Films about the 2008 financial crisis shed light on the events leading up to and following the global economic downturn that had far-reaching consequences. These films explore the greed, corruption, and systemic failures that contributed to the crisis, offering insights into the personal and societal impact of financial collapse.
“The Big Short”, 2015
Director: Adam McKay
Directed by Adam McKay, this film follows a group of investors who predicted the housing market crash and bet against the big banks. It offers a satirical take on the events leading up to the financial crisis and the individuals who profited from it.
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
“Margin Call”, 2011
Director: J.C. Chandor
Directed by J.C. Chandor, this film takes place over a 24-hour period at a fictional investment bank during the early stages of the financial crisis. It delves into the moral dilemmas faced by employees as they uncover the risks and ethical compromises made by their firm.
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
“Inside Job”, 2021
Director: Vitaliy Strokous, David Ochs, Mike Bertino, Mollie Helms
Directed by Charles Ferguson, this documentary provides a comprehensive analysis of the 2008 financial crisis, exploring the systemic corruption and negligence that led to the collapse of the global economy. It features interviews with key players in the financial industry and academia.
Starring: Lizzy Caplan, Christian Slater, Clark Duke, Tisha Campbell, Andy Daly, Chris Diamantopoulos, John Di Maggio, Bobby Lee, Brett Gelman, Shion Takeuchi;
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
Directed by Curtis Hanson, this HBO film is based on Andrew Ross Sorkin's book of the same name and chronicles the events surrounding the 2008 financial crisis from the perspective of key figures such as Henry Paulson, Ben Bernanke, and Timothy Geithner.
Starring: William Hurt, Edward Asner, Billy Crudup, Paul Giamatti, Topher Grace, Cynthia Nixon, Bill Pullman, Tony Shalhoub, James Woods, John Heard;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
Age: 18+;
Duration: 98 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
“99 Homes”, 2014
Director: Ramin Bahrani
Directed by Ramin Bahrani, this drama focuses on the human cost of the housing market crash, following a desperate homeowner who is forced to work for the real estate broker responsible for evicting him from his home. It offers a poignant portrayal of the struggles faced by ordinary people during the crisis.
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Michael Shannon, Laura Dern, Douglas M. Griffin, Randy Austin, Carl Palmer, James Brown, Luke Sexton, Noah Lomax, Alex Aristidis;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 112 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
In conclusion, the films about the 2008 financial crisis serve as powerful reminders of the devastating impact of greed, corruption, and unchecked capitalism. Through compelling storytelling and poignant performances, these films shed light on the complexities and human toll of financial collapse, offering valuable insights into the systemic failures that led to this global catastrophe. By capturing the personal struggles and larger societal implications of the crisis, these films not only entertain but also educate and provoke important conversations about the need for accountability, transparency, and ethical practices in the world of finance.
