If you were captivated by the sharp wit, fast-paced storytelling, and insightful exploration of the 2008 financial crisis in The Big Short, then you’re likely to appreciate more films that tackle complex financial systems, corruption, and the high-stakes world of business. Directed by Adam McKay, The Big Short presented a unique narrative, blending humor with hard-hitting economic insights, as it followed a group of individuals who bet against the housing market before the collapse. If you’re looking for more movies that dig into finance, market crashes, or corporate greed, you’ve come to the right place. From documentaries to intense dramas, these movies like The Big Short offer fascinating insights into economics, politics, and human behavior. Along the way, you’ll also find films that explore societal themes, much like the unforgettable 14 Best Movies Like Girl, Interrupted, each offering a powerful perspective on crisis and change.
1. Margin Call (2011)
In Margin Call, the financial world is shaken to its core when a junior risk analyst discovers a catastrophic problem in a major investment bank that could lead to a massive collapse. This film, much like The Big Short, delves deep into the complexities of the financial industry, focusing on the moral and ethical decisions made by the executives in a time of crisis. With a stellar ensemble cast including Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, and Zachary Quinto, Margin Call examines the human side of financial disasters, revealing the personal stakes behind the corporate decisions. It’s an intense drama about the world of high finance, capturing the tension and urgency of a situation that could change the world’s economy.
2. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Directed by Martin Scorsese, The Wolf of Wall Street chronicles the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort, a corrupt stockbroker played by Leonardo DiCaprio. Based on a true story, the film takes a chaotic ride through greed, excess, and corruption in the world of high finance. Much like The Big Short, The Wolf of Wall Street sheds light on the moral bankruptcy of the financial world, with an unforgettable performance by DiCaprio and an immersive look into the world of stock market manipulation and fraud. If you enjoy films that critique Wall Street’s darker side, this film will offer plenty of intense drama and lessons on greed and power.
3. Inside Job (2010)
This Oscar-winning documentary, narrated by Matt Damon, dives deep into the causes of the 2008 financial crisis. Inside Job explores the global ramifications of Wall Street’s reckless behavior, the lax government oversight, and the massive financial deregulation that led to the economic collapse. Like The Big Short, this documentary exposes how the powerful players in the financial system contributed to one of the most significant economic crashes in history. Through interviews with economists, bankers, and politicians, the film provides a stark and sobering look at the manipulation behind the financial world, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of modern capitalism.
4. The Social Network (2010)
While The Social Network is more focused on the rise of Facebook, it shares a similar tone with The Big Short by depicting the ambition, greed, and betrayal that can accompany the rapid accumulation of wealth. Directed by David Fincher, the film tells the story of Mark Zuckerberg’s creation of Facebook and the ensuing legal battles. Like the financial crisis portrayed in The Big Short, the rise of Facebook is a story of power, corruption, and individuals making bold moves that change the world. The screenplay by Aaron Sorkin is sharp and fast-paced, making this film both engaging and thought-provoking.
5. Too Big to Fail (2011)
Based on the book by Andrew Ross Sorkin, Too Big to Fail is a TV film that delves into the inner workings of the 2008 financial crisis. It explores the decisions made by major players like Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke during the bailout of Wall Street institutions. Like The Big Short, this film takes a close look at the people behind the financial collapse, revealing the complex negotiations and the pressure to prevent further disaster. With a cast that includes William Hurt and Paul Giamatti, Too Big to Fail is a compelling examination of the government’s role in the crisis and the consequences of corporate greed.
6. The Big Kahuna (1999)
While The Big Kahuna isn’t directly related to the financial industry, it shares a similar theme of exploring the motivations and ethical dilemmas that come with working in a business environment. The story revolves around three salesmen at a convention trying to close a major deal. The film is character-driven, focusing on personal decisions and philosophical discussions about success and morality in the business world. If you’re looking for a dialogue-heavy film that probes human behavior in a corporate setting, The Big Kahuna offers an interesting, more intimate perspective on business culture.
