Top Money Movies On Netflix: Financial Films To Watch

by Alex Braham 54 views

Hey guys! Are you looking to dive into the world of finance without having to read boring textbooks? Well, you're in luck! Netflix has a treasure trove of movies that explore money, markets, and the minds behind them. Let’s check out some of the best money movies on Netflix that will entertain and educate you about the financial world.

1. The Big Short

If you want to understand the 2008 financial crisis, The Big Short is a must-watch. This movie breaks down the complex financial instruments that led to the housing market crash in a way that’s both engaging and infuriating. Seriously, you'll be hooked from start to finish.

Why You Should Watch

The Big Short doesn't just tell a story; it explains the intricate details of mortgage-backed securities, credit default swaps, and collateralized debt obligations. The filmmakers use clever analogies and even bring in celebrities like Margot Robbie and Selena Gomez to explain these concepts in layman's terms. It’s like taking a crash course in finance, but way more fun. The movie follows several key figures who saw the impending disaster and decided to bet against the market. These characters, played by actors like Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt, offer different perspectives on the crisis, making the narrative rich and compelling. It’s a story about greed, corruption, and the consequences of unchecked financial power.

What You'll Learn

Watching The Big Short provides a solid understanding of the factors that led to the 2008 financial crisis. You'll learn about the dangers of subprime mortgages, the role of rating agencies, and the systemic risks in the financial system. The film also highlights the importance of questioning conventional wisdom and doing your own research. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly things can go wrong when people prioritize short-term profits over long-term stability. By the end of the movie, you’ll not only understand the crisis but also appreciate the need for financial regulation and ethical behavior in the industry. It’s a powerful and eye-opening film that leaves a lasting impression.

Key Takeaways

  • Understanding complex financial instruments.
  • The importance of ethical financial practices.
  • The dangers of unchecked greed and corruption.

2. Wall Street

Oliver Stone’s Wall Street is a classic for a reason. Released in 1987, this movie portrays the excessive lifestyle and moral compromises of those chasing wealth on Wall Street. With iconic performances and memorable lines, it’s a captivating look at the dark side of ambition. Gordon Gekko's mantra, "Greed, for lack of a better word, is good," has become legendary, encapsulating the ethos of the era.

Why You Should Watch

Wall Street is a compelling character study of Bud Fox, a young and ambitious stockbroker, who gets seduced by the wealth and power of Gordon Gekko, a corporate raider. The film explores the themes of insider trading, corporate espionage, and the human cost of unchecked ambition. The performances are stellar, with Michael Douglas winning an Oscar for his portrayal of Gekko. Charlie Sheen as Bud Fox delivers a believable performance as a young man torn between his conscience and his desire for success. The film’s depiction of the 1980s Wall Street culture is both glamorous and cautionary, showing the highs and lows of a life driven by greed.

What You'll Learn

From Wall Street, you’ll gain insights into the world of high finance, including the tactics used by corporate raiders and the consequences of insider trading. The movie illustrates the ethical dilemmas faced by those working in the financial industry and the temptations that can lead to moral compromises. It’s a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing wealth over integrity. The film also provides a historical context for understanding the evolution of Wall Street and the changing attitudes towards wealth and success. By watching Wall Street, you’ll not only be entertained but also gain a deeper appreciation for the ethical considerations that should guide financial decision-making. It’s a film that continues to resonate with audiences today, reminding us of the timeless struggle between ambition and morality.

Key Takeaways

  • The dangers of insider trading.
  • Ethical considerations in finance.
  • The corrupting influence of wealth.

3. Too Big to Fail

Too Big to Fail is another excellent movie about the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on the government's efforts to prevent the collapse of the financial system. It’s a more detailed and procedural look at the events, perfect for those who want to understand the nitty-gritty of what happened behind the scenes. This film offers a gripping, behind-the-scenes account of the intense decisions made by government officials and financial leaders as they navigated the crisis.

