Best Movies About Money

From Brian De Palma, starring Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Rated R

Scarface is a 1983 crime drama directed by Brian De Palma and starring Al Pacino. Set in 1980s Miami, the film follows Tony Montana (Pacino) as he rises to power in the drug trade while trying to evade his enemies and the law. Tony begins his criminal career as a Cuban refugee in Miami, working for drug lord Frank Lopez. After Lopez is assassinated, Tony takes over the drug empire and expands it to the point of becoming one of the most powerful drug lords in the city. As his power and wealth grow, he begins to lose touch with reality and puts at risk everything he has worked for. Ultimately, he is brought down by his own ego and hubris. The film is seen as an homage to the classic gangster films of the 1930s and 1940s. It is also a meditation on the power and pitfalls of the American Dream.

From Charles Ferguson, starring Matt Damon, Gylfi Zoega, Andri Snær Magnason, Sigridur Benediktsdottir
Rated PG-13

"Inside Job" is a documentary film that chronicles the financial crisis of 2008, when the global economy crashed due to a series of risky financial decisions, deregulated markets, and unchecked greed. Directed by Charles Ferguson, the film examines the systemic corruption of the financial industry that led to the crisis, and the devastating consequences that followed. Through interviews with key financial insiders, politicians, journalists, and academics, the film explains complex economic concepts in a way that is both accessible and revealing. It also sheds light on the widespread corruption and conflicts of interest that allowed the crisis to occur, and the culpability of both government and financial institutions. Ultimately, the film serves as a warning about the dangers of deregulation and the need for reform in the global financial system.

From Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano, Ciarán Hinds, Martin Stringer
Rated R

There Will Be Blood is a 2007 dramatic period piece directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. The film follows Daniel Plainview, a silver miner-turned-oilman on a ruthless quest for wealth and power. As Plainview's business and family life become increasingly intertwined, his ambition takes a dark and sinister turn, leading him to clash with a young, idealistic preacher Eli Sunday. The film is a complex exploration of ambition, religion, and the corrosive power of greed. Along the way, Plainview must confront his own inner demons, which ultimately prove to be his downfall. The film's performances, technical aspects, and score have been widely praised, and it won two Academy Awards.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, James Woods
Rated R

"Casino" is a 1995 epic crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone and Joe Pesci. Set in 1970s Las Vegas, the film follows Sam "Ace" Rothstein (De Niro), an ambitious casino executive who is tasked with running the Tangiers Casino on behalf of the Chicago mafia. Rothstein's success leads to a number of conflicts with fellow mobster Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci), who is sent to Vegas to keep an eye on Rothstein. Santoro is also involved in a scheme to skim profits from the casino as well as various other illicit activities. Complications arise when the mafia's money is threatened by the presence of a mysterious woman, Ginger McKenna (Sharon Stone), who is the estranged wife of Santoro and a former prostitute. The film follows the characters' struggles for power and survival, which leads to a series of violent confrontations between the mobsters, the police, and the casino owners. In the end, Rothstein is forced to confront his inner demons and make a choice between his ambition and his loyalty to the mafia.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Matthew McConaughey
Rated R

The Wolf of Wall Street is a 2013 American biographical black comedy crime film directed by Martin Scorsese with a screenplay written by Terence Winter, based on the memoir of the same name by Jordan Belfort. The film follows Belfort's rise from penny stockbroker to stock market mogul and his downfall due to his unchecked greed and corruption. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Belfort, with a supporting cast featuring Jonah Hill, Matthew McConaughey, Kyle Chandler, Rob Reiner, Jean Dujardin, Jon Favreau, Joanna Lumley and Margot Robbie. The film is a commentary on the rise and fall of Wall Street and the excesses of American capitalism. It received five Academy Award nominations, including for Best Picture, and won the award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Hill.

From Guy Ritchie, starring Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Michelle Dockery, Jeremy Strong
Rated R

The Gentlemen is a 2019 British crime comedy film written, directed and produced by Guy Ritchie. The plot follows American expat Mickey Pearson (Matthew McConaughey) who has built a highly profitable marijuana empire in London. When word gets out that he is looking to cash out of the business, it soon triggers an array of plots and schemes—including corruption and bribery—from shady characters who want to steal his domain out from under him. With the help of his right-hand man Ray (Charlie Hunnam) and an unconventional private detective named Fletcher (Hugh Grant), Mickey must navigate the dangerous waters of London’s criminal underworld to keep his empire intact.

From David Fincher, starring Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Rooney Mara
Rated PG-13

The Social Network tells the story of the founding of the world's most popular social media website, Facebook. It follows the story of Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg, who had a brilliant idea to revolutionize the way people interacted online. Through a combination of ambition, luck, and skill, he creates a website that quickly grows in popularity, eventually leading to him becoming one of the world's youngest billionaires. Along the way, however, his success is mired in controversy as he is sued for intellectual property theft and a number of other legal issues. As the movie progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that Zuckerberg's ambition and drive have come at a cost, with his relationships with his friends and family being strained by his success. The movie culminates in an intense court case which leads to an unexpected outcome.

