10 Best Movies About Money You Should Watch Once

Money has always been one of the most fascinating themes in cinema. From the bustling trading floors of Wall Street to the shocking collapses of financial empires, movies about money capture the thrill, excess, and risks associated with wealth. These films entertain while also providing valuable insights into the world of finance, investment, and business ethics.

Whether you’re a finance professional, an entrepreneur, or simply someone who enjoys gripping stories about power and greed, this list of the best movies about money will give you a fresh perspective on the financial world. These films explore corporate corruption, stock market crashes, and the rise and fall of financial empires—offering not only entertainment but also lessons in wealth management and ethical decision-making.

In this article, we have curated a list of the five best finance movies that everyone should watch. These films depict the realities of Wall Street, high-stakes trading, corporate greed, and economic collapses. If you’re looking for thought-provoking stories with real-life financial takeaways, these are the must-watch movies you shouldn’t miss.

1. Barbarians at the Gate (1993): Greed Behind the Biggest Buyout in History

The Story of a Billion-Dollar Corporate Tug-of-War

Barbarians at the Gate is a sharp, satirical HBO film based on the bestselling book by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar. It dramatizes the real-life events surrounding the leveraged buyout (LBO) of tobacco and food giant RJR Nabisco in the late 1980s, a deal that epitomized the excessive greed of corporate America.

The film follows F. Ross Johnson (James Garner), the CEO of Nabisco, who attempts to take the company private to protect his interests—only to spark a fierce bidding war with powerful Wall Street investors. The story reveals the absurdity, backroom deals, and personal egos that shaped what was then the largest LBO in history.

With its witty dialogue and fast-paced boardroom drama, Barbarians at the Gate serves as both a corporate comedy and a sobering lesson in the dangerous mix of ego and capitalism.

Key Takeaways

• Corporate buyouts can be driven more by ego than business logic.
  
• Financial engineering often obscures real business value.
  
• The 1980s LBO boom set the tone for modern corporate takeovers.
  

IMDB Rating: ★★★★☆ 7.3/10

Why Watch It?

This film offers a humorous yet insightful take on Wall Street excess during the 1980s. With sharp performances and a real-life storyline, Barbarians at the Gate reveals the behind-the-scenes madness of corporate takeovers and high-stakes finance.

2. American Psycho (2000): The Dark Psychology of Wall Street

A Chilling Satire of Wealth and Identity

American Psycho, directed by Mary Harron and based on Bret Easton Ellis’s controversial novel, explores the intersection of capitalism, ego, and psychopathy through the character of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy New York investment banker who leads a double life as a serial killer.

Set in the materialistic excess of the late 1980s, the film critiques the emptiness of corporate culture, where success is measured by business cards, brand names, and status symbols. Bateman, played chillingly by Christian Bale, embodies the ultimate critique of Wall Street’s superficiality, as he navigates a world obsessed with appearance while hiding violent tendencies beneath a polished exterior.

More psychological thriller than traditional finance film, American Psycho offers a bold and unsettling lens on the toxic masculinity, greed, and identity crises bred within elite financial circles.

Key Takeaways

• Material wealth doesn’t equate to moral value or emotional depth.
  
• Corporate culture can dehumanize and desensitize individuals.
  
• The pursuit of status can mask deeper psychological fractures.
  

IMDB Rating: ★★★★☆ 7.6/10

Why Watch It?

This film delivers a disturbing yet brilliant critique of Wall Street culture. Christian Bale’s iconic performance captures the chilling emptiness behind financial success, making American Psycho a haunting reflection on identity, greed, and the costs of conformity.

3. Glengarry Glen Ross (1992): Survival of the Slickest in Sales

A Ruthless Look at Sales Pressure and Morality

Glengarry Glen Ross, adapted from David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, is a masterclass in dialogue and psychological tension set in the world of desperate real estate salesmen. The film takes place over two intense days in a failing office, where salesmen are told they must close deals or lose their jobs.

Starring Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Ed Harris, and Alec Baldwin, the movie explores the brutal tactics and personal breakdowns that emerge under relentless pressure. Baldwin’s iconic “Always Be Closing” speech has become legendary in both sales culture and cinema history.

Rather than focusing on corporate fraud or trading floors, the film captures the raw anxiety of middle-tier financial survival, showing how competition and fear can erode both ethics and dignity.

Key Takeaways

• Performance-driven cultures can create toxic, unethical environments.
  
• High-pressure sales tactics often lead to emotional and moral breakdowns.
  
• Corporate indifference can devastate individual workers.
  

IMDB Rating: ★★★★☆ 7.7/10

Why Watch It?

This film delivers razor-sharp dialogue and unforgettable performances while dissecting the pressures of sales culture. Glengarry Glen Ross is a sobering look at ambition, desperation, and the ethical cost of competition in high-stakes business.

