Top Ten Movies About Finances and Making Money: Insight on Your Way to Wealth and Prosperity
Movies have long been a mirror of society, reflecting the dreams, ambitions, and struggles of people navigating the intricate world of money and power. For those looking to learn about finances, entrepreneurship, and the psychology behind wealth-building, the silver screen offers a wealth of inspiration. Whether you're in the USA, Great Britain, or Australia, these all-time top movies provide valuable insights while keeping you thoroughly entertained.
From tales of ambition and excess to cautionary stories about the dangers of greed, these films explore the financial world from every angle. Below, we dive into ten top-rated movies about finances and making money that should be on your must-watch list.
1. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece is a wild ride through the life of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who built an empire of excess through questionable ethics. This top movies by rating contender is equal parts exhilarating and sobering.
- Why Watch? The film brilliantly showcases how ambition can spiral out of control, providing both a template for success and a cautionary tale.
- Key Themes: Power, greed, and the consequences of financial misconduct.
- Memorable Quote: "There is no nobility in poverty. I have been a rich man, and I have been a poor man. And I choose rich every time."

2. Wall Street (1987)
This Oliver Stone classic remains one of the most iconic depictions of the corporate finance world. Starring Michael Douglas as the infamous Gordon Gekko, this top-rank movie has shaped perceptions of Wall Street for decades.
- Why Watch? It’s a compelling exploration of ambition and morality in the financial world.
- Key Themes: The seductive power of money and the cost of ethical compromise.
- Memorable Quote: "Greed, for lack of a better word, is good."
3. The Big Short (2015)

A gripping tale of the 2008 financial crisis, this film stands out for its ability to simplify complex economic concepts without losing its dramatic edge. With its mix of humor, drama, and education, it’s a top movies to be watched for anyone interested in understanding global economics.
- Why Watch? It’s an essential guide to the dangers of financial bubbles and the consequences of unchecked greed.
- Key Themes: Risk-taking, systemic failure, and financial literacy.
- Memorable Scene: Margot Robbie explaining subprime mortgages in a bathtub.
4. Moneyball (2011)

Though ostensibly about baseball, Moneyball is a must-watch for entrepreneurs and strategists. It tells the story of how data-driven decisions revolutionized the sport, showing how unconventional thinking can challenge traditional systems.
- Why Watch? It’s a top-rated movie that illustrates the value of innovation and analytics in achieving success.
- Key Themes: Strategy, innovation, and the courage to defy norms.
- Takeaway: The principles of data-driven decision-making apply to business and finances as much as sports.
5. Trading Places (1983)

This classic comedy is as insightful as it is entertaining. It’s a satirical look at class, wealth, and the absurdities of the financial world, making it a timeless addition to top movies in all time lists.
- Why Watch? It cleverly critiques social and economic systems while delivering laugh-out-loud moments.
- Key Themes: Class disparities, stock trading, and the human element of finance.
- Memorable Quote: "Looking good, Billy Ray!"
6. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Will Smith delivers a career-defining performance in this heartfelt movie about Chris Gardner, a man who rises from homelessness to success through determination and hard work. This top-rated movie remains a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs.
- Why Watch? It’s an emotional reminder that resilience and hard work can triumph over adversity.
- Key Themes: Perseverance, family, and the human spirit.
- Takeaway: Success often comes from sheer determination and the willingness to keep going, even when the odds are stacked against you.
7. Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
This intense drama about real estate salesmen showcases the cutthroat nature of high-stakes financial environments. With an all-star cast and a razor-sharp script, it’s a top movies by rating choice for fans of serious drama.
- Why Watch? It’s a stark portrayal of ambition and desperation in the sales world.
- Key Themes: Competition, ethics, and the cost of toxic work cultures.
- Memorable Quote: "ABC: Always Be Closing."
8. Boiler Room (2000)
A gritty exploration of ambition and ethics, Boiler Room follows a young man drawn into the morally dubious world of brokerage firms. This top movies to be watched film offers an unflinching look at the lure of fast money.
- Why Watch? It’s an engaging story about the choices we make in the pursuit of success.
- Key Themes: Ambition, greed, and the importance of integrity.
- Memorable Scene: Giovanni Ribisi’s character grappling with his choices.
9. Too Big to Fail (2011)
This dramatized account of the 2008 financial crisis provides a behind-the-scenes look at the decisions that shaped the global economy. For anyone interested in finance, this top-rated movie is an essential watch.
- Why Watch? It offers an insider’s perspective on how crises are managed—or mismanaged.
- Key Themes: Leadership, responsibility, and systemic risk.
- Memorable Scene: Paul Giamatti’s portrayal of Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke is unforgettable.
10. Limitless (2011)
While fictional, Limitless is an inspiring exploration of human potential and ambition. The story of a man who unlocks his brain’s full capacity resonates with anyone dreaming of achieving greatness.
- Why Watch? It’s a fun and thought-provoking film that challenges you to think about your own potential.
- Key Themes: Ambition, success, and the pursuit of excellence.
- Takeaway: While shortcuts can be tempting, true success often requires discipline and persistence.
Honorable Mentions:
- Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005) – A chilling documentary about corporate greed.
- Rogue Trader (1999) – The rise and fall of Nick Leeson and Barings Bank.
- Margin Call (2011) – A tense, gripping drama about a financial firm on the brink of collapse.
Why These Movies Matter
These films aren’t just top movies by rating for entertainment—they’re masterclasses in financial literacy, ethics, and ambition. They teach us about the power of innovative thinking (as seen in Moneyball), the dangers of greed (The Wolf of Wall Street, Boiler Room), and the resilience needed to overcome obstacles (The Pursuit of Happyness).
Movies often simplify the complex, making them accessible to audiences across the world. For viewers in Great Britain, the USA, and Australia, these top movies in all time rankings resonate because they explore universal themes of ambition, ethics, and the pursuit of success.
If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of finances, entrepreneurship, or just life itself, these films are your starting point. Add these top movies to be watched to your list and let the lessons of wealth, prosperity, and morality guide your journey.