This curated list of films delves into the world of corporate power, ambition, and the ethical dilemmas that often accompany the pursuit of wealth and success. These movies offer a fascinating look at the inner workings of big business, from the cutthroat boardroom battles to the personal sacrifices made in the quest for financial dominance. Whether you're interested in the psychological aspects of corporate life or the dramatic showdowns that define the business world, this collection provides both entertainment and insight into the high-stakes environment of big business.
Wall Street (1987)
Description: This iconic film explores the life of Bud Fox, a young stockbroker who gets entangled with the ruthless Gordon Gekko, epitomizing the 'greed is good' ethos of the 1980s.
Fact: Michael Douglas won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Gordon Gekko, and the character's famous "Greed is good" speech was improvised.
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American Psycho (2000)
Description: While primarily a psychological thriller, this film satirizes the excesses of 1980s Wall Street culture through the lens of a yuppie serial killer.
Fact: Christian Bale underwent extensive physical training to portray Patrick Bateman, and the film's soundtrack features '80s hits that reflect the era's materialism.
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Boiler Room (2000)
Description: A young college dropout starts working at a brokerage firm, only to discover it's a front for a pump-and-dump scheme, offering a gritty look at the dark side of the stock market.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life events and includes cameos from actual Wall Street figures.
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The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Description: This film chronicles the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who indulges in excess and corruption, offering a raw look at the excesses of Wall Street culture.
Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio improvised many of his lines, and the film's budget was significantly increased due to the extensive use of real drugs and alcohol on set.
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The Social Network (2010)
Description: This biographical drama follows the creation of Facebook and the legal battles that ensued, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit and the darker side of startup culture.
Fact: Aaron Sorkin wrote the screenplay in just six months, and the film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning three.
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The Big Short (2015)
Description: Based on the 2010 book by Michael Lewis, this film explains the complex financial instruments that led to the 2007-2008 financial crisis, making it accessible through humor and celebrity cameos.
Fact: The film uses celebrities like Selena Gomez and Anthony Bourdain to explain financial concepts, and it won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
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Margin Call (2011)
Description: Set during the initial stages of the 2008 financial crisis, this film provides a tense, insider's view of a Wall Street firm as it grapples with the impending market collapse.
Fact: The film was shot in just 17 days, and many of the actors had real-life experience in finance or business.
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Too Big to Fail (2011)
Description: Based on the book by Andrew Ross Sorkin, this HBO film provides an in-depth look at the 2008 financial crisis from the perspective of key players in government and finance.
Fact: The film was praised for its accurate depiction of events, and it features a large cast portraying real-life figures like Henry Paulson and Ben Bernanke.
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Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
Description: A gripping drama about real estate salesmen under pressure to close deals, highlighting the cutthroat nature of sales and the desperation it breeds.
Fact: The film features an all-star cast including Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, and Alec Baldwin, who improvised his famous "Always Be Closing" speech.
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The Company Men (2010)
Description: This film examines the personal and professional fallout for executives after a major corporate downsizing, exploring themes of identity and value in the business world.
Fact: The film was inspired by the director's own experiences with corporate layoffs, and it features a strong ensemble cast including Ben Affleck and Tommy Lee Jones.
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