From Wall Street to Netflix: Watching the Best Market Movies
7 min read.
Ready to get your financial movie fix? With so many stock market-centric films out there, it may be hard to pick the best ones.
But don’t worry – we’ve done all the work for you! From Wall Street to Netflix: Watching The Best Stock Market Movies is a guide that offers viewers a compendium of must-see films about money and investing.
We've combed through flicks from different genres and ratings levels, finding only the most riveting stories that will both entertain you and give you an insight into the world of trading stocks.
No matter what kind of audience member or genre buffs you are, these great titles have something for everyone when it comes to exploring finance on screen. So strap in and hit play; let's explore some of the best stock market movies on Netflix today!
Table of Contents
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The Best Stock Market Movies on Netflix
Let's dive into our top financial movies on Netflix. These films entertain and provide insights into the world of finance.
Whether you're a seasoned investor or a finance novice, they offer unique perspectives, from the few savvy traders to the high-level boardroom deals. So grab your popcorn, sit back, and navigate Wall Street from home!
1) The Wolf Of Wall Street
Martin Scorsese directed "The Wolf of Wall Street," a controversial and highly successful film. It depicts the true story of stockbroker Jordan Belfort (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) and his descent into a corrupt and fraudulent life that ultimately leads to his downfall.
Despite criticism for its materialistic portrayal and encouragement of extreme wealth, the film established a Guinness World Record for the most instances of swearing.
Jordan Belfort himself acknowledged the movie's accurate depiction of his financial years. The Wolf of Wall Street also received numerous nominations in various categories, making it one of the best finance movies.
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2) The Big Short
This classic Wall Street movie depicts ignorance at its best. The Big Short chronicles the journey of a group of investors who took a bold stance against the US mortgage market during 2006-2007.
Through meticulous research, they unearthed the deep-rooted flaws and pervasive corruption within the housing market, foreseeing an impending crash of colossal proportions.
The film criticizes the 2008 financial crisis. Michael Lewis book, The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine, details how four Wall Street traders bet against the subprime mortgage market and made a fortune when the housing bubble collapsed.
Adam McKay's movie tells the events leading up to the banking crisis, leaving millions of Americans without homes. Few finance economists or hedge fund managers predicted this global economic meltdown, the most serious since the Great Depression in 1929.
Movies About Stock Market Crash and Financial Crisis
Let's now explore an intriguing aspect of the financial sector: stock market crashes and financial crises.
These events have shaped economic history and continue to impact current practices. The following movie list offers valuable lessons and insights into these catastrophes, their causes, and far-reaching effects.
3) Margin Call
Margin Call offers a fresh perspective on the 2008 financial crisis, delving into the harrowing decline of a Wall Street investment firm over 24 hours.
Much like The Big Short, this compelling film highlights the intricate workings of finance, boasting an exceptional cast including Demi Moore and Kevin Spacey.
Nominated for an Academy Award and 21 other awards, Margin Call introduces Peter Sullivan (Zachary Quinto), a risk management analyst, who discovers that their investment bank's mortgage risk profiles are incorrect and could lead to bankruptcy.
As tensions rise, the suggestion of a fire sale is met with opposition from Sam Rogers (Kevin Spacey), who fears the consequences of causing major market instability. With its technically accurate portrayal, the film depicts a realistic insight into the events of the financial crisis.
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4) Inside Job
Inside Job is a captivating 5-part documentary that explores the infamous 2008 financial crisis. Narrated by Matt Damon, this Academy Award-winning film offers a thought-provoking exploration of the events during this tumultuous period.
Through interviews with bankers, economists, and politicians, Inside Job provides a multi-faceted perspective on their roles in the crisis. The documentary meticulously examines the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers and the collapse of AIG, shedding light on the alarming state of the banking sector in Iceland.
As the narrative unfolds, the film delves into the strategies of Hedge Fund Managers, including John Paulson's audacious bet against the housing market. These revelations illuminate corporate greed and the factors that contributed to the crisis.
Ultimately, Inside Job examines the global impact of the crisis on the finance world. With its incisive analysis and portrayal of Wall Street's unethical practices, this documentary has garnered widespread acclaim for its critical examination of the events leading to the financial collapse.
5) The Company Men
The impact of the Great Recession of 2008 is undeniably profound in the movie "The Company Men", although the financial aspect is not explicitly depicted.
Whether you were a laid-off worker or a businessman who suffered financial losses during the crisis, this film resonates on a deep level, offering relatability, insight, and empathy.
The plot centers around the downsizing of GTX, an inland shipbuilding business, in the wake of the market crash. It skillfully explores the psychological effects experienced by individuals as they face job losses.
Movies About the Financial World
Stepping away from crashes and crises, let's delve into films that explore the intricacies of the financial world in general.
