Money is a crucial part of our lives, and understanding how it works can be vital to achieving financial success. But, let’s face it, learning about money can be boring! That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 23 movies (plus snippets and their money lessons) that will make learning about money fun and entertaining.
These movies serve as good companions to sit and chill with after a long week! As entertaining as they are, don’t fail to have your eye out for all the important lessons about money it will teach you. Here goes.
1. “The Company Men” (2010)
Drama film directed by John Wells. The movie explores the lives of three corporate executives as they struggle to deal with the aftermath of a company’s downsizing. The film depicts the characters as they navigate the challenges of losing their jobs, their sense of identity, and their livelihoods.
One of the main lessons of this movie is the importance of being prepared for unexpected changes in the economy and the need to have a backup plan. The movie features an all-star cast including Ben Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones, Kevin Costner, and more.
2. “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013)
This Martin Scorsese film starring Leonardo DiCaprio tells the true story of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who became one of the most notorious figures in finance in the 1990s. The film is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the excesses of the Wall Street lifestyle.
P.S. – The movie is heavily littered with very adult language so you might want to be prepared for all the F*** bombs et al.
3. “Boiler Room” (2000)
This drama starring Giovanni Ribisi and Vin Diesel tells the story of a young man who gets caught up in the high-pressure world of a stock brokerage firm. The film is a great look at the cutthroat world of Wall Street and the lengths some people will go to make a quick buck.
4. “The Secret” (2006)
This self-help film tells the story of the “law of attraction” and how people can use it to manifest wealth and success in their lives.
The film is a great introduction to the concepts of positive thinking, money affirmations and manifestation. Money matters largely begin in the mind after all.
5. “The Money Pit” (1986)
This comedy starring Tom Hanks and Shelley Long tells the story of a couple who buy a fixer-upper and get caught up in a never-ending series of home repairs.
The film is a great look at the pitfalls of homeownership, the importance of being financially prepared for unexpected expenses, and how to think twice when offered deals which seem too good to be true.
6. “Confessions of a Shopaholic” (2009)
A romantic comedy film directed by P.J. Hogan. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Sophie Kinsella. It tells the story of a woman who is addicted to shopping and has accumulated a large amount of debt. The film shows her struggling to overcome her addiction and the challenges she faces in trying to get out of debt.
One of the main lessons of this movie is the importance of financial responsibility and the dangers of overspending. The movie stars Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy, and Joan Cusack.
7. “The Big Short” (2015)
This Adam McKay film, based on the book by Michael Lewis, tells the true story of a group of investors who bet against the housing market in the lead-up to the 2008 financial crisis.
The film is a great way to learn about the complex financial instruments that led to the crisis and the people who profited from it.
8. “Joy” (2015)
Biographical drama film directed by David O. Russell. The movie tells the story of Joy Mangano, a single mother who becomes a successful inventor and entrepreneur. The movie depicts the struggles that Joy faced in her rise to success, including financial challenges and the difficulties of breaking into a male-dominated industry.
One of the main lessons of this movie is the importance of perseverance and determination in achieving financial success. The movie stars Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, and Bradley Cooper.
9. “Glengarry Glen Ross” (1992)
This drama starring Al Pacino and Jack Lemmon tells the story of a group of real estate salesmen and the cutthroat competition they face in their field. The film is a great look at the high-pressure world of sales and the crazy lengths and unethical practices some people will do to close a deal.
10. “The Great Gatsby” (2013)
This adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel tells the story of a wealthy man who throws extravagant parties in an attempt to win back his former love.
The film is a great look at the excesses of the wealthy and the destructive power of love and desire.
11. “American Psycho” (2000)
This black comedy film starring Christian Bale tells the story of a wealthy investment banker who becomes a serial killer.
The film is a great look at the dark side of the corporate world and the destructive power of greed and ambition.
12. “Moneyball” (2011)
This drama starring Brad Pitt tells the true story of Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland A’s baseball team, and his use of data analysis to build a winning team on a shoestring budget.
The film is a great look at the business of sports and the importance of data in decision-making.
13. “Inside Job” (2010)
This documentary film directed by Charles Ferguson examines the causes of the 2008 financial crisis. The film is a comprehensive look at the events leading up to the crisis and the individuals and institutions that were responsible.
14. “The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006)
This drama starring Will Smith tells the true story of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who becomes homeless with his young son.
The film is a heartwarming tale of perseverance and the power of determination to overcome financial hardship.
15. “The Social Network” (2010)
This David Fincher film tells the story of the creation of Facebook and the legal battles that ensued. The film is a great look at the cutthroat world of tech startups and the lengths some people will go to protect their ideas.
Key lessons here include being careful about whom you share your money ideas with, understanding the thin line between friendship and money matters, and ensuring confidentiality backed with appropriate documentation is done wherever possible.
16. “The Queen of Versailles” (2012)
This documentary film tells the true story of a billionaire couple who set out to build the largest home in America, only to be hit by the 2008 financial crisis.
The film is a great look at the excesses of the wealthy and the importance of financial planning.
17. “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” (2013)
This comedy-drama starring Ben Stiller tells the story of a daydreaming office worker who embarks on an adventure to find a missing negative for a photo shoot.
The film is a great look at the importance of living in the moment and following your dreams.
18. “Too Big to Fail” (2011)
This HBO film, based on the book by Andrew Ross Sorkin, tells the story of the 2008 financial crisis and the government’s response to it.
The film is a great look at the inner workings of Wall Street and the government’s role in the crisis.
19. “The Big Lebowski” (1998)
This cult classic starring Jeff Bridges tells the story of a laid-back slacker who gets caught up in a crazy scheme involving mistaken identity and a wealthy businessman.
The film is a hilarious and offbeat look at money and the lengths some people will go to get their hands on it.
20. “The Aviator” (2004)
This Martin Scorsese film starring Leonardo DiCaprio tells the true story of Howard Hughes, a billionaire aviator and filmmaker who becomes increasingly paranoid and reclusive as he grows older.
The film is a great look at the power of money and the destructive nature of fame and success.
21. “The Accountant” (2016)
A crime thriller film directed by Gavin O’Connor. The movie follows the story of a highly skilled accountant, Christian Wolff, who works for some of the world’s most dangerous criminal organizations. He uses his expertise to help them launder money, but when a government agency starts closing in on him, he takes on a legitimate client to make it look like he’s going straight.
The movie stars Ben Affleck as Christian Wolff, and Anna Kendrick, J.K. Simmons, Jon Bernthal and Cynthia Addai-Robinson.
22. “Trading Places” (1983)
This comedy starring Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd tells the story of a street-smart con artist and a wealthy businessman who get caught up in a bet and end up switching lives.
The film is a great look at the contrast between the wealthy and the working class and the importance of financial savvy.
23. “Up in the Air” (2009)
This drama starring George Clooney tells the story of a corporate downsizer who travels the country firing people for a living.
The film is a great look at the cutthroat world of corporate America and the importance of being financially prepared for unemployment.
So which of these have you seen?
These movies are great for not only being entertaining but informative as well. They help us understand the importance of money in our lives, how to make it, how to spend it, and how to invest it. They also show the consequences of common vices, greed, dangerous ambition, and not being financially prepared. So go ahead to watch them and tell me which you enjoy.