Why You Should Watch

This movie provides a comprehensive overview of the key players and events that shaped the 2008 financial crisis. It features a star-studded cast, including William Hurt as Henry Paulson, Paul Giamatti as Ben Bernanke, and James Woods as Richard Fuld, each delivering compelling performances. The film recreates the tense atmosphere of the time, showing the frantic meetings, the urgent phone calls, and the high-stakes negotiations that took place as the crisis unfolded. Too Big to Fail doesn’t just tell a story; it offers a detailed analysis of the systemic risks and the potential consequences of allowing major financial institutions to collapse. It’s a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you witness the near-collapse of the global economy.

What You'll Learn

Too Big to Fail offers valuable insights into the complexities of the financial system and the role of government in preventing economic collapse. You’ll learn about the concept of systemic risk and the interconnectedness of financial institutions. The film also highlights the challenges faced by policymakers in responding to a crisis, including the need to balance the interests of taxpayers, shareholders, and the broader economy. By watching this movie, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the financial crisis and the lessons that can be learned from it. It’s an educational and thought-provoking film that will leave you with a greater appreciation for the importance of financial stability and responsible regulation.

Key Takeaways

  • The concept of systemic risk.
  • The role of government in financial crises.
  • The complexities of financial regulation.

4. The Wolf of Wall Street

Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street is a wild ride through the extravagant and illegal activities of Jordan Belfort and his brokerage firm. While it's a highly dramatized and somewhat controversial film, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the excesses of Wall Street in the 1990s. Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a tour-de-force performance as Belfort, capturing the charisma and recklessness of a man who made millions by defrauding investors.

Why You Should Watch

The Wolf of Wall Street is a visually stunning and highly entertaining film that offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The movie’s over-the-top depiction of lavish parties, drug use, and reckless behavior makes for a captivating viewing experience. However, beneath the surface, the film raises important questions about ethics, morality, and the pursuit of wealth. The supporting cast, including Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, and Matthew McConaughey, adds depth and humor to the story. It’s a film that will leave you both entertained and disturbed by the excesses of Wall Street.

What You'll Learn

From The Wolf of Wall Street, you’ll learn about the fraudulent practices used by some brokerage firms to deceive investors and generate profits. The movie illustrates the importance of due diligence and the risks of investing in penny stocks. It also highlights the role of regulators in protecting investors and preventing fraud. While the film doesn’t offer a detailed analysis of financial concepts, it provides a valuable lesson about the dangers of trusting unscrupulous individuals and the need to be skeptical of get-rich-quick schemes. By watching this movie, you’ll gain a greater awareness of the potential pitfalls of investing and the importance of making informed decisions.

Key Takeaways

  • The dangers of penny stocks.
  • The importance of due diligence.
  • The role of regulators in protecting investors.

5. Margin Call

Margin Call takes place over a 36-hour period at an investment bank during the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis. It’s a tense and claustrophobic thriller that explores the moral dilemmas faced by those working in the industry. The film features a stellar ensemble cast, including Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, Zachary Quinto, and Stanley Tucci, each delivering nuanced performances.

Why You Should Watch

This movie offers a realistic and gripping portrayal of the events leading up to the 2008 financial crisis. It focuses on the human element, showing the personal and professional struggles of the individuals caught in the storm. The film’s dialogue is sharp and intelligent, and the plot unfolds at a brisk pace, keeping you engaged from beginning to end. Margin Call doesn’t rely on flashy special effects or over-the-top drama; instead, it creates a sense of dread and uncertainty through its realistic depiction of the characters and their environment. It’s a film that will leave you pondering the ethical implications of the decisions made by those in power.

What You'll Learn

From Margin Call, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the risks and uncertainties inherent in the financial system. The movie illustrates the concept of leverage and the potential consequences of over-leveraging. It also highlights the importance of risk management and the need to anticipate and prepare for potential crises. By watching this film, you’ll gain a greater appreciation for the complexities of the financial industry and the challenges faced by those who work in it. It’s a thought-provoking and insightful film that will leave you questioning the stability of the financial system.

Key Takeaways

  • The concept of leverage.
  • The importance of risk management.
  • The ethical dilemmas in finance.

Conclusion

So there you have it! These money movies on Netflix offer a mix of entertainment and education, providing valuable insights into the world of finance. Whether you’re interested in the 2008 financial crisis, the excesses of Wall Street, or the ethical dilemmas faced by those in the industry, there’s something for everyone. Grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to learn while being entertained. Happy watching, guys!