10 Must Watch Movies About Money
Anyone who know me and my wife knows we’re huge movie buffs. We are usually at the movie theater every week, sometimes more than once. There’s something about escaping into a movie that can help spark creativity. With the rise of streaming services, we spend a lot of time watching movies and shows at home as well. Nothing sparks motivation more than watching movies about money.
The themes of entrepreneurship, financial growth, chasing big dreams and overcoming challenges are the perfect mix for any aspiring or established entrepreneur. Since they delve into the world of wealth and determination, they remain essential viewing (no matter how old) for anyone fascinated by financial success and business. Below is a list of money-themed movies you can stream.
1. The Wolf of Wall Street
Although outrageous, The Wolf of Wall Street shows the rise and fall of Jordan Beltfort portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio. Belfort is a Wall Street broker with larger-than-life antics. His tale shines light on excess, ambition and the consequences of greed. On the other hand, it’s also a story about redemption. It reminds you that your darkest moments can become your greatest motivators.
2. The Founder
Dive into the true story of how McDonalds became a global empire in The Founder. Even though Ray Kroc’s moral compass wasn’t up to par, he turned a small burger stand into a fast food chain with locations around the world. In fact, he’s been called “fast food’s founding father.” It’s packed with entrepreneurial lessons and showcases resilience and business acumen.
3. The Pursuit of Happyness
As we all know, life can sometimes be a struggle, especially if you’re an entrepreneur. While living on the streets with his son, he lands a job at a prestigious brokerage firm. Even though the job pays no money, he refuses to give up to create a better life for himself and his son. The Pursuit of Happyness is a story of resilience and determination and a classic for anyone chasing their dreams.
4. Boiler Room
This movie by far has the best introduction into a movie ever. I don’t know how many times we’ve watched just the intro. But, Boiler Room is full of scenes that relates to what we do as entrepreneurs. It’s about a group of 20 somethings who become millionaires overnight. Basically, they cold call random people to sell them stocks. The closing calls, the intro and the speech from Ben Affleck’s character alone is worth watching.
5. Self Made
Self Made is the story of Madame CJ Walker, the first black woman millionaire. Starring Octavia Spencer, Walker was a pioneer in black hair care. From her humble beginnings to her concept, she overcame the hostilities of America as a black woman. This was a huge feet for anyone living in the 1920s. Although, it’s not a movie (a mini series), the story of struggle and tenacity is perfect for any entrepreneur.
6. Glengarry Glen Ross
Glengarry Glen Ross is probably one of the most quoted movies by salesman, “A.B.C. – Always. Be Closing.” In the film, a group of real estate salesman have to compete against each other when it’s announced that all but the top two will be fired at the end of the week due to low sales. As a result, each has to pull out everything in their arsenal to be on top. It used to fire me up because everyone get in those slumps. The unusual “pep talk” Alec Baldwin’s character gives me motivation every time.
7. Joy
Jennifer Lawrence stars as Joy Mangano, inventor of the self-wringing Miracle Mop, in Joy. Lets just say her life is complicated. In her home are her two kids, her mother, grandmother and under-employed ex-husband. When her sister humiliates her in front of her children, Joy decides to pursue her dream no matter the cost. Through her journey, she faces betrayal from those she loves and persists anyway to become a self-made millionaire. If you have haters or doubters in your life, this movie will give you the encouragement you need.
8. Trading Places
Trading Places may seem like an unlikely movie about money, but it talks a lot about trading and how it works. It’s one of my favorite movies. In the film, a homeless man (Eddie Murphy) trades places with a multi-millionaire (Dan Aykroyd) after two brokers frame Aykroyd’s character. When they try to do the same thing to Eddie Murphy’s character, things don’t go right. Murphy’s character uses his new circumstances to his advantage and shows that you should not under-estimate anyone.
9. The Big Short
For a lot of people, the 2008 housing crisis is still fresh on their minds. The Big Short sheds light on exactly what and how the housing crisis happened. Just before the crash, a group of investors decide to bet against the mortgage market and make a fortune in the process.
10. Wall Street
You can’t have a list of movies about movies without Wall Street. This one line, “Greed is Good” sums up the 80s. In the film, a stock broker is doing whatever he can to make it to the top. Soon, the man he admires from afar becomes his mentor. Even though everyone associates this movie with greed, it’s really a story about manifestation. As an entrepreneur, you have to manifest the dreams you have for yourself.
Final Thoughts
These movies aren’t just entertaining—they’re a masterclass in the power of persistence, innovation, and financial savvy. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or just love a great story, these movies about money deliver inspiration and insight.
