10 Must-Watch Banker Dramas

Description: Oliver Stone's classic film about a young stockbroker, Bud Fox, who gets entangled with the ruthless corporate raider Gordon Gekko, epitomizing the ethos of "greed is good." It's a timeless look at the moral decay in the banking world.

Fact: Michael Douglas won an Oscar for his role as Gordon Gekko, and the film's famous "Greed is good" speech was improvised.

Description: This film follows a young college dropout who gets involved in a shady brokerage firm, highlighting the aggressive sales tactics and ethical compromises in the world of penny stocks.

Fact: The film features a cameo by Ben Affleck, and the script was inspired by real-life experiences of stockbrokers.

Description: An Interpol agent and an American attorney investigate corruption within a powerful bank, leading to a global chase. It's a thrilling look at the dark underbelly of international banking.

Fact: The film's climactic scene was shot at the Guggenheim Museum in New York, and the plot was inspired by real-life banking scandals.

Description: This film dives into the excesses of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who indulges in a life of debauchery, fraud, and corruption. It's a rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of Wall Street, showcasing the dark side of banking.

Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio improvised many of his lines, and the film was banned in Malaysia due to its explicit content.

Description: This film explains the complex financial instruments that led to the housing market crash through the eyes of several investors who bet against the market. It's both educational and entertaining, making the intricacies of banking accessible.

Fact: The film breaks the fourth wall to explain financial jargon, and Margot Robbie appears in a bathtub scene to simplify the concept of subprime loans.

Description: Set during the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis, this film follows the key players at an investment bank as they grapple with the impending collapse. It's a tense, real-time drama that captures the panic and decision-making in the banking world.

Fact: The film was shot in just 17 days, and many of the characters were inspired by real-life figures from the financial industry.

Description: Based on the book by Andrew Ross Sorkin, this HBO film chronicles the events leading up to the financial crisis of 2008, focusing on the efforts of government officials and bankers to prevent a total economic meltdown.

Fact: The film features an ensemble cast including William Hurt, Paul Giamatti, and Billy Crudup, and was nominated for several Emmy Awards.

Description: This film follows two cousins who attempt to build a fiber-optic cable line between Kansas and New Jersey to gain a millisecond advantage in high-frequency trading, showcasing the lengths bankers will go for profit.

Fact: The film was shot in real locations, including the actual Kansas City Board of Trade.

Description: Although a documentary, this film provides a comprehensive look at the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on the systemic corruption in the banking industry. It's a must-watch for understanding the backdrop of many banker dramas.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, and it includes interviews with key figures from the financial sector.

Description: An Australian thriller that explores the world of banking through the eyes of a young mathematician who discovers a formula that could predict economic trends, leading to a battle with a powerful bank.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life events, including the collapse of Barings Bank due to rogue trading.