If The Big Short fascinated you with its sharp take on the financial crisis, high-stakes investing, and economic intricacies, you’re likely seeking more films that delve into the world of finance, corporate greed, and the darker side of the American Dream. Whether you’re drawn to financial thrillers, moral dilemmas, or stories of people fighting against a rigged system, these 12 movies like The Big Short will keep you on the edge of your seat. From complex stock market tales to gripping stories of power and corruption, here’s a list that explores all sides of high finance. To expand your watchlist, check out the 20 Best Movies Like Set It Off | Similar-List for even more recommendations.
1. Margin Call (2011)
Margin Call is an intense financial thriller that takes place over a 24-hour period at a Wall Street investment bank during the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis. The film follows a group of employees who uncover the impending collapse of the market. Similar to The Big Short, it provides an insider’s perspective on the devastating decisions made at the top that led to economic downfall. The movie offers a sharp critique of corporate greed and the high stakes involved in finance.
2. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Directed by Martin Scorsese, The Wolf of Wall Street follows the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort, a corrupt stockbroker who builds an empire on illegal trades. With Leonardo DiCaprio’s charismatic performance, this movie is a rollercoaster of greed, excess, and moral corruption. Fans of The Big Short will appreciate the portrayal of financial manipulation and the moral consequences of a system driven by greed.
3. Inside Job (2010)
Inside Job is a critically acclaimed documentary that provides a comprehensive analysis of the 2008 financial crisis. Narrated by Matt Damon, the film dives deep into the global financial meltdown, investigating the systemic corruption within financial institutions and government bodies. If you appreciated the educational aspects of The Big Short, Inside Job offers a deeper, fact-driven exploration of the causes and effects of the financial collapse.
4. Too Big to Fail (2011)
Based on Andrew Ross Sorkin’s book, Too Big to Fail provides a dramatization of the collapse of Lehman Brothers and the frantic efforts by government officials to stabilize the financial system. The film offers a behind-the-scenes look at the financial crisis from the perspective of major players, including Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson. Like The Big Short, it delves into the complex and often opaque world of banking, making it a compelling watch for those interested in economic history.
5. Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
While not directly about Wall Street, Glengarry Glen Ross focuses on the high-pressure world of real estate sales, offering a window into the desperation and moral compromises people make to succeed. The intense performances by Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, and Alec Baldwin underscore the cutthroat nature of the business world, echoing the themes of greed and manipulation found in The Big Short.
6. Boiler Room (2000)
Boiler Room follows a college dropout who becomes involved in a fraudulent brokerage firm, seduced by the allure of quick money and success. The film presents a similar theme of financial schemes and the moral decline that follows, much like The Big Short. With its fast-paced dialogue and high-stakes scenarios, Boiler Room offers an engaging and cautionary tale about the dangers of unethical financial practices.
7. 99 Homes (2014)
99 Homes centers on the aftermath of the housing crisis, focusing on a young father who is evicted from his home and ends up working for the real estate broker who evicted him. The film portrays the harsh realities of the housing market crash and how individuals were affected by the greed of larger corporations. Like The Big Short, it highlights the devastating human cost of financial collapse and the difficult choices people make in desperate times.
8. Wall Street (1987)
Directed by Oliver Stone, Wall Street is a classic film that explores the culture of corporate greed in the 1980s. Michael Douglas’s iconic performance as Gordon Gekko, with his famous line “Greed is good,” reflects the cutthroat nature of high finance and stock market manipulation. If you enjoyed The Big Short‘s focus on greed and moral compromise, Wall Street is a must-watch for its exploration of similar themes.
9. The China Hustle (2017)
The China Hustle is a documentary that investigates how American investors were swindled by fraudulent Chinese companies in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. The film reveals how these companies took advantage of loopholes in the U.S. financial system, leading to billions of dollars in losses. Much like The Big Short, this documentary showcases the dangers of unchecked greed and corruption in the financial world.
10. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)
This documentary tells the story of one of the most infamous corporate fraud cases in American history—the collapse of Enron. The film delves into the corporate greed and accounting fraud that led to the company’s downfall, drawing parallels to the systemic corruption that contributed to the financial crisis depicted in The Big Short. For those interested in real-life financial scandals, Enron offers a compelling and sobering look at corporate malfeasance.
11. American Psycho (2000)
While American Psycho focuses more on the personal life of its sociopathic protagonist, the film offers a dark satire of the excess and materialism of 1980s Wall Street culture. Christian Bale’s chilling portrayal of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker by day and a serial killer by night, underscores the emptiness and moral decay that can accompany unchecked greed. Fans of The Big Short who enjoy dark humor and social critique will find this film both disturbing and thought-provoking.
12. The Company Men (2010)
The Company Men follows three men who lose their jobs in the wake of corporate downsizing during the financial crisis. The film focuses on the emotional and personal toll of economic instability, exploring themes of self-worth, family, and the American Dream. Unlike The Big Short, which focuses on the causes of the crisis, The Company Men provides a more intimate portrayal of its aftermath, making it a powerful companion piece for those interested in the human cost of financial collapse.
If you enjoyed the sharp, witty, and insightful take on finance in The Big Short, these 12 films will provide a similar mix of drama, intrigue, and moral dilemmas. Whether you’re looking for intense thrillers or insightful documentaries, this list has something for every fan of financial narratives. For even more recommendations, don’t miss the 20 Best Movies Like Set It Off | Similar-List for an even wider variety of gripping films.
