Films about the stock market are a popular genre that often explores the high-stakes world of finance, trading, and the impact of market fluctuations on individuals and society. These films typically delve into themes of greed, power, corruption, and the thrill of making (or losing) a fortune in the stock market.
“Wall Street”, 1987
Director: Oliver Stone
Directed by Oliver Stone, this classic film follows a young and ambitious stockbroker, played by Charlie Sheen, who is lured into the world of high finance by the charismatic and ruthless Gordon Gekko, played by Michael Douglas. The film explores the moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist as he navigates the cutthroat world of Wall Street.
Starring: Michael Douglas, Charlie Sheen, Daryl Hannah, Martin Sheen, Hal Holbrook, Terence Stamp, Saul Rubinek, William G. Knight, James Spader, Tamara Tunie;
Production year: 1987;
Genre: drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Wall Street” on the website imdb.com
“The Wolf of Wall Street”, 2013
Director: Martin Scorsese
Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, this film is based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who rose to immense wealth and power through fraudulent practices and excessive lifestyle. The film offers a wild and unapologetic look at the excesses of the stock market world.
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Kyle Chandler, Rob Reiner, P.J. Byrne, Jon Bernthal, Cristin Milioti, Jean Dujardin, Matthew McConaughey;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama, crime, biography, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 180 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,2;
“Margin Call”, 2011
Director: J.C. Chandor
This thriller directed by J.C. Chandor takes place over a 24-hour period during the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis. The film follows the employees of a large investment bank as they uncover the extent of the impending collapse and must make difficult decisions to survive the crisis.
Starring: Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Zachary Quinto, Penn Badgley, Simon Baker, Mary McDonnell, Demi Moore, Stanley Tucci, Aasif Mandvi;
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
Directed by Adam McKay, this film is based on the true story of a group of investors who predicted the housing market crash of 2008 and bet against the market, reaping huge profits. The film sheds light on the complexities of the financial system and the individuals who saw the crisis coming.
Starring: Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt, Melissa Leo, Hamish Linklater, John Magaro, Rafe Spall, Jeremy Strong, Marisa Tomei;
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
“Boiler Room”, 2000
Director: Ben Younger
This crime drama directed by Ben Younger follows a young college dropout who gets involved in a fraudulent stock brokerage firm that engages in pump-and-dump schemes. The film explores the allure of easy money in the stock market and the consequences of unethical practices.
Starring: Giovanni Ribisi, Vin Diesel, Nia Long, Ben Affleck, Nicky Katt, Scott Caan, Tom Everett Scott, Ron Rifkin, Jamie Kennedy, Taylor Nichols;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Boiler Room” on the website imdb.com
These films offer a glimpse into the thrilling, high-pressure world of the stock market and the individuals who navigate its risks and rewards.
The world of stock market trading has long been a source of fascination and intrigue, with its high stakes, cutthroat competition, and potential for both great success and devastating failure. Through the lens of the film industry, we are offered a glimpse into this complex and often opaque world, with movies that explore the greed, ambition, and morality that drive the individuals who operate within it. From classics like “Wall Street” to more recent entries like “The Big Short,” these films shed light on the inner workings of the financial system and the impact it can have on society as a whole. Whether portraying the exhilarating highs of a successful trade or the crushing lows of a market crash, these films capture the essence of the stock market in all its glory and darkness.
