15 Best Economic Crisis Movies that Everyone Should Watch

Lila Sommers

Lila Sommers

economic crisis movies

Hey there, fellow film lovers! Ever found yourself craving a movie that's not just a good watch but also gets you thinking? I've been there. So, I've rounded up 15 movies that dive deep into the whirlwind world of economic crises.

From Wall Street meltdowns to personal tales of financial struggle, these films aren't just about numbers—they're about people, dreams, and the rollercoasters of life.

Perfect for a cozy movie night or a heated discussion afterward. Ready to take a cinematic journey through the highs and lows of finance? Let's dive in!

Image
Rotten tomatoes89%
iMBD81
Metacritic7.8

Ever wondered how the world's economy crashed in 2008? Dive into the high-stakes world of finance with "The Big Short." A few quirky finance pros, including a barefooted banker and a metal-loving numbers whiz, spot the housing bubble's impending burst. Instead of warning the world, they decide to... well, bet against the American economy. It's a wild ride of disbelief, dark humor, and celebrity cameos (thanks, Margot Robbie in a bathtub!) that breaks down complex financial jargon. You'll laugh, you'll facepalm, and you'll leave with a newfound understanding (and skepticism) of the financial world.

CAST

Christian Bale

Christian Bale

Steve Carell

Steve Carell

Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt

Melissa Leo

Melissa Leo

Hamish Linklater

Hamish Linklater

John Magaro

John Magaro

Rafe Spall

Rafe Spall

Jeremy Strong

Jeremy Strong

Finn Wittrock

Finn Wittrock

Directed by Adam McKay

2 degrees of seperation (similar to The Big Short)

Margin Call
Inside Job
Too Big to Fail
The Wolf of Wall Street
Moneyball
The Social Network
Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room
99 Homes
Boiler Room
Wall Street
The Company Men
The Other Guys
The Laundromat
Rogue Trader
Image
Rotten tomatoes98%
iMBD88
Metacritic8.2

"Inside Job" is your deep dive into the murky waters of the 2008 financial meltdown. Narrated by the smooth-voiced Matt Damon, this documentary peels back the layers of the crisis. From the risky moves of Wall Street to the questionable ethics of academia, it's a no-holds-barred look at what—and who—caused the global economic collapse. Think of it as a detective story, but instead of hunting for a killer, we're tracking down financial greed and corruption. Grab some popcorn, maybe a notepad, and get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, mostly anger and disbelief.

CAST

Matt Damon

Matt Damon

William Ackman

Barack Obama

Barack Obama

George W. Bush

George W. Bush

Jonathan Alpert

Christine Lagarde

Christine Lagarde

Ann Curry

Ann Curry

Sigridur Benediktsdottir

Gylfi Zoega

Directed by Charles Ferguson
Image
Rotten tomatoes100%
Metacritic8.1

Step back in time to the dusty roads of the Great Depression with "The Grapes of Wrath." The Joad family, after being kicked off their Oklahoma farm, packs up their lives and heads to the promised land of California. But spoiler alert: it's not all sunshine and rainbows. They face hardships, heartbreaks, and the harsh reality of poverty. It's a tale of resilience, hope, and the American dream. Henry Fonda's soulful eyes will pull you into a world where families stick together, come hell or high water. Keep some tissues handy; this one's a tearjerker.

CAST

Henry Fonda

Henry Fonda

Jane Darwell

Jane Darwell

John Carradine

John Carradine

Charley Grapewin

Charley Grapewin

Dorris Bowdon

Dorris Bowdon

Russell Simpson

Russell Simpson

O. Z. Whitehead

O. Z. Whitehead

John Qualen

John Qualen

Eddie Quillan

Eddie Quillan

Zeffie Tilbury

Zeffie Tilbury

Directed by John Ford
Image
Rotten tomatoes87%
iMBD76
Metacritic7.1

Ever been stuck in the office late at night? "Margin Call" takes that to the next level. Set over a tense 24-hour period, this thriller dives deep into the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis. When a young analyst discovers information that could lead to the downfall of his investment firm, a series of late-night meetings and moral dilemmas ensue. With a star-studded cast, including Kevin Spacey and Zachary Quinto, you're in for a gripping ride that unveils the high-stakes world of finance. It's a game of chess with billions of dollars on the line. Buckle up!

CAST

Kevin Spacey

Kevin Spacey

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto

Simon Baker

Simon Baker

Paul Bettany

Paul Bettany

Ashley Williams

Ashley Williams

Demi Moore

Demi Moore

Penn Badgley

Penn Badgley

Jeremy Irons

Jeremy Irons

Mary McDonnell

Mary McDonnell

Stanley Tucci

Stanley Tucci

Directed by J.C. Chandor
Image
Rotten tomatoes77%
iMBD67
Metacritic7.3

"Too Big to Fail" is like peeking behind the curtain of a magic show, but instead of magic, it's the 2008 financial meltdown. Based on Andrew Ross Sorkin's best-selling book, this drama pulls you into the boardrooms and backrooms where decisions that affected millions were made. With the U.S. economy on the brink, power players, including the Treasury Secretary and CEOs of big banks, scramble to prevent total collapse. It's a whirlwind of panic, politics, and power plays. You'll be on the edge of your seat, even if you know how it all ends.

