Harsh Vardhan
Step into the boardrooms, trading floors, and entrepreneurial ventures with Max’s lineup of movies about money and business. Feel the pulse-pounding intensity of genius, greed, and ambition in ‘The Social Network’ or unravel the layers of a scandal in ‘Snowden.’ Peep into the corporate world’s dark underbelly with ‘Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps’ or witness the triumphs and tribulations of entrepreneurship in ‘Joy.’ Each film offers a gripping narrative that delves deep into the heart of capitalism. With Max’s selection, prepare to be entertained, educated, and perhaps even inspired to float the turbulent waters of finance and commerce.
10. The Boss (2016)
Melissa McCarthy stars as businesswoman Michelle Darnell, the CEO of not one but three companies, a best-selling author, and a guru in Ben Falcone’s comedy drama ‘The Boss.’ Nevertheless, she is arrested for insider trading, loses her fortune, and is subsequently forced to live in her assistant Claire (Kristen Bell)’s house after coming out of prison. Not willing to give up and bent on reclaiming her position at the top, she decides to build a new brownie empire and recruits girls from Claire’s daughter’s Girl Scout team, the Dandelions. However, there are faces from the past that Michelle will have to be careful of. Inherently about money and business, ‘The Boss’ is an outright Melissa McCarthy-powered drama that is easy to follow and thereby binge-worthy, especially for the fans of the Emmy-winning actress. The film can be streamed here.
9. Too Big to Fail (2011)
Based on Andrew Ross Sorkin’s 2009 non-fiction book ‘Too Big to Fail: Inside the Battle to Save Wall Street,’ Curtis Hanson’s ‘Too Big to Fail’ centers on the 2008 financial crisis, AKA global financial crisis (GFC), which was the most severe worldwide economic crisis since the Great Depression. The film follows the then U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson as he tries to keep the US banking from collapsing and the country’s economy from sinking. Offering a gripping look at the overall situation re-told in detail, ‘Too Big to Fail’ is a must-watch film about one of the most trying times in the history of the US economy. You can watch it here.
8. Up in the Air (2009)
Based on Walter Kirn’s 2001 novel ‘Up in the Air,’ the film is directed by Jason Reitman. It follows Ryan Bingham (George Clooney), a corporate downsizer who helps companies reduce their workforce. But when his company decides to reduce travel expenses, new recruit Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick) suggests using videoconferencing, which Ryan finds undignified.
Thus, their boss puts them together so that Natalie can follow Ryan’s firing process. The film stresses the significance of understanding a business and its processes and finances before introducing a system that can be used to improve it. You can watch it here.
7. Yes Man (2008)
‘Yes Man,’ directed by Peyton Reed, may seem like a comedy about saying “yes” to everything, but it’s also a subtle exploration of the power of embracing opportunities in business and life. Jim Carrey stars as Carl Allen, a man who decides to change his life by saying “yes” to every opportunity that comes his way.
As Carl embarks on this journey, he discovers new experiences, relationships, and career prospects that he would have otherwise missed. Through its humor and heartwarming moments, ‘Yes Man’ encourages viewers to take risks, seize opportunities, and embrace the unexpected, making it a surprisingly insightful business movie with a valuable message. You can watch ‘Yes Man’ here.
6. Becoming Warren Buffett (2017)
‘Becoming Warren Buffett,’ directed by Peter Kunhardt, is a documentary that offers a profound glimpse into the life and wisdom of one of the world’s most successful investors. Through intimate interviews and archival footage, the film chronicles Buffett’s journey from a young boy with a passion for numbers to the billionaire chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway.
Delving into his unique investment philosophy and personal values, ‘Becoming Warren Buffett’ reveals the principles that have guided his remarkable success. Providing profound insights into patience, humility, and long-term thinking, this documentary serves as a masterclass in business acumen and life lessons, making it a must-watch for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals alike. You can watch it here.
5. Agnelli (2017)
‘Agnelli,’ a documentary directed by Nick Hooker, presents an intriguing portrait of the enigmatic Italian industrialist Gianni Agnelli. Through a blend of archival footage and interviews with family, friends, and colleagues, the film explores Agnelli’s multi-layered personality and his impact on the business world. From his role as the charismatic head of Fiat to his influence in shaping Italy’s economic landscape, ‘Agnelli’ offers a fascinating insight into the life of a titan of industry.
Injecting the narrative with its exploration of power, legacy, and the human side of business, this documentary provides a thorough picture of a mammoth that transcends mere biography, making it an essential watch for anyone interested in the intersection of business and culture. You can watch ‘Agnelli’ here.
4. Snowden (2016)
‘Snowden‘ offers a unique perspective on the intersection of business, money, and ethics by tapping into the world of government surveillance and corporate interests. Directed by Oliver Stone, the film portrays the real-life story of Edward Snowden, a former CIA employee who leaked classified information from the National Security Agency (NSA) in 2013. As Snowden grapples with the ethical implications of his actions, the movie shines a light on the intricate web of contracts, investments, and political influence that underpin the global surveillance industry.
Through its well-written narrative, ‘Snowden’ prompts viewers to contemplate the moral complexities of profit-driven enterprises operating within the realm of national security. Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Edward Snowden, alongside Shailene Woodley, Zachary Quinto, and Melissa Leo, the film is adapted from the books ‘The Snowden Files’ by Luke Harding and ‘Time of the Octopus’ by Anatoly Kucherena. You can see the film here.
3. Joy (2015)
‘Joy’ provides an exploration of entrepreneurship, resilience, and the pursuit of success in the business world. Directed by David O. Russell, the film tells the inspiring story of Joy Mangano, a self-made millionaire and inventor of the Miracle Mop. Against all odds, Joy transforms her innovative idea into a multi-million dollar empire, overcoming obstacles, betrayals, and setbacks along the way.
Through Joy’s journey, the movie highlights the grit and determination required to turn dreams into reality, offering valuable insights into the highs and lows of building a business from the ground up. With Jennifer Lawrence delivering a powerhouse performance as Joy, supported by a talented ensemble cast including Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro, ‘Joy’ is a great portrayal of entrepreneurial spirit and female empowerment. You can watch ‘Joy’ here.
2. Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010)
A sequel to ‘Wall Street’ (1987), ‘Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps’ is directed by Oliver Stone, who also directed the first one. The film centers on Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas), who has just come out of prison after serving time for insider training. Bent on repairing his relationship with his estranged daughter Winnie (Carey Mulligan), he joins hands with her fiancé, Jake (Shia LaBeouf), a top prop trader. However, while Gordon tries to re-enter the game of stocks, Jake slowly begins to realize that Gordon is still the manipulator he was when he was sent to prison. While the film revolves around the three characters mentioned above, it has a lot of stock market lingo, making it a true-to-form finance-based flick. While ‘Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps’ can be enjoyed on its own, it will be more effective if you watch the first part and then stream this here.
1. Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery (2024)
Cullen Hoback’s documentary film ‘Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery’ delves deep into the origins of Bitcoin, the first decentralized cryptocurrency, and the identity of its creator, the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto. It investigates the possible intentions of Nakamoto, who, after more than a decade since his disappearance, stands to become the world’s richest person. We also get a deep look into the possibilities if Bitcoin becomes a necessary part of our lives. If you are interested in Bitcoin and how it shapes the present and future, ‘Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery’ is a must-watch. It can be streamed here.
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