The Best Movies to Understand the Economy (And How It Plays Us)

As a seasoned observer of the human condition, I have always been intrigued by the enigmatic world of capitalism and finance. The films listed here offer a fascinating glimpse into this realm, revealing its triumphs, tragedies, and everything in between.

Movies offer an exciting escape to various worlds, allow us to experience alternative lifestyles, immerse us in heartfelt, heartrending, or humorous narratives, but they also serve as valuable educational tools, providing insights and lessons about our surroundings. While economics might appear dull within the entertainment realm, this collection demonstrates that there are countless compelling stories to be shared about how our economic systems function – and, regrettably, many of these tales are based on real events. Here’s a selection of blockbuster hits and award-winning documentaries that serve as a crash course in the American economy.

15 Too Big to Fail (2011)

HBO’s series “Too Big to Fail” is a dramatized representation of the collapse of the U.S. mortgage industry in the 2000s, inspired by Andrew Ross Sorkin’s 2009 non-fiction book of the same title. The show earned 11 Emmy Award nominations and Paul Giamatti won a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) award for his portrayal of Ben Bernanke, the Chair of the Federal Reserve. Many other actors were also highly acclaimed for their performances in this impressive ensemble cast, including William Hurt, Edward Asner, Billy Crudup, Topher Grace, Cynthia Nixon, Bill Pullman, Tony Shalhoub, James Woods, and others.

Featuring a pounding soundtrack, blunt dialogue, and numerous high-powered men in suits engaged in heated discussions, Too Big to Fail bears a resemblance to the more refined sibling of The Wolf of Wall Street. It delivers an engrossing narrative that regrettably mirrors reality.

14 Four Horsemen (2012)

“Four Horsemen” refers to a British documentary that advocates the principles of 19th-century economic classics as an antithesis to modern Western economic systems, including central banking, credit-driven economies, and bank politics. The film further proposes that war is employed not just for combat but also to escalate debt levels, rather than simply confronting adversaries.

The director, Ross Ashcroft, refers to the main characters as “a greedy financial system, increasing violent conflicts, extreme poverty experienced by billions, and depletion of Earth’s resources.” Despite its broad topic and complex nature, Four Horsemen is still suggested for general audiences. It is considered an insightful and skillfully produced piece of work.

13 How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1967)

A romantic musical may seem like a strange genre for a story about climbing a corporate ladder, but How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying pulls it off. The 1967 film (based on the 1961 stage musical, which was based on the 1952 book) centers on Robert Morse as J. Pierrepont Finch, who, unsurprisingly, is following a step-by-step guide to succeed in business — even at the expense of his morals. This reinterpretation of the theatrical production was applauded, though it didn’t reach nearly the same level of success as the Broadway play, which won seven Tony Awards.

12 Margin Call (2011)

As a movie reviewer, I found myself deeply immersed in J.C. Chandor’s gripping directorial debut, Margin Call (2011). This film is another compelling portrayal of influential American men, set within the backdrop of the tumultuous 2007-2008 financial crisis. The story unfolds over a single, tense 24-hour period, offering a gripping insight into the inner workings of Wall Street during those turbulent times.

The movie, titled “Margin Call“, boasts a distinguished cast including Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Penn Badgley, Simon Baker, Mary McDonnell, Demi Moore, Stanley Tucci, and Zachary Quinto delivering an outstanding performance. This film focuses on a band of investment bank workers who expose their firm’s unlawful activities after discovering them. Critics admired this film for its intense portrayal of the individuals who function as essential gears within the powerful Wall Street machinery.

11 Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price (2005)

One major retail chain in the United States, Walmart, is known for its “affordable” image due to selling a wide variety of goods at reduced prices. However, filmmaker Robert Greenwald contends that the corporation’s detrimental effects overshadow any potential financial benefits for consumers. He produced Walmart: The Price We Pay to shed light on various problems such as poor employee treatment (including lack of healthcare and union suppression), negative impact on smaller businesses and local economies, and hazardous working conditions for both domestic and foreign workers, among other concerns. Supported by data, original footage, and firsthand interviews, Greenwald presents a compelling portrayal of Walmart’s less savory aspects.

10 Roger & Me (1989)

The movie titled “Roger & Me” served as a personal endeavor for documentarian Michael Moore, marking his first directorial role while also penning, producing, and acting within it. With Flint, Michigan, his birthplace at its core, the filmmaker narrates the tale of General Motors CEO Roger Smith shutting down factories in the region, leading to mass layoffs and subsequent economic hardship in the area.

As a movie reviewer, I’d say “Roger & Me” is a film that feels intimate yet carries a broader impact. The passion Roger Moore has for his hometown shines through, and his encounter with Smith is heartfelt. Remarkably, this 1989 documentary was chosen by the Library of Congress in 2013 for preservation in the National Film Registry due to its cultural and historical importance.

