10 Must-Watch Trading Documentaries

As the chilly autumn evenings set in, it’s the perfect time to relax and immerse yourself in the world of film. If you’re interested in trading or want to learn more about the fascinating world of finance, we have a great list of movies for you. Each evening, you can enjoy a different trading film, and here are our top picks from Monevis. Get ready for thrilling stories, dramatic twists, and inspirational lessons.

1. Inside Job
This award-winning documentary directed by Charles Ferguson takes a detailed look at the causes and consequences of the 2008 financial crisis. “Inside Job” explores corruption and unethical practices in the banking sector and reveals how the financial elite sought to protect their interests at the expense of the public. The film offers an in-depth view of the systemic problems that led to the economic crisis and is essential viewing for anyone interested in finance.

2. Boiler Room
“Boiler Room” is a dramatic film that focuses on the world of aggressive trading and unethical practices within a brokerage firm. The main character, played by Giovanni Ribisi, is a young trader who gets caught up in the world of fraudulent trading, where stock prices are manipulated, and investors are deceived. The film provides an intense look at the moral dilemmas and pressures traders face in their pursuit of success.

3. Moneyball
While “Moneyball” doesn’t focus directly on trading, it showcases the power of data analysis and strategic thinking. The story follows a baseball team manager who uses analytical methods to improve his team’s performance. The film offers valuable lessons on utilizing data and analytics in decision-making, which can inspire traders and investors to adopt innovative approaches.

4. The China Hustle
The documentary “The China Hustle” reveals how some Chinese companies exploited American regulations and investors for fraud and financial manipulation. The film explores how these frauds harmed investors and how the loss of billions of dollars was made possible by lax oversight and inadequate regulation. This documentary provides an important look at how global financial markets can be vulnerable to fraudulent practices.

5. Margin Call
This star-studded 2011 film, featuring actors like Kevin Spacey and Jeremy Irons, takes place over 24 hours at an investment bank at the onset of the 2008 financial crisis. The story follows a young analyst, played by Zachary Quinto, who is the first to uncover an impending disaster that could bankrupt his bank. The film captures the bank’s efforts to offload toxic assets onto other investment banks, allowing the bank to survive but deepening the crisis on a larger scale. “Margin Call” is a tense and realistic portrayal of the crisis that rocked global markets.

6. Rogue Trader
“Rogue Trader” is based on true events and tells the story of Nick Leeson, who caused the collapse of the British Barings Bank in 1995. Ewan McGregor plays the lead role, showing how Leeson, using his arbitrage system, ignored risks and concealed massive losses. His decision to hold long positions and cover up losses led to a devastating downfall that brought one of the oldest British banks to the brink of collapse. This film is not only thrilling but also provides a valuable look at the consequences of unethical trading practices.

7. Owning Mahowny
“Owning Mahowny” is a dramatic film based on the true story of a bank fraudster with a gambling problem. The main character, a bank manager with access to millions of dollars, gets into deep trouble and commits the largest bank fraud in Canadian history. The film depicts not only his unethical actions but also the personal struggles and psychological impacts that led to his downfall. “Owning Mahowny” offers a fascinating look at how losing control and a desire for gambling can lead to incredible problems.

8. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room
This documentary is based on the 2003 book and analyzes one of the largest corruption scandals in American history. “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room” traces the rise and fall of the energy company Enron, which falsified accounting and engaged in unethical trading, leading to its collapse. The documentary is backed by testimonies from former employees and journalists, showing how large corporations can crumble due to corruption and fraud.

9. Trading Places
After a series of intense dramas, take a break with the comedy “Trading Places.” This 1983 film focuses on a role swap between a young commodities trader and a street hustler. Two wealthy millionaires enjoy an experiment where they switch the lives of these two men, leading to many comedic situations. “Trading Places” is a great way to have fun while also reflecting on social differences and the impact of money on individuals.

10. The Big Short
“The Big Short” provides a deep insight into the mortgage crisis of 2008. With a star-studded cast, including Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt, the film tells the story of four investors who predicted and bet on the collapse of the mortgage market. The film vividly depicts how these individuals faced misunderstanding and stress while their bets on the financial crisis ultimately proved correct. “The Big Short” is not only dramatic but also informative, highlighting the importance of analytical thinking and belief in one’s strategies.

Conclusion
These films and documentaries offer not only great entertainment but also valuable lessons and insights into the world of trading and finance. Whether it’s dramatic stories of financial crises, analytical looks at trading strategies, or comedies about social differences, this list provides a wide range of stories and inspiration. Enjoy the autumn evenings with these fascinating films and gain new insights into trading and finance.