and murder as he tries to conceal his financial fraud. With gripping performances and a taut plot, it delves into the moral compromises made in the pursuit of wealth and success.
Too Big to Fail
Based on Andrew Ross Sorkin's book, this HBO film depicts the events surrounding the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on the efforts of policymakers and bankers to prevent the collapse of major financial institutions. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at the high-stakes negotiations and political maneuvering that ensued.
The Trillion Dollar Bet
This documentary explores the rise of quantitative trading and the growing influence of mathematical models in financial markets. Through interviews with leading quants and traders, it examines the risks and rewards of algorithmic trading strategies.
Enron
A documentary that chronicles the spectacular collapse of the energy company Enron in 2001, one of the largest corporate scandals in history. Through archival footage and interviews with key players, it exposes the corporate greed and accounting fraud that led to Enron's downfall.
Quants
Another documentary focusing on quantitative trading, "Quants" delves into the world of mathematicians and computer scientists who use complex algorithms to gain an edge in financial markets. It explores the intersection of technology, finance, and human behavior in the quest for profit.
Rogue Trader
Based on the true story of Nick Leeson, a trader whose risky bets led to the collapse of Barings Bank in the 1990s, this film offers a cautionary tale of unchecked ambition and financial hubris. It highlights the devastating consequences of one man's reckless actions on a global scale.
Scam 1992
A critically acclaimed Indian web series, "Scam 1992" dramatizes the rise and fall of Harshad Mehta, a stockbroker who orchestrated one of India's biggest financial scams in the early 1990s. Through its meticulous storytelling and compelling performances, it sheds light on the loopholes and corruption within India's financial system.