Films about the 2007-2008 financial crisis explore the events and aftermath of one of the most significant economic downturns in recent history. These films delve into the causes and consequences of the crisis, often focusing on the collapse of major financial institutions, the housing market crash, and the impact on everyday individuals and families. Through captivating storytelling and powerful performances, these films shed light on the complexities of the crisis and its far-reaching effects.
Here are some films about the 2007-2008 financial crisis:
“Margin Call”, 2011
Director: J.C. Chandor
Set over a 24-hour period, this gripping drama follows the employees of an investment bank as they navigate the early stages of the financial crisis. As they uncover the impending collapse of their firm, they must make difficult decisions that will have far-reaching consequences.
Starring: Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Zachary Quinto, Penn Badgley, Simon Baker, Mary McDonnell, Demi Moore, Stanley Tucci, Aasif Mandvi, Ashley Williams, Susan Blackwell, Maria Dizzia, Jimmy Palumbo, Al Sapienza, Peter Kim, Grace Gummer, Oberon Ka Adjipong, Claude Jay, Kevin Keels, Jason Liebman, Jamie Lee Petronis, Uziman, Steven Weisz;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 107 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Margin Call” on the website imdb.com
“The Big Short”, 2015
Director: Adam McKay
Based on the true story and Michael Lewis's book, this film follows a group of financial outsiders who predicted the housing market collapse and subsequent financial crisis. With a stellar ensemble cast, the film explores the greed and corruption that led to the crisis, while also highlighting the few who saw it coming.
Starring: Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt, Melissa Leo, Hamish Linklater, John Magaro, Rafe Spall, Jeremy Strong, Marisa Tomei, Finn Wittrock, Stanley Wong, Byron Mann, Tracy Letts, Karen Gillan, Selena Gomez, Max Greenfield, Margot Robbie, Rudy Eisenzopf, Casey Groves, Charlie Talbert, Harold Gervais, Maria Frangos, Hunter Burke, Bernard Hocke, Shauna Rappold, Brandon Stacy, Aiden Flowers, Peter Epstein, Anthony Marble, Silas Cooper, Leslie Castay, Andrew Farrier, Ingrid Steed, Vanessa Cloke, David Zalkin, Carrie Lazar, Mychael Bates, Rajeev Jacob, Jay Potter, Garrett Hines, Ryan Broussard, Adepero Oduye, Jeffry Griffin, Anthony Bourdain, Joey Brooks, Colette Divine, Oscar Gale, Cayden Arthur Miscally, Dave Davis;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, comedy, biography, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 130 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “The Big Short” on the website imdb.com
“Inside Job”, 2021
Director: Vitaliy Strokous, David Ochs, Mike Bertino, Mollie Helms
This documentary film provides a comprehensive analysis of the 2008 financial crisis, examining the systemic corruption and unethical practices that permeated the global financial industry. Through interviews with economists, politicians, and industry insiders, the film uncovers the factors that led to the crisis and the lack of accountability that followed.
Starring: Lizzy Caplan, Christian Slater, Clark Duke, Tisha Campbell, Andy Daly, Chris Diamantopoulos, John Di Maggio, Bobby Lee, Brett Gelman, Shion Takeuchi, Josh Robert Thompson, Grey Griffin, Ron Funches, Eric Bauza, Suzy Nakamura, Cheri Oteri, Adam Scott, James Adomian, Will Blagrove, Roger Craig Smith, Kayvan Novak, Gary Cole, Vargus Mason, Lauren Lapkus, Carl Tart, Debra Wilson, Karin Anglin, Max Mittelman, Darius Johnson, Scott Adsit, Timothy Simons, Ana Gasteyer, Santina Muha, Kate Micucci, Nicole Sullivan, Patton Oswalt, Jon Daly, Kevin Michael Richardson, William Jackson Harper, Fred Tatasciore, Zachary Quinto, Henry Winkler, Drew Tarver, Dan Lippert, Shaggy 2 Dope, Violent J, Michael-Leon Wooley, Leon Scherwitz;
Production year: 2021;
Genre: animation, science fiction, fantasy, comedy, adventure;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Inside Job” on the website imdb.com
“Too Big to Fail”, 2011
Director: Curtis Hanson
Based on the book by Andrew Ross Sorkin, this HBO film chronicles the events surrounding the collapse of Lehman Brothers and the subsequent government bailout of major financial institutions. With a stellar cast portraying real-life figures, the film offers an inside look at the high-stakes negotiations and decisions made during the crisis.