4. Rogue Trader (1999): One Man, One Bank, and a $1.4 Billion Loss

The True Story of a Financial Catastrophe

Rogue Trader is based on the real-life scandal involving Nick Leeson, a trader whose unauthorized and reckless actions led to the collapse of Barings Bank, one of Britain’s oldest merchant banks. Directed by James Dearden and starring Ewan McGregor as Leeson, the film chronicles his rise within the company, his secret trading practices, and the mounting losses he tried to hide.

Set primarily on the trading floor in Singapore, the story captures how a single trader—operating without oversight—was able to accumulate enormous losses through risky derivatives positions, particularly a failed short straddle on the Nikkei index. As the losses grew, Leeson concealed them in a hidden account until the inevitable collapse wiped out the bank.

Rogue Trader offers a gripping look at the consequences of poor risk management, lack of accountability, and institutional blindness, making it an important case study in financial oversight failure.

Key Takeaways

• Lack of internal controls can lead to catastrophic losses.
  
• Overconfidence and secrecy are dangerous in trading environments.
  
• Institutions must enforce proper checks and balances to prevent rogue behavior.
  

IMDB Rating: ★★★☆☆ 6.4/10

Why Watch It?

This film presents a dramatic account of how one trader’s unchecked actions brought down a centuries-old bank. Rogue Trader is a cautionary tale about the importance of transparency, compliance, and oversight in global finance.

5. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005): Corporate Greed and Deception

The Rise and Fall of a Financial Giant

This critically acclaimed documentary, based on the book by Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind, takes a deep dive into one of the biggest corporate fraud scandals in history—the collapse of Enron. Directed by Alex Gibney, Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room explores how one of the largest energy companies in the world manipulated accounting practices to hide massive losses and maintain an illusion of profitability.

Through interviews, congressional hearings, and shocking footage, the documentary reveals the unethical tactics used by executives Jeff Skilling and Ken Lay to deceive investors, employees, and regulators. The film also highlights the devastating impact of corporate fraud on employees who lost their pensions and livelihoods.

Key Takeaways

• Corporate fraud can have devastating consequences for investors and employees.
• Lack of regulation and oversight can lead to unchecked greed and corruption.
• Understanding financial statements and corporate governance is crucial for investors.

IMDB Rating: ★★★★☆ 7.6/10

Why Watch It?

This documentary unpacks one of the biggest corporate scandals in history, revealing how Enron executives manipulated markets and deceived investors. Through interviews, real footage, and expert analysis, it exposes the consequences of unchecked corporate greed. If you’re interested in financial fraud, ethical failures, and their impact on the economy, this film is a must-watch.

6. Wall Street (1987): The Rise of Greed in American Finance

The Iconic Financial Thriller

Few films have shaped public perception of Wall Street as much as Oliver Stone’s Wall Street. This 1987 classic introduced the world to Gordon Gekko, played by Michael Douglas, whose ruthless mantra, “Greed is good,” became synonymous with corporate excess in the 1980s.

The story follows Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen), an ambitious young stockbroker eager to climb the corporate ladder. He idolizes Gekko, a powerful and manipulative corporate raider, and seeks his mentorship. However, as Bud engages in insider trading and unethical deals to gain Gekko’s favor, he quickly learns the dark side of finance and the personal cost of unchecked ambition.

With its gripping drama and sharp critique of corporate greed, Wall Street remains one of the most influential finance movies ever made, continuing to be relevant decades later.

Key Takeaways

• Corporate greed can lead to short-term gains but long-term consequences.
• Insider trading is illegal and comes with heavy penalties.
• Powerful mentors can be both inspiring and destructive.

IMDB Rating: ★★★★☆ 7.4/10

Why Watch It?

This film is a must-watch for anyone interested in finance, ethics, or corporate ambition. It provides a gripping look at insider trading, the corrupting influence of wealth, and the moral dilemmas faced by those chasing financial success. With an unforgettable performance by Michael Douglas, Wall Street remains a timeless cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked greed.

7. Boiler Room (2000): The Dark Side of High-Stakes Sales

The Story of Young Brokers and Shady Deals

Boiler Room, directed by Ben Younger, is a gripping financial drama that delves into the high-pressure world of fraudulent stock trading. The film follows Seth Davis (Giovanni Ribisi), a college dropout who joins a brokerage firm promising fast money and luxury. However, he soon realizes that the firm’s aggressive sales tactics are part of a pump-and-dump scheme, scamming investors out of their savings.

Drawing inspiration from real-life financial scandals, Boiler Room provides a raw look at the unethical practices of small brokerage firms. The movie explores themes of ambition, morality, and the consequences of unchecked greed, offering a cautionary tale for those entering the finance world.

Key Takeaways

• High-pressure sales tactics can push brokers to cross ethical boundaries.
• Financial scams often prey on inexperienced investors.
• Quick wealth can lead to devastating legal and personal consequences.

IMDB Rating: ★★★★☆ 7.0/10

Why Watch It?

This film is a gripping look at the temptations and risks of high-stakes finance. It highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by young brokers and serves as a cautionary tale about financial fraud. With intense performances and sharp storytelling, Boiler Room is a must-watch for those interested in Wall Street culture.

