Investing and finance aren’t just topics for Wall Street insiders; they’ve become the backdrop for some of the most captivating TV series to hit the screen. These shows bring to life the dramatic highs and lows of the financial world, where billion-dollar decisions are made, ethics are questioned, and power struggles unfold. Whether it’s about hedge fund titans battling U.S. attorneys or young graduates navigating the sharp edges of London’s financial district, finance-themed TV series have become a must-watch for anyone interested in money and power dynamics.
The allure of these series goes beyond just numbers and deals. They explore the human emotions driving decisions that make or break fortunes—greed, ambition, betrayal, and the pursuit of legacy. Each show in this lineup offers a unique lens through which to view the financial world, from the cutthroat corporate environments to the clandestine operations that run alongside the global economy.
In 2024, whether you’re a seasoned investor or just someone who enjoys a good drama, these ten shows will offer plenty of entertainment and food for thought. Each series on this list brings something fresh, insightful, and sometimes startlingly accurate about the financial world. Let’s delve into the Top 10 must-watch finance and investing TV series that are perfect for 2024
Barbarians at the Gate
“Barbarians at the Gate” is a classic TV movie based on the true story of one of the most famous corporate takeovers in U.S. history. Set during the 1980s, this drama brings to life the intense battle for control of RJR Nabisco, a major tobacco and food conglomerate. The series is a sharp portrayal of greed, power, and the pursuit of financial gain at all costs.
The central figure in the story is F. Ross Johnson, the CEO of RJR Nabisco, who plans to take the company private through a leveraged buyout (LBO). What follows is a dramatic bidding war between Johnson, corporate raiders, and other financial powerhouses, including private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR). The movie offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of high-stakes finance, where egos clash, and billions of dollars are on the line.
What makes “Barbarians at the Gate” so compelling is its balance between humor and drama. While the financial negotiations and corporate battles are intense, the film doesn’t shy away from poking fun at the absurdity and excess of the corporate world. Johnson, played by James Garner, is portrayed as a larger-than-life figure whose greed and ambition drive much of the story. The film highlights how the race to accumulate wealth can lead to both personal and professional unraveling.
For viewers interested in the mechanics of corporate finance, particularly mergers and acquisitions, “Barbarians at the Gate” is both entertaining and insightful. It delves into the intricacies of LBOs, corporate governance, and the darker sides of capitalism, all while keeping the audience engaged with sharp wit and dynamic storytelling. Even though it originally aired in the early 1990s, its themes are still incredibly relevant today, making it a must-watch for anyone curious about the forces that shape big business.
Bad Banks
“Bad Banks” is a gripping German financial thriller that plunges viewers into the high-stakes world of investment banking. The series follows the character of Jana Liekam, a young and ambitious banker caught up in a web of power plays, deception, and corporate manipulation. With its fast-paced narrative and intense character dynamics, “Bad Banks” exposes the dark underbelly of the financial sector, where loyalty and ethics are often overshadowed by greed and ambition.
The show’s strength lies in its exploration of systemic corruption and the moral compromises that come with pursuing financial success at any cost. Jana, like many characters in the series, is faced with challenging decisions that put her personal integrity at odds with her professional ambitions. Her journey is one of navigating a hostile work environment where backstabbing and manipulation are the norm, all while trying to rise through the ranks of a male-dominated industry.
“Bad Banks” also offers a scathing critique of the financial industry’s role in global economic instability. It paints a picture of how decisions made in boardrooms by a few can have devastating effects on economies and lives across the world. The series doesn’t shy away from showing the consequences of unchecked corporate power, making it an essential watch for anyone interested in the ethical complexities of finance.
The combination of thrilling plot twists, realistic depictions of the banking world, and deep character studies makes “Bad Banks” one of the most compelling finance dramas in recent years. If you’re looking for a series that highlights both the allure and the dangers of the financial world, this is one you can’t afford to miss.
Wall Street Warriors
“Wall Street Warriors” offers a captivating look into the lives of real-life finance professionals hustling in the high-octane world of Wall Street. Released as a documentary series, “Wall Street Warriors” stands out from traditional scripted finance shows by providing an authentic, behind-the-scenes perspective of the people who navigate the chaos of the financial markets every day. The series offers viewers a raw glimpse into the cutthroat environment where success and failure are measured in dollars and split-second decisions.