9 99 Homes (2014)

Ramin Bahrani’s drama titled “99 Homes” narrates a fictional tale about a family’s ordeal during the American housing crisis and subsequent economic downturn in the late 2000s. When Dennis Nash (played by Andrew Garfield) loses his home due to foreclosure, he gets acquainted with the intricacies of eviction procedures and the ethically dubious aspects of the real estate industry as he strives to support his family.

In an interesting turn of events, Dennis finds himself employed by the very individual who had previously forced him out, portrayed by Michael Shannon in a particularly chilling role. This is noteworthy given his past villainous performances. Alongside Tim Guinee and Laura Dern, 99 Homes was a box office flop but received critical acclaim, earning a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Director Bahrani continues to be one of the most insightful observers of economic inequality in America, thanks to impressive films such as Man Push Cart, Chop Shop, and The Last Days of Ptolemy Gray.

8 Inequality for All (2013)

According to the 2010 book “Aftershock: The Next Economy and America’s Future” written by economist, author, and professor Robert Reich, the film “Inequality for All” primarily focuses on the issue of increasing income inequality in the U.S., particularly between the wealthy 1% and the rest of the population. Additionally, it delves into related political matters by providing insights into Reich’s early career and his tenure as President Bill Clinton’s Secretary of Labor. The film received criticism from libertarians and conservatives who opposed Reich’s ideas about an economy that offers equal opportunities, but it was highly acclaimed by critics and financially successful for a documentary, earning over $1 million in box office revenue.

7 Abacus: Small Enough to Jail (2016)

This documentary, titled “Abacus: Small Enough to Jail“, offers an opposite perspective to the phrase “too big to fail” by exploring Abacus Federal Savings Bank in Chinatown, Manhattan. Unlike the large national banks that received financial aid during the subprime mortgage crisis in the late ’00s after the housing bubble burst, Abacus, a family-owned community bank, was the only one to face criminal charges. Directed by Steve James, known for his masterpiece “Hoop Dreams“, this film was nominated for an Oscar in the Best Documentary Feature category and praised by critics for its intriguing but ethically complex narrative.

6 The Corporation (2003)

The Regrettably Necessary Sequel” was released in 2020.

5 The Big Short (2015)

Under the direction of Adam McKay, the movie titled “The Big Short” boasts an impressive cast featuring Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt. This biographical crime drama delves into the catastrophic 2007 housing market collapse. Based on Michael Lewis’s non-fiction book “The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine“, the film is divided into three interconnected narratives that focus on the key players and firms who played pivotal roles in causing the bursting of the housing bubble and triggering a significant financial crisis across America.

Regardless of its seemingly dry topic, the film exhibits an engaging vitality that maintains viewers’ interest, making it one of the top movies exploring capitalism. Known for its exceptional screenplay, The Big Short garnered an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay and was nominated in several categories including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Film Ending, and Best Supporting Actor (for Bale).

4 The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

In the true tale, Leonardo DiCaprio portrays Jordan Belfort, a fallen financial titan, in Martin Scorsese’s blockbuster movie titled “The Wolf of Wall Street“. This film offers a glimpse into the life of an individual with a long record of unlawful, unethical, and corrupt business dealings, excessive drug abuse, and an overtly self-centered character. Over the course of three hours, the wild indulgence of this story is translated into engaging Hollywood cinema, known as “The Wolf of Wall Street“.

The movie explores the rise and fall of a famously greed-driven fraudster who started as a lowly salesman, became the founder of a major securties firm, and ultimately ended up a white collar felon. While it’s understandably criticized for visually celebrating what it critiques, true story of a disgraced businessman has never looked so good.

3 Inside Job (2010)

Charles Ferguson’s documentary “Inside Job” is divided into five sections, each focusing on a different stage of the 2008 financial crisis: it delves into the economic background that preceded this period, scrutinizes the housing bubble, presents the actual crisis unfolding, discusses the repercussions for those responsible, and provides an update on where the American economy stands now.

As a follower, I found myself deeply appreciative of “Inside Job”, a film that was applauded by critics for its comprehensive research and remarkable talent in simplifying complex concepts while maintaining an engaging tone. This masterpiece won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature, alongside numerous other accolades, which is no surprise given its ability to swiftly and intelligently dissect the financial crisis that left many bewildered.

2 Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but recommend “Glengarry Glen Ross,” a cinematic gem from 1995, based on David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play. This masterpiece showcases an extraordinary ensemble of talents, including Jack Lemmon, Al Pacino, Alan Arkin, Ed Harris, Kevin Spacey, and Alec Baldwin. The narrative unfolds around four competitive real estate agents vying for the top spot to avoid getting the axe. Praised by critics and often hailed as one of the finest films of the ’90s, it’s an essential addition to any cinephile’s collection.

1 Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)

Alex Gibney’s documentary titled “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room” is centered around the significant 2001 fraud scandal that led to the downfall of the Enron Corporation, as portrayed in the 2003 book by Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind. By incorporating archival footage and interviews with former executives, employees of the energy company, stock analysts, journalists, and the former governor of California, Gary Davis, the documentary delves into the intricate mechanics of the scam and sheds light on how key Enron executives were eventually incarcerated.

2024-12-06 06:02