From fiction to real life, plenty of finance and trading documentaries have graced the screens over the years, some better than others. But a common thread often runs through them: greed, secrets, and a lack of regulation.
Here’s a quick rundown of our favorite picks that are worth a rewatch or should be added to your list if you haven’t seen them already.
1. Inside Job (2010)
The global financial crisis of 2008 plunged the US into its deepest recession since the Great Depression in 1929. Actor Matt Damon narrates this documentary, which examines the elements that caused the collapse and highlights the key players who contributed to it. Essentially, it looks at the unravelling of the financial regulation that Reagan’s government first initiated in the 1980s. It’s an eye-opening look at the events leading up to the crisis, leaving you feeling astounded that it could ever have happened.
Vesper rating: 8/10
2. The Big Short (2015)
Based on a true story, Wall Street hotshot Michael Burry realizes that several subprime home loans will likely default. Burry bets against the housing market by pumping more than US$1bn of his investors’ money into credit default swaps. His actions attract the attention of other Wall Street players, and the group makes millions from America’s imminent economic collapse. Making a film about economics and mortgages witty and entertaining is no easy task, and this film does just that.
Vesper rating: 8/10
3. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)
This documentary follows Enron Corporation’s collapse due to greed and deceit by top executives. It led to the loss of billions for investors and employees. Based on the book by Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind, it offers insider accounts and audio that lay bare the corruption and excess within the company, causing its bankruptcy and the criminal convictions of its top leaders. It’s the kind of film that makes you want to scream at your screen!
Vesper rating: 7.5/10
4. Becoming Warren Buffett (2017)
We may be pushing the boundaries of what is considered a financial film or documentary here, as there isn’t really much in the way of in-depth economics. Despite this, it’s still a fascinating watch. It looks at one of the world’s richest and most influential businessmen and tracks the “Oracle of Omaha’s” childhood and rise to the top, exploring what makes him tick and why he has made certain choices in life and business. You won’t find much information about cash and investments, but more of a focus on his general approach and guiding principles.
Vesper rating: 7.5/10
5. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
It is one of the most mainstream films on our list, but we had to include this Martin Scorsese extravaganza. In case you didn’t know, it’s the late 80’s, and Jordan Belfort rises through a stockbroker’s downfall in the 1987 crash to dominate the penny stock world with his particular style of aggressive selling. Founding a firm in his 20s, he and his stooges defraud wealthy investors out of millions. The FBI and SEC are on their trail, as they live a wild life of partying and excess, while their empire slowly collapses. It’s worth the three hour watch.
Vesper rating: 7.5/10
6. Margin Call (2011)
The film covers 24 hours at a large Wall Street investment bank during the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis. It focuses on the actions of employees during the subsequent collapse and aftermath. There is great dialogue, which will keep you gripped from the start. Watch out for the witty one-liner from the greedy CEO character Jeremy Tuld, played by Jeremy Irons, who declares: “There are three ways to make a living in this business: be first, be smarter, or cheat.” Okay then.
Vesper rating: 7/10
7. Money for Nothing: Inside the Federal Reserve (2013)
This documentary examines America’s central bank, the Federal Reserve, and its contribution to the 2008 financial crisis. It provides a detailed account of life inside the organization from those who work there and also looks at the impact of its historic and current policies on economic life in America. It offers an educational perspective on the financial events that rocked the world, and although it is a bit dry in tone in some places, it offers some interesting insights.
Vesper rating: 6/10
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– Top 10 tips for successful commodity trading
– The 9 essential traits of successful commodity traders (you either have them or you don’t)
