10 Must-Watch Biopics on Financial Masterminds

Description: The iconic film that introduced the world to Gordon Gekko, a ruthless corporate raider. It's a tale of ambition, greed, and the moral compromises one makes in the pursuit of wealth.

Fact: Michael Douglas won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Gordon Gekko, and the character's famous line, "Greed, for lack of a better word, is good," became a cultural touchstone.

Description: A young college dropout gets sucked into the high-pressure world of a brokerage firm, where ethics are secondary to making money. It's a gritty look at the boiler room operations that fueled the dot-com bubble.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life events and the book "The Bonfire of the Vanities" by Tom Wolfe.

Description: This film chronicles the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who indulges in excess, fraud, and debauchery. It's a wild ride through the excesses of the 1990s Wall Street culture, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the darker side of finance.

Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio improvised many of his lines, adding to the film's raw energy. The real Jordan Belfort makes a cameo in the movie.

Description: This film explains the complex world of mortgage-backed securities and credit default swaps through the eyes of those who foresaw the housing market collapse. It's both educational and entertaining, making finance accessible to the layperson.

Fact: The film uses celebrity cameos to break the fourth wall and explain financial jargon, including Margot Robbie in a bathtub.

Description: Set during the initial stages of the 2008 financial crisis, this film offers an insider's view of a fictional investment bank's response to the impending economic meltdown. It's a tense, dialogue-driven drama that captures the essence of high-stakes finance.

Fact: The film was shot in just 17 days, and many of the actors improvised their lines to keep the dialogue authentic.

Description: This HBO film dramatizes the events of the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on the key players in government and finance who tried to prevent a global economic meltdown. It's a detailed look at the behind-the-scenes negotiations and decisions.

Fact: The film features an all-star cast, including William Hurt, Paul Giamatti, and Billy Crudup, portraying real-life figures.

Description: This film tells the story of Bernie Madoff, the financier behind one of the largest Ponzi schemes in history. It explores his life, the scheme, and its aftermath, offering a chilling look at greed and deception.

Fact: Robert De Niro, who plays Madoff, spent time with the real Bernie Madoff to prepare for the role.

Description: While not strictly about finance, this film tells the story of Ray Kroc, who turned McDonald's into a global empire. It's a study in entrepreneurial spirit, business ethics, and the financial strategies that built a fast-food giant.

Fact: Michael Keaton, who plays Kroc, was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance.

Description: Based on the true story of Nick Leeson, whose unauthorized speculative trading caused the collapse of Barings Bank. It's a cautionary tale of how unchecked ambition can lead to financial ruin.

Fact: Ewan McGregor, who plays Leeson, actually met him to understand his character better.

Description: This Australian film explores the world of high finance through the story of a bank's CEO and a mathematician who discovers a pattern in the bank's transactions. It's a thrilling narrative about power, corruption, and the moral cost of success.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life events involving the collapse of Barings Bank, though it's not a direct retelling.