Top 16 Best Movies About Money Of All Time
Movies about moneyhave always fascinated people by showing stories about wealth, big dreams, and the problems money can create. These films mix drama and humor to help us understand how we feel about money.
They tell stories of people who start with nothing and become rich and also warn us about being too greedy. We're going to talk about some of the best movies about money that have made a big impact on how we think about wealth and success in our society.
Trading Places (1983)
"Trading Places" is a delightful comedy that revolves around the whimsical wager of a wealthy duke. In a daring bet with his brother, they set out to transform a destitute street hustler into a sophisticated and snobbish commodities investor. What ensues is a captivating experiment in the age-old debate of nature versus nurture, leading to a series of unexpected twists and turns involving money and fortunes.
The film boasts an exceptional ensemble cast featuring Eddie Murphy, Dan Ackroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis, Don Ameche, and Ralph Bellamy, all of whom deliver stellar performances. Eddie Murphy's character even breaks the fourth wall, adding a unique and entertaining dimension to the story. Jamie Lee Curtis adds to the film's allure with her stunning presence, while the movie serves up a hearty dose of laughter.
Wall Street (1987)
The 1980s earned its reputation as the 'Decade of Greed,' marked by an overwhelming embrace of consumerism and materialism. This period witnessed an unprecedented surge in wealth, fueled by a culture of excess and extravagance. The world of Wall Street mirrored this era, with a prevailing ethos that celebrated the mantra, "greed is good."
At the center of this narrative is Bud Fox, a young and ambitious stockbroker who becomes ensnared by the allure of avarice. In his pursuit of success, he descends into the world of illicit insider trading, all in a bid to win the favor of the ruthless tycoon Gordon Gekko, portrayed by Michael Douglas.
Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
"Glengarry Glen Ross" is a gripping crime drama that unfolds within the high-stakes world of real estate salesmen. When a company's employees find themselves falling short of expectations, a high-profile executive shakes things up by introducing a sales contest with enticing incentives.
However, he simultaneously threatens the job security of those who fail to meet their responsibilities. In the midst of this pressure-cooker environment, Shelley Levene and his colleague Dave Moss embark on a risky journey to secure valuable sales leads, only to find themselves caught in a web of trouble.
The narrative at the heart of the film is one of avarice and betrayal, as individuals vie for financial gain at any cost. It serves as a stark portrayal of the toxic behavior exhibited by money-driven men in the workplace, where only a select few manage to claim victory.
Casino (1995)
Set against the backdrop of early-1970s Las Vegas, "Casino" unveils a bygone era when mobsters and unscrupulous executives wielded authority over the burgeoning casino landscape. This gripping crime epic chronicles the journey of Sam "Ace" Rothstein, who seizes the opportunity to helm the Tangiers Casino. Initially, everything runs like clockwork, but soon, the tides change.
As Sam's old friend, Nicky Santoro, and his ex-wife, Ginger McKenna, re-enter his life, a grand conspiracy ensnares him. The film delves into the perils of excess, as men amass and squander fortunes, driven by an insatiable appetite for wealth. The pursuit of money leads to ruthless actions, where even the seemingly legitimate gambling scene fosters addictive materialism and unchecked ego. "Casino" serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that no wealth or power is worth sacrificing one's life and freedom for.
Boiler Room (2000)
"Boiler Room" unfolds the tale of a college student who abandons his studies after receiving an enticing job offer from a suburban brokerage firm. Fueled by ambition and seduced by the allure of financial success, he remains oblivious to the firm's true nature: profiting through deceptive practices that harm their clients. This high-octane crime drama offers a gripping exploration of how ill-conceived get-rich-quick schemes can ensnare promising minds, leading them down a perilous path that results in more than just monetary loss.
The Pursuit Of Happyness (2006)
"The Pursuit of Happyness" is a heartfelt drama that chronicles the challenges faced by a family determined to stay together while grappling with financial hardship. The film's narrative revolves around the remarkable real-life journey of Chris and Linda Gardener, who navigate the tumultuous waters of separation, homelessness, unstable employment, and financial crisis.
As Linda departs, Chris is left shouldering the burden of an uncertain sales internship and fighting for custody of his son. The movie serves as a poignant portrayal of the relentless pursuit of the American Dream against formidable odds, shedding light on the systemic barriers that unjustly perpetuate cycles of poverty for those without resources.
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010)
Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the 2008 financial crisis, the sequel "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" marks the powerful return of Gordon Gekko. Having regained his freedom from prison, Gekko embarks on a journey to mend fractured relationships with his daughter. Simultaneously, he joins forces with Jacob Moore to issue a dire warning to the financial community about the impending market crash and seek vengeance for Moore's mentor's tragic demise.
Two decades after the original film, this sequel masterfully continues to dissect the pervasive themes of corruption, underscoring the grim reality that despite catastrophic events in the financial world, the underlying system remains largely unchanged. While Gekko charts a new course, society remains deeply flawed, marred by an unrelenting greed that seeps through its very fabric.
The Social Network (2010)
"The Social Network" is a captivating portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg's journey to create Facebook, a social media giant that has infiltrated the lives of nearly everyone on the planet, transforming it into a multimillion-dollar enterprise. Beyond its remarkable rise, the film delves into the shadowy aspects of the platform, unraveling the personal and legal entanglements that ensnared Zuckerberg as privacy concerns loomed large.
Amid the exhilaration of entrepreneurship, the movie poignantly examines how the relentless pursuit of status and power can lead to isolation and a lack of comprehension in personal relationships. While Zuckerberg achieves financial success, he finds himself alienated in his personal life. The film imparts a valuable lesson on the delicate balance between nurturing creativity and ambition and nurturing meaningful connections and trust.