8. Arbitrage (2012): The Price of Deception in High Finance

A Financial Thriller with a Moral Dilemma

Arbitrage, directed by Nicholas Jarecki, is a tense financial thriller that explores the darker side of wealth, power, and deception. The film follows Robert Miller (Richard Gere), a billionaire hedge fund manager who appears to have everything—success, influence, and a luxurious lifestyle. However, behind the scenes, he is desperate to sell his failing company before his fraudulent financial dealings are exposed.

As Miller’s carefully constructed world begins to crumble due to a tragic accident and mounting legal troubles, the film examines the moral compromises and financial manipulation that define high-stakes investing. It’s a gripping look at how far some will go to maintain their wealth and reputation.

Key Takeaways

• Financial success often comes with hidden ethical dilemmas.
• Deception and fraud can unravel even the most powerful careers.
• The desire to maintain wealth can lead to extreme risk-taking.

IMDB Rating: ★★★★☆ 6.6/10

Why Watch It?

This film offers a tense and thought-provoking look at corporate fraud, moral conflicts, and the high-stakes world of finance. Richard Gere delivers a compelling performance as a hedge fund manager whose secrets threaten to destroy him. Arbitrage is a gripping exploration of deception, wealth, and the consequences of unchecked ambition—making it essential viewing for those intrigued by financial scandals and ethical dilemmas.

9. Too Big to Fail (2011): Inside the 2008 Financial Crisis

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Economic Collapse

Too Big to Fail, based on Andrew Ross Sorkin’s best-selling book, is a gripping HBO drama that provides a detailed look at the 2008 financial crisis from the perspective of government officials and banking executives. Unlike other finance films that focus on traders and investors, this movie highlights the role of policymakers, including Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson (William Hurt), as they scramble to prevent a complete economic meltdown.

The film offers a realistic depiction of the government’s bailout strategy, the negotiations between Wall Street’s top bankers, and the desperate attempts to stabilize a collapsing economy. With a strong ensemble cast and a fact-based narrative, Too Big to Fail is both an educational and dramatic look at one of the biggest financial crises in history.

Key Takeaways

• Government intervention plays a crucial role in preventing financial disasters.
• Banking institutions wield immense power over global markets.
• A lack of regulation can lead to catastrophic economic consequences.

IMDB Rating: ★★★★☆ 7.3/10

Why Watch It?

This film provides a gripping behind-the-scenes look at the high-stakes decisions that shaped the 2008 financial crisis. With a fact-based narrative and strong performances, Too Big to Fail is a must-watch for those interested in economic policy, corporate influence, and the fragile balance of global finance. It offers a compelling perspective on how government intervention and Wall Street’s power shaped modern financial history.

10. The Wizard of Lies (2017): The Rise and Fall of Bernie Madoff

Inside the Biggest Ponzi Scheme in History

The Wizard of Lies, directed by Barry Levinson, is a gripping biographical drama that chronicles the infamous Ponzi scheme orchestrated by Bernie Madoff. Starring Robert De Niro as Madoff and Michelle Pfeiffer as his wife, the film delves into the scandal that defrauded investors of $64 billion, making it the largest financial fraud in history.

Unlike other finance movies that focus on corporate culture or Wall Street excess, The Wizard of Lies explores the personal and psychological toll of Madoff’s deception. It examines how his fraudulent empire collapsed, the devastation it caused for thousands of investors, and the impact on his own family.

Through flashbacks, interviews, and dramatized court proceedings, the film offers a compelling look at how unchecked greed, regulatory failures, and blind trust led to one of the greatest betrayals in financial history.

Key Takeaways

• Ponzi schemes rely on deception, trust, and a lack of oversight.
• Even the wealthiest and most reputable investors can fall victim to financial fraud.
• Financial crimes have deep personal and societal consequences.

IMDB Rating: ★★★★☆ 6.8/10

Why Watch It?

This film provides an intense and emotional look at the rise and fall of Bernie Madoff, exploring both the mechanics of his fraud and its devastating effects. With Robert De Niro’s powerful performance, The Wizard of Lies is an essential watch for those interested in financial scandals and white-collar crime.

Conclusion

Movies about money provide more than just entertainment—they reveal the realities of financial markets, corporate ethics, and the consequences of unchecked greed. Through dramatic portrayals of stock market manipulation, economic crises, and corporate fraud, these films offer valuable lessons about wealth, power, and risk.

Each movie presents a different perspective on finance, from the aggressive sales tactics in The Wolf of Wall Street and Boiler Room to the collapse of financial institutions in The Big Short and Margin Call. Too Big to Fail and Inside Job expose the structural weaknesses that led to market disasters, while Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room and The Wizard of Lies showcase the devastating impact of corporate deception. Wall Street remains a defining story of ambition and greed, and Arbitrage highlights the moral dilemmas of high finance.

These films serve as cautionary tales, reminding viewers of the power and pitfalls of money. By understanding the decisions that led to financial scandals, audiences can gain deeper insight into the world of finance and the importance of ethical decision-making.