Money Talks, Morals Walk: Finance Shows For Every Personality Type
Running out of shows to binge? You might want to check out these thought-provoking finance shows that we’ve curated.
They’re not just about fancy-schmancy financial jargon or complicated numbers that the average viewer struggles with – they’re packed with raw human emotion, and show just how far people can be pushed when faced with greed, ambition, and failure.
Read on to find out which show suits your personality best.
Succession
For drama mamas who love power struggles in a corporate setting
What it’s about: Think “Game of Thrones”, but with private jets and media moguls. “Succession” follows the ultra-rich, ultra-toxic Roy family as they fight over who gets to take over their father’s massive media empire. Expect betrayal, backstabbing, and sarcastic one-liners that will have you wondering whether these people even like each other (spoiler: they don’t).
Perfect for you if: You love corporate drama, boardroom wars and watching ridiculously rich people self-destruct in slow motion. It’s also a masterclass in killer insults (the script is gold), plus a great source of “quiet luxury” fashion inspo.
Not recommended if: You get frustrated by indecisive, morally questionable characters. Or if watching billionaires moan about their “struggles” makes your blood boil.
Makes you wonder: What does success mean when everything’s already been handed to you?
Catch it on: HBO Max
The Big Short
For those who like to geek out
What it’s about: Ever wondered what really caused the 2008 financial crisis? “The Big Short” breaks it all down – in a surprisingly entertaining way. With a star-studded cast (Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, and Margot Robbie in a bathtub explaining finance, because why not), this movie makes mortgage-backed securities almost fun to understand.
Perfect for you if: You’re curious about real-world financial scandals and love breaking down complex topics into bite-sized, digestible bits. Also great if you secretly enjoy watching big corporations crumble.
Not recommended if: You prefer character-driven stories to fact-heavy storytelling. Or if numbers and jargon make your brain shut down.
Makes you wonder: What happens when everyone sees the cracks but no one wants to speak up?
Catch it on: Disney+ or Apple TV
Billions
For all the ultra-kiasu hustlers
What it’s about: A billionaire hedge fund manager and a high-profile public prosecutor clash in an epic power struggle. Expect shady deals, legal loopholes, ethically murky decisions, and enough twists to fuel an entire stock exchange.
Perfect for you if: You love intense rivalries, mind games, and absurd chess moves in the name of money and power. A bonus if you thrive on adrenaline-pumping deal-making.
Not recommended if: You’re after something light and breezy, or prefer clear-cut good guys and bad guys. This one’s morally grey all the way.
Makes you wonder: How far would you go just to say you’ve won?
Catch it on: Netflix (Seasons 1 to 5 only)
Madoff: The Monster of Wall Street
For those convinced they’d never fall for a financial scam
What it’s about: This Netflix docuseries explores the infamous Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme – the biggest financial fraud in history. It reveals how he swindled thousands out of billions, and how the system turned a blind eye for years.
Perfect for you if: You’re fascinated by real-life fraudsters, and want to understand how white-collar crime operates on such a massive scale.
Not recommended if: You prefer fiction to fact, or if you get extremely worked up and frustrated watching people fall for obvious scams.
Makes you wonder: What happens when the system protects the scammer instead of the scammed?
Catch it on: Netflix
Margin Call
For those who crave an adrenaline rush
What it’s about: Set over 24 hours at a collapsing investment firm, “Margin Call” takes you behind closed doors to witness the “oh shit” moment when traders realise they’re about to lose everything. Unlike “The Big Short”, this one is more of a slow-burn thriller, focused on high-stakes decision-making and corporate survival.
Perfect for you if: You love movies that keep you on edge, and seeing the mechanics of a financial meltdown from the inside.
Not recommended if: You need explosions and high-energy action scenes – this one’s all talk, no car chases.
Makes you wonder: Would you choose what’s right – or what saves your job?
Catch it on: Prime Video
Industry
For anyone who’s ever dreamed of working in investment banking
What it’s about: A group of fresh grads compete for limited full-time positions at a prestigious London firm. Long hours, high stakes, and ethically questionable decisions – “Industry” doesn’t glamourise the cut-throat culture of the grind.
Perfect for you if: You love workplace dramas about politics, ambition, and survival of the fittest, and want an unflinching look at what it takes to thrive (or survive) in banking – without being in the hot seat yourself.
Not recommended if: Toxic work environments stress you out.
Makes you wonder: Is it really worth “making it” if you lose yourself in the process?
Catch it on: HBO Max
Black Monday
For troublemakers and those who root for the underdog
What it’s about: Set in the late ’80s, this chaotic dark comedy follows a ragtag group of traders who may or may not have triggered the worst stock market crash in history. It’s equal parts finance, crime, and absurdity – in shoulder pads.
Perfect for you if: You love a retro vibe and enjoying seeing misfits shake up the system – comedy included.
Not recommended if: You prefer realistic, fact-based depictions of financial history.
Makes you wonder: If we keep laughing off the past, are we just setting ourselves up for a repeat?
Catch it on: Apple TV
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