What sets “Wall Street Warriors” apart is its diverse range of characters. From ambitious hedge fund managers and traders to analysts and investment bankers, the series tracks the paths of multiple financial professionals, each with their own unique approach to conquering the market. The show brilliantly portrays the variety of personalities and skill sets required to make it in the finance world, whether it’s the sharp-witted trader who thrives on the floor or the behind-the-scenes analyst meticulously crunching numbers.
The series doesn’t just focus on the glamour of the finance world; it dives into the personal sacrifices, pressure, and mental toll that come with trying to survive in an unforgiving industry. One key theme throughout the show is how these individuals balance personal life with their high-stakes careers. Viewers witness how market volatility, long hours, and intense competition affect everything from relationships to mental health, showcasing the hidden cost of financial success.
For those who are intrigued by the real-time decision-making, high risk, and rewards of financial trading, “Wall Street Warriors” is an educational and engaging watch. It offers a raw look at the adrenaline-fueled world of finance, where fortunes can be made or lost in an instant. Whether you’re an aspiring finance professional or simply fascinated by the world of Wall Street, this series provides a deep dive into the mindset, strategy, and drive required to navigate one of the most competitive industries in the world.
Capitalism: A Love Story
Capitalism: A Love Story is one of the most thought-provoking documentaries on this list, offering a critical lens into the financial crisis of 2008 and the broader implications of capitalism on American society. Directed by Michael Moore, this 2009 documentary digs deep into the inequities of the financial system, exploring the power dynamics between Wall Street and Main Street and questioning the very foundation of modern capitalism. While it’s not a series, it’s still a must-watch for anyone interested in the forces that shape global economies.
Moore’s style is blunt yet effective, often blending shocking facts with a dash of humor to keep the audience engaged. He paints a stark picture of how large financial institutions profit at the expense of average Americans, diving into personal stories of families losing their homes and workers struggling with unfair wages. One of the central questions Moore raises is whether capitalism, as practiced in the United States, is inherently flawed, benefiting a small percentage while leaving the rest behind.
A key part of Capitalism: A Love Story is its focus on the 2008 financial meltdown, detailing how deregulation, risky financial practices, and greed led to one of the biggest economic collapses in history. Moore doesn’t shy away from naming names and holding Wall Street executives, politicians, and large corporations accountable. He sheds light on the bailout of big banks, leaving many viewers questioning the fairness of the system.
Despite the heavy subject matter, Moore’s documentary keeps the viewer engaged with its clear narrative, compelling interviews, and emotional stories. Capitalism: A Love Story doesn’t just stop at examining the financial system—it also questions the ethics of capitalism and whether there’s a better way forward. For anyone looking to understand the darker side of financial systems and the societal impacts of corporate greed, this documentary is a powerful, eye-opening watch.
In the current landscape of rising inequality, Moore’s work remains as relevant as ever, making it a must-see for 2024. If you’re looking to explore the interplay between money, power, and society, Capitalism: A Love Story is a deep dive into how the financial world affects us all.
Inside Job
Inside Job is a brilliantly sharp and darkly comedic animated series that dives into the world of conspiracy theories and shadow organizations with a satirical edge. While not a traditional finance series, it makes the list for its clever portrayal of the behind-the-scenes power struggles and secret dealings that shape the world’s most influential institutions. Created by Shion Takeuchi and produced by Netflix, the show takes viewers into the inner workings of “Cognito Inc.,” a shadow government organization responsible for controlling global events, from orchestrating false flag operations to manipulating financial markets.
At the center of the story is Reagan Ridley, a brilliant yet socially awkward tech genius who is trying to bring some order to her chaotic workplace while dealing with her eccentric father, who also used to work at Cognito. Reagan’s character represents the intellectual and moral compass of the show, constantly trying to do the right thing amidst the madness around her. However, her attempts to fix things often lead to hilarious and disastrous consequences.
The show’s humor stems from its ability to poke fun at real-world institutions and ideas, often satirizing everything from corporate greed to the absurdity of modern finance. Whether it’s mocking the stock market’s volatility or the shady underpinnings of large corporations, Inside Job offers a fresh take on power and control, often reflecting on how money, influence, and secrets drive much of what happens behind closed doors.
For finance enthusiasts and lovers of dark humor, Inside Job offers a fun, imaginative escape into a world where conspiracy theories run wild, and nothing is quite as it seems. While not a direct finance series, the themes of control, manipulation, and corporate power make it a relevant and engaging watch for those interested in how financial markets and institutions can sometimes seem just as outlandish as the world of Cognito Inc.