Starring: William Hurt, Edward Asner, Billy Crudup, Paul Giamatti, Topher Grace, Cynthia Nixon, Bill Pullman, Tony Shalhoub, James Woods, John Heard, Erin Dilly, Amy Carlson, Ayad Akhtar, Kathy Baker, Beau Baxter, Ben Livingston, Erin Burnett, Chance Kelly, Chil Kong, Daniel K. Isaac, James Saito, Maria Bartiromo, Michael O'Keefe, Robert Hogan, Victor Slezak, Chandra Thomas, Tom Mason, Peter Hermann, Joey Slotnick, Evan Handler, Matthew Modine, Ajay Mehta, David Faber, Laurence Lau, Josh Casaubon, Gregory Jones, George Taylor, Kathleen Coslett, Danny Darrow, Rob Evans, Rutanya Alda, Peter Hans Benson, Fiona Choi, Laila Robins, Tom Tammi, Steve Liesman, Dan Hedaya, Steve Tom, Jonathan Freeman;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
Age: 18+;
Duration: 98 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
“The Wolf of Wall Street”, 2013
Director: Martin Scorsese
While not explicitly about the 2007-2008 financial crisis, this Martin Scorsese film provides a glimpse into the excesses and unethical practices that contributed to the overall culture of Wall Street. Based on the memoir of Jordan Belfort, the film follows the rise and fall of a stockbroker who becomes involved in fraud and corruption.
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Kyle Chandler, Rob Reiner, P.J. Byrne, Jon Bernthal, Cristin Milioti, Jean Dujardin, Matthew McConaughey, Kenneth Choi, Jon Favreau, Joanna Lumley, Christine Ebersole, Shea Whigham, Katarina Cas, Brian Sacca, Henry Zebrowski, Ethan Suplee, Barry Rothbart, Jake Hoffman, MacKenzie Meehan, Bo Dietl, Jon Spinogatti, Aya Cash, Rizwan Manji, Stephanie Kurtzuba, J.C. MacKenzie, Ashlie Atkinson, Thomas Middleditch, Stephen Kunken, Edward Herrmann, Ted Griffin, Fran Lebowitz, Robert Clohessy, Natasha Newman-Thomas, Sandra Nelson, Johnnie Mae, Christina Jeffs, Sabina Maschi, Zana Markelson, Welker White, Dan Flaherty, Carla Corvo, Dustin Kerns, Ashley Blankenship, Madison McKinley, Dierdre Reimold, Kerry Malloy;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama, crime, biography, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 180 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,2;
These films offer different perspectives on the 2007-2008 financial crisis, allowing viewers to gain a deeper understanding of the events and their impact on society. Whether through fictional narratives or real-life accounts, they serve as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked greed and the need for financial regulation and accountability.
The films exploring the 2007-2008 financial crisis serve as poignant reflections on human greed, systemic corruption, and the fragility of economic stability, offering audiences both a cautionary tale and a compelling narrative of resilience. From the darkly comedic satire of “The Big Short” to the harrowing drama of “Margin Call,” these films not only dissect the complex mechanisms that led to the collapse but also illuminate the personal stories of those affected by the fallout. As viewers engage with these narratives, they are reminded of the profound interconnectedness of our financial systems and the enduring impact of decisions made in boardrooms far removed from everyday lives. Ultimately, these films not only chronicle a pivotal moment in history but also challenge us to reflect on our own roles within the economic landscape, urging a more conscientious and informed approach to the future.
