Investment Banking Films That Tell It Like It Is

Wall Street (1987) is a classic film that showcases the cutthroat world of investment banking. It's a must-see for anyone looking to get a glimpse into the high-stakes world of finance.

The film's protagonist, Bud Fox, is a young stockbroker who will stop at nothing to make it big. His story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the importance of ethics in business.

The film's portrayal of the stock market crash of 1987 is eerily accurate, highlighting the risks and uncertainties of investing in the market. It's a sobering reminder of the importance of doing your research and being cautious with your investments.

In the film, Bud Fox's mentor, Gordon Gekko, is a ruthless and cunning investment banker who will do whatever it takes to make a profit. His famous line "Greed is good" is a stark reminder of the cutthroat nature of the investment banking world.

The Big Short is a great place to start learning about finance, as it brings together characters who predicted the 2008 financial crash and explains complex financial instruments in an easy-to-understand way.

Based on the book by Michael Lewis, the movie features Selena Gomez and Margot Robbie explaining synthetic CDOs and mortgage-backed bonds in a clever and engaging way.

The film is available to stream on Prime Video and Apple TV, making it a great option for those looking to learn about finance in a fun and entertaining way.

Here are some key investment banking films to consider:

These films offer a mix of education and entertainment, providing a unique perspective on the world of finance.

The Big Short is a great place to start your journey into the world of finance. It brings together the characters who worked out that the banks were heading towards a financial crash in 2008. The movie is based on the novel "The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine" by Michael Lewis.

The Big Short cleverly explains sophisticated financial instruments, making it a great introduction to the world of finance. Selena Gomez and Margot Robbie appear in the movie, explaining what synthetic CDOs and mortgage-backed bonds are in creative and engaging ways.

The movie is a biographical comedy-drama, directed by Adam McKay and written by McKay and Charles Randolph. It closely follows the book "The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine", written by Michael Lewis.

One of the standout features of The Big Short is its use of cameos to explain financial concepts. Economist Richard Thaler breaks the fourth wall to explain different financial concepts, and several characters throughout the movie directly speak to the audience themselves.

There are many other movies about finance that are both entertaining and educational. Margin Call is a great example, as it takes place over the span of 24 hours in the life of a Wall Street firm on the brink of disaster.

Margin Call is perhaps the most financially accurate movie on the list, highlighting the trading of complex derivative instruments that investment banks themselves barely understood. A poignant scene in the movie features two main characters talking about the catastrophe that is soon to be unleashed upon the financial community.

Here are some key takeaways about investment banking films:

These movies can be a great way to learn about the world of finance in a way that's both entertaining and engaging. They can also provide a unique perspective on the financial industry and its players.

The Rogue Trader story is a cautionary tale of financial collapse. Nick Leeson, a young and ambitious investment broker, made risky moves to get quick profits, ultimately losing $1.4 Billion and bringing Barings Bank to its knees.

This film is based on the true story of Nick Leeson, who single-handedly caused the insolvency of Barings Bank, the world's second-older merchant bank. He covered enormous losses from his superiors in carefully hidden accounts.

The movie is entertaining, but it also gives a great lesson in financial oversight and risk management. Leeson's story reminds us that illegal and unethical practices will always bring one to their downfall.

Here are some key takeaways from the Rogue Trader story:

Barbarians at the Gate is a 1993 TV movie that tells the story of the leveraged buyout (LBO) of RJR Nabisco. The movie is based on the 1989 book of the same name by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar.

The film takes some creative liberties in portraying the real-life event, but it's the incompetence and greed of Nabisco's CEO F. Ross Johnson that makes for a great lesson in the financial industry. Alec Baldwin's motivational speech is a highlight of the movie, bringing to light the best and worst aspects of working in finance under stress.

The movie won several awards, including a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Television Movie and a Golden Globe for Best Television Movie. This recognition is a testament to the film's engaging portrayal of the LBO.

The character of F. Ross Johnson is particularly noteworthy, with audiences being shocked and amused by his incompetence and greed. This highlights the importance of risk management and financial oversight in the industry.