CAST

William Hurt

William Hurt

Paul Giamatti

Paul Giamatti

James Woods

James Woods

Billy Crudup

Billy Crudup

Topher Grace

Topher Grace

Matthew Modine

Matthew Modine

Tony Shalhoub

Tony Shalhoub

Bill Pullman

Bill Pullman

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon

Ed Asner

Ed Asner

Directed by Curtis Hanson
Image
Rotten tomatoes93%
iMBD76
Metacritic7.1

Imagine losing your home and then working for the guy who took it from you. That's the gut-wrenching premise of "99 Homes." Set against the backdrop of the housing crisis, this drama follows a desperate man who, after being evicted, strikes a deal with the devilish real estate broker responsible. As he gets sucked into the morally murky world of foreclosures, the lines between right and wrong blur. Andrew Garfield and Michael Shannon deliver powerhouse performances in this gripping tale of survival, morality, and the lengths one will go to save their family. Warning: You might never look at your home the same way again.

CAST

Andrew Garfield

Andrew Garfield

Michael Shannon

Michael Shannon

Laura Dern

Laura Dern

Nicole Barré

Nicole Barré

J.D. Evermore

J.D. Evermore

Tim Guinee

Tim Guinee

Noah Lomax

Noah Lomax

Clancy Brown

Clancy Brown

Cullen Moss

Cullen Moss

Wayne Pére

Wayne Pére

Directed by Ramin Bahrani
Image
Rotten tomatoes97%
iMBD82
Metacritic7.6

Ever heard the saying, "Pride comes before a fall"? "Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room" is the jaw-dropping tale of corporate greed gone wild. Dive deep into one of the biggest business scandals in American history. Enron, once a poster child for success, unravels in a web of lies, shady deals, and downright deceit. Through interviews, tapes, and some "did they really just say that?" moments, this documentary exposes the audacity of those at the helm. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, from shock to anger, as you witness the rise and spectacular fall of a corporate giant. Buckle up; it's a bumpy ride!

CAST

Peter Coyote

Peter Coyote

John Beard

Jim Chanos

Dick Cheney

Dick Cheney

Carol Coale

Gray Davis

Reggie Dees II

Joseph Dunn

Max Eberts

Peter Elkind

Directed by Alex Gibney

Capitalism: A Love Story (2009)

Image
Rotten tomatoes75%
iMBD61
Metacritic7.4

Michael Moore is back with his signature style in "Capitalism: A Love Story." But this isn't your typical rom-com. Moore takes a hard look at the love affair between America and capitalism, and let's just say, it's complicated. From families getting evicted to Wall Street bigwigs raking in the dough, Moore paints a picture of a system that might need a relationship counselor. With his usual blend of humor, heartbreak, and a dash of provocation, Moore asks: Is capitalism really serving us, or are we just caught in a bad romance? Prepare for some laughs, tears, and plenty of food for thought.

CAST

Elijah Cummings

Elijah Cummings

Marcy Kaptur

Marcy Kaptur

Bernie Sanders

Bernie Sanders

Elizabeth Warren

Elizabeth Warren

Thora Birch

Thora Birch

Baron Hill

Baron Hill

Wallace Shawn

Wallace Shawn

Peter Zalewski

Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton

Directed by Michael Moore
Image
Rotten tomatoes55%
iMBD59
Metacritic6.2

Gordon Gekko is back, baby! But this time, he's out of the slammer and into the chaos of the 2008 financial crisis in "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps." As the world of finance crumbles, Gekko sees an opportunity to rebuild his empire and maybe mend some fences with his estranged daughter. But Wall Street is a different beast now, and the stakes are higher than ever. With slicked-back hair, sharp suits, and even sharper dialogues, this sequel dives into the world of greed, redemption, and, of course, money. It's a thrilling ride through the ups and downs of the financial world, with a side of family drama. Get ready to trade!

CAST

Michael Douglas

Michael Douglas

Shia LaBeouf

Shia LaBeouf

Josh Brolin

Josh Brolin

Carey Mulligan

Carey Mulligan

Frank Langella

Frank Langella

Susan Sarandon

Susan Sarandon

Eli Wallach

Eli Wallach

Vanessa Ferlito

Vanessa Ferlito

Jason Clarke

Jason Clarke

Alexander Wraith

Alexander Wraith

Directed by Oliver Stone
Image
Rotten tomatoes30%
Metacritic6.4

Meet Nick Leeson, the man who broke a bank. "Rogue Trader" takes us on a wild ride through the high-stakes world of financial trading in the '90s. Ewan McGregor stars as Leeson, an ambitious trader who single-handedly brings down the centuries-old Barings Bank. How? A mix of risky trades, hidden losses, and a massive ego. As the numbers get bigger and the holes deeper, you'll be on the edge of your seat, watching the impending financial disaster unfold. It's a cautionary tale of ambition gone awry, reminding us that sometimes, one person can indeed make a difference... just not always in a good way.