7. Moneyball (2011)
Moneyball, based on Michael Lewis’ book (who also wrote The Big Short), follows the story of how the Oakland Athletics used a data-driven approach to assemble a competitive baseball team on a limited budget. The film, starring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill, uses the same blend of sharp dialogue and analytical insight to explore the intersection of money, statistics, and sports. While it’s not directly about financial markets, Moneyball shares thematic elements with The Big Short, as it involves challenging conventional wisdom, going against the grain, and applying new thinking to achieve success in a world dominated by traditional strategies.
8. Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
Based on David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Glengarry Glen Ross is a gripping exploration of greed, desperation, and moral ambiguity in the world of real estate sales. Featuring an all-star cast including Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, and Alec Baldwin, the film presents the cutthroat world of salesmen under immense pressure to succeed. Much like the financial characters in The Big Short, the characters in Glengarry Glen Ross are motivated by ambition, survival, and the crushing reality of competition in a corporate world. The film’s intense dialogue and performances highlight the darker side of the American Dream.
9. The China Hustle (2017)
The China Hustle is a documentary that examines the fraudulent Chinese companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges. The film highlights how these companies manipulated the market and defrauded American investors, revealing the corruption that exists beyond the financial crisis depicted in The Big Short. The documentary provides an eye-opening look at the complexity of global financial systems and the lengths to which some will go to exploit market vulnerabilities. If you’re interested in uncovering financial fraud and corporate greed, The China Hustle will captivate you.
10. The Founder (2016)
While not a direct commentary on the financial markets, The Founder tells the story of Ray Kroc, the man who turned McDonald’s into a global franchise. The film explores Kroc’s business methods, including his cunning and sometimes unscrupulous tactics. Like the characters in The Big Short, Kroc takes advantage of an opportunity and changes the business world forever. If you’re interested in the intersection of entrepreneurship and ethics, The Founder will provide an insightful look into the ruthlessness of business expansion.
11. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)
This documentary explores the rise and fall of Enron, once the seventh-largest company in the U.S., which collapsed in one of the most infamous corporate scandals in history. Like The Big Short, Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room exposes the greed, corruption, and manipulation within the corporate world. Through interviews and investigative journalism, the documentary dissects how Enron executives created a fraudulent image of success, only to lead their company—and its employees—to destruction. It’s an essential watch for those interested in understanding corporate malfeasance and financial crises.
12. The Laundromat (2019)
The Laundromat, directed by Steven Soderbergh, delves into the Panama Papers scandal, uncovering how offshore financial companies help the wealthy evade taxes. The film stars Meryl Streep, Gary Oldman, and Antonio Banderas, and it provides a humorous yet sharp critique of financial systems that facilitate illegal activities. Like The Big Short, The Laundromat blends dark humor with an eye-opening exploration of corporate corruption. It’s a fascinating look at how powerful individuals exploit global financial systems for personal gain.
13. Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Another film by Martin Scorsese, The Wolf of Wall Street chronicles the rise and fall of stockbroker Jordan Belfort. Although more centered on fraud and excess, The Wolf of Wall Street shares the same scathing critique of Wall Street culture as The Big Short. Both films show how financial greed leads to corruption, with larger-than-life performances by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill adding depth to the narrative. While Belfort’s story is about personal downfall, it offers a similar lens through which to view the excesses of corporate greed.
14. 99 Homes (2014)
In 99 Homes, Andrew Garfield plays Dennis Nash, a man struggling to keep his home after the 2008 housing crisis. The film explores the human toll of the financial collapse and the morally complicated choices people must make when their livelihoods are at risk. Much like The Big Short, 99 Homes highlights the effects of the housing crash on ordinary people, bringing the economic disaster to a personal, emotional level. The film’s intense drama and powerful performances make it an emotional counterpart to The Big Short.
If The Big Short captivated you with its insightful look into the 2008 financial crisis and its cynical portrayal of corporate greed, these 15 films will take you even deeper into the world of finance, corruption, and the human consequences of economic systems. Whether you’re interested in the stock market, corporate fraud, or personal stories of survival, these movies like The Big Short are thought-provoking and timely. And for those looking for more compelling narratives, be sure to check out 14 Best Movies Like Girl, Interrupted, which dives into complex human psychology and societal issues.
