Are you fascinated by the fast-paced, high-stakes world of the stock market? Do you enjoy movies that delve into the complexities of finance, trading, and the pursuit of wealth? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the 15 best share market movies that every stock market enthusiast should watch. These films offer thrilling narratives, compelling characters, and valuable insights into the inner workings of Wall Street and beyond. Get ready to be entertained, educated, and inspired by these cinematic masterpieces.
1. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, The Wolf of Wall Street is a biographical black comedy that chronicles the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort, a notorious stockbroker who engaged in rampant corruption and fraud on Wall Street. The movie offers a raw and unfiltered look at the excesses and debauchery of the financial world, with DiCaprio delivering a powerhouse performance as the charismatic and morally bankrupt Belfort. The Wolf of Wall Street is a wild ride that exposes the dark underbelly of the stock market and the consequences of unchecked greed.
2. Wall Street (1987)
Wall Street, directed by Oliver Stone and starring Michael Douglas and Charlie Sheen, is a classic tale of ambition, power, and corruption in the world of finance. The movie follows young stockbroker Bud Fox (Sheen) as he becomes entangled with the ruthless corporate raider Gordon Gekko (Douglas), who famously declares that “greed is good.” Wall Street offers a compelling exploration of the moral dilemmas and ethical challenges faced by those in the pursuit of wealth and success. Douglas’s iconic portrayal of Gekko has become a cultural touchstone, representing the epitome of 1980s excess and the cutthroat nature of the stock market.
3. The Big Short (2015)
Based on the non-fiction book by Michael Lewis, The Big Short is a gripping and darkly comedic account of the 2008 financial crisis. Directed by Adam McKay and featuring an all-star cast including Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt, the movie follows a group of outsiders who predict the impending collapse of the housing market and bet against the big banks. The Big Short offers a scathing critique of the greed, corruption, and systemic failures that led to the global economic meltdown. Through its clever storytelling and breaking of the fourth wall, the film makes complex financial concepts accessible to a wide audience.
4. Margin Call (2011)
Set over a 24-hour period at the onset of the 2008 financial crisis, Margin Call offers a tense and gripping look at the inner workings of a Wall Street investment bank on the brink of collapse. Directed by J.C. Chandor and featuring an ensemble cast including Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, and Zachary Quinto, the movie explores the moral dilemmas faced by the bank’s employees as they grapple with the impending crisis and their own culpability. Margin Call is a thought-provoking and suspenseful drama that sheds light on the human cost of financial greed and the tough decisions made in the face of economic turmoil.
5. Boiler Room (2000)
Boiler Room, directed by Ben Younger and starring Giovanni Ribisi and Vin Diesel, is a gritty and intense look at the world of high-pressure stock brokerage firms. The movie follows a young college dropout who takes a job at a suburban investment firm, only to discover that the company is engaged in illegal and unethical practices. Boiler Room offers a raw and unflinching portrayal of the cutthroat culture of these “chop shops,” where young brokers are pushed to the brink in the pursuit of commissions and wealth. The film serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the consequences of compromising one’s morals for financial gain.
6. Rogue Trader (1999)
Based on the true story of Nick Leeson, the trader whose unauthorized speculative trading caused the collapse of Barings Bank, Rogue Trader is a gripping and cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and risk-taking in the financial world. Starring Ewan McGregor as Leeson, the movie follows his meteoric rise and catastrophic fall as he engages in increasingly reckless trades, ultimately leading to the downfall of one of Britain’s oldest and most prestigious banks. Rogue Trader offers a fascinating and sobering look at the human factors behind financial disasters and the consequences of a lack of oversight and accountability.
7. Trading Places (1983)
Trading Places is a classic comedy that takes a satirical look at the world of commodities trading and social class. Directed by John Landis and starring Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd, the movie follows a wealthy commodities broker and a homeless con artist who become unwitting pawns in a bet between two callous millionaires. The film offers a hilarious and biting commentary on the absurdities and inequalities of the financial world, as well as the arbitrary nature of success and failure. Trading Places is a timeless and entertaining romp that skewers the pretensions and prejudices of the upper crust while celebrating the wit and resilience of the underdogs.
8. Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by David Mamet, Glengarry Glen Ross is a searing and intense look at the cutthroat world of real estate sales. Directed by James Foley and featuring an all-star cast including Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, and Kevin Spacey, the movie follows a group of desperate salesmen as they struggle to close deals and keep their jobs in the face of ruthless competition and unforgiving management. While not strictly about the stock market, Glengarry Glen Ross offers a powerful and unforgettable exploration of the pressures and moral compromises of high-stakes sales and the toll it takes on the human spirit.
9. Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010)
A sequel to the original Wall Street, Money Never Sleeps picks up the story of Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) as he emerges from prison and navigates the new realities of the financial world. Directed by Oliver Stone and also starring Shia LaBeouf and Carey Mulligan, the movie explores themes of redemption, ambition, and the cyclical nature of greed and corruption in the world of high finance. While not as groundbreaking as its predecessor, Money Never Sleeps offers a timely and engaging look at the financial crisis of 2008 and the enduring allure and pitfalls of Wall Street.
10. Equity (2016)
Equity is a groundbreaking film that offers a rare and much-needed female perspective on the world of high finance. Directed by Meera Menon and starring Anna Gunn, the movie follows a senior investment banker as she navigates the treacherous waters of Wall Street, facing gender bias, backstabbing colleagues, and the pressures of a high-stakes IPO. Equity is a smart and nuanced exploration of the unique challenges faced by women in the male-dominated world of finance, as well as a gripping thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in a fresh and compelling take on the financial world.
11. The Company Men (2010)
The Company Men, directed by John Wells and featuring an all-star cast including Ben Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones, and Chris Cooper, is a poignant and timely drama about the human cost of corporate downsizing and the 2008 financial crisis. The movie follows three men at different stages of their careers as they struggle to cope with the aftermath of losing their jobs at a major shipping company. The Company Men offers a heartfelt and relatable exploration of the challenges and indignities faced by white-collar workers in the wake of economic upheaval, as well as a hopeful message about the resilience and redemption of the human spirit.
12. Arbitrage (2012)
Arbitrage, directed by Nicholas Jarecki and starring Richard Gere, is a taut and gripping thriller about a troubled hedge fund magnate who must navigate a web of legal and personal crises in the wake of a fatal accident. The movie offers a complex and morally ambiguous portrait of a man who will stop at nothing to protect his wealth and reputation, even as his carefully constructed world begins to unravel. Arbitrage is a smart and suspenseful exploration of the corrupting influence of power and privilege, as well as a showcase for Gere’s magnetic and multifaceted performance.
13. Inside Job (2010)
Inside Job is a groundbreaking and infuriating documentary that exposes the truth behind the 2008 financial crisis and the systemic corruption and greed that led to it. Directed by Charles Ferguson and narrated by Matt Damon, the film offers a clear and comprehensive analysis of the complex factors that contributed to the meltdown, including deregulation, conflicts of interest, and outright fraud. Inside Job is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the root causes of the crisis and the ongoing problems in the financial system. The film is a powerful and eye-opening indictment of the individuals and institutions responsible for one of the greatest economic disasters in modern history.
14. Too Big to Fail (2011)
Based on the bestselling book by Andrew Ross Sorkin, Too Big to Fail is a gripping and informative HBO film that chronicles the behind-the-scenes drama of the 2008 financial crisis and the government’s response to it. Directed by Curtis Hanson and featuring an all-star cast including William Hurt, Paul Giamatti, and James Woods, the movie offers a fly-on-the-wall perspective on the tense negotiations and high-stakes decisions that shaped the fate of the global economy. Too Big to Fail is a riveting and educational look at a pivotal moment in modern history and the complex interplay of politics, economics, and human fallibility.
15. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)
Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room is a fascinating and infuriating documentary that chronicles the rise and fall of Enron, one of the biggest corporate scandals in American history. Directed by Alex Gibney and based on the bestselling book by Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind, the film offers a damning portrait of the hubris, greed, and deception that led to the company’s collapse and the devastating impact it had on its employees and investors. Enron is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked corporate power and the importance of transparency and accountability in the business world. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in the dark side of American capitalism and the human cost of corporate malfeasance.
Conclusion
These 15 must-watch movies offer a fascinating and multifaceted look at the world of finance, trading, and the stock market. From gripping dramas to biting satires to eye-opening documentaries, these films provide valuable insights into the complex and often controversial realities of the financial world. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or simply curious about the inner workings of Wall Street, these movies are sure to entertain, educate, and inspire you. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to dive into the thrilling and sometimes turbulent world of the share market on the big screen. Happy watching!