These finance movies shed light on the complexities of the financial sphere, delving into the lives of those who navigate its treacherous waters daily.
6) American Psycho
The movie "American Psycho", based on Bret Easton Ellis' book, does not delve into the intricacies of financial markets. Instead, it falls into the genres of crime and horror, offering a captivating and chilling experience.
Christian Bale plays Patrick Bateman, a materialistic investment banking specialist in Manhattan. During the day, he maintains his facade as a successful professional while hiding his alter-ego as a violent killer. The film has gained popularity since the mid-2000s, with a growing cult following on social media.
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7) The Pursuit of Happyness
This poignant movie, starring Will Smith and Jaden Smith, draws inspiration from real-life events. It garnered an impressive 25 nominations and secured 11 wins, notably including Jaden Smith's well-deserved "Best Breakthrough Performance" award.
Chris Gardner (Will Smith) faces homelessness after financial difficulties strain his marriage. With custody of their son, he hustles to make money.
A chance meeting leads him to the stock market, where he becomes an intern at a brokerage firm. Determined to succeed, he faces the challenges of the investment banking business. This heartfelt tale resonated with many and became a box-office success.
8) The Laundromat
"The Laundromat" is a darkly comedic take on the Panama Papers scandal, one of the most significant financial leaks in history.
Directed by Steven Soderbergh and featuring an ensemble cast including Meryl Streep, Gary Oldman, and Antonio Banderas, the film premiered on Netflix in 2019.
The narrative follows Ellen Martin (Meryl Streep), a widow investigating insurance fraud, which leads her to the shady operations of Mossack Fonseca, a law firm that aids the wealthy and corrupt in tax evasion.
Through a series of intertwining stories, the movie paints a picture of a fraudulent and corrupt financial system and the staggering inequality it perpetuates through money laundering.
This Netflix original serves as a stark reminder of the vast, often hidden, networks of money, power, and secrecy that shape our world.
Are There Any Movies About Bernie Madoff?
"Madoff: The Monster of Wall Street" is a compelling docuseries on Netflix that charts the rise and fall of Bernie Madoff, the mastermind behind the biggest Ponzi scheme in history.
The series provides a thorough examination of Madoff's fraudulent activities, which resulted in losses amounting to billions of dollars for his investors.
Through interviews with victims, relatives, and former employees, the series paints a chilling portrait of Madoff as a manipulative financier who misled even the most sophisticated clients.
It explores how he managed to maintain his fraudulent operations for decades, defying the scrutiny of regulators and auditors.
The series also delves into the aftermath of his fall, shedding light on the devastating consequences borne by his investors and family.
"Madoff: The Monster of Wall Street" captivates viewers with its stark depiction of a man driven by greed and deceit, offering a grim reminder of the dark side of Wall Street.
The Latest From the Financial Industry
In this section, we explore the latest additions to the finance film genre. These must-watch capture the news, trends, and developments in the financial industry, offering enlightening and entertaining narratives.
10) Get Smart With Money
"Get Smart With Money" is an insightful and inspiring documentary on Netflix that dwells on the importance of financial literacy in today's world.
The film breaks down complex financial concepts and translates them into easy-to-understand language, making finance accessible to all.
It highlights personal stories from individuals who transformed their financial situations through prudent money management, fostering a sense of empowerment and motivation among viewers.
Whether you're a student embarking on your financial journey, a young professional trying to navigate the complexities of personal finance, or a seasoned individual aiming to solidify your financial knowledge, this documentary serves as an excellent resource to help you make intelligent money decisions.
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11) Money, Explained
"Money, Explained" is a riveting Netflix docuseries that delves into the intricate world of money, discussing topics that impact our wallets and financial lives.
This series demystifies complex financial concepts such as credit cards, student loans, gambling, and retirement savings, and effectively breaks them down into digestible episodes.
With a blend of expert interviews, case studies, and lively animations, the series presents viewers with an accessible and engaging examination of the economic structures that dominate everyday life.
It's an essential watch for anyone looking to gain a clearer understanding of their financial standing in the world.
12) Eat the Rich: The GameStop Saga
"Eat the Rich: The GameStop Saga" is a captivating docuseries on Netflix that explores the unprecedented events surrounding the GameStop stock market phenomenon.
The series delves into the unlikely alliance of retail investors from the Reddit community r/WallStreetBets, who took on the Wall Street elites by driving up the value of GameStop shares.
The saga illuminates the power of social media in the modern financial landscape and questions traditional market dynamics.
Through in-depth interviews, expert analysis, and first-person accounts, this docuseries offers a unique perspective on one of the most dramatic events in recent financial history.
What's your favorite financial film? Any more stock market movies to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!
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The availability of titles is subject to change. Netflix regularly updates its collection and some titles are not available in every country.