When it comes to movies that revolve around money, there’s something uniquely captivating about those money movies based on true stories.
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Top 10 Money Movies Based On True Stories
These films not only entertain but also offer a glimpse into the real-world dramas, successes, and downfalls associated with wealth, power, and ambition.
1. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Based on the memoir of Jordan Belfort, The Wolf of Wall Street chronicles the rise and fall of a stockbroker who mastered the art of the pump-and-dump scheme. Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, the film showcases the excesses, corruption, and eventual downfall of Belfort’s career on Wall Street.
2. The Big Short (2015)
The Big Short is a gripping adaptation of Michael Lewis’s book that explains the build-up to the 2008 financial crisis. It follows a few savvy investors who foresaw the collapse of the housing market and decided to bet against it. With a stellar cast including Christian Bale, Steve Carell, and Ryan Gosling, the film makes complex financial instruments understandable while showcasing the greed and negligence that led to a global economic meltdown.
3. Wall Street (1987)
While Wall Street itself is a fictional story, it’s heavily inspired by real events and figures from the 1980s. The character Gordon Gekko, played by Michael Douglas, embodies the ruthless and cutthroat spirit of the era, where insider trading and corporate raiding were rampant. The film is often seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and greed.
4. Catch Me If You Can (2002)
This Spielberg-directed classic tells the story of Frank Abagnale Jr., who, before his 19th birthday, successfully performed cons worth millions of dollars by posing as a Pan Am pilot, doctor, and legal prosecutor. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks, the film shows how Abagnale’s remarkable con artistry disrupted institutions and the FBI’s pursuit to bring him to justice.
5. American Hustle (2013)
Based on the true story of the FBI’s Abscam operation in the 1970s, American Hustle dives into the world of con artists forced to work with the FBI to entrap corrupt politicians. Directed by David O. Russell, the film features an ensemble cast including Christian Bale, Amy Adams, and Bradley Cooper, and provides an entertaining look at how far people will go for money and power.
6. Too Big to Fail (2011)
This HBO film provides a behind-the-scenes look at the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on the actions of key figures in the U.S. government and financial sector as they attempt to prevent the collapse of the world economy. The movie, based on Andrew Ross Sorkin’s book, offers a gripping portrayal of how money and power intersect in times of crisis.
7. Moneyball (2011)
Moneyball, based on Michael Lewis’s book, tells the story of how Oakland Athletics’ general manager Billy Beane, played by Brad Pitt, used statistical analysis to build a competitive baseball team on a limited budget. The film is less about money in the traditional sense and more about how data-driven decisions can level the playing field, making it a fascinating study of economics in sports.
8. Boiler Room (2000)
While Boiler Room is a fictional story, it draws heavily on real-life practices in the 1990s stock brokerage industry. The film follows a young man who joins a fraudulent brokerage firm that specializes in pushing worthless stocks. It’s a gritty look at the greed and moral ambiguity of the financial world.
9. 21 (2008)
Based on Ben Mezrich’s book “Bringing Down the House,” 21 tells the story of a group of MIT students who became experts in card counting and took Las Vegas casinos for millions of dollars in winnings. The film highlights the thrill and risks of outsmarting the system in a high-stakes environment.
10. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Starring Will Smith, The Pursuit of Happyness is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, a homeless salesman who fought against all odds to achieve his dreams of becoming a successful stockbroker. This inspiring story of perseverance and determination shows how financial success is not just about money but also about resilience and the pursuit of a better life.
Conclusion
These movies not only entertain but also provide valuable insights into the world of money, power, and ambition. Whether it’s through the lens of Wall Street traders, con artists, or underdogs, these true stories remind us of the often complex relationship between wealth and morality.
Featured Image Credit: Deposit Photos
