Movies About Wealth

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 film directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Terence Winter, based on the memoir of the same name by Jordan Belfort. It follows Belfort's journey as a stockbroker in New York City and how his firm engaged in rampant corruption and fraud on Wall Street that ultimately led to his downfall. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Belfort, accompanied by an ensemble cast including Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Matthew McConaughey, and Kyle Chandler. The film chronicles Belfort's dramatic rise and fall on Wall Street, along with his hard-partying lifestyle and tumultuous personal life. The film is a cautionary tale about the danger of unchecked and unethical ambition, and the consequences that come with it. It also serves as a darkly comic commentary on the excesses of the 1980s Wall Street boom.

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

Catch Me If You Can is a 2002 crime drama directed by Steven Spielberg, based on the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr. (played by Leonardo DiCaprio). The film follows Frank's life as a young man who conned millions of dollars as a masterful impersonator and forger. After running away from home at the age of 16, Frank travels around the country, posing as a doctor, lawyer, and pilot, among other false identities. Meanwhile, the FBI is hot on his trail, led by Agent Carl Hanratty (played by Tom Hanks). As Frank's fame and fortune increase, Hanratty is determined to catch him and put him in jail. While Frank eludes Hanratty for several years, the agent's dedication to bringing him to justice eventually leads to Frank's downfall. In the end, Frank turns himself in and is sentenced to prison, but Hanratty takes pity on him and helps him get an early release. The film is a thrilling and humorous look at the real-life adventures of one of the most talented con artists in history. It also tells a touching story of redemption, as one man learns the true value of friendship and responsibility.

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

The Big Short is an American biographical comedy-drama film directed by Adam McKay, based on the non-fiction book The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine by Michael Lewis. The film stars an ensemble cast including 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 individuals who predicted the global financial crisis of 2007–2008 and profited off of the impending disaster by purchasing credit default swaps from Wall Street banks. As the collapse of the housing market begins, the four men are able to make huge profits, but their success comes with its own set of moral and ethical dilemmas. As the crisis deepens, their lives become more complicated and their decisions more difficult. The film was released to critical acclaim, and received five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Bale, Carell, and Pitt), Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. It won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, and was also nominated for several other awards, including several Golden Globe and BAFTA Awards.

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

From Directors: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa, starring Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone
Rated PG-13

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

From David O. Russell, starring Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence
Rated R

From Ramin Bahrani, starring Andrew Garfield, Michael Shannon, Laura Dern, Clancy Brown
Rated R

From Andrew Niccol, starring Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried, Cillian Murphy, Olivia Wilde
Rated PG-13

From Ramaa Mosley, starring Juno Temple, Michael Angarano, Alexis Bledel, Billy Magnussen
Rated R