Ultimate Guide to Movies, Shows, and Books Revealing Life on Wall Street

Ultimate Guide to Movies, Shows, and Books Revealing Life on Wall Street

The Movies, Shows, and Books That Give the Best Window Into Working on Wall Street

Source: Business Insider

Introduction

Business Insider surveyed young professionals in finance to discover what movies, TV shows, and books best represent their experience working on Wall Street. Many noted that while these depictions can be entertaining, they often exaggerate the reality of their daily lives.

Top Shows Representing Wall Street

  • Industry - An HBO series showcasing the lives of junior bankers in London, often perceived as dramatized but with some relatable moments.
  • Succession - Although not about banking, this show resonates with finance professionals through its high-stress corporate dynamics.
  • Scrubs - While focused on medicine, its portrayal of a high-pressure environment parallels some finance jobs.

Notable Movies Depicting Finance

  • Margin Call - Highlights the onset of the 2008 financial crisis and effectively captures the pace of work in a bank.
  • The Wolf of Wall Street - Depicts the excesses of Wall Street life but is considered more absurd than accurate.
  • The Big Short - Chronicles the housing market crisis and offers a decent representation of financial anomalies of the time.
  • Market Wizards - A collection of interviews with top traders providing insights into the investing world.
  • Free Food for Millionaires - A novel that explores identity and belonging for a Korean-American woman on Wall Street.
  • The Man Who Solved the Market - A biography of Jim Simons that reflects the quantitative approach in finance.

Conclusion

While various media portrayals of Wall Street provide entertainment and dramatization, finance professionals emphasize that their daily experiences often involve routine tasks that are far less glamorous. Understanding the blend of fiction and reality can offer a deeper insight into the finance world.