In cinema, few subjects are as captivating and relatable as money and business. The intricate world of finance, entrepreneurship, and corporate dynamics has given filmmakers a rich tapestry of stories to weave. The global streaming giant, Netflix offers a diverse array of films that delve into the complexities of money and business, making them the top movies about money and trade on Netflix. From thrilling tales of excess and ambition to sobering narratives about economic realities, the platform hosts an impressive selection of movies that entertain and educate in money and business. This article will delve into six notable films on Netflix that provide unique insights into money and business, contributing to the collection of top movies about money and trade on Netflix.
“The Laundromat” (2019):
Darkly humorous, “The Laundromat” is director Steven Soderbergh’s take on the Panama Papers affair. Meryl Streep stars as Ellen Martin, a woman whose dream trip becomes a nightmare as she gets caught up in a complex network of insurance fraud and offshore accounts. In a series of linked stories, the film exposes the inner workings of the offshore banking system and the legal loopholes that enable the affluent to conceal their money. Streep gives a performance that is a study in the art of blending tragedy and humour, perfectly capturing the anger and helplessness of the numerous people who have found themselves in the crosshairs of financial trickery.
“The Big Short” (2015):
Adam McKay’s “The Big Short” offers a gripping account of the 2008 financial crisis. The film employs an innovative blend of documentary-style narration and dramatic reenactments to explain complex financial concepts. Christian Bale portrays Michael Burry, a brilliant but eccentric hedge fund manager who predicts and bets against the housing market collapse. Steve Carell shines as Mark Baum, a hedge fund manager, is outraged and bewildered by the recklessness of Wall Street. Ryan Gosling’s charismatic portrayal of Jared Vennett guides the audience through the intricacies of the credit default swap market. Brad Pitt rounds out the cast as Ben Rickert, an ex-trader turned environmentalist, adding a layer of moral complexity to the story. Through the lens of these characters, the film highlights the systemic failures, greed, and hubris that led to the global financial meltdown.
“The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013):
The banking world is rife with excess and corruption, and Martin Scorsese’s “The Wolf of Wall Street” is a high-octane representation of this. Leonardo DiCaprio steals the show as the smooth and dishonest stockbroker Jordan Belfort. Belfort’s insatiable appetite for wealth, drugs, and immorality fuels his meteoric rise and collapse, which the film voyeuristically depicts. Jonah Hill, who is as captivating on screen as Leonardo DiCaprio, plays Donnie Azoff, Belfort’s similarly eccentric partner-in-crime. The film exposes the ethical gap at the heart of Belfort’s business while highlighting the perils of unchecked ambition and the consequences of an excess-driven society.
“The Founder” (2016):
By tracing the rise of the fast-food tycoon McDonald’s, John Lee Hancock’s film “The Founder” offers a unique perspective on business. The film portrays Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton) as a struggling salesman who seizes an opportunity when encountering the innovative “Speedee Service System” at a small burger joint. Kroc’s journey from a struggling entrepreneur to a cutthroat businessman highlights the challenges of scaling a business and navigating the complexities of franchising. The film delves into the ethical dilemmas Kroc faces as he navigates his relationship with the McDonald brothers and grapples with the tension between corporate growth and the founders’ original vision.
“The Social Dilemma” (2020):
Moving from traditional business to the realm of technology, “The Social Dilemma” is a documentary that explores the hidden impact of social media on society and individuals. The film unveils the algorithms and business models that drive social media platforms through the insights of former tech industry insiders. It highlights the addictive nature of these platforms and their potential harm to mental health, democracy, and societal cohesion. The film interweaves dramatised scenarios with expert interviews, creating a chilling portrayal of how technology can manipulate and exploit user behaviour for profit.
“Margin Call” (2011):
Taking place at a fictitious investment bank during the 2008 financial crisis, J.C. Chandor’s “Margin Call” is suspenseful and thought-provoking. The video captures the sense of dread that a group of financial experts experience as they come to terms with the fact that their company is about to fail. The excellent ensemble cast, which includes Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, and Paul Bettany, gives the characters’ struggles with moral dilemmas and the effects of their decisions depth. Employees are forced to face the ethical ramifications of their actions leading up to the financial crisis, highlighting the human cost of the problem.
“Moneyball” (2011):
Moviemaker Bennett Miller’s “Moneyball” switches gears to professional sports and the business of building a winning squad. Billy Beane (Brad Pitt), general manager of the Oakland Athletics baseball franchise, is shown in Moneyball as a forward-thinking, data-driven executive. The video examines the tension between time-honoured player evaluation techniques and the newer, data-driven discipline of sabermetrics. The contradiction between tradition and innovation in athletics and business is brought to light by Beane’s attempts to upset the status quo.
Conclusion
Netflix offers a compelling selection of top movies about money and business that explore the multifaceted world of money and business. From cautionary tales of unchecked ambition to insightful examinations of financial crises and ethical dilemmas, these films provide viewers with valuable insights into finance and entrepreneurship’s complex and ever-evolving landscape, making them the top movies about money and business on Netflix. As we indulge in these narratives, we are reminded that pursuing wealth and success often has profound moral and societal implications. By engaging with these movies about money and business on Netflix, audiences can better understand the intricate interplay between money, power, and human behaviour in the industry. Through the lens of these films, viewers gain a deeper appreciation for the nuances of the financial world and the intricate ethical decisions that shape it, further solidifying their status as the top movies about money and business on Netflix.
