Harsh Vardhan
In the vast landscape of Amazon Prime Video, there lies a wealth of cinematic treasures that explore the dynamic intersections of money and business. While Amazon stands as a titan of modern commerce, its streaming platform offers more than just the tale of its ascent. These films serve as compelling narratives, offering entertainment and enlightenment, from the boardrooms of corporate giants to the grassroots struggles of budding entrepreneurs. Join us as we uncover the best movies about money and business on Prime Video, where each story promises to inspire, educate, and captivate audiences with its unique insights and narratives.
9. The Men Who Stole the World (2018)
Benoît Bringer’s documentary film ‘The Men Who Stole the World’ throws light on the issues that allowed the 2008 financial crisis to fester, including deregulation, unchecked risk-taking, and the formation of shaky financial instruments. It puts special focus on top executives on Wall Street, including Philip J Baker, former managing partner of billion-dollar hedge fund Lake Shore, who fanned the flames of the crisis and looks into how the crisis may repeat in the near future. An eye-opener for those wanting to know about world finance, ‘The Men Who Stole the World’ is a scary and captivating watch. It can be streamed here.
8. Hot Money (2021)
Directed by Susan Kucera, ‘Hot Money’ is an intriguing documentary that explores the interconnectedness of various economic actors, from farmers to bankers, homeowners to academics. Narrated by Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, General Wesley Clark, and his son Wes Clark Jr., the film offers a unique perspective on the financial system’s nitty-gritty.
With wit, satire, and historical context, ‘Hot Money’ falls into the intricate web of economic forces that drive markets and influence global stability. Through engaging storytelling, the documentary provides valuable insights into the dynamics of wealth distribution and the potential for systemic collapse, prompting viewers to rethink their understanding of business and economics. You can watch the film here.
7. Waffle Street (2015)
‘Waffle Street’ serves more than just breakfast; it’s a delectable tale of redemption and entrepreneurial spirit. Based on the memoir by James Adams, this heartwarming film, directed by Eshom and Ian Nelms, follows the journey of Jimmy Adams (James Lafferty), a Wall Street banker who finds himself down on his luck and is forced to take a job at a humble waffle house. As Jimmy navigates the challenges of his new environment, he discovers valuable lessons about integrity, community, and the true meaning of success. With a charming blend of humor and heart, ‘Waffle Street’ reminds us that sometimes, the path to prosperity isn’t found on Wall Street but in the most unexpected places. The film co-stars Danny Glover, Julie Gonzalo, Dale Dickey, and Ernie Lively. You can watch it here.
6. Generation Wealth (2018)
‘Generation Wealth’ offers an eye-opening exploration of modern materialism and the pursuit of wealth, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Lauren Greenfield. Through a lens of striking visual storytelling, the documentary strikes deep into the lives of individuals consumed by the desire for affluence, from Los Angeles to China. With interviews and personal anecdotes, Greenfield unravels the complex web of motivations driving this insatiable quest for riches and societal status. From beauty pageants to Wall Street, ‘Generation Wealth’ lays bare the consequences of a culture obsessed with excess and the elusive promise of fulfillment through wealth accumulation. You can watch it here.
5. The Last Days of Lehman Brothers (2009)
In ‘The Last Days of Lehman Brothers,’ viewers are thrust into the heart of one of the most dramatic events in financial history. Directed by Michael Samuels, this docudrama meticulously reconstructs the final moments of the once-mighty investment bank. Through a blend of intense performances and insider insights, the film offers a narrative laden with hubris, greed, and corporate downfall. Set against the backdrop of the 2008 financial crisis, ‘The Last Days of Lehman Brothers’ immerses audiences in the frenetic atmosphere of Wall Street as it deals with the impending collapse that sent shockwaves worldwide. You can watch the film here.
4. All the Queen’s Horses (2017)
A city comptroller who owns a horse empire. Who would have known that Rita Crundwell, former Comptroller and Treasurer of Dixon, Illinois, from 1983 to 2012, was capable of defrauding the people of Dixon of their hard-earned money? In what is considered the largest municipal fraud in US history, Crundwell was found guilty of embezzling more than $53 million from public funds by abusing her power. The FBI was alerted in 2011 by Dixon mayor James Burke, who was notified by city clerk Kathe Swanson, who found Crundwell’s secret bank account. ‘All the Queen’s Horses’ is the shocking true story of one of America’s biggest frauds. Directed by Kelly Richmond Pope, the documentary film can be streamed right here.
3. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)
Based on the best-selling book ‘The Smartest Guys in the Room: The Amazing Rise and Scandalous Fall of Enron’ by Fortune reporters Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind, ‘Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room’ is a documentary film directed by Alex Gibney. Using archival footage and interviews, the film highlights the shocking details of how the Enron Corporation (an energy company based in Houston, Texas) took advantage of the average American’s money to fuel their high-paying jobs.
It focuses especially on the 2001 Enron scandal, in which the company was accused of multiple counts of fraud, and the company’s traders’ involvement in the 2000-01 California electricity crisis. Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, ‘Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room’ is a brilliantly executed documentary that can be watched right here.
2. Air (2023)
‘Air‘ isn’t just a biographical sports drama; it’s a masterclass in business strategy and brand development. Directed by Ben Affleck, the film chronicles the origins of Air Jordan, the iconic basketball shoe line that revolutionized the sneaker industry. Starring Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Jason Bateman, ‘Air’ explores Nike’s bold move to strike a business deal with rookie player Michael Jordan amidst struggles in their basketball shoe division.
The movie vividly depicts how Nike’s Marketing VP and CEO, faced with declining sales, enlisted talent scout Sonny Vaccaro to secure Jordan as their spokesperson. Through Vaccaro’s persuasive efforts, the film showcases the power of recognizing talent, strategic negotiation, and brand positioning in the competitive world of sports marketing. ‘Air’ is a testament to the ingenuity and vision behind successful business ventures, making it a must-watch for aspiring entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts alike. You can watch ‘Air’ here.
1. Money Monster (2016)
George Clooney stars as TV personality Lee Gates, AKA the wizard of Wall Street, in Jodie Foster’s ‘Money Monster.’ After being taken hostage on the set of his very show, he is forced to comply, along with his horrified director, Patty Fenn (Julia Roberts), with the hostage-taker’s demands. The young man lost a lot of money after investing in a Gates-endorsed company that took a huge dip in its stocks. Unless Gates and Fenn want to “blow” the situation out of proportion, they must find the answer to the guy’s questions. With a gripping take on the fluctuating nature of money underscored by media manipulation, corruption, and financial greed, ‘Money Monster’ is a necessary addition to the titular list. You can watch it here.
