10 Must-Watch Films on Greed and Ambition

Description: This classic film explores the destructive power of greed as three men search for gold in Mexico. Their friendship and sanity are tested by the lure of wealth, leading to betrayal and tragedy.

Fact: It was one of the first films to be shot on location in Mexico, and Humphrey Bogart's performance was widely praised.

Description: Gordon Gekko's infamous "Greed is good" speech encapsulates the film's theme. It's a tale of ambition, betrayal, and the moral decay of the financial world, making it a timeless classic in the greed genre.

Fact: Michael Douglas won an Oscar for his portrayal of Gekko, and the film was followed by a sequel, "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps."

Description: Tom Ripley's desire for a life of luxury and status leads him down a path of deception and murder. His greed for the life of another man is both captivating and chilling.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Italy, and Matt Damon's performance was critically acclaimed.

Description: This film delves into the tobacco industry's greed and the lengths they go to protect their profits, even at the cost of public health. It's a gripping drama about corporate greed and ethical dilemmas.

Fact: Al Pacino and Russell Crowe both received Academy Award nominations for their performances, and the film was based on a true story.

Description: Patrick Bateman's descent into madness is fueled by his obsession with status, wealth, and the superficiality of 1980s New York. His greed for recognition and material possessions leads to horrifying consequences.

Fact: The film was initially banned in some countries due to its graphic content, and Christian Bale's performance was critically acclaimed.

Description: Daniel Day-Lewis delivers an unforgettable performance as Daniel Plainview, an oil prospector whose ruthless pursuit of wealth and power leads to his moral and emotional downfall. The film's exploration of greed in the early 20th century is both compelling and chilling.

Fact: The film was inspired by Upton Sinclair's novel "Oil!" and won two Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Day-Lewis.

Description: This film captures the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who indulges in a life of excess, driven by greed and the pursuit of wealth. It's a rollercoaster of debauchery and financial manipulation, making it a perfect fit for this list.

Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio improvised many of his lines, and the film was nominated for five Academy Awards.

Description: This film chronicles the creation of Facebook and the greed, betrayal, and legal battles that followed. It's a modern tale of ambition and the desire for recognition and wealth.

Fact: Aaron Sorkin won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, and the film was nominated for eight Academy Awards.

Description: This film takes a comedic yet insightful look at the financial crisis of 2007-2008, focusing on the individuals who saw the greed and corruption in the housing market and bet against it. It's a stark reminder of how greed can blind even the smartest people.

Fact: The film features celebrity cameos explaining complex financial terms, and it was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning Best Adapted Screenplay.

Description: A group of real estate salesmen are pushed to their limits by the ruthless Alec Baldwin's character, who delivers a scathing speech about the necessity of greed in sales. The film is a study in desperation and the lengths people will go for success.

Fact: The film features an all-star cast, and Baldwin's character was not in the original play but was added for the film.