Here are 20 movies that stock market investors should watch

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Based on the autobiography of Jordan Belfort, this movie showcases his rise as a stockbroker and his lavish lifestyle funded by unethical business practices and fraud. Belfort’s greed leads him to great wealth but also lands him in legal trouble. Directed by Martin Scorsese, it explores themes of wealth, power, and the destructive potential of unethical actions.

Wall Street (1987)
This movie gives a close look at the financial world of Wall Street. The character Gordon Gekko famously declares, "Greed is good," as the film portrays the impact of greed and unethical practices on the financial sector. Young stockbroker Bud Fox, influenced by Gekko, crosses legal and moral boundaries to achieve success, highlighting the darker side of the financial industry.

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010)
This sequel follows Gordon Gekko after his release from prison as he attempts to rebuild his life. He faces new challenges and financial crises, while also dealing with family relationships. Gekko’s experience reflects on the role of ethics and family in the financial world.

The Big Short (2015)
Set during the 2008 financial crisis, this film follows individuals who identify the weaknesses in the housing market and profit from its collapse. It exposes flaws in the banking system and highlights how some people foresaw and capitalized on the economic downturn, shedding light on the financial system’s vulnerabilities.

Boiler Room (2000)
Seth Davis, a young man, gets involved with an unethical brokerage firm that profits by defrauding clients. Although he makes money, he soon discovers the firm's fraudulent activities. The film portrays the struggle between personal gain and ethics, showing how the pursuit of money and power can impact one’s personal life.

Trading Places (1983)
This movie tells the story of two wealthy bankers who place a bet and swap the lives of two men, showing how easily the financial market and people’s lives can be manipulated. Through humor, the film presents themes of social inequality and the impact of economic circumstances, encouraging viewers to reflect on fairness in the economic system.

Rogue Trader (1999)
Based on the true story of Nick Leeson, who caused significant losses for Barings Bank through unethical trading practices, the film shows how personal mistakes can affect large systems. To cover his errors, Leeson took even greater risks, leading to deeper crises. It emphasizes the importance of responsibility in the financial world.

Margin Call (2011)
Set during the 24 hours before the financial crisis begins, employees at a financial firm discover an impending collapse. The movie highlights the moral decisions made by the company to save itself, causing market-wide consequences. It reflects on the corruption and ethical compromises during the financial crisis.

Too Big to Fail (2011)
This movie highlights the collapse of American banks during the financial crisis, focusing on the instability of the U.S. economy and flaws in the banking system. It follows high-ranking officials’ efforts to address the crisis, illustrating how the banks’ failures impacted the global economy.

American Psycho (2000)
This film explores the darker side of the financial world, where the main character, Patrick Bateman, a successful stockbroker, also engages in violent acts. It examines the lifestyle of the wealthy and their often unethical attitudes, presenting a deep relationship between social pressures and mental instability.

Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)
This documentary delves into the collapse of Enron Corporation, one of the largest corporate scandals in history. It details how Enron defrauded investors through unethical practices, showcasing corporate corruption and the importance of transparency in business.

Inside Job (2010)
Based on the 2008 financial crisis, this documentary exposes the weaknesses of the financial system, highlighting unethical practices and corruption within banking. It shows how unchecked banking activities led to a global economic collapse, emphasizing the destructive power of financial misconduct.

Barbarians at the Gate (1993)
This movie tells the story of the RJR Nabisco buyout, driven by greed and competition. It presents a corporate thriller, revealing the ambitious and sometimes absurd aspects of business acquisition, showing how greed and power influence corporate decisions.

Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
Set in the real estate industry, this film portrays the pressure and struggles of salesmen. Competing to make sales, they adopt unethical tactics. It demonstrates how individuals can compromise their values under pressure, exposing human conflict and suffering in sales.

Equity (2016)
This film follows women investment bankers as they navigate gender inequality and seek transparency in finance. The story of an honest woman banker highlights the challenges women face in the finance industry, emphasizing themes of morality and integrity.

The China Hustle (2017)
This documentary reveals financial fraud by Chinese companies in the U.S. market, highlighting risks and the importance of transparency. It emphasizes the significance of awareness and honesty in financial markets.

Quicksilver (1986)
The story follows a stockbroker who leaves his career to become a bike messenger, escaping the pressures of the financial world. The film depicts the conflict between financial stress and personal values, showcasing an individual’s search for balance.

Gold (2016)
A businessman dreams of discovering a gold mine and embarks on a challenging journey to achieve this. The film portrays corruption, greed, and the desire to fulfill one’s dreams, exploring the ethical dilemmas encountered in the pursuit of wealth.

Limitless (2011)
The protagonist uses a special drug that unlocks his brain’s full potential, leading to remarkable success in the stock market. The film demonstrates how increased capabilities bring greater risks, exploring themes of power, risk, and morality.

The Ascent of Money (2008)
This documentary provides an overview of the financial system’s evolution and economic history. It helps viewers understand the importance of the financial system and its impact on society.

All these movies and documentaries capture various facets of financial markets, their dynamics, unethical practices, and human behavior.