Startup
Startup is a gripping tech-driven finance series that brings a unique, edgy take on the world of startups. Set in the vibrant yet dangerous world of Miami, this series revolves around a group of unlikely entrepreneurs trying to launch a cryptocurrency startup amidst moral dilemmas, criminal enterprises, and life-threatening stakes. Unlike most finance TV series that focus on corporate boardrooms and stock market fluctuations, Startup delves into the chaotic, unpredictable, and often unethical realities of building a tech company from the ground up.
What sets Startup apart is its deep dive into the underbelly of the tech world, exploring the intersection of innovation, crime, and ambition. It focuses on the key characters—Nick Talman, a banker who invests dirty money; Izzy Morales, a brilliant coder behind a cryptocurrency platform called GenCoin; and Ronald Dacey, a gangster looking to secure a better future for his family by getting involved in the tech world. These three come from starkly different backgrounds, yet their shared vision for success binds them together in a high-stakes world of survival.
The series highlights the ethical dilemmas that arise in the pursuit of wealth and innovation, showing that startup culture isn’t just about brilliant ideas and angel investors. Startup touches on themes like financial inequality, trust, and the compromises that often have to be made when launching a business. As viewers, we’re taken on a thrilling journey of survival where the line between right and wrong is constantly blurred.
For anyone interested in finance and tech, Startup is a must-watch because it doesn’t glamorize the entrepreneurial journey. Instead, it offers a raw, gritty perspective on the sacrifices made to turn groundbreaking ideas into real-world innovations.
Dirty Money
Dirty Money is a hard-hitting docuseries that dives deep into the world of corporate greed, fraud, and corruption. Unlike traditional finance dramas that focus on the ups and downs of stock markets or boardroom politics, Dirty Money pulls back the curtain on the dark, often hidden practices of powerful companies and individuals who operate on the edges of legality. Each episode exposes a different high-profile financial scandal, ranging from major corporations to global leaders, giving viewers a real-world look at the consequences of unchecked greed and unethical business practices.
What makes Dirty Money so compelling is its ability to take seemingly complex financial issues and present them in an engaging, digestible way for viewers. The series covers a wide range of industries—from pharmaceuticals to automobile manufacturing—demonstrating that corruption knows no bounds. Episodes such as those detailing the Volkswagen emissions scandal, HSBC’s money laundering operations, or the Trump Organization’s business dealings highlight how financial wrongdoing can affect millions of people, economies, and even the environment.
The series, produced by Alex Gibney, doesn’t shy away from naming names and pointing fingers. By combining expert interviews, investigative journalism, and sometimes shocking footage, Dirty Money forces viewers to confront the dark reality of corporate malpractice. It serves as a stark reminder that in the pursuit of profit, morality is often a casualty.
For those interested in real-life financial scandals and the darker side of capitalism, Dirty Money offers a gripping, eye-opening viewing experience that will leave you questioning how far companies are willing to go to protect their bottom line.
The Wolf of Wall Street
The Wolf of Wall Street is a high-octane, adrenaline-fueled portrayal of the excesses and debauchery that define the life of Jordan Belfort, a real-life former stockbroker. Directed by Martin Scorsese and based on Belfort’s memoir, the film (and its influence in financial circles) stands as a cultural touchstone for those fascinated by Wall Street’s darker side. Although not a TV series, its sheer impact and representation of financial greed and unrestrained ambition have earned it a place in any conversation about finance and investing stories worth watching.
In The Wolf of Wall Street, Leonardo DiCaprio portrays Belfort, a charismatic and morally flexible stockbroker who builds a vast empire through aggressive, unethical trading practices. The film chronicles his rise to extreme wealth, the lifestyle of unimaginable luxury and excess that followed, and his eventual downfall at the hands of the FBI. Belfort’s brokerage firm, Stratton Oakmont, becomes a symbol of the reckless pursuit of wealth, relying on pump-and-dump schemes to defraud investors.
What makes the film so striking is its unapologetic presentation of excess—from outlandish parties and drug-fueled escapades to morally questionable tactics in stock manipulation. For viewers, it’s both a cautionary tale and an intoxicating ride through the wild side of the financial world. The moral lessons are subtle, almost drowned out by the sheer spectacle of it all, yet they linger, questioning the cost of unchecked ambition.
