10 Must-See Documentaries and Movies Based on True Stories in M&A, Private Equity, and Venture Capital

Topic: Lists Reading Time: 7 min

When it comes to learning about complex business topics such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity (PE), and venture capital (VC), textbooks and case studies are often the go-to resources. However, there’s a growing appreciation for the way films and documentaries based on true stories can provide a deeper, more engaging perspective on these subjects. Movies and documentaries not only make the learning experience more enjoyable, but they also humanize the intricate world of finance by showing the people behind the numbers, the stakes, and the emotional rollercoaster that often comes with high-stakes financial deals.

In this article, we will explore 10 must-see documentaries and movies that provide fascinating insights into M&A, private equity, and venture capital. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the world of finance, these films offer both entertainment and educational value.

Why Documentaries and Movies Can Be Both Fun and Useful

It may seem like watching a movie isn’t the most productive way to learn about finance. However, films based on true stories offer a visual and emotional component that can make business concepts easier to grasp. Documentaries, in particular, allow viewers to hear directly from those involved in major financial events, providing invaluable first-hand insights that are difficult to find elsewhere.

For seasoned professionals, these films serve as a reminder of the complexities of the industry, reinforcing lessons learned over years of experience. For novices, they provide an entry point into the world of high finance, offering a foundational understanding of concepts like corporate takeovers, equity deals, and startup investments. In both cases, these films are not only fun to watch, but they also leave viewers with valuable takeaways.

Now, let’s dive into our list of 10 must-see documentaries and movies that cover real-life stories in the fields of M&A, private equity, and venture capital.

1. “The Big Short” (2015)

• Director: Adam McKay
• Length: 130 minutes
• Stars: Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt
• IMDB Score: 7.8/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%

Based on Michael Lewis’s best-selling book, “The Big Short” delves into the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on a group of investors who bet against the subprime mortgage market. While not directly about M&A, the film highlights the intricacies of financial markets and the role that various forms of capital play in global economics. The film’s sharp wit and complex subject matter make it a must-watch for anyone interested in the dynamics of financial markets, including mergers and acquisitions.

2. “Barbarians at the Gate” (1993)

• Director: Glenn Jordan
• Length: 107 minutes
• Stars: James Garner, Jonathan Pryce, Peter Riegert
• IMDB Score: 7.3/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 80%

“Barbarians at the Gate” tells the story of the leveraged buyout (LBO) of RJR Nabisco, which was one of the largest buyouts of its time. The film offers a behind-the-scenes look at the often ruthless world of private equity and corporate takeovers, showing how personalities and ambitions can drive financial decisions. For those wanting a deeper understanding of LBOs, this movie offers an entertaining and educational ride through the mechanics of private equity deals.

3. “Startup.com” (2001)

• Directors: Chris Hegedus and Jehane Noujaim
• Length: 107 minutes
• IMDB Score: 7.1/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

This documentary follows the rise and fall of the dot-com startup, govWorks, offering an inside look at the trials and tribulations of founding and running a tech company in the late 1990s. The film covers various aspects of venture capital, including fundraising, investor relations, and the pressures that come with rapid growth. It’s a great introduction to the world of VC for novices, as it illustrates both the potential rewards and risks involved in early-stage investing.

4. “Something Ventured” (2011)

• Directors: Dan Geller, Dayna Goldfine
• Length: 84 minutes
• IMDB Score: 7.0/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%

“Something Ventured” chronicles the rise of venture capital in Silicon Valley, featuring interviews with early investors in companies like Apple, Intel, and Cisco. The documentary offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of venture capital, showing how these investors helped shape the technology industry as we know it today. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the origins of modern VC and its ongoing impact on innovation.

5. “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room” (2005)

• Director: Alex Gibney
• Length: 110 minutes
• IMDB Score: 7.6/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%

This documentary tells the story of the Enron scandal, one of the largest corporate bankruptcies in U.S. history, which involved fraudulent accounting practices and manipulation of financial statements. While not focused on M&A, the film is a stark reminder of the importance of due diligence and ethical leadership in corporate finance. For those involved in private equity or venture capital, the lessons from Enron are invaluable, especially when it comes to evaluating financial transparency in potential deals.

6. “Inside Job” (2010)

• Director: Charles Ferguson
• Length: 109 minutes
• IMDB Score: 8.2/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%

This Academy Award-winning documentary explores the causes and consequences of the 2008 global financial crisis, examining the role of deregulation, investment banking, and conflicts of interest within the financial system. The film provides valuable insights into the regulatory environment that affects M&A and private equity deals, making it a critical watch for anyone in the finance industry.

7. “Rogue Trader” (1999)

• Director: James Dearden
• Length: 101 minutes
• Stars: Ewan McGregor, Anna Friel
• IMDB Score: 6.4/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 30%

Based on the true story of Nick Leeson, a rogue trader who caused the collapse of Barings Bank, “Rogue Trader” is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked risk-taking in financial markets. While the movie focuses more on individual trading, the lessons about corporate oversight, risk management, and the consequences of financial misconduct are directly applicable to M&A and private equity, where due diligence and risk assessment are critical.

8. “The China Hustle” (2017)

• Director: Jed Rothstein
• Length: 84 minutes
• IMDB Score: 7.2/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%

This documentary uncovers a massive fraud involving Chinese companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges through reverse mergers. The film is a gripping exposé of how foreign companies can exploit loopholes in U.S. regulations to mislead investors. For anyone interested in cross-border M&A or venture capital in emerging markets, “The China Hustle” offers valuable lessons on the risks and pitfalls of international finance.

9. “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps” (2010)

• Director: Oliver Stone
• Length: 133 minutes
• Stars: Michael Douglas, Shia LaBeouf, Josh Brolin
• IMDB Score: 6.2/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 55%

This sequel to the iconic 1987 film “Wall Street” follows Gordon Gekko’s return to the financial world after serving a prison sentence for insider trading. The film touches on the 2008 financial crisis, M&A, and the moral dilemmas faced by those in high finance. Though fictionalized, it offers insights into the complexities of mergers and acquisitions, particularly the ethical considerations that professionals must navigate.

10. “Too Big to Fail” (2011)

• Director: Curtis Hanson
• Length: 99 minutes
• Stars: William Hurt, Paul Giamatti, Billy Crudup
• IMDB Score: 7.3/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 77%

“Too Big to Fail” dramatizes the events of the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on the role that government intervention played in saving major financial institutions from collapse. The film provides an insider’s look at the discussions and negotiations that took place behind closed doors, shedding light on how M&A and private equity deals can be affected by broader economic conditions.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of M&A, private equity, or venture capital or simply want an engaging watch, these 10 films provide a mix of educational value and entertainment. By telling true stories of financial triumphs and failures, these documentaries and movies offer unique perspectives on the challenges and opportunities within the world of high finance.

What are your favorite finance-related movies or documentaries? Did we miss any that you think should have made the list? Let us know in the comments!