Wall Street and high finance have long captivated audiences with their high-stakes drama, complex characters, and glimpses into the world of wealth and power. From iconic classics to modern masterpieces, movies about Wall Street offer thrilling narratives that explore ambition, greed, and the consequences of unchecked capitalism.
Why Wall Street Movies Are So Popular
Movies about Wall Street and high finance resonate because they blend real-world financial concepts with intense human drama.
These films often showcase the allure of wealth, the pressure of high-stakes trading, and the moral dilemmas faced by those navigating the financial industry.
Whether you’re a finance professional, a movie buff, or simply curious about the stock market, these films deliver entertainment and insight. Let’s dive into our curated list of the best Wall Street movies to watch in 2025.
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Director: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie
Genre: Biography, Comedy, Crime
Why Watch: This high-energy film chronicles the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who defrauds investors in a pump-and-dump scheme. DiCaprio’s electrifying performance and Scorsese’s direction make it a must-watch for its unapologetic look at excess and greed.
Wall Street (1987)
Director: Oliver Stone
Starring: Michael Douglas, Charlie Sheen, Daryl Hannah
Genre: Drama
Why Watch: A quintessential Wall Street movie, this classic follows young broker Bud Fox as he’s mentored by the ruthless Gordon Gekko, whose mantra “Greed is good” became iconic. It’s a timeless exploration of ambition and morality.
The Big Short (2015)
Director: Adam McKay
Starring: Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling
Genre: Biography, Comedy, Drama
Why Watch: This Oscar-winning film explains the 2008 financial crisis through the lens of investors who bet against the housing market. Its sharp humor and accessible explanation of complex financial terms make it both educational and entertaining.
Margin Call (2011)
Director: J.C. Chandor
Starring: Zachary Quinto, Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Why Watch: Set during the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis, Margin Call offers a tense, realistic portrayal of a Wall Street firm grappling with a catastrophic financial discovery. The stellar ensemble cast and tight script make it a standout.
Boiler Room (2000)
Director: Ben Younger
Starring: Giovanni Ribisi, Vin Diesel, Ben Affleck
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Why Watch: Inspired by real-life pump-and-dump schemes, Boiler Room follows a young man drawn into a shady brokerage firm. It’s a gritty, fast-paced look at the darker side of stock trading.
Trading Places (1983)
Director: John Landis
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis
Genre: Comedy
Why Watch: This hilarious comedy explores the world of commodities trading through a social experiment where a wealthy broker and a street hustler swap lives. It’s a lighthearted yet insightful take on finance and class.
Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
Director: James Foley
Starring: Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin
Genre: Drama
Why Watch: While not set on Wall Street, this film about desperate real estate salesman captures the cutthroat nature of high-pressure sales environments. Its iconic dialogue and powerhouse performances make it a finance-adjacent gem.
Arbitrage (2012)
Director: Nicholas Jarecki
Starring: Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, Tim Roth
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Why Watch: Richard Gere stars as a hedge fund magnate whose empire unravels amid fraud and personal scandals. Arbitrage is a sleek, suspenseful look at the consequences of financial deception.
Too Big to Fail (2011)
Director: Curtis Hanson
Starring: William Hurt, Edward Asner, Billy Crudup
Genre: Biography, Drama
Why Watch: This HBO film chronicles the 2008 financial crisis from the perspective of government officials and Wall Street executives. It’s a detailed, dramatized look at the events that shook the global economy.
Moneyball (2011)
Director: Bennett Miller
Starring: Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman
Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport
Why Watch: While centered on baseball, Moneyball is a finance-driven story about using data analytics to outsmart richer competitors. Its innovative approach to strategy makes it a fascinating parallel to Wall Street tactics.
Why These Movies Matter in 2025
In 2025, the world of finance continues to evolve with advancements in AI, cryptocurrency, and algorithmic trading. These movies remain relevant by highlighting timeless themes like ambition, risk, and ethical dilemmas.
They also serve as cautionary tales about the consequences of unchecked greed and systemic failures, making them essential viewing for anyone interested in Wall Street or high finance.
How to Watch These Wall Street Movies
Most of these films are available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, or Hulu. You can also rent or purchase them on YouTube, Google Play, or Apple TV. Check your preferred platform for availability in your region.
Conclusion
The top 10 movies about Wall Street and high finance offer a thrilling mix of drama, comedy, and real-world insights. From the excess of The Wolf of Wall Street to the analytical brilliance of Moneyball, these films capture the highs and lows of the financial world. Whether you’re a finance professional or a casual viewer, these movies are sure to entertain and inform.
Which Wall Street movie is your favorite? Let us know in the comments, and share this list with fellow finance enthusiasts! For more recommendations, check out our other articles on finance and cinema.