When the markets close, you can still learn from them. These movies and shows reveal what charts can’t — the human stories behind greed, fear, and opportunity.
Whether you’re part of the 1000 Days Trading Challenge or just curious about how traders think, this list covers the best finance-themed films and series every trader should watch.
🏛️ 1. Wall Street (1987)
Genre: Drama
Starring: Michael Douglas, Charlie Sheen
Where to Watch: 🟢 Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube (rent/purchase)
Why Watch: The iconic “Greed is good” line defined an era. A must-see for anyone exploring ambition, risk, and ethics on Wall Street.
💬 Pro Tip: Compare Gekko’s mindset with your own goals in the SPX Trading Challenge — are you chasing growth or discipline?
💣 2. Margin Call (2011)
Genre: Thriller / Drama
Where to Watch: 🟣 Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
Why Watch: A gripping overnight story of a risk team realizing their entire portfolio is toxic.
Every weekly review you post could one day save you from a Margin Call moment.
🧠 3. The Big Short (2015)
Genre: Biographical / Comedy-Drama
Where to Watch: 🔵 Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
Why Watch: Explains complex financial instruments like CDOs in the most entertaining way possible.
Watch this, then revisit your strategy posts to appreciate why conviction matters more than consensus.
🐺 4. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Genre: Biography / Drama / Comedy
Where to Watch: 🔴 Netflix, Paramount+, Apple TV
Why Watch: A raw, chaotic look at greed, persuasion, and sales psychology.
If you’ve ever had an emotional trading day during the 1000 Days Challenge, this film will feel too real.
🧩 5. Inside Job (2010)
Genre: Documentary
Narrated by: Matt Damon
Where to Watch: 🟢 Apple TV, Amazon Prime, YouTube
Why Watch: A clear breakdown of the 2008 crisis — showing how incentives shape behavior.
Pair this with your Market Psychology posts for a full picture of decision-making gone wrong.
💼 6. Billions (2016–Present)
Format: TV Series (Showtime / Paramount+)
Where to Watch: 🔴 Paramount+, Showtime, Amazon Prime (add-on)
Why Watch: Power games between a hedge-fund billionaire and a U.S. attorney.
A great mindset reset before journaling your next SPX double calendar trade.
📈 7. Trader (1987 – Paul Tudor Jones Documentary)
Where to Watch: ⚫ YouTube (unofficial)
Why Watch: A glimpse of a legendary trader predicting the 1987 crash.
It echoes the mindset you document daily on 1000DaysChallenge.com — conviction backed by risk control.
💻 8. Black Monday (2019–2021)
Where to Watch: 🔴 Paramount+, Showtime
Why Watch: A darkly funny take on the 1987 crash. A reminder that even the smartest can be wrong when euphoria takes over.
Review it after your own volatility analysis posts.
🔮 9. Industry (2020–Present)
Where to Watch: 🟣 Max (HBO)
Why Watch: Gritty portrayal of young bankers under extreme pressure.
If you’re documenting your journey in real-time, you’ll recognize that “sink or swim” feeling from early-career traders.
🏦 10. Too Big to Fail (2011)
Where to Watch: 🟣 Max (HBO)
Why Watch: Government, policy, and systemic risk in motion.
Relate it to your macro analysis notes and how big players influence your setups.
💰 11. Boiler Room (2000)
Where to Watch: 🟢 Amazon Prime, Apple TV
Why Watch: A cautionary tale of greed and manipulation.
If you ever get tempted to over-leverage, this one will humble you quickly.
👩💼 12. Equity (2016)
Where to Watch: 🟢 Apple TV, Amazon Prime
Why Watch: A sharp, female-led story about integrity and ambition on Wall Street.
A reminder that success comes from preparation — just like your own 1000-day discipline.
⚾ 13. Moneyball (2011)
Where to Watch: 🟢 Netflix, Apple TV
Why Watch: Data and probability over intuition — the same logic behind your systematic SPX strategy.
Proof that analytics wins over gut feeling.
💊 14. Limitless (2011)
Where to Watch: 🟣 Paramount+, Netflix
Why Watch: Fictional but inspiring — explores mental clarity and focus, both essential traits for consistent traders.
🏮 15. The China Hustle (2017)
Where to Watch: 🟢 Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
Why Watch: Reveals U.S.–China stock frauds and accounting manipulation.
Good context for your market risk reflections.
🧠 Bonus Picks
- Becoming Warren Buffett (2017) – HBO Documentary
- Floored (2009) – Free on YouTube, real Chicago pit traders
- Rogue Trader (1999) – Amazon Prime – Nick Leeson’s real story that sank Barings Bank.
💡 Final Thoughts
Trading isn’t just numbers — it’s human behavior under pressure.
Every title here highlights the same lessons you’re learning in your own journey: discipline, risk control, and humility.
📚 Continue reading: