Movies About Business

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather is a 1972 American crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and produced by Albert S. Ruddy. It is based on the novel of the same name by Mario Puzo and stars Marlon Brando and Al Pacino as the leaders of a fictional New York crime family. The story follows the aging patriarch Vito Corleone as he hands over control of his family's criminal empire to his youngest son Michael while battling the attempts of other mafia families to move in on his territory. The film chronicles the conflicts that arise as Michael attempts to expand the family's power and influence while maintaining its code of honor. The Godfather is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made and is one of the highest-grossing films of all time. It has been selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco
Rated R

Goodfellas (1990) is an American crime film directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci and Lorraine Bracco. The film follows the rise and fall of Henry Hill (Liotta), a member of the Lucchese crime family in New York from 1955 to 1980. The story follows Henry's life in the mob as he rises from a small-time criminal to become a respected made man, making a lot of money along the way. However, he eventually begins to get too deep into the lifestyle and is forced to face the consequences of his choices. As time passes, Henry's relationships with his family, friends, and enemies all come under strain, and his life begins to spiral out of control. In the end, he is arrested and sentenced to a prison term for his illegal activities.

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, starring Al Pacino as Tony Montana, a Cuban refugee who arrives in 1980s Miami with nothing but his street smarts and a fierce ambition to get ahead. With the help of his close friend Manny Ribera, Tony quickly rises to power in the local drug trade, taking over the city and becoming an infamous drug lord. Along the way, he faces numerous obstacles, including a powerful drug kingpin, a shifty accountant, and a dangerous business rivalry. As he gains more and more power, Tony also succumbs to the trappings of wealth, leading to a tragic conclusion.

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

The Wolf of Wall Street is an American biographical black comedy crime film directed by Martin Scorsese. It is based on the memoir of the same name by Jordan Belfort and recounts his rise and fall on Wall Street, along with his hard-partying lifestyle and tumultuous personal life. The film follows Belfort's career as a stockbroker in New York City and how his firm, Stratton Oakmont, engages in rampant corruption and fraud. Belfort befriends his neighbor Donnie Azoff, and the two found their own firm. Together, they recruit several of Belfort's friends to help them with the firm, which soon becomes one of the most successful stockbrokers on Wall Street. However, Belfort and his associates soon become embroiled in a major securities fraud scandal involving stock manipulation, bribery and money laundering. The FBI eventually catches wind of their illegal activities, resulting in Belfort and many of his associates serving time in federal prison. The Wolf of Wall Street is a scathing indictment of the excesses of Wall Street, while also serving as an entertaining story of one man's rise and fall. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Belfort, along with Jonah Hill, Matthew McConaughey and Margot Robbie

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

Inside Job is a 2010 documentary film directed by Charles Ferguson that examines the causes of the global financial crisis of 2008 that began in the United States. Through interviews with numerous experts, the film examines the causes of the crisis and its effects on the global economy. It also examines the role of the banking industry in creating the crisis, the failure of regulation and enforcement, and the role of the government in preventing and managing the crisis. The film also explores the effects of deregulation and the rise of financialization on the global economy, and discusses the potential solutions to the crisis. The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2011.

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

Casino is a 1995 American epic crime drama film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone. The film is based on the non-fiction book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas by Nicholas Pileggi and follows the story of Sam "Ace" Rothstein (De Niro), a Jewish American gambling handicapper who is asked by the Chicago Outfit to oversee the day-to-day operations at the Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas. His friend and mob enforcer Nicky Santoro (Pesci) is sent to keep Ace in line, while the love triangle between Ace, Ginger (Stone), and Nicky provides the plot's thrills. The film charts the greed, deception, money, power, and murder between two mobster best friends and a trophy wife over a gambling empire. It details the events leading up to the Las Vegas casinos' implosion, as the mob's attempts to skim the profits go awry, culminating in a dramatic climax. Casino is widely regarded as one of the greatest gangster films of all time and is a signature film of Scorsese's career.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen
Rated PG-13

Catch Me If You Can is a 2002 biographical crime film directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks. Based on the true story of Frank Abagnale, Jr., the film follows his life as a skilled con-artist, forger and impostor, who was able to pass himself off as an airline pilot, doctor and lawyer. After duping millions of dollars from banks, Abagnale is eventually caught by an FBI agent, Carl Hanratty, who relentlessly pursues him and eventually forms an unlikely friendship. As Abagnale is sent to prison, he finds comfort and protection from Hanratty, and eventually contributes his talents to the FBI.

