Must Watch Finance-related Movies, Documentaries and TV Series

Every day, I’m frequently approached for recommendations on finance-related movies and TV series. So, here’s a curated list of must-watch, high-quality productions including movies, documentaries, and TV series that are not only entertaining but also have the potential to enrich your understanding of financial aspects and provide insights into the inner workings of the business world. Enjoy these selections, and please feel free to share your own recommendations in the comments below.

Movies:

1. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) – Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film is a thrilling and raucous ride through the life of Jordan Belfort, a charismatic stockbroker who rose to riches and infamy in the 1990s. It offers a provocative exploration of excessive wealth, greed, and the darker side of the finance industry.
   
2. The Big Short (2015) – Based on Michael Lewis’ best-selling book, this gripping film, directed by Adam McKay, unravels the complex events leading up to the 2008 financial crisis. It follows a group of eccentric and insightful individuals who saw the impending collapse of the housing market and bet against it, providing an eye-opening perspective on the inner workings of the financial world.
   
3. Margin Call (2011) – Taking place during a critical 24-hour period at the beginning of the 2008 financial crisis, this intense drama delves into the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by investment bankers as they grapple with the realization of an impending market crash. Directed by J.C. Chandor, the film captures the high-stakes environment and the difficult decisions made in the pursuit of self-preservation.
   
4. Wall Street (1987) – Oliver Stone’s iconic film explores the world of corporate greed and insider trading through the story of Bud Fox, a young and ambitious stockbroker who becomes entangled with the unscrupulous corporate raider, Gordon Gekko. It sheds light on the allure and pitfalls of the financial industry, emphasizing the moral choices individuals face when pursuing success.
   
5. Boiler Room (2000) – Inspired by true events, this engaging drama follows the journey of Seth Davis, a college dropout who joins a fraudulent brokerage firm. Directed by Ben Younger, the film exposes the high-pressure sales tactics and deceptive practices employed in the pump-and-dump schemes of the late 1990s, highlighting the ethical gray areas within the finance industry.
   
6. Glengarry Glen Ross (1992) – Based on David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, this film delves into the cutthroat world of real estate sales. With an ensemble cast led by Al Pacino and Alec Baldwin, it provides a searing portrayal of the competitive nature, desperation, and relentless pursuit of success in the sales profession. The movie serves as a cautionary tale about the pressures faced by those working in high-stakes sales environments.

TV Series:

1. Billions (2016-2023) – This gripping drama series follows the clash between billionaire hedge fund manager Bobby Axelrod and U.S. Attorney Chuck Rhoades as they engage in a high-stakes battle of wits and power. Created by Brian Koppelman, David Levien, and Andrew Ross Sorkin, “Billions” explores the intricacies of the finance industry, delving into insider trading, market manipulation, and the blurred lines between morality and ambition.
   
2. Succession (2018-2023) – Created by Jesse Armstrong, this critically acclaimed series centers around the dysfunctional Roy family, owners of a global media and entertainment empire. Through intricate character dynamics and power struggles, “Succession” explores the complex world of corporate finance, inheritance battles, and the machinations of high-profile executives within a family-driven business empire.
   
3. Mad Men (2007-2015) – Although primarily focused on the advertising industry, this award-winning series provides a captivating glimpse into the corporate world of the 1960s. Created by Matthew Weiner, “Mad Men” delves into the business strategies, power dynamics, and cultural shifts of the era, offering valuable insights into the evolving world of finance and commerce during a transformative period in American history.
   
4. Silicon Valley (2014-2019) – This satirical comedy series, created by Mike Judge, showcases the chaotic and competitive world of the technology industry. While the show primarily focuses on the challenges faced by a group of programmers in their startup venture, it also offers satirical commentary on venture capital, investment deals, and the fast-paced environment of Silicon Valley.

Documentaries:

1. Inside Job (2010) – Directed by Charles Ferguson, this Academy Award-winning documentary dissects the global financial crisis of 2008. With in-depth interviews and analysis, it explores the systemic issues, regulatory failures, and the rampant greed that contributed to the collapse, providing a comprehensive understanding of the complex factors that led to one of the most significant financial disasters in history.
   
2. The Ascent of Money (2008) – Hosted by historian Niall Ferguson, this documentary series offers a fascinating exploration of the history and evolution of money, banking, and the financial system. Through engaging storytelling and expert analysis, it traces the origins of financial instruments, the impact of economic innovations, and the interconnectedness of global markets, shedding light on the forces shaping the modern financial landscape.
   
3. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005) – Directed by Alex Gibney, this documentary provides a riveting account of the rise and fall of Enron, an energy company that infamously collapsed due to corporate fraud and accounting manipulation. Through interviews and archival footage, the film exposes the culture of corruption, greed, and ethical breaches that led to one of the most notorious corporate scandals in history, offering valuable lessons about corporate governance and ethical conduct.