The 25 Best Movies Like 'The Big Short', Ranked By Fans

Directed by J.C. Chandor, this thriller unfolds over a 24-hour period at an investment bank during the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis. As employees grapple with the discovery of catastrophic risk exposure, they must decide whether to sound the alarm and potentially bring down the entire firm. With its tense atmosphere and stellar ensemble cast including Kevin Spacey and Jeremy Irons, Margin Call offers a gripping depiction of the moral dilemmas faced by those at the heart of the financial industry.

Similar to The Big Short, Margin Call explores the internal workings of the finance industry and the ethical quandaries faced by those within it. Both films reveal the human toll of economic instability and corporate greed, highlighting the moral complexities of navigating a system driven by profit and speculation. Through their suspenseful narratives and morally ambiguous characters, both films provide insight into the systemic failures that led to the 2008 financial crisis and its devastating impact on society.

Directed by Martin Scorsese, The Wolf of Wall Street, a biographical black comedy follows Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio), a stockbroker who rises to immense wealth and success through unethical and illegal means. As Belfort's empire grows, he indulges in a lifestyle of excess and debauchery, leading to his eventual downfall.

Similar to The Big Short, The Wolf of Wall Street explores the excesses and moral bankruptcy of Wall Street culture. Both films depict real-life events involving financial manipulation and deception, offering a scathing critique of the greed and corruption rampant within the finance industry. Through their portrayal of flawed characters and their descent into moral ambiguity, both films invite audiences to question the ethics of a system driven by greed and excess.

Directed by Ramin Bahrani, this drama follows a desperate homeowner (Andrew Garfield) who falls into the clutches of a ruthless real estate broker (Michael Shannon) during the foreclosure crisis. As he becomes complicit in the eviction of others, he grapples with guilt and moral ambiguity while struggling to provide for his family. With its powerful performances and timely subject matter, 99 Homes offers a searing indictment of the predatory practices that contributed to the housing market collapse.

Similar to The Big Short, 99 Homes examines the human cost of financial exploitation and the moral compromises made in the pursuit of profit. Both films portray characters who are caught up in larger economic forces beyond their control, facing ethical dilemmas as they navigate a system rigged against them. Through their empathetic storytelling and nuanced characterizations, both films invite audiences to question the morality of an economic system that prioritizes profit over people.

Directed by David Fincher, this biographical drama chronicles the founding of Facebook and the legal disputes that arise among its creators, including Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) and Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield). The film explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the corrosive effects of power as Zuckerberg's rise to prominence leads to personal and legal conflicts. With its sharp dialogue and compelling performances, The Social Network offers a captivating glimpse into the world of tech entrepreneurship and the complexities of human relationships.

Similar to The Big Short, The Social Network offers a critique of a powerful industry, showcasing the ethical dilemmas and personal conflicts that arise in the pursuit of success. Both films delve into the world of high-stakes finance and innovation, revealing the dark underbelly of ambition and greed. Through their portrayal of real-life events and flawed characters, both films provide insight into the systemic failures and moral compromises inherent in the pursuit of wealth and power.

Directed by Curtis Hanson, Too Big to Fail depicts the financial leaders' frantic actions in 2008 when the U.S. economy faces a crisis. With a cast including William Hurt, Ed Asner, and Billy Crudup, the film explores themes of economic collapse and the repercussions of financial fraud.

Much like The Big Short, Too Big to Fail delves into the complexities of the financial world, focusing on the individuals and institutions involved in the 2008 global financial crisis. Both films feature stellar ensemble casts and provide insight into the systemic failures that led to the economic meltdown, offering audiences a captivating portrayal of real-life events.

Directed by Craig Gillespie, this biographical comedy-drama tells the story of the GameStop short squeeze of January 2021 and the Reddit-fueled rebellion against hedge funds led by Keith Gill (Paul Dano). As Gill becomes a symbol of individual investors challenging established financial institutions, the film explores themes of market manipulation, activism, and the democratization of finance. With its blend of humor and social commentary, Dumb Money offers a timely exploration of the power dynamics within the stock market.

Similar to The Big Short, Dumb Money sheds light on the complexities of the financial world and the disruptive potential of grassroots activism. Both films highlight the consequences of unchecked greed and the impact of individual actions on the broader financial system. Through their portrayal of real-life events and larger-than-life characters, both films offer a critical examination of the flaws and vulnerabilities within the finance industry.