Top 10 Wall Street Detective Films

Description: While not a traditional detective film, it features a young stockbroker who gets entangled with a ruthless corporate raider, leading to a moral investigation of his own actions and those of his mentor.

Fact: The famous line "Greed, for lack of a better word, is good" was ad-libbed by Michael Douglas. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.

Description: This satirical look at 1980s New York City includes a Wall Street bond trader whose life unravels after a hit-and-run incident, leading to a detective investigation that exposes the city's social and financial underbelly.

Fact: The film was a notorious box office bomb despite its high-profile cast. It was based on Tom Wolfe's best-selling novel.

Description: While more of a psychological thriller, it features a Wall Street executive whose life spirals into violence and madness, providing a dark backdrop for any detective work into his psyche and actions.

Fact: The film was initially banned in Canada due to its violent content. Christian Bale's performance was highly praised for its intensity.

Description: A young man gets involved in a brokerage firm that turns out to be a front for a pump-and-dump scheme. The film explores the ethical dilemmas and the detective work required to uncover the truth behind the façade of legitimate business.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life stories of boiler room operations. Vin Diesel's character was based on a real-life figure in the stock market.

Description: This film, while not strictly a detective story, delves into the world of financial excess and fraud, providing a backdrop for any investigation into Wall Street's darker side. It's a wild ride through the life of Jordan Belfort, whose antics could easily be the subject of a detective's inquiry.

Fact: The film was based on the memoir of the same name by Jordan Belfort. Leonardo DiCaprio improvised much of his dialogue, making the film feel even more authentic.

Description: This film tells the story of several investors who bet against the US mortgage market in the mid-2000s, uncovering the financial crisis before it hits. It's a detective story of financial anomalies and the quest for truth.

Fact: The film breaks the fourth wall to explain complex financial concepts, making it both educational and entertaining.

Description: This film follows the key players at an investment bank over a 24-hour period during the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis. It's a detective story of sorts, as the characters piece together the impending disaster.

Fact: The film was shot in just 17 days. Many of the characters are loosely based on real-life figures from major financial institutions.

Description: A hedge fund magnate tries to cover up a deadly accident while also dealing with a financial scandal. The film is a cat-and-mouse game between him and a detective who suspects foul play.

Fact: Richard Gere was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance. The film was shot in New York City, adding authenticity to its Wall Street setting.

Description: This HBO film dramatizes the events of the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on the efforts of government officials and bankers to prevent a total economic collapse. It's a detective story of financial forensics.

Fact: The film features an ensemble cast including Paul Giamatti and William Hurt. It was based on the book by Andrew Ross Sorkin.

Description: Based on the true story of Nick Leeson, whose unauthorized speculative trading caused the collapse of Barings Bank. The film follows the detective-like efforts to uncover his actions before it's too late.

Fact: Ewan McGregor played Leeson, and the film was shot in both London and Singapore, where the real events took place.