Hey guys! Are you looking for a way to learn about finance without falling asleep reading a textbook? Well, you're in luck! I've put together a list of the best finance shows and movies that will entertain and educate you at the same time. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting to learn about money, there's something here for everyone.

Why Watch Finance Shows and Movies?

Let's be real, finance can be intimidating. Numbers, jargon, and complex concepts can make your head spin. That's where finance shows and movies come in! They can:

• Simplify complex topics: Turning complicated financial concepts into engaging stories.
• Offer real-world examples: Showing how finance works in practice, not just in theory.
• Inspire you to take action: Motivating you to improve your financial situation.
• Entertain you: Learning doesn't have to be boring! These shows and movies make finance fun.

So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to learn about money in a whole new way!

Best Finance Shows

1. Billions

Billions is a high-stakes drama that delves into the world of hedge funds and the clash between ambition, power, and the law. This show isn't just about the money; it's a psychological chess match between brilliant minds, offering viewers a thrilling look at the complexities of high finance. The characters are complex, the plot twists are unexpected, and the financial strategies are surprisingly educational. Billions provides a glimpse into the inner workings of Wall Street, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of finance. Throughout the series, you'll encounter various financial instruments, trading strategies, and regulatory challenges that hedge funds face. It illustrates the immense pressure and ethical dilemmas that come with managing vast sums of money. It also touches on the personal sacrifices and collateral damage that often accompany such high-powered careers. It's not just about the wins and losses, but also about the intricate web of relationships and power dynamics that shape the financial landscape. This show will definitely keep you hooked while subtly educating you about some of the more advanced aspects of finance.

2. Dirty Money

Dirty Money is a gripping docuseries that exposes corporate greed, corruption, and scandal. Each episode dives deep into a different case, revealing the dark side of big business and the lengths companies will go to for profit. From Volkswagen's emissions scandal to Valeant Pharmaceuticals' price gouging, Dirty Money shines a light on the ethical failings of some of the world's largest corporations. What makes this show so compelling is its ability to connect these complex financial crimes to their real-world impact on ordinary people. You'll see how corporate malfeasance affects consumers, employees, and even entire communities. The show is meticulously researched and features interviews with key players, whistleblowers, and victims, providing a comprehensive and often shocking account of corporate wrongdoing. Dirty Money is a wake-up call, reminding us to be critical consumers and to hold corporations accountable for their actions. The series also explores the regulatory failures and loopholes that allow these practices to continue, raising important questions about corporate governance and the need for greater oversight. Each episode serves as a case study in ethical failure, highlighting the importance of integrity and transparency in the business world. It's a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the forces shaping our economy and the potential for abuse within the system.

3. Planet Money

Planet Money isn't just a show; it's an engaging exploration of the economy presented in a way that's both informative and entertaining. This podcast-turned-TV-show tackles complex economic issues with wit and clarity, making it accessible to everyone. Whether they're explaining the basics of inflation or investigating the intricacies of the global supply chain, Planet Money has a knack for making the seemingly dull world of economics come alive. What sets Planet Money apart is its ability to tell compelling stories that illustrate economic principles. They might follow the journey of a t-shirt from a cotton field to a retail store, or they might interview economists and business leaders to get their insights on current events. The show is known for its creative approach to explaining complex topics, often using humor and quirky examples to keep viewers engaged. Planet Money is perfect for anyone who wants to understand how the economy works without having to wade through dense academic jargon. It's a great resource for students, professionals, and anyone who simply wants to be more informed about the world around them. The show also explores the human side of economics, highlighting the impact of economic policies on individuals and communities. It's a reminder that economics is not just about numbers and statistics, but about the choices we make and the consequences they have. Planet Money makes learning about economics a fun and rewarding experience, empowering viewers to become more financially literate and engaged citizens.

Best Finance Movies

1. The Big Short

The Big Short is a brilliant and darkly comedic take on the 2008 financial crisis. The film follows a group of outsiders who predicted the housing market crash and bet against the banks, making a fortune while the world economy crumbled. This movie isn't just about the money; it's a scathing indictment of the greed, recklessness, and outright fraud that led to the crisis. The Big Short uses creative techniques to explain complex financial instruments like mortgage-backed securities and credit default swaps, making them understandable even for those with no prior knowledge of finance. The film is full of memorable characters, sharp dialogue, and a sense of righteous anger that resonates with audiences. It's a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the causes and consequences of the 2008 financial crisis, and to see how a few brave individuals stood up against the system. The Big Short is also a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked greed and the importance of holding financial institutions accountable. The movie meticulously recreates the events leading up to the crisis, based on Michael Lewis's non-fiction book of the same name. It exposes the flaws in the rating agencies, the predatory lending practices of the banks, and the regulatory failures that allowed the crisis to happen. It's a powerful reminder of the human cost of financial malfeasance and the need for greater vigilance in the financial industry.

2. Too Big to Fail

Too Big to Fail is a gripping dramatization of the events leading up to the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on the key players in the government and on Wall Street who struggled to prevent a complete economic collapse. This movie offers a behind-the-scenes look at the high-stakes negotiations, desperate measures, and agonizing decisions that were made in the midst of the crisis. Too Big to Fail humanizes the figures who were often portrayed as villains, showing the immense pressure they faced and the difficult choices they had to make. The film is based on Andrew Ross Sorkin's non-fiction book of the same name and is meticulously researched, offering a realistic and compelling account of the crisis. It's a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the complexities of the financial system and the challenges of managing a crisis of this magnitude. Too Big to Fail also raises important questions about the role of government in regulating the financial industry and the moral hazard of bailing out failing institutions. The movie highlights the interconnectedness of the global financial system and the potential for a single failure to trigger a cascade of events that could bring the entire system down. It's a sobering reminder of the fragility of the economy and the importance of sound financial policies. The film accurately depicts the tense atmosphere and the sense of urgency that pervaded the halls of power during the crisis, making it a truly immersive and informative experience.

3. The Wolf of Wall Street

The Wolf of Wall Street is a wild and outrageous portrayal of the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who made millions through fraud and corruption in the 1990s. This movie is not a how-to guide for ethical finance, but it offers a fascinating and cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the excesses of Wall Street. The Wolf of Wall Street is a visually stunning and often hilarious film, with a brilliant performance by Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort. The film doesn't shy away from the excesses of Belfort's lifestyle, showing the parties, the drugs, and the reckless behavior that ultimately led to his downfall. While the film is entertaining, it also offers a glimpse into the dark side of the financial industry, where unscrupulous individuals can take advantage of unsuspecting investors. The Wolf of Wall Street is a reminder of the importance of ethics and integrity in finance, and the consequences of putting profits above all else. The movie is based on Belfort's memoir of the same name and is directed by Martin Scorsese, who brings his signature style and energy to the story. It's a cautionary tale about the allure of wealth and the dangers of unchecked ambition, reminding us that true success is not just about making money, but about doing so in an ethical and responsible way. The film is a wild ride, but it also offers valuable lessons about the importance of financial literacy and the need to be wary of get-rich-quick schemes.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! My list of the best finance shows and movies. Whether you're looking to learn about the stock market, understand the causes of the financial crisis, or simply be entertained by stories of money and power, there's something here for you. Happy watching, and remember, learning about finance can be fun!