15 Best Economic Crisis Movies that Everyone Should Watch

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89%

81

7.8

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

Steve Carell

Ryan Gosling

Brad Pitt

Melissa Leo

Hamish Linklater

John Magaro

Rafe Spall

Jeremy Strong

Finn Wittrock

Directed by Adam McKay

2 degrees of seperation (similar to The Big Short)

from /14 Riveting Movies Like "The Big Short"

98%

88

8.2

"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

William Ackman

Barack Obama

George W. Bush

Jonathan Alpert

Christine Lagarde

Ann Curry

Sigridur Benediktsdottir

Gylfi Zoega

Directed by Charles Ferguson

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100%

8.1

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

Jane Darwell

John Carradine

Charley Grapewin

Dorris Bowdon

Russell Simpson

O. Z. Whitehead

John Qualen

Eddie Quillan

Zeffie Tilbury

Directed by John Ford

87%

76

7.1

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

Zachary Quinto

Simon Baker

Paul Bettany

Ashley Williams

Demi Moore

Penn Badgley

Jeremy Irons

Mary McDonnell

Stanley Tucci

Directed by J.C. Chandor

77%

67

7.3

"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

Paul Giamatti

James Woods

Billy Crudup

Topher Grace

Matthew Modine

Tony Shalhoub

Bill Pullman

Cynthia Nixon

Ed Asner

Directed by Curtis Hanson

93%

76

7.1

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

Michael Shannon

Laura Dern

Nicole Barré

J.D. Evermore

Tim Guinee

Noah Lomax

Clancy Brown

Cullen Moss

Wayne Pére

Directed by Ramin Bahrani

97%

82

7.6

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

John Beard

Jim Chanos

Dick Cheney

Carol Coale

Gray Davis

Reggie Dees II

Joseph Dunn

Max Eberts

Peter Elkind

Directed by Alex Gibney

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75%

61

7.4

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

Marcy Kaptur

Bernie Sanders

Elizabeth Warren

Thora Birch

Baron Hill

Wallace Shawn

Peter Zalewski

Bill Clinton

Directed by Michael Moore

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55%

59

6.2

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

Shia LaBeouf

Josh Brolin

Carey Mulligan

Frank Langella

Susan Sarandon

Eli Wallach

Vanessa Ferlito

Jason Clarke

Alexander Wraith

Directed by Oliver Stone

30%

6.4

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

Anna Friel

Nigel Lindsay

Tim McInnerny

Irene Ng

Lee Ross

Yves Beneyton

Simon Shepherd

John Standing

Pip Torrens

Directed by James Dearden

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40%

51

6.7

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.

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62%

57

7.3

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

Directed by Jim Bruce

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7.4

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

Directed by Erwin Wagenhofer

66%

63

7

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

Vin Diesel

Nia Long

Nicky Katt

Scott Caan

Ron Rifkin

Jamie Kennedy

Taylor Nichols

Bill Sage

Tom Everett Scott

Directed by Ben Younger

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6.6

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

Rand Paul

Cameron Winklevoss

Andy Greenberg

Tyler Winklevoss

Gavin Andresen

Paul Vigna

Directed by Christopher Cannucciari