Films as a Crash Course: Understanding financial crisis

Let's talk about money. 

Not the kind finance bros preach about in reels—where waking up at 5 AM, following Patrick Bateman's self-care routine, and obsessing over business cards from 'American Psycho' is somehow the key to success. Never mind that most of them don't actually understand the economy, investments, savings, or why financial crises happen.  
 
School never really taught us how to manage money, and as the years go by, the word 'finances' starts carrying more weight. Learning about it through books filled with academic jargon isn't exactly the best way to keep anyone's attention. 

But when it's presented on screen—through gripping storylines and interesting characters—it becomes a lot more engaging.  
 
For instance, the quote from the film 'Inside Job' (2010)—"The financial industry turned its back on society, corrupted our political system, and plunged the world economy into crisis. At an enormous cost, we've avoided disaster and are recovering. But the men and institutions that caused the crisis are still in power, and that needs to change"—offers a solid reminder that while economic collapses may differ from country to country, the underlying causes tend to remain the same.  
 
Bangladesh is facing its own financial turmoil. Massive sums of money have been laundered by those previously in power while the country's GDP struggles. 

Job opportunities are shrinking, layoffs have become more frequent, and for many, economic stability feels further out of reach than ever. The cycle repeats— those responsible often remain untouched, while ordinary people are left to drown and deal with the consequences.
 
While there are plenty of films about finance, if you're looking for a place to start, here are five movies that explore financial crises, their impact on everyday people, and how smart investing works.
 
The Big Short (2015)
Stream on HBO Max
 
'The Big Short', directed by Adam McKay, is an Oscar-winning film based on Michael Lewis's non-fiction book of the same name. It tells the story of the 2008 financial crisis through the eyes of a few investors who saw the collapse coming and bet against the housing market.
 
What sets the film apart is its ability to take complex financial concepts and make them both understandable and entertaining. Using humour, sharp dialogue, and unconventional storytelling, 'The Big Short' keeps the audience engaged while explaining intricate economic ideas. 

The film features an outstanding cast, including Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt, each playing distinct and eccentric characters who uncover the flaws in the financial system.
 
To break down financial jargon, the film uses creative techniques like direct-to-camera explanations and celebrity cameos, making the subject matter easier to grasp. This approach not only educates but also highlights the absurdity of the situation that led to the crash.
 
Margin Call (2011)
Stream on Prime Video
 
'Margin Call' is a financial thriller set during the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis, unfolding over 24 tense hours at a major Wall Street investment firm.

The film begins with mass layoffs, including risk management head Eric Dale. Before leaving, he hands a flash drive to junior analyst Peter Sullivan, hinting at something alarming. 

When Sullivan examines the data, he realises the firm's risky trading strategies have over-leveraged its assets, putting it on the brink of collapse.  
 
The term 'margin call' refers to a broker's demand for an investor to add funds when their securities drop in value, signalling financial distress. In the film, it represents the company's desperate situation and the need for drastic action.  
 
What makes the movie stand out is its focus on the ethical dilemmas of investment banking. As executives scramble for solutions, they choose to sell off toxic assets before the market catches on—knowing this move will have catastrophic consequences. 

The film strips away the glamour of Wall Street, exposing the human side of financial decision-making. It showcases how reckless risk-taking, driven by profit, can unravel economies, making it one of the most gripping films about financial collapse.
 
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Stream on Netflix
 
'The Pursuit of Happyness' tells the true story of Chris Gardner, a man who faced extreme financial hardship while trying to provide for his young son in the early 1980s. The film highlights how economic struggles don't just affect markets and businesses—they deeply impact individuals and families.
 
Gardner's troubles began when his investment in portable bone-density scanners failed, leaving him in debt and unable to pay rent. As his financial situation worsened, he lost his home, and he and his son were forced to sleep in shelters, subway stations, and even public restrooms. 

Despite these hardships, Gardner secured an unpaid internship at a brokerage firm, working tirelessly for a chance at a better future.
 
Financial crises aren't just about numbers—they uproot lives, making even basic survival a daily battle. While discussions about economic collapse often focus on corporate failures and policy decisions, the film shifts the perspective to the common people taking the full force of such downturns. 
 
Moneyball (2011)
Stream on Netflix
 
'Moneyball' is the true story of Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics, who transformed his struggling baseball team using data-driven decision-making. 

With a limited budget, Beane ignored traditional scouting methods and instead relied on analytics to identify undervalued players based on their on-base percentages. 

His unconventional strategy helped build a competitive team without overspending.
 
The film serves as a lesson in smart investment. Beane's approach mirrors financial strategies where logic and research outweigh instinct and tradition. Investors can learn the importance of spotting undervalued assets, making calculated decisions, and avoiding emotional biases. 

Just as Beane resisted pressure to follow outdated scouting norms, smart investors must stick to strategies based on data rather than market hype.
 
In times of financial uncertainty, 'Moneyball' highlights the importance of adaptability and innovation. Economic crises can happen unexpectedly, but those who know how to assess risks, allocate resources wisely, and challenge outdated systems are better equipped to survive. 

The film is not just about baseball—it's about thinking differently, maximising potential with limited resources, and staying ahead of the game. Watching 'Moneyball' is a reminder that financial success isn't about how much money you have, but how wisely you use it.
 
Money Monster (2016)
Stream on Netflix
 
While all the films mentioned were based on real-life events, there is one fictional film.
 
'Money Monster' is a thriller that pulls you into the world of finance with a gripping hostage situation. The film follows Lee Gates, a flashy TV host who dispenses stock tips on his show, 'Money Monster'. 

When an angry investor, Kyle Budwell, loses his life savings of $60,000 from one of Gates' recommendations, he barges onto the set, holding Gates and the crew hostage live on air.
 
As the tension rises, Gates, with the help of his sharp producer Patty Fenn, scrambles to figure out what went wrong. The twist comes when they uncover that a faulty trading algorithm, rather than a simple mistake, caused the $800 million collapse. The deeper they dig, the more they expose the dark side of corporate greed and financial manipulation.
 
The story combines edge-of-your-seat action with a sharp critique of the financial world while combining a thrilling, eye-opening look at the dangerous intersection of power, money, and trust.