The Wolf of Wall Street also offers a harsh critique of a financial system that, in many ways, encourages and rewards the kind of behavior Belfort engaged in. It’s not simply about one man’s fall from grace but about the culture of greed that permeates much of the financial industry. The film doesn’t glorify the man but instead shines a light on the extremes to which people will go to accumulate wealth, no matter the cost.
For anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes machinations of Wall Street and the human cost of financial greed, The Wolf of Wall Street remains essential viewing in 2024.
The Big Short
The Big Short is a powerful and critically acclaimed film that explores the complexities and causes of the 2008 financial crisis. Directed by Adam McKay and based on Michael Lewis’s best-selling book of the same name, this film dives deep into the world of Wall Street, focusing on the individuals who foresaw the collapse of the housing market and decided to bet against it. It’s an essential watch for anyone interested in understanding the inner workings of financial markets, economic downturns, and the greed that often underpins them.
What sets The Big Short apart from other finance-related films is its ability to simplify complex financial concepts without losing the gravity of the situation. Terms like “collateralized debt obligations (CDOs),” “credit default swaps,” and “subprime mortgages” are broken down in a way that makes them accessible to the average viewer. The film uses creative narrative techniques, including breaking the fourth wall and having celebrities explain these concepts directly to the audience, to keep things engaging and understandable.
The central plot follows a few key players in finance who recognize the housing bubble’s instability before the crash. Characters like Michael Burry (played by Christian Bale), a quirky hedge fund manager, begin to short the housing market, predicting that it will collapse due to widespread fraud and overleveraging. Steve Carell’s portrayal of Mark Baum, another skeptical fund manager, highlights the moral struggle and frustration with the system’s corruption. The film also features Ryan Gosling as Jared Vennett and Brad Pitt as Ben Rickert, who play pivotal roles in exposing the impending disaster.
Though The Big Short delivers a comedic, almost satirical tone at times, it is ultimately a sobering account of the greed and negligence that led to one of the most significant economic disasters in modern history. It serves as a stark reminder of how the financial system can fail millions while enriching a select few. For viewers in 2024, this film remains highly relevant as discussions about economic inequality and financial regulations continue to shape public discourse.
If you’re looking to learn more about the dynamics of financial markets, how crises unfold, and how a few sharp minds can recognize impending doom when the rest of the world is blinded by optimism, The Big Short is an absolute must-watch.
Billions
Billions is an intense and captivating drama that delves deep into the high-stakes world of hedge funds, power plays, and legal battles. This series revolves around the intense rivalry between two titans: Bobby Axelrod (played by Damian Lewis), a billionaire hedge fund manager, and Chuck Rhoades (played by Paul Giamatti), a U.S. Attorney determined to bring Axelrod down. What makes Billions stand out is its sophisticated portrayal of financial and legal maneuvering, alongside the complex ethical questions that arise from wealth and power.
Unlike many financial dramas, Billions doesn’t just focus on the rise and fall of financial empires; it highlights the psychological warfare and moral dilemmas of those who operate within the highest echelons of finance. Axelrod, a street-smart trader who built his fortune from nothing, is the epitome of success, ambition, and sometimes, ruthlessness. On the other hand, Rhoades, representing the law, grapples with his own moral gray areas as he tries to balance his personal ambition with a deep-seated desire for justice.
The show dives into intricate financial schemes—insider trading, market manipulation, and high-frequency trading strategies—while also humanizing the characters with their personal struggles. Wendy Rhoades (Maggie Siff), Chuck’s wife and Axelrod’s trusted performance coach, adds another layer of tension, as her loyalty to both men creates complex personal dynamics within the narrative.
Billions is also lauded for its portrayal of the high-octane world of hedge funds, where fortunes can be made or lost in seconds, and where the difference between success and prison is often razor-thin. The series provides a compelling look into the cutthroat world of Wall Street, while raising ethical questions about the price of power and success.
For those interested in finance, power dynamics, and human psychology, Billions is a must-watch in 2024. It’s not just a financial drama—it’s a chess match between two powerful minds, exploring how far people are willing to go for wealth, influence, and legacy.
For viewers interested in the complexities of financing the stock Market, these series offer both education and entertainment. The real-life lessons embedded in their narratives remind us that understanding finance is key to making informed decisions, whether we’re managing our investments or navigating life’s broader challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just curious about the financial world, these shows will inspire, provoke thought, and entertain in 2024.
So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare for a masterclass in finance, power, and human ambition—these top 10 Investing and finance TV Movies and Series have it all!
