I’ve been a big fan of television and movies for a long time. I majored in television production and film in college. In fact, I have written several feature-length screenplays and other scripts. Believe it or not, out of college I had a literary agent in Hollywood for a period.
I landed my first full-time job working in the television industry and gravitated towards the IT side once employed, and as they say the rest is history. I’ve focused on the IT side of things for over twenty years now.
Although I do not watch many movies and television as I once did. (I have found a better use for my free time) I still enjoy the creative side of the industry, developing a story, creating characters, etc. I hope to write more scripts in the future.
With that said I wanted to share some of my favorite money movies.
Top Money Movies
The Big Short
Four denizens in the world of high-finance predict the credit and housing bubble collapse of the mid-2000s, and decide to take on the big banks for their greed and lack of foresight.
The Wolf of Wall Street
The true story account of the rise and fall of a Long Island stockbroker
Trading Places
A snobbish investor and a wily street con artist find their positions reversed as part of a bet by two callous millionaires.
Real Estate Investors
For those pursuing real estate investing or renting of properties. These movies might be for you.
The Money Pit
A young couple is in over their heads repairing a hopelessly dilapidated house.
Pacific Heights
When becoming landlords, this couple was not expecting this type of drama from their first tenant.
FIRE
When I think about FIRE I think about carving out your own path, and Forrest certainly did that.
Forrest Gump
Not very intelligent, but Forrest did things his way.
So, these are some of my favorite money movies.
What do you think of my list? What movies or television shows would be on your list?
Brian is a Dad, husband, and an IT professional by trade. A Personal Finance Blogger since 2013. Who, with his family, has successfully paid off over $100K worth of consumer debt. Now that Brian is debt-free, his mission is to help his three children prepare for their financial lives and educate others to achieved financial success. Brian is involved in his local community. As a Financial Committee Chair with the Board of Education of his local school district, he has helped successfully launch a K-12 financial literacy program in a six thousand student district.
I never thought about Forrest Gump as a FIRE icon. But you’re definitely right! He certainly did blaze a unique trail and has fun doing it – not a bad life to model!
Another money movie I like is Boiler Room. Thanks for the great list!
Thanks Jay. I have never seen the Boiler Room I’ll have to add it to my viewing list.
GREAT list, Brian! The Money Pit scares me, as we are starting the process of looking for our first rental. I love that you included Forest Gump! I wouldn’t have thought of it either, but he definitely took the FIRE path – in a totally unconventional way but, hey, it worked! 🙂
Thanks Amanda! I was trying to think of a FIRE movie and I just kept coming back to Forrest Gump. He did things his own way.
Jon and I really enjoyed The Big Short. And, though it’s a documentary, I really liked Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room. Neither particularly inspires a lot of trust in the financial industry, though.
I really wanted to see the Big Short when it was out in Theaters, but never go the chance. It’s one I will need to see soon.
I’ve definitely got to +1 The Big Short. The movie is as informative as it is funny and creative. It was like a financial nerd’s dream come true as far as movies go.
It’s on Netflix right now. One of their better newer movies they have available.
Great list, Brian! I agree with Emily on the Big Short. I’d also recommend Waffle Street in which the protagonist leaves (not by choice) Wall St. and decides to just do honest work at the Waffle House.
Thanks Mrs. G, another movie for my viewing list.
Wow I didnt know that about you Brian. Super cool!! You should upload one of your movies somewhere so we can watch! 😉
I think “The big short” is an awesome real estate related movie also just because it gives you a better understanding of how corrupt the mortgage industry got and can shed some light on how scary things can get out there when you have no control.
Well none of my feature length screenplays ever got made into movies, but I do have a few shorts from college you can view.
Great list. I made a similar one last December, including the Money Pit and Glengarry Glen Ross. I would also include the Big Short, which came out just after my list. I love that you included Forrest Gump…I included It’s A Wonderful Life, which people think of as a holiday film but just like Forrest Gump, it has themes about money as well.
Thanks Gary. I’ll have to revisit your post. It’s A Wonderful Life, is really about making a big change in one’s life.
+1 for Boiler Room – it definitely gives an insight into the lower end of the investing game.
I’d include the Big Short for its insight into our most recent global WTF moment.
Thanks Jack. Pretty consistent view of these two films.
Hi Brian,
This is a good list – thank you! The Big Short should be part of this list.
I have not watched 21, Glenngary Glenn Ross, The Money Pit, and Pacific Heights. I will add them to my queue. Now I don’t have to think about what movie to watch for a while.
–Michael
Thanks Michael. I need to watch the Big Short, too many positive review!
I didn’t know you had a film background! You learn something new every day. The Money Pit was one of my favorite movies as a teenager! And Pacific Heights was scary!
No recommendation for us Tonya?
I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t seen most of these movies!! It’s a Wonderful Life is one of my very favorites because he realizes that the thing he wants the most (money) doesn’t really matter at all. I’m going to have to check some of these out. I’m more of a non-fiction book person when it comes to money-related entertainment.
Sounds like a great lazy black Friday idea for you. 🙂
Forest Gump is one of my favorite movies. I love the way history was tied into the movie. The book is also terrific as is the follow up book Gump and Co. I love that he basically pursued each one of his “jobs” with an outstanding level of effort and was rewarded for it each time. While I know it’s not real life, as a teenager it gave me motivation to do everything with excellence.
Thanks for bringing me down memory lane.
The soundtrack too! It’s hard not to be inspired watching the at movie.
I had no idea that TV and film were your original field of study. I enjoyed “Catch Me If You Can” about a historic check fraud scam artist. I can’t believe checks are still a thing. They seem so not secure!
That’s another great film Kalie. So interesting how companies ended up hiring Frank Abagnale, Jr to improve their security.
I’ve only seen a few of these movies. I’ll definitely have to watch the rest!
I like Kalie’s suggestion of Catch Me If You Can – it’s one of my favorites and definitely has to do with money, checks, keeping up with the Joneses, and more.