From Adam McKay, starring Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt
Rated R

The Big Short is a 2015 American biographical black comedy film directed by Adam McKay and written by McKay and Charles Randolph. It is based on the 2010 book The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine by Michael Lewis about the financial crisis of 2007–2008 which was triggered by the United States housing bubble. The film stars an ensemble cast led by Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt, Melissa Leo, Hamish Linklater, John Magaro, Rafe Spall, Jeremy Strong, Finn Wittrock, and Marisa Tomei. The film follows four outsiders who predict the credit and housing bubble collapse of the mid-2000s and decide to take on the big banks for their greed and lack of foresight. With the help of other investors, they bet against the banks and profit from the collapse of the housing market. Ultimately, The Big Short is about how the perpetrators of the financial crisis were able to gain from their reckless behavior, and the consequences their actions had on the global economy. The film goes beyond the abstract economic terms and dives into the human stories of those who were affected as a result of the crisis.

From Ridley Scott, starring Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin
Rated R

American Gangster is a 2007 crime film directed by Ridley Scott that tells the true story of Frank Lucas, a drug kingpin in Harlem in the 1970s. Lucas (Denzel Washington) has a knack for business and rises to the top of the criminal underworld. He creates a drug empire, importing heroin from Southeast Asia into the United States and selling it to distributors throughout New York City. However, Lucas's success attracts the attention of Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe), a tenacious and incorruptible police detective who is determined to bring Lucas down. Their cat-and-mouse game leads to an explosive finale as Lucas and Roberts face off in a battle of wits. American Gangster is a riveting portrait of two men locked in a struggle for power and respect that ultimately reveals the true cost of their ambition.

From Steven Soderbergh, starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon
Rated PG-13

Ocean's Eleven is a 2001 heist comedy film directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring an ensemble cast including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, and Julia Roberts. The movie follows Danny Ocean (Clooney) and his 11-member crew as they plan and execute a seemingly impossible heist – robbing three Las Vegas casinos at the same time. With the help of several accomplices and a carefully crafted plan, Ocean and his friends manage to pull off the daring robbery, but their success is threatened when the casino's ruthless owner, Terry Benedict (Garcia), discovers the theft and seeks revenge. As the stakes get higher, the crew must outwit Benedict and his security team to escape with their winnings.

From Andrew Niccol, starring Nicolas Cage, Ethan Hawke, Jared Leto, Bridget Moynahan
Rated R

Lord of War is a 2005 crime drama film written, produced, and directed by Andrew Niccol, and starring Nicolas Cage. The film follows the life and career of Ukrainian-American arms dealer Yuri Orlov (Cage), from his early days in the Soviet Union to his ascension to becoming one of the most prolific arms traffickers in the world. Over the course of the film, Yuri struggles to stay one step ahead of both US and Interpol as he accepts numerous assignments to supply some of the world’s most dangerous regimes. He also struggles to maintain his marriage while coming to terms with the choices he has made during his career. In the end, Yuri must confront the consequences of his actions and decide whether his business is worth the cost of his humanity.

From Ted Demme, starring Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Franka Potente, Rachel Griffiths
Rated R

Blow is a 2001 biographical crime film directed by Ted Demme. It is based on the life of American cocaine smuggler George Jung, played by Johnny Depp. The film follows Jung's life from his childhood in suburban Massachusetts in the 1950s, to becoming a drug smuggler in the 1970s, to his eventual arrest and incarceration. Along the way, he faces multiple obstacles, including the destruction of his family, the death of his best friend, and his own addiction. The film also stars Penelope Cruz and Ray Liotta. Despite the difficulties he faces, Jung never gives up hope of someday achieving the American Dream.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale, John C. Reilly
Rated PG-13

The Aviator (2004) is a biopic directed by Martin Scorsese, detailing the life of aviation pioneer, filmmaker and business tycoon Howard Hughes (played by Leonardo DiCaprio). Starting in 1927, the film follows Hughes as he begins to produce his own feature film and earns his first fortune through the success of the aviation industry. He then goes on to establish the Hughes Aircraft Company and revolutionize the aviation industry. As his fame and wealth grows, Hughes becomes increasingly obsessed with accomplishing his vision of creating the biggest and most impressive aircraft ever made. At the same time, Hughes also struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder, severe anxiety and mental illness. Despite these issues, Hughes continues to push the boundaries of aviation and film-making, making him one of the most influential figures of the 20th century.

From Neil Burger, starring Bradley Cooper, Anna Friel, Abbie Cornish, Robert De Niro
Rated PG-13

From Aaron Sorkin, starring Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba, Kevin Costner, Michael Cera
Rated R

From Oliver Stone, starring Charlie Sheen, Michael Douglas, Tamara Tunie, Franklin Cover
Rated R

From Guy Ritchie, starring Gerard Butler, Tom Wilkinson, Idris Elba, Thandiwe Newton
Rated R

From John Lee Hancock, starring Michael Keaton, Nick Offerman, John Carroll Lynch, Linda Cardellini
Rated PG-13

From Baz Luhrmann, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, Tobey Maguire
Rated PG-13

From Todd Phillips, starring Jonah Hill, Miles Teller, Steve Lantz, Gregg Weiner
Rated R

From Doug Liman, starring Tom Cruise, Domhnall Gleeson, Sarah Wright, Jesse Plemons
Rated R

From F. Gary Gray, starring Donald Sutherland, Mark Wahlberg, Edward Norton, Charlize Theron
Rated PG-13

From Ben Younger, starring Giovanni Ribisi, Vin Diesel, Nia Long, Nicky Katt
Rated R

From J.C. Chandor, starring Oscar Isaac, Jessica Chastain, David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola
Rated R

From Brad Furman, starring Bryan Cranston, John Leguizamo, Diane Kruger, Amy Ryan
Rated R