Top 12 Riveting Films and Series on Finance and Corporate Drama

"The Big Short"

Released on December 11, 2015, this engaging film delves into the lives of a few visionary men who saw the 2008 economic collapse coming before anyone else. Directed by Adam McKay and featuring outstanding performances by Christian Bale, Steve Carell, and Ryan Gosling, "The Big Short" exposes the greed and lack of oversight that led to a global meltdown. The movie boasts a 4.1 average rating, underscoring its critical acclaim and viewer appreciation.

"Margin Call"

Set over 24 hours during the early stages of the financial crisis, "Margin Call" offers a tense, fast-paced narrative that encapsulates the panic and decision-making inside an investment bank. Released on February 11, 2011, and directed by J.C. Chandor, the film features an ensemble cast with Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, and Jeremy Irons. Holding a 3.8 average rating, it is a gripping depiction of the fragility of modern finance.

"The Wolf of Wall Street"

In this outrageous tale of excess, Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Jordan Belfort, a New York stockbroker who finds himself amidst a giant securities fraud case. Released on December 25, 2013, and directed by Martin Scorsese, "The Wolf of Wall Street" is based on Belfort's own autobiography. With a rating of 3.9, it vividly portrays the extravagant and often corrupt world of high finance.

"Too Big to Fail"

This HBO film, released on May 22, 2011, provides an intimate look at the 2008 financial crisis through the eyes of key decision-makers. Directed by Curtis Hanson and featuring William Hurt, Billy Crudup, and Paul Giamatti, it offers a dramatized behind-the-scenes look at the crisis's resolution. The film holds a 3.5 rating.

"Equity"

Released on July 29, 2016, "Equity" is a compelling look into the life of Naomi Bishop, a senior investment banker facing a crisis involving a controversial IPO. Directed by Meera Menon and starring Anna Gunn, the film delves deep into the intersection of power, politics, and loyalty in high finance. Despite its lower rating of 2.9, it offers a fresh perspective on female leadership in Wall Street.

"The Hummingbird Project"

In this 2019 release, high-frequency traders Jesse Eisenberg and Alexander Skarsgård go head-to-head with their old boss in a bid to build a straight fiber-optic cable between Kansas and New Jersey. Directed by Kim Nguyen, this dramatized story shows the lengths to which people will go for an edge in financial markets. It has a rating of 3.0.

"Bad Education"

This drama, based on real-life events, stars Hugh Jackman as a superintendent embroiled in an embezzlement scandal that threatens an entire school district. Released on September 8, 2019, and directed by Cory Finley, "Bad Education" explores the dark underbelly of public school administration with a 3.8 rating.

"The Laundromat"

Directed by Steven Soderbergh and featuring Meryl Streep, Gary Oldman, and Antonio Banderas, "The Laundromat" (2019) explores the Panama Papers scandal. When a widow’s insurance claim is denied, she traces the fraud back to a dubious Panama City law firm. With a rating of 3.4, this film provides a quirky yet profound examination of financial corruption.

"Arbitrage"

Richard Gere commands the screen as a hedge fund magnate in trouble in "Arbitrage". Released on September 14, 2012, and directed by Nicholas Jarecki, this thriller combines personal and financial crises, requiring Gere’s character to make morally ambiguous choices. It has earned a 3.5 rating.

"American Psycho"

This 2000 cult classic starring Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman, a wealthy New York investment banker with a psychopathic second life, mixes horror with social commentary. Directed by Mary Harron and boasting a 3.7 rating, "American Psycho" delves into the dark side of corporate culture and personal identity.

"Billions"

Premiering on January 17, 2016, this drama series immerses viewers in the cutthroat world of New York high finance. Focusing on power struggles between U.S. Attorney Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti) and hedge fund king Bobby "Axe" Axelrod (Damian Lewis), "Billions" masterfully blends corporate intrigue and personal drama. With a 4.1 rating, it remains a must-watch.

"Wall Street"

Oliver Stone’s 1987 film, "Wall Street," starring Michael Douglas as the ruthless Gordon Gekko and Charlie Sheen as Bud Fox, examines the quintessential 80s corporate raider lifestyle. The film has a strong 3.9 rating and is often quoted for Gekko’s iconic “Greed is good” speech.

"Industry"

In the cutthroat world of international finance, "Industry" (2020) showcases young graduates vying for permanent positions at a prestigious London investment bank. This HBO series offers a raw and unapologetic look into the competitive and often morally ambiguous world of finance, holding an average rating of 3.8.

"Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps"

A direct sequel to "Wall Street," the 2010 film "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" reunites Michael Douglas with new cast members like Shia LaBeouf. Directed by Oliver Stone, the film follows the repercussions of the 2008 financial crash and has a rating of 3.4.

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