2. Billions (2016-)
A series about the district attorney’s fight with the boss of a hedge fund, dealing with not entirely legal financial practices. Billions is a great story about a clash of two strong personalities, tremendous cunning and an even greater ego. The background to this clash is the world of hedge funds, big money, complicated relationships and impressive manipulations.
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3. Wall Street (1987)
Even though Wall Street is a 1987 movie, it is still an excellent movie to watch. It is a story about a young and ambitious stockbroker who falls under the wing of a ruthless and calculating financier, Gordon Gekko. The fascination with the rich financial shark makes the hero ready to push the boundaries of morality and do everything to achieve success comparable to that of his mentor.
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4. The Big Short (2015)
A star cast, a true story and an original script – this is a recipe for success that the creators of The Big Short used. The film tells about the causes of the financial crisis of 2007-2008, caused by the bursting of the so-called credit bubble. The story is known as the “Economy for Newbies”, because it explains the meanders and intricacies of the global financial market in a simple and interesting way. Well-drawn characters, pictures that you cannot take your eyes off of and original dialogues are the greatest strength of this film.
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5. Chasing Madoff
A movie presenting the story of Bernard Madoff, an American stock market investor, owner of one of the largest financial companies on Wall Street in New York, who was arrested on December 11, 2008 and sentenced to 150 years in prison six months later, for extorting $ 65 billion from clients of investment funds linked to his business. Madoff tempted investors with huge profits that were not really there.
Bernard Madoff, recognized as the creator of the largest financial pyramid in history, died in early 2021.
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6. Inside Job (2010)
Another story of the world crisis of 2018, this time through the eyes of documentary filmmakers. The Oscar-winning film is a film material documenting the shocking truth behind the scenes of the economic crisis in 2008. Through extensive in-depth research and interviews with major financial market players, politicians and journalists, the film shows the development of speculative financial operations and the financial industry behind them.
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7. Bad Banks (2018-2020)
Bad Banks is a German series created in cooperation with HBO, presenting the fierce rivalry of the banking and financial segment, which, six months after the Great Depression, faces the challenge of tightening regulations in the financial industry. The story is told from the perspective of the main character, an ambitious employee who starts working in a prestigious position in one of Frankfurt’s banks and has to face the dark side of the financial world.
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8. Margin Call
A story about the first 24 hours of the financial crisis on Wall Street and the backstage of events that changed the world. The great role of Kevin Spacey, as an analyst working for a powerful investment company based on the famous Wall Street. The action of the film takes place over 24 hours and focuses on the actions taken by key employees of a large investment bank in the face of financial collapse.
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9. Inside the Federal Reserve
Another document you can watch on Youtube. The film reveals the backstage of the world’s largest “bank” – the US Federal Reserve Bank. Each of his sneezes has an immediate impact on the condition of other financial institutions, which is fascinating in itself. The film shows just how powerful the US dollar is and how America’s largest financial institution impacts the rest of the world.
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10. Too Big to Fail
HBO’s fact-based production drama tells the story of the causes of the 2008 economic crisis and the background behind the introduction of the Paulson Plan, the US financial rescue program. The video shows in detail the actions taken by the team of the US Treasury Secretary to rescue failing investment banks. The film focuses on the changing strategies of Paulson’s team and on negotiations with the CEOs of the largest US banks.
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11. Startup (2016-2018)
This TV series explores the intersection of finance and technology in the world of cryptocurrency startups. It follows a group of entrepreneurs, a corrupt FBI agent, and a gang lord, all interconnected through the pursuit of wealth and power.
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12. “The Accountant” (2016)
“The Accountant” is a thriller starring Ben Affleck as a math savant who works as a freelance accountant for some of the world’s most dangerous criminal organizations. The film combines elements of finance, action, and intrigue.
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… and last but not least ….
13. “Money Heist” (La Casa de Papel) (2017-present)
While not a traditional finance series, “Money Heist” has gained international acclaim for its intricate heists and the manipulation of the Spanish Mint’s money supply. It’s a thrilling and suspenseful series that combines action with elements of economic strategy.
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These movies and series offer a captivating look into the world of banking, finance, and the dynamics of money. Whether you’re interested in financial crises, the stock market, or the pursuit of wealth, there’s something on this list for everyone. So, grab your popcorn and prepare to be both entertained and enlightened by these must-see titles. Enjoy!