The world of finance has long been a source of fascination for filmmakers, and accounting plays a central role in many of these films. Accountants are often portrayed as the unsung heroes of the financial world, using their skills to uncover fraud, solve crimes, and even save the world.
The Accountant
One of the most well-known accounting movies is The Accountant (2016). This action-thriller stars Ben Affleck as Christian Wolff, a high-functioning autistic accountant who works for criminal organizations. Wolff is a skilled mathematician and hacker, but he also struggles with social interactions and violence. When he is hired by an accounting firm to investigate a discrepancy in a robotics company’s books, he uncovers a web of corruption that reaches all the way to the top of the government.
The Wolf of Wall Street
Another popular accounting movie is The Wolf of Wall Street (2013). This black comedy crime film is based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who became a millionaire by engaging in illegal and fraudulent activities. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Belfort, and the film also features Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, and Matthew McConaughey.
Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room
For a more documentary-style look at the accounting world, Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005) is a must-see. This film tells the story of Enron, an energy company that collapsed in 2001 after it was revealed that the company had been using accounting tricks to hide its massive debts. The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2006.
The Big Short
The Big Short (2015) is another film that takes a look at the financial crisis of 2008. This drama film tells the story of a group of investors who bet against the subprime mortgage market, predicting that it would collapse. The film stars Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt.
Margin Call
Margin Call (2011) is a thriller film about a group of investment bankers at a large financial firm who discover that the company is insolvent. The film stars Zachary Quinto, Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, and Demi Moore.
The Insider
The Insider (1999) is a drama film based on the true story of Jeffrey Wigand, a tobacco industry whistleblower. The film stars Russell Crowe as Wigand, and Al Pacino as Lowell Bergman, a CBS News producer who helps Wigand go public with his story.
In Debt We Trust
In Debt We Trust (2006) is a documentary film about the history of debt in the United States. The film explores the role of debt in the American economy, and how it has led to increased inequality and economic instability.
Midnight Run
Midnight Run (1988) is a buddy action-comedy film about a bounty hunter who is hired to track down a mafia accountant who has embezzled $15 million from his boss. The film stars Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin.
Stranger Than Fiction
Stranger Than Fiction (2006) is a fantasy-comedy film about an IRS auditor who suddenly finds himself as the only person who can hear a female voice narrating his life. The film stars Will Ferrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Dustin Hoffman, and Emma Thompson.
These are just a few of the many great accounting movies that have been made. These films provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of finance, and they can also be entertaining and thought-provoking.