Before you invest in the stock market, why not invest some time in stock market movies and series? Here is a list of 10 stock market movies and series to get you binge-watching. Experience the thrill of the financial market in 'reel' life because they are sure to pique your interest.
1. Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story
One of the most popular stock market series, Scam 1992, showcases the story of Harshad Mehta, who singlehandedly took the stock market to unprecedented new heights but eventually flew too close to the sun and caused a market downfall for the ages. This true story of an Indian stockbroker created shockwaves throughout the country.
2. The Wolf of Wall Street
Another story based on a real-life stockbroker, The Wolf of Wall Street is about the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort. The stock market movie is directed by the ever-dependable Martin Scorsese and features Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead role.
3. Industry
In the aftermath of the 2008 collapse, young traders and bankers find their way into the turbulent financial world. The stock market series is well into the third season (as of September 2024).
4. The Big Short
An Oscar-winning movie, The Big Short features a stellar cast including Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt, and Christian Bale. The stock market movie is about a group of investors who uncover how corruption-ridden and flawed the U.S. housing sector is. They make strategies to go against the mortgage market and go deeper into the mortgage housing crisis of 2005.
5. Billions
This stock market series underscores how wealth means war. Featuring Damian Lewis and Chuck Rhoades, Billions is about a conflict between an idealistic attorney and a hedge fund manager who wants to win at all costs. It highlights how you can only trust yourself and the thrill of high stakes, 'winner takes all' face-off.
6. Boiler Room
This movie is about a student who leaves college to work at an investment firm. He becomes very successful but eventually gets involved in some shady activities, getting greedier and clouding his judgement along the way.
7. Rogue Trader
This stock market film is based on the true story of a young British employee named Nick Leeson who works at a big investment bank and is later transferred to Singapore. He makes some risky trades in the Asian market, loses a lot of money, and finally tries to flee with his wife. However, he is forced to face the consequences of his deeds.
8. Inside Job
Matt Damon narrates a documentary that deep dives into the 2008 global financial collapse that led to an economic recession and stock market meltdown. He identifies the key political and financial players of the crisis.
9. Margin Call
An exciting drama, Margin Call, is set in the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis. It follows some key people working in an investment bank for 24 hours while the crisis is just on the horizon.
10. Bazaar
Bazaar is a stock market film about Rizwan, an amateur stock trader, who goes to Mumbai to work under Shakun Kothari, a successful Gujarati trader (played by Saif Ali Khan). Based largely on the backdrop of the stock market, the story progresses as Rizwan is betrayed by his boss and idol.