The world of business is fraught with risks, where fortunes can be made or lost in the blink of an eye. This curated list of films delves into the high-stakes environment of corporate gambles, showcasing the drama, tension, and human stories behind the boardroom decisions. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or simply love a good story, these films offer a riveting look at the gambles that define the business landscape.

Wall Street (1987)
Description: This iconic film follows a young stockbroker who gets entangled with a ruthless corporate raider. It's a study in ambition, greed, and the moral dilemmas of high finance.
Fact: Michael Douglas won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Gordon Gekko, whose famous line "Greed, for lack of a better word, is good" became a cultural touchstone.


Boiler Room (2000)
Description: A young college dropout starts working at a brokerage firm that turns out to be a front for a pump-and-dump operation. It's a cautionary tale about the allure and danger of quick money in the stock market.
Fact: The film features a young Ben Affleck in one of his early roles, playing a slick stockbroker.


The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Description: Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, this film explores the excesses and risks of the stock market, where Belfort's firm engages in pump-and-dump schemes, leading to his eventual downfall.
Fact: The film's budget was significantly increased due to the need for extensive reshoots to capture Belfort's wild lifestyle.


The Big Short (2015)
Description: This film takes us into the heart of the 2008 financial crisis, where a group of investors bet against the US mortgage market. It's a masterclass in understanding financial risk and the consequences of unchecked greed.
Fact: The film features celebrity cameos by Margot Robbie, Selena Gomez, and Anthony Bourdain to explain complex financial concepts in an entertaining way.


Margin Call (2011)
Description: Set over a 24-hour period at a financial firm, this film captures the moment when the firm realizes it's on the brink of collapse due to risky investments. It's a tense, real-time look at the decisions made in the face of impending disaster.
Fact: The film was inspired by the events at Lehman Brothers, one of the key players in the 2008 financial crisis.


Too Big to Fail (2011)
Description: Based on the book by Andrew Ross Sorkin, this HBO film dramatizes the events leading up to the financial crisis, focusing on the decisions made by key figures in government and finance.
Fact: The film was nominated for multiple Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Miniseries or Movie.


The Founder (2016)
Description: This biopic tells the story of Ray Kroc, who turned McDonald's into a global empire. It's about the risks of franchising and the ethical lines crossed in the pursuit of business success.
Fact: Michael Keaton, who plays Kroc, was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance.


Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
Description: A group of real estate salesmen face intense pressure to close deals or lose their jobs. It's a raw, intense look at the desperation and moral compromises in the world of sales.
Fact: The film features an all-star cast including Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, and Alec Baldwin, who delivers a now-famous monologue about the cutthroat nature of sales.


Rogue Trader (1999)
Description: This film recounts the true story of Nick Leeson, whose unauthorized speculative trading caused the collapse of Barings Bank. It's a gripping tale of one man's hubris and the systemic risks in banking.
Fact: Ewan McGregor plays Leeson, and the film was shot on location in Singapore and London to capture the real settings of the events.


The Company Men (2010)
Description: This film looks at the human side of corporate downsizing, focusing on three men who lose their jobs and must navigate the uncertain waters of unemployment and reinvention.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life experiences of the writer and director, who had friends and family affected by the 2008 financial crisis.
