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. Crypto (2019)
Revolving around money and cryptocurrency, the John Stalberg Jr. directorial follows Martin Duran (Beau Knapp), an anti-money laundering (AML) analyst at a bank. After pointing out a violation that could have benefitted his bank, he is demoted to his home branch. However, he soon finds out that his bank is involved in money laundering with the Russian mafia. Aided by his crypto-mining techie friend Earl (Jeremie Harris) and brother Caleb (Luke Hemsworth), he tries to bring the culprits, including his bank’s AML head (Jill Hennessy), to justice. The film co-stars Kurt Russell and Paul Johansson. A comparatively low-budget venture, ‘Crypto’ has its perks and is a fun watch if you are into crypto stuff. The film 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. Billionaire Boys Club (2018)
‘Billionaire Boys Club’ is an encapsulating drama directed by James Cox, based on the true story of a group of wealthy young men in Los Angeles who become embroiled in a Ponzi scheme. Starring Ansel Elgort, Taron Egerton, and Kevin Spacey, the film follows the rise and fall of the eponymous club as they try to stay afloat against the allure of money and power. Inspired by real-life events in the 1980s, the plot taps into themes of ambition, greed, and betrayal, offering a raw exploration of the consequences of unchecked ambition in the pursuit of fortune. You can watch the movie here.
5. 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.
4. 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.
3. 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.
2. Margin Call (2011)
This star-studded, high-stakes Wall Street drama takes place over 24 hours and is set right before and during the beginning of the 2007–2008 financial crisis that became the most severe of its kind since the Great Depression. It shows how an unnamed investment firm deals with the certainty of its collapse after a young analyst comes across proof that the risk assumptions of the firm are wrong, thanks to the USB drive given to him by a senior analyst, one of the victims of the company’s recent mass layoff. On the brink of bankruptcy, the heads of the firm, including the CEO, are alerted, and they come together for an emergency meeting to find a way to keep the firm from falling apart.
Starring Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Zachary Quinto, Penn Badgley, Simon Baker, and Demi Moore, ‘Margin Call’ is directed by J. C. Chandor, who wrote it and received an Original Screenplay nomination at the 2012 Oscars for the same. The film also won many other awards and nominations, including at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts, National Board of Review Awards, and Independent Spirit Awards. You can watch ‘Margin Call’ here.
1. 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.
