Forget the textbook for a while – Netflix offers a front-row seat to the drama of the financial world. As a personal finance blogger, I know the allure of a good story, especially when it dives headfirst into the world of money, finance, and the hustle! These Netflix movies are a captivating way to explore the thrilling world of investment banks, hedge funds, and entrepreneurial hustles. Get ready to witness the rise and fall of high-stakes players, and the cutthroat pursuit of wealth and secrets to personal finances with these 15 best finance movies on Netflix.
Top 15 finances movies on Netflix
Here are the top 15 finance movies on Netflix, ranked by how good they are (according to IMDB ratings).
We’ll explore some captivating dramas, eye-opening documentaries and true stories about big deals, inspiring entrepreneurs, and the financial world. So grab some snacks, get comfy, and prepare to dive into the exciting world of the financial industry.
1. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Based on a true story, Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who spirals from Wall Street success at an investment bank to the depths of fraud and ruin. This Martin Scorsese film, a wild ride of excess, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the dark side of the stock market.
IMDB Rating: 8.2
2. Inside Job (2010)
This Oscar-winning documentary film, narrated by Matt Damon, explores the causes of the 2008 financial crisis. Exposing the greed, corruption, and irresponsibility that fueled the global economic meltdown, Inside Job traces the crisis from the United States to China and Iceland. It features interviews with key financial and political insiders that provide a powerful and eye-opening look at the systemic failures and devastating consequences behind this historic event.
IMDB Rating: 8.2
3. The Big Short (2015)
Featuring an ensemble cast including Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt, the movie tells the true story of a group of unconventional investors who predicted the 2008 financial crisis and bet against the housing market. Based on the book by Michael Lewis, this thought-provoking film offers a glimpse into the complexities of the financial system and the consequences of unchecked greed.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
4. The Social Network (2010)
This biographical drama tells the story of Mark Zuckerberg and the founding of Facebook. The film explores the ethical considerations of building a billion-dollar company, including legal disputes and the platform’s early impact on online communication. It also explores the broader societal implications of Facebook and raises questions about privacy and the changing landscape of social interaction in the digital age.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
5. Moneyball (2011)
Based on true events, this film tells the story of Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics baseball team. He used statistics and analytics to build a winning team on a shoestring budget. Moneyball is a classic underdog story that also explores the changing nature of the business of sports.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
6. Molly's Game (2017)
The true story of Molly Bloom who builds a secret poker empire. Running an exclusive underground game for Hollywood celebrities, athletes, and even the Russian mob, Molly navigates a dangerous world of high finance and powerful figures. As the FBI closes in, she must fight to protect her business and herself, questioning the true cost of success, risk, and the allure of easy money.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
7. Too Big to Fail (2011)
This HBO explores the 2008 financial collapse through the lens of the US government’s response. It follows Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson as he grapples with tough decisions to prevent the collapse of major financial institutions and avert an economic meltdown. The movie offers a glimpse into the high-stakes negotiations and ethical dilemmas faced during this critical moment in history.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
8. Betting on Zero (2016)
Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman throws down the gauntlet, short-selling Herbalife, a multi-level marketing company he believes is a pyramid scheme. This captivating documentary delves into the resulting clash. It offers a glimpse into the high-stakes world of short-selling, activist investing, and the complex controversies surrounding financial markets.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
9. The Founder (2016)
The story of Ray Kroc, a struggling milkshake salesman who recognised the potential of the McDonald brothers’ fast-food chain and turned it into the biggest restaurant business in the world. The biographical drama film explores Kroc’s ambitious and often ruthless pursuit of turning McDonald’s into a global empire, raising questions about the American dream and the ethical costs of achieving success.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
10. Margin Call (2011)
A group of investment bankers at a fictional Wall Street firm scramble to contain the fallout from a bursting housing bubble. This leads to a domino effect that threatens the entire financial system. This suspenseful film offers a glimpse into the high-stakes world of finance and the complex consequences of economic turmoil.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
11. The Tinder Swindler (2022)
This documentary exposes the story of Simon Leviev, a con artist who posed as a wealthy diamond mogul on the dating app Tinder. He charmed and manipulated women, swindling them out of millions of dollars with elaborate schemes and lies. This documentary serves as a shocking cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of online dating and the importance of protecting yourself from financial scams.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
12. Boiler Room (2000)
A college dropout, tempted by quick riches, lands a job at a high-flying stock brokerage firm. Initially seduced by the fast money and flashy lifestyle, he soon discovers the firm’s shady practices. Torn between ambition and integrity, he faces a life-altering decision.
IMDB Rating: 7
13. The Company Men (2010)
This American drama film follows the struggles of white-collar workers laid off during the 2008 financial crisis. It poignantly portrays the human cost of economic downturns – lost careers, family strains, and the challenges of rebuilding fractured lives. This film sheds light on the often-overlooked personal impact of the financial and banking crisis.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
14. The Laundromat (2019)
In this quirky drama comedy, Meryl Streep joins forces with Antonio Banderas to play an unconventional investigative journalist and a flamboyant businessman. They team up to expose a notorious law firm that helps the wealthy hide their wealth in offshore accounts. As a grieving widow seeks answers, the film takes a hilarious and thought-provoking look at international financial scandals.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
15. Trust No One: The Hunt for the Crypto King (2022)
The documentary explores the mysterious disappearance of Gerald Cotten, founder of a Canadian crypto exchange. Millions in investor funds become inaccessible, raising questions about the future of cryptocurrency and the risks of unregulated markets. This finance film follows determined investors as they chase answers and fight for their lost assets.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
Bonus content
While Netflix primarily focuses on movies and TV shows, it also has a selection of documentaries and educational series related to personal finances and money. Here are a few financial series I recommend watching:
- Dirty Money (2017-18): This investigative series from Alex Gibney dives into various financial scandals and scams, exposing the hidden practices and consequences. (IMDB Rating: 8.1)
- MADOFF: The Monster of Wall Street (2023): This documentary series explores the rise and fall of Bernie Madoff, the mastermind behind the largest Ponzi scheme in history. It also offers unique perspectives of his psyche and the systemic failures that allowed it to go on for decades. (IMDB Rating: 7.3)
- Money, Explained (2021): This documentary series covers various financial concepts, including credit cards, student loans, and investing, in an engaging and accessible way. (IMDB Rating: 6.9)
How to Get Rich (2023): Finance expert Ramit Sethi works with people across the US to help them achieve their richest lives. Instead of “get-rich-schemes”, the series emphasises responsible financial management and the importance of financial literacy. (IMDB Rating: 6.3)
Final thoughts: Best finance movies on Netflix
We’ve now covered some of the best finance movies streaming on Netflix. From true stories of ambition to cautionary tales of greed, these films offer a captivating look at the world of money, the stock market, financial institutions, and the human drama that unfolds within.
While even the best Netflix movies shouldn’t be taken as the sole source of knowledge, I believe that movies can be an engaging starting point for exploring complex financial topics like the financial crisis.
So, grab your popcorn, hit play, and get ready to be entertained and educated!
