Generation: Freedom

Release Year: 2019

IMDb Rating: 8.9/10

Topping our list of the best movies about money and finance is Generation: Freedom, a 2019 documentary by filmmakers Christopher Sakr and Michael Hall. This fascinating doc takes viewers on a cross-country journey to meet ordinary people who have broken free of the typical 9-to-5 work schedule that is burning out and depressing so many others.

Parasite

Release Year: 2019

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Parasite is the 2019 Korean film that took the world by storm. The movie follows the wealthy Park family and the poor Kim family as they form an interesting friendship. Greed and class discrimination are major themes of the movie. It was awarded the Oscar for Best Motion Picture of the Year at the 2020 Academy Awards.

It’s a Wonderful Life

Release Year: 1946

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

It’s a Wonderful Life is the 1946 classic starring James Stewart and Donna Reed. The family favorite tells the story of George Bailey, a frustrated businessman. He is visited by an angel who shows him what life would be like had he never existed. It’s a Wonderful Life was nominated for five Oscars at the 1947 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director.

Up

Release Year: 2009

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

This beloved Disney movie tells the story of Carl Fredricksen (Ed Asner), an old man who sets off on an adventure to South America with his house tied to balloons. Carl is frugal and careful with his money, and he saves up for his dream trip over many years. Up teaches us the importance of saving for the future and living within our means. It also shows us that the most important things in life are not material possessions.

Inside Job

Release Year: 2010

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Inside Job is a 2010 documentary about the 2008 financial meltdown. The doc is narrated by none other than Matt Damon, and features interviews with some of the world’s foremost economists. Inside Job was awarded the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature at the 2011 Academy Awards.

Dirty Money

Release Year: 2018

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Dirty Money is a deep dive into corporate corruption and greed. Season 1 was released in 2018 and covered a range of issues that many of us are familiar with: falsified carbon emissions and payday loans. The surprise episode of the first season is The Maple Syrup Heist. Who knew there was a bitter syrup feud?! Season 2 was released this year and covers Wells Fargo and Gold coming into the US. The series can be pretty depressing, so we recommend avoiding a binge session.

The Ascent of Money

Release Year: 2008

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

The Ascent of Money is a 2008 documentary by bestselling author and economist Niall Ferguson. It blends both facts and opinion. It’s hosted by Ferguson, and takes viewers on an “historical adventure through the ascent of money.” At the 2009 International Emmy Awards, The Ascent of Money was recognized as the best documentary.

Slumdog Millionaire

Release Year: 2008

IMDb Rating: 8/10

Slumdog Millionaire is the inspiring story of a Mumbai teen named Jamal. The movie tells the story of Jamal’s life, from his early childhood in the slums to a life-changing appearance on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Directed by Danny Boyle, the film turned leads Dev Patel and Freida Pinto into huge stars. At the 2009 Academy Awards, Slumdog Millionaire took home eight of its 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Motion Picture of the Year.

The Pursuit of Happyness

Release Year: 2006

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

Who doesn’t love a “rag to riches” story? That’s exactly what you get in The Pursuit of Happyness, where Will Smith plays Chris Gardner, a man who loses his life savings on one bad investment and becomes homeless. Eventually, Gardner lifts himself from poverty and receives a coveted full-time position before opening his own firm. The movie might not be chock full of tangible lessons, but it’s an inspiring tale that shows that no single financial situation has to be permanent.

The Big Short

Release Year: 2015

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Based on the bestselling book by Michael Lewis, The Big Short recounts the true story of a group of investors who, in 2006 and 2007, used their own tactics to bet against the U.S. mortgage market. The film stars Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt, and a slew of other A Listers. The Big Short was nominated for five Oscars at the 2016 Academy Awards, where it was ultimately named Best Adapted Screenplay.

The Social Network

Release Year: 2010

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

It teaches: Learn about your business well. This 2010 film suggests that Mark Zukerberg, founder of Facebook, lost much of his resources because of waging legal battles against the twin brothers who accused him of stealing their idea.

The Untouchables

Release Year: 1987

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

It teaches: Don’t forget to pay taxes on time. To be successful, you also need to be disciplined. This movie starring Robert De Niro teaches you just exactly that. It makes you think twice about neglecting to file your income tax returns. Al Capone, the lead character in the movie, is a mob boss. The FBI, in order to end his rule, tries everything from murder charges to racketeering to put him behind bars.

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Release Year: 1971

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

This classic children’s movie tells the story of Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum), a poor boy who wins a golden ticket to tour Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Charlie is kind and honest, and he uses his good judgment to navigate the factory’s many challenges. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory teaches us the importance of being honest and kind. It also shows us that the most valuable things in life are not material possessions but rather the relationships we have with others. Did you think it was just a kid movie about chocolate?

Glengarry Glen Ross

Release Year: 1992

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

Glengarry Glen Ross is a 1992 crime drama starring Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, and Kevin Spacey — plus a number of other top names. Written by David Mamet and directed by James Foley, the movie is “an examination of the machinations behind the scenes at a real estate office.”

Pump

Release Year: 2014

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

Given that OPEC is currently controlling the supply of oil and trying to improve barrel prices, Pump seems like a good documentary film choice. Oil has a significant impact on US economic and foreign policy, and Pump takes the viewer on an oil history lesson. Pump will teach you how OPEC works, how prices are set and America’s role in oil. This film has become even more relevant given the recent drop in oil prices.

Enron: The Smartest Guy in the Room

Release Year: 2005

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

This documentary film, based on the 2003 book of the same name, centres on the 2001 collapse of the Enron Company. Enron covers the history of the company, from its conception in 1985 to its collapse in 2001. During the film, you learn that, shockingly, Enron was involved in dubious trading from the first few years of operation. Enron also examines the corporate culture, and ethics of decisions made at the top of the company. This is a great film to watch to see the real consequences of personal greed within a corporate environment.

Moneyball

Release Year: 2011

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

Moneyball is a biographical drama released in 2011. The movie tells the true story of Billy Beane, general manager of baseball’s Oakland A’s. Working with one of the leanest budgets in the sport, Beane uses a unique computer algorithm to find and win over the best new players. Moneyball stars Brad Pitt as Beane, plus Jonah Hill, Robin Wright, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Chris Pratt.

Trading Places

Release Year: 1983

IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy star in the 1983 comedy Trading Places. The two legendary actors star as a street-smart con artist and a snobby investor “who find their positions reversed as part of a bet by two callous millionaires.” The movie — which was nominated for one Academy Award and two BAFTAs — remains popular today.

Jerry Maguire

Release Year: 1996

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

Jerry Maguire is a 1996 dramedy starring Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Renee Zellweger. The classic film stars Cruise as the titular character, a newly fired sports agent who attempts to become independent with the one athlete-client who dared stay with him. Jerry Maguire was nominated for five Academy Awards at the 1997 Oscars. It won the award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Gooding Jr.).

Too Big to Fail

Release Year: 2011

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

Too Big to Fail is a television movie that first premiered in 2011. The miniseries recounts the 2008 financial meltdown from the perspective of Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson. James Woods, William Hurt, John Heard, and Cynthia Nixon star in the film. It was nominated for a whopping 11 Primetime Emmy awards.

Living on One Dollar

Release Year: 2013

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

Living on One Dollar is a fascinating documentary by filmmakers Zach Ingrasci, Sean Leonard, and Chris Temple. The eye-opening film follows four young friends as they set out to live on just $1 per day for two months in rural Guatemala. Living on One Dollar won the Audience Award at the 2013 Sonoma International Film Festival.

Spent: Looking For Change

Release Year: 2014

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

The short documentary Spent: Looking for Change chronicles the lives of struggling Americans who try their best to get by using services like pawn shops and payday loans. An eye-opening film, this helps us to recognize what we have to be thankful for.

The Founder

Release Year: 2016

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

A gripping biopic of McDonald’s “founder” Ray Kroc, who transformed Richard and Maurice McDonald’s innovative restaurant into a global business phenomenon. Micheal Keaton played the role of Kroc, who deftly maneuvered his way through a corporate takeover to launch a fast food empire. The key business lesson conveyed in this entertaining feature is that contracts are only as strong as your ability to enforce them.

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Release Year: 1967

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is a 1967 classic musical comedy. The movie focuses on an ambitious window washer who aims to climb the corporate ladder using the titular manual. How to Succeed… was nominated for Best Written American Musical at the 1968 Writers Guild Of America Awards.

Goldman Sachs: The bank that rules the world

Release Year: 2012

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

This 2012 documentary was directed by Marc Roche and is just over an hour long. It details the charges faced by Goldman Sachs, their role in the subprime crisis and in helping Greece hide the true value of their deficit and influencing the consumer price index.

Maxed Out: Hard Times, Easy Credit and the Era of Predatory Lenders

Release Year: 2006

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

Maxed Out is another documentary to make our list of the best movies about money and finance. Produced in 2006, the doc shines a spotlight on the modern American financial industry, where there’s always more credit and where everything seems fine as long as minimum payments are made.

Barbarians at the Gate

Release Year: 1993

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

Barbarians at the Gate is a 1993 television movie starring James Garner and Jonathan Pryce. The miniseries follows the president of a huge tobacco company who sets off a major bidding war after he decides he wants to buy the company himself. Barbarians at the Gate was nominated for nine Primetime Emmy awards. It took home the Emmy for Outstanding Made for Television Movie.

In Debt We Trust: America Before the Bubble Bursts

Release Year: 2006

IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

It wasn’t too long ago that owing more money than you had in your checking account was more of an exception than a rule. The documentary In Debt We Trust takes viewers on a deep dive into why and how that has changed for nearly everyone in America.

Office Space

Release Year: 1993

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

class=”movie-description”>This beloved comedy has become something of a cult classic, but did you know that it also has a financial philosophy hidden within it? Office Space offers a surprising amount of business lessons, the most profound one being “life is too short for a job you hate.”

99 Homes

Release Year: 2014

IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

This film shows the impact the sub-prime mortgage crisis had on Americans and the ‘creative’ businesses that rose on the back of their misery. If you’ve already watched The Big Short, this is the perfect follow-up film. 99 Homes follows Dennis Nash as he is evicted from his home for failure to pay his mortgage. In a bid get his home back, Dennis begins working for Rick Caver, the man who originally evicted him from his home. Nash is quickly sucked into the world of evictions and the financial advantages that come with it.

Margin Call

Release Year: 2011

IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

Margin Call is a 2011 thriller starring Zachary Quinto, Stanley Tucci, Kevin Spacey, and a slew of other A Listers. The film revolves around the major players at an investment bank during a 24-hour time period at the start of the 2008 financial crisis. Screenwriter J.C. Chandor’s script is especially strong, and even earned an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay at the 2012 Academy Awards.

Owning Mahowny

Release Year: 2003

IMDb Rating: 7/10

In Owning Mahowny, Philip Seymour Hoffman plays Dan Mahowny, a bank manager with a gambling problem and access to a multimillion dollar account. The movie is based on the true story of a real-life one-man bank fraud. Minnie Driver and John Hurt also star.

Boiler Room

Release Year: 2000

IMDb Rating: 7/10

Boiler Room tells the story of a college dropout who lands a fast-track job as a broker for an investment firm. Not surprisingly, things don’t quite go as planned. The movie stars Giovanni Ribisi, Vin Diesel, Scott Caan, and Ron Rifkin.

Crazy Rich Asians

Release Year: 2018

IMDb Rating: 6.9/10

The plot of this romantic comedy revolves around Rachel Chu, an American economics professor who goes to Singapore to meet her boyfriend’s family. Rachel is taken aback when she discovers that her boyfriend’s family is one of the wealthiest in Singapore. The movie emphasizes the significance of financial literacy and warns us about the pitfalls of spending more than what we can afford.

How to Marry a Millionaire

Release Year: 1953

IMDb Rating: 6.8/10

This beloved 1953 film stars Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall, and Betty Grable. In How to Marry a Millionaire, the three actresses play women who set out to find and marry eligible millionaires. The movie earned an Oscar nomination for Best Costume Design, and a BAFTA nomination for Best Film from any Source.

Working Girl

Release Year: 1988

IMDb Rating: 6.8/10

Working Girl is the 1988 dramedy about a secretary named Tess played by Melanie Griffith. When her boss steals an idea of hers, she seeks revenge by pretending she has his job. Working Girl’s A- List cast includes Harrison Ford, Sigourney Weaver, Alec Baldwin, and Joan Cusack, among others.

Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things

Release Year: 2015

IMDb Rating: 6.6/10

Minimalism is a 2015 documentary that takes a close look at the growing trend of minimal living. Viewers of Minimalism are asked to question how their lives might be improved with less.

Playing with FIRE: The Documentary

Release Year: 2019

IMDb Rating: 6.7/10

The FIRE method — financial independence, retire early — is quite popular on the internet among people looking to build wealth. Playing With FIRE is a no-nonsense documentary that follows the lives of a couple on a journey to simplify their lives and achieve FIRE.

The Company Men

Release Year: 2010

IMDb Rating: 6.7/10

We’ve included this film because, unfortunately, redundancy is about to become a reality for many people across the globe. Corporations everywhere are going to be tested when it comes to making decisions about laying off employees and decisions about investments. The Company Men reminds us that the future always contains an amount of uncertainty and that we may be forced to dramatically re-adjust our lifestyles to accommodate the changes.

Joy

Release Year: 2015

IMDb Rating: 6.6/10

In Joy, actress Jennifer Lawrence portrays the real-life Joy Mangano, a single mother turned powerful businesswoman thanks to a unique idea for a mop. The film also stars Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, and Virginia Madsen, to name but a few big co-stars. Lawrence’s performance was critically acclaimed, and even earned her a Best Actress nomination at the 2016 Academy Awards.

Brewster’s Millions

Release Year: 1985

IMDb Rating: 6.5/10

Brewster’s Millions is a 1985 comedy starring Richard Pryor and John Candy. Pryor plays Montgomery Brewster, a minor league baseball player who must spend $30 million in a month in order to inherit $300 million. Of course, there are rules to how he can spend the money.

Rogue Trader

Release Year: 1999

IMDb Rating: 6.4/10

Ewan McGregor stars in Rogue Trader as Nick Leeson, a real-life investment broker who singlehandedly bankrupted one of Britain’s oldest banks. The 1999 crime drama also stars Alexis Denisof, Anna Friel, and Cristian Solimeno.

The Money Pit

Release Year: 1986

IMDb Rating: 6.4/10

It teaches: Be smart to save unnecessary expenses. This 1986 movie starring Tom Hanks and Shelley Long shows through the couple’s experience that how before making any big purchase, you must adequately assess that asset.

Let The Women: Roberta Blevins on Living & Leaving LulaRoe

Release Year: 2022

This isn’t a movie but a show — and a very eye-opening one at that. Amazon Prime’s Leaving LuLaRoe follows the tumultuous stories of independent consultants for LuLaRoe, a California- based multi-level marketing company. The overall moral of the series? Be wary of “get rich quick” companies, especially if they don’t offer transparent income disclosures.

Freakonomics: The Movie

Release Year: 2010

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10

Freakonomics: The Movie is another documentary based on a book. It focuses on how human nature and economics sometimes collide in wacky ways.