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.
8. Icahn: The Restless Billionaire (2022)
Bruce David Klein’s documentary film ‘Icahn: The Restless Billionaire’ is based on the life of self-made billionaire Carl Icahn, founder of Icahn Enterprises. The film showcases how Icahn built his empire, including his business acumen, his deals (with eBay, Apple, and Netflix, among other companies), and his attitude, which is the primary fuel behind his success. With interviews with his business journalists, family members, and Icahn himself, the film shows how he started with nothing and became the most feared corporate raider in history. A compelling drama about the nature of money and what makes it grow from the POV of one of the world’s richest men, ‘Icahn: The Restless Billionaire’ is a must-watch. It can be streamed here.
7. 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.
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. 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.
3. Buffaloed (2019)
‘Buffaloed’ centers on Peg Dahl (Zoey Deutch), who wants to make money and is desperate to get out of her cash-crunch state. She gets into the debt collection business, a risky job with its own perils. However, the consequences of her previous money-making schemes are yet to end, having already sent her to prison, although Peg seems hell-bent on getting rich, even if it means locking horns with the legal authorities. Directed by Tanya Wexler, the movie is an effective comedic commentary on capitalism and its peculiar duplicitous nature. The title gets its name from the city where Peg was born, Buffalo, New York. You can watch the movie here.
2. 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.
1. The Accountant (2016)
Gavin O’Connor’s ‘The Accountant’ follows autistic, talented accountant Christian Wolff, who owns an accounting firm that acts as a cover for his more lucrative business. He is a forensic accountant for criminal organizations, tracking their financial records for theft/fraud. His latest client is a robotics company, the discrepancies in whose financial records send him down a rabbit hole of violence and bloodshed that has its roots in his own past. Starring Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick, and J. K. Simmons, ‘The Accountant’ has garnered a cult following due to its subject that blends brains and brawl, as well as Affleck’s captivating performance. You can watch the movie here.
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