Top 5 Trading Movies – Messages Inside

Trading isn’t all about staring at charts, crunching numbers, or being glued to multiple screens. Sometimes, the trading world can be just as wild, dramatic, and over-the-top as Hollywood makes it seem! Sure, the movies take creative liberties, but buried in the drama, there’s usually a lesson or two.

Here are five of our favourite trading movies and what we can take away from them (This isn’t financial advice, just some good fun)!

The Big Short (2015)

The 2008 financial crisis was no joke, but The Big Short somehow breaks it down with a mix of humour, wit, and disbelief. Directed by Adam McKay, the movie follows a group of outsiders who saw the housing bubble collapse coming and made the bold move to short (bet against) the market.

Key Takeaway:
Sometimes thinking outside the box can really pay off (if you’ve done your homework). The Big Short shows that unconventional ideas and solid research can lead to big opportunities. But don’t forget, betting against the crowd comes with serious risks too! (And no, we’re not saying you should try this at home!)

Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

If you want a front-row seat to total excess, The Wolf of Wall Street delivers big time. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the movie is a wild, over-the-top look at the real-life adventures of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who made millions through some pretty shady practices. It’s a cautionary tale about greed, corruption, and how fast it can all come crashing down.

Key Takeaway:
Money has a way of bringing out both the best and worst in people. The movie drives home how unchecked greed can easily lead to bad decisions. It’s a reminder to keep your ethics in check, no matter how tempting fast money might seem. Oh, and maybe skip the whole “sell me this pen” approach!

Wall Street (1987)

For many, Wall Street is the ultimate trading movie. The iconic line “Greed is good,” delivered by Gordon Gekko (played by Michael Douglas), has become a pop culture staple. The film dives into the dark side of corporate greed, insider trading, and unchecked ambition.

Key Takeaway:

While Wall Street might glamorise power and wealth, it’s also a clear warning about the ethical traps traders and investors can fall into. Gekko’s flashy world looks enticing, but the fallout from his actions is a harsh reminder that crossing ethical lines comes with heavy consequences. Classic “don’t go there” territory.

Trading Places (1983)

This comedy, starring Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd, is a far cry from the intense dramas you usually see in the financial world, but it’s a fun take on how markets can be manipulated (with plenty of hilarious hijinks along the way). Two rich guys make a bet to swap the lives of a street hustler (Murphy) and a commodities broker (Aykroyd), which leads to a series of chaotic events that all come to a head on the trading floor.

Key Takeaway:

Besides all the laughs, Trading Places shows how little the general public often knows about how the financial world really works. It’s a reminder that anyone can learn to understand the markets with enough effort (and that insider trading, no matter how it’s shown, is illegal)!

Rogue Trader (1999)

Based on a true story, Rogue Trader tells the story of Nick Leeson, a young trader who single-handedly took down Barings Bank, one of the oldest merchant banks in Britain. His unauthorised, high-risk trades spiralled out of control, which ultimately led to the bank’s collapse in 1995. It’s a gripping tale of what can happen when traders overreach.

Key Takeaway:

Risk management is super important. Without the proper checks and balances, even one trader can bring down a financial institution. Rogue Trader is a cautionary tale for anyone involved in the markets: Know your limits, understand risk, and always have a plan to manage it.