From Gabriele Muccino, starring Will Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Jaden Smith, Brian Howe
Rated PG-13

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) tells the true story of Chris Gardner, a single father struggling to make ends meet while raising his young son. After losing his job selling medical equipment, Chris takes on an unpaid internship in a highly competitive stock brokerage firm. With the help of his son, Chris strives to make a better life for himself and his son despite the odds. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about life and the importance of never giving up. Ultimately, he achieves his dream of becoming a stock broker and proves that, with determination and hard work, anything is possible.

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

The Big Short is a 2015 comedy-drama film directed by Adam McKay, based on the 2010 non-fiction book of the same name by Michael Lewis about the financial crisis of 2007–2008. The film stars an ensemble cast including Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt, and Melissa Leo. The film follows four separate storylines of several individuals who were involved in the events leading up to the economic crisis. The four characters are money manager Michael Burry (Bale), hedge fund brokers Mark Baum (Carell) and Jared Vennett (Gosling), and retired banker Ben Rickert (Pitt). All four are aware of the impending financial crisis, but differ in their methodology of how best to profit from it. As the crisis deepens, they must decide whether to remain with their strategies or cash out. The Big Short was a critical and commercial success, earning five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, and winning for Best Adapted Screenplay, as well as a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy. It grossed over $133 million worldwide, making it one of the most financially successful films about the financial crisis of the late 2000s.

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

The Social Network is a 2010 American biographical drama film directed by David Fincher, based on the 2009 book The Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich. The film stars Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg, a Harvard University student who creates the social networking site Facebook, along with his roommates and co-founders Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield) and Dustin Moskovitz (Joseph Mazzello). The film chronicles the development of the website and its eventual rise to prominence as the world's largest social networking site, as well as its subsequent legal difficulties. In the process, it explores the complicated nature of friendship, loyalty, and ambition between Zuckerberg, Saverin and Moskovitz as they face personal and professional conflicts. The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay.

From Michael Mann, starring Russell Crowe, Al Pacino, Christopher Plummer, Diane Venora
Rated R

The Insider is a 1999 biographical drama directed by Michael Mann. The film follows the real-life story of Jeffrey Wigand (Russell Crowe) as he becomes embroiled in a corporate scandal. Wigand is a former executive at The Brown & Williamson tobacco company who publicly reveals the company's attempts to hide the dangerous side effects of smoking. This leads to a major legal battle between Wigand and Brown & Williamson, as well as his employer, CBS. The film follows Wigand's struggle to expose the truth behind the lies of the tobacco industry, and the ethical choices he must make in order to do so. The film also stars Al Pacino as 60 Minutes producer Lowell Bergman, who helps Wigand in his fight against Brown & Williamson.

From James Foley, starring Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, Alan Arkin
Rated R

Glengarry Glen Ross is a 1992 American drama film directed by James Foley and starring an ensemble cast including Jack Lemmon, Al Pacino, Alan Arkin, Ed Harris, and Kevin Spacey. The film is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name by David Mamet, which follows four real estate salesmen in Chicago who are struggling to keep their jobs. The salesmen, desperate to succeed, are pitted against each other in a ruthless competition for leads and the chance to earn a highly coveted Glengarry leads. The movie features plenty of macho posturing and fast-talking dialogue, as the salesmen try to outwit each other as well as their potential clients. The film is well-known for its tense atmosphere and often quoted dialogue. The film ends with a surprise twist that reveals the true nature of the competition.

From Mike Judge, starring Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston, David Herman, Ajay Naidu
Rated R

Office Space is a 1999 workplace comedy from director Mike Judge. It follows Peter Gibbons (Ron Livingston), an average IT worker who is unhappy in his job at a boring software company. With the help of some new friends, Peter begins to find ways to rebel against the mundane office life by engaging in subversive activities with his co-workers. As he finds ways to make his job more enjoyable, Peter discovers a way to take out his frustrations on the company that employs him. The movie also follows the other office workers, including Michael Bolton (David Herman), Samir (Ajay Naidu), and Milton Waddams (Stephen Root), as they navigate the drudgery of their daily lives. Through it all, Peter and his new friends find ways to make their work lives a little less stressful and a lot more fun.

