Detective Films About Entrepreneurs: A Curated List

Description: This film tells the true story of Jeffrey Wigand, a former tobacco executive, who becomes a whistleblower. It's a detective story as he and a journalist uncover the tobacco industry's secrets.

Fact: Al Pacino and Russell Crowe both received Academy Award nominations for their performances.

Description: While not a traditional detective film, it follows the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who uses his entrepreneurial skills to build an empire, only to face legal scrutiny and investigation.

Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio gained 30 pounds for the role, and the film was nominated for five Academy Awards.

Description: A documentary that investigates the rise and fall of Enron, one of the most infamous corporate scandals. It's a detective story as journalists and investigators piece together the company's fraudulent practices.

Fact: The film includes interviews with former Enron employees and uses real footage from Enron's corporate events.

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows Mark Whitacre, an executive at Archer Daniels Midland, who becomes an informant for the FBI, uncovering a price-fixing conspiracy.

Fact: Matt Damon gained 30 pounds for the role, and the film uses a comedic tone to portray a serious corporate crime.

Description: This film delves into the world of finance, where a group of entrepreneurs and investors predict the 2008 financial crisis. It's a detective story in its own right, as they piece together clues to foresee the collapse.

Fact: The film uses unconventional methods like celebrity cameos to explain complex financial concepts, making it both educational and entertaining.

Description: Set during the initial stages of the 2008 financial crisis, this film follows the key players at an investment bank as they uncover a massive financial risk. It's a detective story of sorts, as they race against time to mitigate the damage.

Fact: The film was shot in just 17 days, and the script was based on real events, though the characters are fictional.

Description: While not strictly about an entrepreneur, it features an accountant with a unique skill set who uncovers financial crimes while working for various companies. It's a detective story as he navigates through corporate espionage.

Fact: Ben Affleck underwent extensive training to portray the autistic savant character, and the film features a surprising twist in its narrative.

Description: This biopic explores how Ray Kroc turned McDonald's into a global empire. While not a detective story, it involves uncovering the secrets of the McDonald brothers' business model and navigating legal battles.

Fact: The film was shot in various locations in Georgia, standing in for Illinois and California.

Description: This drama explores the lives of executives at a shipbuilding company during downsizing. It's a detective story of sorts as they uncover the truth behind corporate decisions and their personal struggles.

Fact: The film features a strong ensemble cast including Ben Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones, and Chris Cooper.

Description: An Australian thriller about a mathematician who discovers a formula that predicts the stock market, leading to a battle with a ruthless bank CEO. It's a detective story as he uncovers the bank's unethical practices.

Fact: The film was shot in Sydney, and the bank's headquarters were created using CGI.