CAST

Ewan McGregor

Ewan McGregor

Anna Friel

Anna Friel

Nigel Lindsay

Nigel Lindsay

Tim McInnerny

Tim McInnerny

Irene Ng

Irene Ng

Lee Ross

Lee Ross

Yves Beneyton

Yves Beneyton

Simon Shepherd

Simon Shepherd

John Standing

John Standing

Pip Torrens

Pip Torrens

Directed by James Dearden
Image
Rotten tomatoes40%
iMBD51
Metacritic6.7

Ever thought numbers could predict the future? Dive into the intriguing world of Martin Armstrong, a financial guru with a model claiming to forecast global events. "The Forecaster" is a documentary rollercoaster, charting Armstrong's rise, his shocking predictions, and the controversies that follow. From predicting economic crashes to finding himself behind bars, Armstrong's journey is nothing short of cinematic. It's a tale that blurs the lines between genius and conspiracy, making you question the very systems we trust. Buckle up; this forecasting ride is full of twists and turns.

CAST

Directed by Marcus Vetter
Image
Rotten tomatoes62%
iMBD57
Metacritic7.3

Ever wondered about the mysterious institution holding America's financial reins? "Money for Nothing" pulls back the curtain on the U.S. Federal Reserve. This isn't your average economics lesson. Through interviews, rare archival footage, and a dash of humor, the documentary delves deep into the Fed's role in America's financial ups and downs over a century. From its creation in 1913 to its response to recent financial crises, you'll get an inside look at the decisions, the policies, and the people shaping the world's most powerful economy. It's a must-watch for anyone curious about the money in their pocket and the institution behind it.

CAST

Liev Schreiber

Liev Schreiber

Directed by Jim Bruce
Image
Metacritic7.4

Ever wondered where your money goes after it leaves your pocket? "Let's Make Money" is a globe-trotting journey that uncovers the secretive world of finance and global banking. From the stock markets in the West to the sweatshops in the East, this documentary reveals the hidden paths of our money and the folks who are profiting big time. It's a deep dive into a world where money doesn't just talk; it shouts. By the end, you'll be questioning every dollar you spend and where it's really going. Ready for a financial wake-up call?

CAST

Mark Mobius

Mark Mobius

Directed by Erwin Wagenhofer
Image
Rotten tomatoes66%
iMBD63
Metacritic7

Welcome to the fast-paced, high-adrenaline world of underground brokerage firms. "Boiler Room" throws you into the life of Seth Davis, a college dropout looking to make it big in the stock market game. But this isn't Wall Street; it's darker, grittier, and way more cutthroat. As Seth gets sucked into a world of easy money and shady deals, he realizes that in this game, the stakes are your morals, and the house always wins. Think "Wolf of Wall Street" meets "The Sopranos." Buckle up; it's going to be a wild, morally-questionable ride!

CAST

Giovanni Ribisi

Giovanni Ribisi

Vin Diesel

Vin Diesel

Nia Long

Nia Long

Nicky Katt

Nicky Katt

Scott Caan

Scott Caan

Ron Rifkin

Ron Rifkin

Jamie Kennedy

Jamie Kennedy

Taylor Nichols

Taylor Nichols

Bill Sage

Bill Sage

Tom Everett Scott

Tom Everett Scott

Directed by Ben Younger
Image
Metacritic6.6

Bit-what? Bitcoin! Dive into the revolutionary world of digital currency with "Banking on Bitcoin." This isn't just a documentary; it's a front-row seat to the birth of Bitcoin, the digital gold of the 21st century. From its mysterious creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, to its rapid rise and the challenges it faces from big banks and governments, this film has it all. Whether you're a crypto geek or someone who still thinks Bitcoin is a coin with a "B" on it, this documentary will enlighten, entertain, and maybe even inspire you to open a digital wallet. Ready to decode the future of money?

CAST

Wences Casares

Nathanial Popper

Alex Winter

Alex Winter

Rand Paul

Rand Paul

Cameron Winklevoss

Andy Greenberg

Tyler Winklevoss

Gavin Andresen

Paul Vigna

Directed by Christopher Cannucciari

Comments & User Suggestions

Lila Sommers

About Lila Sommers

Lila is your media maven with a passion for the extraordinary! Spot her at the local bookstore or crafting her own stories on lazy Sunday afternoons. From indie flicks to hidden gem tracks, Lila's knack for weaving words and tunes is unmatched, making her your ultimate companion in the exciting world of media and entertainment.

Copyright © 2024 Where to Watch. All rights reserved.
Made in Brisbane