From Directors: Lisanne Pajot, James Swirsky, starring Jonathan Blow, Brandon Boyer, Renaud Bédard, Anthony Carboni
Rated Not Rated

Indie Game: The Movie is a 2012 documentary film directed by Lisanne Pajot and James Swirsky. It follows the journeys of independent video game developers Edmund McMillen and Tommy Refenes during the development of Super Meat Boy, Phil Fish during the development of Fez, and Jonathan Blow during the development of Braid. The documentary examines the struggles of these developers in the months leading up to the public release of their games. It looks at the personal sacrifices made by them and their families in order to develop their games, and how their games have affected the industry. It also shows how their games have been received by the public and by critics. The film was praised for its accurate portrayal of the struggles of independent game developers and their successes.

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

Lord of War is a 2005 crime drama film directed by Andrew Niccol, starring Nicolas Cage as Yuri Orlov, an arms dealer who becomes one of the most powerful and influential in the world. The film follows Yuri as he sells weapons to various warlords and third-world dictators, as well as to the US government. As his business becomes more lucrative, Yuri encounters various obstacles, including the FBI, Interpol, and his own conscience. Through his journey, Yuri discovers the real costs of war and the true price of power and influence. The film received positive reviews, with critics praising the performances, commentary on the arms trade, and its unique visual style.

From Bennett Miller, starring Brad Pitt, Robin Wright, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman
Rated PG-13

Moneyball is a 2011 sports drama directed by Bennett Miller, starring Brad Pitt as Oakland Athletics general manager, Billy Beane. After a disastrous 2002 season, Beane is determined to turn the Athletics into a winning team on a budget. With the help of Yale economics graduate Peter Brand (Jonah Hill), Beane uses sabermetrics, a sophisticated form of data analysis, to create a competitive team from undervalued players. With the odds against them, Beane and Brand challenge traditional baseball thinking and overturn decades of accepted wisdom to build a winning team. Through a combination of skill and luck, the Athletics become a competitive force and make a deep run in the playoffs, despite having a fraction of the budget of their opponents. The movie is based on the true story of Billy Beane and the 2002 Oakland Athletics.

From John Landis, starring Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd, Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche
Rated R

Trading Places is a 1983 American comedy film directed by John Landis and starring Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy. The plot follows the wealthy and snobbish commodities broker Randolph Duke (Ralph Bellamy) and his equally wealthy and snobbish brother Mortimer (Don Ameche), who are unknowingly part of a bet made by their stockbroker. In the bet, the Duke brothers agree to switch places with two homeless men, Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy) and Louis Winthorpe III (Dan Aykroyd). In the end, Billy Ray and Louis prove their worth and outsmart the Duke brothers by manipulating the commodities market. The film is a social satire, contrasting the lives of the rich and the poor, and also exploring themes of class and racism.

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

The Aviator is a 2004 biographical drama directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Howard Hughes, a billionaire aviator, film producer, and business tycoon. The film chronicles the life of Hughes from 1927 to 1947, during which he becomes one of the wealthiest and most powerful figures in the world. Hughes’s ambition drives him to make groundbreaking contributions in the field of aviation and film production, but his wealth and power also bring him into conflict with the government, corporate America, and the Hollywood elite. As his fortune begins to unravel due to his increasingly eccentric behavior, Hughes is forced to come to terms with the price of his ambition. The film also stars Cate Blanchett, John C. Reilly, Alec Baldwin, and Alan Alda.

From Jason Reitman, starring Aaron Eckhart, Cameron Bright, Maria Bello, Joan Lunden
Rated R

Thank You for Smoking is a 2005 satirical comedy-drama film written and directed by Jason Reitman and starring Aaron Eckhart. The film follows the exploits of Nick Naylor, a tobacco lobbyist and spokesman who promotes the industry in the face of widespread public opposition. As he deals with his critics, his career, and his family, he works to protect the cigarette companies' interests. Along the way, Naylor must confront his own conscience as he works to uphold his own code of ethics and values. The film also stars Robert Duvall, Katie Holmes, William H. Macy, and Maria Bello.

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

From Cameron Crowe, starring Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr., Renée Zellweger, Kelly Preston
Rated R

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

From J.C. Chandor, starring Zachary Quinto, Stanley Tucci, Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany
Rated R

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

From George Huang, starring Kevin Spacey, Frank Whaley, Michelle Forbes, Benicio Del Toro
Rated R