Bernie Madoff's infamous Ponzi scheme stole over $64 billion from investors, including Hollywood stars like Steven Spielberg and Kevin Bacon. Madoff died in jail in 2021.

There are several movies about Bernie Madoff, including documentaries and TV mini-series. One of the earliest films about Madoff was "The Madoff Affair" (2009) on PBS's show, "Frontline".

The documentary "Chasing Madoff" (2011) is based on a book by Harry Markopolos, who investigated Madoff for a decade and tried to get the SEC to take action against him. Markopolos's efforts were crucial in exposing Madoff's scheme.

The TV mini-series "Madoff" (2016) is based on the book "The Madoff Chronicles" by Ben Robbins. This film provides a detailed look at Madoff's life and crimes.

The HBO film "The Wizard of Lies" (2017) stars Robert DeNiro and Michelle Pfeiffer and tells the story of Madoff's Ponzi scheme. This film is a dramatization of the true events surrounding Madoff's crimes.

Here are some of the notable Bernie Madoff movies:

If you're a fan of investment banking films, you might enjoy other movies that explore the world of finance. The Wolf of Wall Street, for instance, is a biographical comedy-drama about stockbroker Jordan Belfort, who was convicted of stock market manipulation and money laundering.

The movie is based on a true story, with Belfort's memoir serving as the primary source material. Belfort's firm, Stratton Oakmont, was a major player in the 1990s IPO market, and the film highlights the excesses and corruption that characterized the era.

Boiler Room is another film that explores the world of finance, albeit in a more fictionalized context. The movie follows a young stockbroker who becomes embroiled in a shady investment scheme, and it offers a glimpse into the cutthroat world of high finance.

The film's portrayal of the " boiler room" – a high-pressure sales environment where brokers try to sell stocks to unsuspecting investors – is particularly noteworthy. The movie's attention to detail and commitment to accuracy make it a compelling watch for anyone interested in the world of finance.

Wall Street is a classic movie about investment banking that every finance professional needs to watch. It's set in a local Wall Street stock market firm where a young stockbroker, Bud Fox, uses stock price tampering and other illegal moves to get promoted quickly.

The film showcases financial dealings in a way that seems complicated but also makes sense, making it easy for anyone to follow. This is likely due to the film's ability to balance complexity with clarity.

The movie has been a recruiting tool for traders, brokers, analysts, and bankers nearly 30 years after it was made. This is a testament to the film's enduring power and relevance.

The iconic line "Greed is good" from Gordon Gekko has become a catchphrase for many. It's a reminder that the film's themes of excess and hedonism are still relevant today.

To watch this movie, you'll need a subscription to Disney Plus or be able to rent it on Amazon Prime. It's a small price to pay for a film that has inspired so many to pursue careers in finance.

The film's impact on audiences is evident in the fact that fans still stop Charlie Sheen and Michael Douglas about their roles in the movie, even decades after its release. This is a testament to the film's enduring appeal and influence.

The plot of Margin Call is a thriller that moves at a rapid pace, with disaster lurking just outside the skyscraper windows and behind the computer screens. It's a story about the cutthroat world of investment banking, where the stakes are high and the players are ruthless.

Roger Ebert wrote that the movie is about how its characters are only concerned with the welfare of their corporations, with no larger sense of the public good. This theme is reflected in the actions of the characters, who are willing to do whatever it takes to succeed.

The film's plot has similarities to some events during the 2008 financial crisis, including Goldman Sachs' decision to hedge and reduce its position in mortgage-backed securities at the urging of two employees. This move essentially mirrors the comment made by John Tuld, the CEO of the fictional firm in the movie.

The film's themes are also reflected in the cast's performances, which reflect the enormity of what is happening in the story. Their company and their lives are being rendered meaningless as the crisis unfolds.

John Tuld's name is said to be a combination of Merrill Lynch's ex-CEO John Thain and Lehman Brothers' ex-CEO Richard Fuld, highlighting the real-life inspirations behind the character.