Moneyball (2011)
"Moneyball" is a compelling sports drama that unravels the journey of Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics, and his unconventional path to victory. Against the backdrop of the 2002 season, Beane defies traditional scouting methods, opting instead for data-driven and analytical systems to assemble a competitive team on a limited budget.
This narrative, a beacon of optimism in the sports world, champions the virtues of wisdom, innovation, and technology to achieve remarkable results with fewer resources. It offers a fresh perspective on athletics, challenging the status quo and highlighting the importance of prioritizing human potential over all else.
The Big Short (2015)
"The Big Short" offers an insider's perspective on individuals who capitalized on the 2008 financial crisis, turning a profit amidst the chaos. This dramatic comedy portrays investors who placed bets against the housing market's stability before its inevitable collapse. While their actions may seem unconventional from a financial standpoint, the film provides a captivating exploration of those who found success amid deep-rooted corruption.
Beyond highlighting the triumph of underdogs who reaped immense wealth from the downfall of a rigged system, the movie exposes the glaring absence of accountability and the consequences of an unbridled, greed-driven financial structure that ultimately fails society at large.
The Wolf Of Wall Street (2013)
"The Wolf of Wall Street" delves deep into the gritty reality of a corrupt stockbroker's life, offering a menacing portrayal of Jordan Belfort's tumultuous journey through the financial industry. This biopic scrutinizes the boom-and-bust era of the 1990s, painting a stark picture of excess and unbridled ambition. In this cinematic exploration, the film simultaneously captivates and appalls by highlighting the allure of amassing wealth through deceitful means.
Jordan Belfort navigates a cutthroat world where the relentless pursuit of riches reigns supreme, often coming at the expense of morality and ethical boundaries. The movie masterfully blends dark comedy with scathing satire, offering a glimpse into the psyche of our anti-hero as he employs ruthless tactics in his relentless chase for wealth.
Margin Call (2011)
"Margin Call" delves into the events leading up to the 2008 global financial meltdown, focusing on a group of individuals working at an investment bank during the 24 hours preceding the crisis. This intense narrative unfolds as they grapple with the impending catastrophe, with each passing hour bringing revelations that force them to confront uncomfortable truths.
This thrilling cinematic journey offers a sobering glimpse into the unchecked avarice and recklessness that played a pivotal role in the market's collapse. Through its compelling storytelling and evocative visuals, the film paints a vivid picture of the stark and ignored realities within both the institution and the individuals who profited from an inherently flawed system, one devoid of ethical considerations.
The Founder (2016)
"The Founder" is a biographical film that chronicles the journey of Ray Kroc as he stumbles upon, navigates, and ultimately secures the rights to transform McDonald's into a global food industry giant. The story begins in Illinois, where Kroc encounters a burgeoning burger joint operated by Mac and Dick McDonald. Impressed by their efficient production methods and lightning-fast service, he discerns the untapped potential of their business.
Driven by ambition and a desire for success, Kroc orchestrates a series of strategic moves that catapult McDonald's into an international empire. However, this meteoric rise comes at the expense of the original founders, with Kroc's actions reflecting the harsh realities of cutthroat capitalism and a willingness to bend the rules to attain industry dominance.
Inside Job (2010)
The 2008 global financial crisis triggered a catastrophic monetary collapse affecting millions of individuals worldwide. In the United States, this crisis resulted in a severe depletion of resources, plunging the nation into a profound economic recession. "Inside Job," a documentary, takes a meticulous and critical examination of the core issues at the heart of this crisis. Through interviews with economists, journalists, and insiders from the financial industry, it unveils the intricate mechanisms and irresponsible management of financial accounts that paved the way for a global catastrophe.
By dissecting the events and the key figures involved, "Inside Job" dissects a system that prioritizes short-term profits at the expense of ethical considerations. Delving deep into the intricacies of the crisis, the documentary highlights the individuals who suffered despite bearing no responsibility, shining a spotlight on the injustices prevalent in a culture driven by the forces of money and power.
Confessions Of A Shopaholic (2009)
"Confessions of a Shopaholic" follows the journey of Rebecca Bloomwood, an aspiring fashion journalist immersed in the vibrant and stylish world of New York City. While possessing a keen eye for fashion, her penchant for shopping spirals into a crippling financial debt.
To tackle her financial woes, she enters a contest to pen an advice column and win the much-needed prize money. This delightful and heartwarming romantic comedy provides a humorous critique of materialism, overspending, and financial irresponsibility, offering a near-relatable portrayal of consumer behavior and the all-too-familiar pang of buyer's remorse.
Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
Boasting an ensemble cast that includes George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Brad Pitt, and Casey Affleck, "Ocean's Eleven" is a sleek and stylish heist film with a touch of extravagance. The story revolves around Danny Ocean (Clooney), who assembles a team for an audacious plan: to steal a staggering $150 million from three Las Vegas casinos owned by his adversary, Terry Benedict, all within the tight confines of less than 24 hours into Danny's parole.
While the characters exude charm and charisma, their motives are firmly rooted in profit, competition, and cunning deception. There's an exhilarating thrill in outsmarting the casinos, but the movie also delves into the darker aspects of greed and taking calculated risks. Ultimately, "Ocean's Eleven" serves as a reflection on the allure of wealth, while simultaneously acknowledging the emptiness that can accompany the relentless pursuit of it.
Conclusion
Movies about money keep inspiring and entertaining us. They show us different sides of how we deal with money in our lives. These movies make us think about why money is so important and sometimes why it's not. As we finish talking about the best movies about money, we remember that they're not just for fun - they also make us think about what matters most in life.
