Documentaries that delve into the complexities of corporate malfeasance and financial scandals can be as gripping as any thriller. If you enjoyed Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, you’ll likely appreciate these 19 other films that explore similar themes of greed, power, and deception. For more on the genre, check out this link.
1. The Big Short
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The+Big+Short+trailer
Based on Michael Lewis’s book, The Big Short follows the financial crisis of 2007-2008 through the eyes of a few savvy investors who foresaw the collapse. Starring Christian Bale, Steve Carell, and Ryan Gosling, this film combines humor and drama to explain complex financial instruments.
2. Inside Job
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Inside+Job+trailer
Narrated by Matt Damon, Inside Job is a comprehensive analysis of the global financial crisis of 2008. The documentary features interviews with financial insiders, politicians, and journalists to uncover the systemic corruption within the industry.
3. Too Big to Fail
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Too+Big+to+Fail+trailer
This HBO film portrays the efforts of government officials and bankers to save the economy from collapse during the 2008 financial crisis. Featuring performances by William Hurt, Paul Giamatti, and Billy Crudup, Too Big to Fail provides a behind-the-scenes look at the crisis.
4. The China Hustle
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The+China+Hustle+trailer
The China Hustle exposes the fraudulent practices of Chinese companies that manipulated the American stock market. This documentary highlights the dangers of unchecked capitalism and features interviews with financial experts and whistleblowers.
5. Margin Call
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Margin+Call+trailer
Set during the initial stages of the 2008 financial crisis, Margin Call follows the key players at an investment bank over a 24-hour period. The film stars Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, and Zachary Quinto and offers a tense, insider’s view of the unfolding disaster.
6. Capitalism: A Love Story
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Capitalism%3A+A+Love+Story+trailer
Directed by Michael Moore, Capitalism: A Love Story critiques the American economic system and its impact on ordinary citizens. The documentary combines personal stories with Moore’s signature investigative style to question the ethics of capitalism.
7. The Wolf of Wall Street
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The+Wolf+of+Wall+Street+trailer
Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, The Wolf of Wall Street chronicles the rise and fall of a stockbroker involved in rampant corruption and fraud. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and directed by Martin Scorsese, this film is both entertaining and eye-opening.
8. Glengarry Glen Ross
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Glengarry+Glen+Ross+trailer
Adapted from David Mamet’s play, Glengarry Glen Ross explores the cutthroat world of real estate sales. Featuring an ensemble cast including Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, and Alec Baldwin, the film delves into the desperation and deceit that drive the characters.
9. The Corporation
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The+Corporation+trailer
The Corporation is a documentary that examines the modern-day corporation’s role in society and its impact on the world. Through interviews with corporate insiders and critics, the film questions the ethical and moral responsibilities of these powerful entities.
10. Boiler Room
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Boiler+Room+trailer
Boiler Room follows a college dropout who gets involved in a corrupt brokerage firm that engages in illegal trading practices. Starring Giovanni Ribisi, Vin Diesel, and Ben Affleck, the film offers a gritty look at the dark side of the financial world.
11. Rogue Trader
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Rogue+Trader+trailer
Based on the true story of Nick Leeson, Rogue Trader chronicles the actions of a trader who caused the collapse of Barings Bank. Ewan McGregor stars as Leeson, whose unchecked risk-taking led to one of the biggest financial scandals in history.
12. Arbitrage
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Arbitrage+trailer
Arbitrage is a thriller centered around a hedge fund magnate who is desperate to sell his trading empire before his fraudulent activities are exposed. Richard Gere stars in this gripping film that explores the moral ambiguities of high finance.
13. American Greed
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=American+Greed+trailer
American Greed is a documentary series that profiles high-profile white-collar crimes and the criminals behind them. Each episode delves into various scams, frauds, and Ponzi schemes, offering a detailed look at the perpetrators and their victims.
14. The Panama Papers
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The+Panama+Papers+trailer
The Panama Papers documentary investigates the massive leak of documents that exposed global corruption and tax evasion. Featuring journalists and whistleblowers, the film reveals how the world’s elite exploit offshore tax havens.
15. Betting on Zero
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Betting+on+Zero+trailer
Betting on Zero follows hedge fund manager Bill Ackman’s campaign to expose Herbalife as a pyramid scheme. The documentary provides a deep dive into the world of financial activism and the complexities of multi-level marketing.
16. Dirty Money
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Dirty+Money+trailer
Dirty Money is a documentary series that explores cases of corporate greed and corruption. Each episode focuses on a different scandal, from the Volkswagen emissions scandal to payday loans, offering a comprehensive look at financial malfeasance.
17. The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The+Inventor%3A+Out+for+Blood+in+Silicon+Valley+trailer
Directed by Alex Gibney, The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley examines the rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes and her company, Theranos. The documentary features interviews with former employees and journalists who uncovered the fraud.
18. Chasing Madoff
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Chasing+Madoff+trailer
Chasing Madoff follows investigator Harry Markopolos and his team as they uncover Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme. The documentary provides a detailed account of their decade-long quest to bring Madoff to justice.
19. Banking on Bitcoin
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Banking+on+Bitcoin+trailer
Banking on Bitcoin explores the origins and rise of Bitcoin, the decentralized digital currency that challenges traditional banking systems. The documentary features interviews with key figures in the cryptocurrency world and examines the potential impact of Bitcoin on the global economy.