Market crises, incentives and decisions told through stories. This selection adds human and institutional context to technical knowledge.
Dramatisations compress events, and documentaries also offer a selected perspective. Use them to open questions, not as trading instructions. TMDB is a film reference and does not establish streaming availability.
15 of 15 resources
Beginner
Film reference: TMDB · 2015
An accessible look at the housing bubble, mortgage-backed securities, short positions, and the 2008 financial crisis.
Why we recommend it
Use the story as an entry point into the links behind a financial crisis.
Beginner–Intermediate
Film reference: TMDB · 2011
Follows an investment bank during the first hours of a financial crisis and explores risk, leverage, and difficult decisions.
Why we recommend it
Consider how model risk and time pressure affect decisions.
Beginner
Film reference: TMDB · 2010
Explains the causes and consequences of the 2008 financial crisis through interviews with economists, executives, and policymakers.
Why we recommend it
Add institutional context to individual market stories.
Beginner–Intermediate
Film reference: TMDB · 2011
Dramatizes the government and banking response to the 2008 crisis and the collapse of major financial institutions.
Why we recommend it
Explore the connections that make financial risk systemic.
Beginner
Film reference: TMDB · 1987
A classic story about stockbroking, speculation, insider trading, ambition, and ethics in financial markets.
Why we recommend it
Use the story to question incentives and conflicts of interest.
Beginner–Intermediate
Film reference: TMDB · 1999
Based on the Nick Leeson story and useful for understanding unauthorized trading, derivatives risk, and failed risk controls.
Why we recommend it
See why independent risk controls matter.
Beginner
Film reference: TMDB · 2000
Explores aggressive brokerage sales, market manipulation, conflicts of interest, and unethical financial practices.
Why we recommend it
Recognise sales pressure and problematic incentives.
Beginner–Intermediate
Film reference: TMDB · 2005
Examines the collapse of Enron and the role of accounting manipulation, incentives, corporate culture, and governance.
Why we recommend it
Connect financial reporting with corporate governance.
Intermediate
Film reference: TMDB · 2017
Investigates fraud involving Chinese companies listed on U.S. markets and highlights due diligence and information risk.
Why we recommend it
Consider the quality of information behind an investment narrative.
Intermediate
Film reference: TMDB · 2016
Follows a major short-selling campaign and raises questions about research, conviction, incentives, and activist investing.
Why we recommend it
Distinguish the arguments from the interests of the parties involved.
All Levels
Film reference: TMDB · 2017
A profile of Warren Buffett focused on investing philosophy, long-term thinking, decision-making, and personal discipline.
Why we recommend it
Add a long-term perspective alongside short-term market moves.
Beginner–Intermediate
Film reference: TMDB · 2016
A financial drama centered on investment banking, IPOs, information asymmetry, compliance, and conflicts of interest.
Why we recommend it
Reflect on unequal information and competing incentives.
Beginner
Film reference: TMDB · 2022
Explores the GameStop phenomenon, retail investors, short interest, online communities, and market dynamics.
Why we recommend it
Explore the interaction between market positions and online communities.
Beginner–Intermediate
Film reference: TMDB · 2010
A financial drama set around the 2008 crisis, exploring Wall Street culture, market risk, ambition, and the consequences of financial decisions.
Why we recommend it
Use the narrative to discuss risk and responsibility.
Intermediate
Film reference: TMDB · 2018
Revisits the 2008 crisis through interviews with key participants involved in the government and financial-system response.
Why we recommend it
Complement dramatised accounts with participants’ perspectives.
Original titles are preserved. Summaries and editorial context are in English; the language, access and terms of external resources may differ. External links open a new tab.