21 Best Movies Accountants Must Watch in 2024

If you’re like me and love movies that connect to your profession, you’re in the right place!

I’ve rounded up the 21 Best Movies Accountants Must Watch in 2024, featuring everything from high-stakes dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies.

These films put accountants in the spotlight, showcasing just how crucial our skills can be—whether it’s unraveling corporate fraud or managing finances with finesse.

So, if you’re ready for a movie marathon that will entertain and inspire, grab some snacks and dive into this list!

1. Inside Job (2010)

Director: Charles Ferguson

Genre: Documentary/Drama

This Academy Award-winning movie by Charles Ferguson is a documentary on the financial crisis 2008. It is a detailed examination of the circumstances that led to the economy’s slowdown, due to which millions of US citizens lost their jobs and houses.

This documentary covers the financial condition of the US and many other countries, such as China and Iceland, impacted by this global recession.

Accountants will appreciate the film’s detailed breakdown of credit default swaps, collateralized debt obligations, and other financial products that played pivotal roles in the disaster.

IMDB – 8.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes – 98%

2. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Director: Frank Darabont
Main Cast: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton
Genre: Drama, Crime
IMDB Rating: 9.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%

Story Summary: Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a banker wrongly convicted of murder, spends nearly two decades in Shawshank Prison. Despite his incarceration, he becomes an invaluable asset to the prison administration through his financial expertise. He helps Warden Norton (Bob Gunton) launder money by setting up elaborate financial schemes, using his banking knowledge to create fraudulent accounts.

Over time, Andy transforms his life in prison by creating a library and helping fellow inmates earn GEDs. He secretly plans his escape while playing a crucial role in Shawshank’s operations. His intelligence and perseverance ultimately lead to his freedom, proving that even in the darkest circumstances, hope can prevail.

Notable Scene:

One notable scene shows Andy offering tax-saving advice to a prison guard, which starts his journey toward becoming Shawshank’s financial fixer. His knowledge of the tax code saves the guard money and wins Andy favor, allowing him to survive in the harsh prison environment.
Watch the trailer here.

IMDB – 9.3/10

Rotten Tomatoes – 90%

3. The Big Short (2015)

Director: Adam McKay

Genre: Drama/Comedy drama

An Academy Award-winning film, “The Big Short” explores the events leading up to the 2008 financial crisis and the individuals who saw it coming.

Based on a real incident, “The Big Short” delves into the complexities of the housing market collapse and how a few brilliant minds recognized the impending disaster. It’s an insightful and educational journey into the world of finance.

IMDB – 7.8/10

Rotten Tomatoes – 89%

4. Margin Call (2011)

Director: J. C. Chandor

Genre: Drama/Indie film

Margin Call offers a gripping narrative that occurs within 24 hours at a Wall Street investment bank during the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis.

The film delves into the moral and ethical dilemmas financial professionals face as they navigate the financial storm. It provides an intense, behind-the-scenes look at high-stakes finance.

IMDB – 7.1/10

Rotten Tomatoes – 87%

5. The Untouchables (1987)

Director: Brian De Palma
Main Cast: Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Robert De Niro
Genre: Crime, Drama
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 83%

Story Summary:

Set during Prohibition, Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) is tasked with bringing down the infamous Chicago mob boss Al Capone (Robert De Niro). As Capone’s criminal empire expands, Ness realizes that Capone’s downfall lies not in his violent actions but in his financial dealings. Alongside his team of “Untouchables,” Ness relies on accountant Oscar Wallace (Charles Martin Smith) to trace the money trail and build a case against Capone.

The film blends action, drama, and historical events, capturing the dangerous world of organized crime in 1930s America. As the team fights corruption and violence, they uncover the financial secrets that eventually lead to Capone’s conviction. Their perseverance and integrity stand as a symbol of justice in a world ruled by criminals.

Notable Scene:

Oscar Wallace uncovers Capone’s tax evasion, a pivotal moment that shifts the narrative. His accounting expertise proves to be more powerful than any gun, showing how financial records can bring even the most powerful criminals to justice.

6. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Director: Martin Scorsese

Genre: Drama/Crime

Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio’s relationship is said to be the most financially successful in the filmmaking industry. The legendary collaboration is back with their magic in “The Wolf of Wall Street,” directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

It is a high-octane portrayal of the excesses and scandals in stock trading and finance. While not a typical accounting movie, it provides a wild and entertaining ride through the world of finance with a healthy dose of hedonism and intrigue.

IMDB- 8.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes- 80%

7. The Accountant (2016)

Director: Gavin O’Connor
Main Cast: Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick, J.K. Simmons
Genre: Action, Thriller
IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 52%

Story Summary:

Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck) is a brilliant but introverted accountant who works for dangerous criminal organizations. As a freelance forensic accountant, Christian uncovers financial discrepancies while being pursued by the Treasury Department. However, when a robotics company hires him to audit its books, Christian discovers a larger conspiracy. This puts his life in jeopardy as he fights to protect those close to him.

Christian’s autism gives him a unique ability to analyze and solve complex financial puzzles, though it also isolates him from those around him. His troubled childhood and personal demons drive him to lead a double life—one of an accountant and another as a highly skilled assassin. His interactions with Dana Cummings (Anna Kendrick) reveal his emotional vulnerability beneath his cold exterior.

Notable Scene:

In one scene, Christian quickly uncovers millions in fraud by working through financial records in just a few hours. His intense focus and analytical skills highlight the precision and intelligence of forensic accounting.

Not just movies: Check out top TV series for CPAs and Accountants 

8. The Insider (1999)

Director: Michael Mann
Main Cast: Russell Crowe, Al Pacino, Christopher Plummer
Genre: Biography, Drama, Thriller
IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%

Story Summary:
This film is based on the true story of Jeffrey Wigand (Russell Crowe), a whistleblower in the tobacco industry. Wigand, an accountant-turned-research scientist, works for a major tobacco company before exposing their malpractices on a famous TV interview. His role as a former insider gives him the credibility to reveal the company’s dangerous secrets.

The story delves deep into corporate greed and cover-ups, with Wigand struggling to protect his family and career while doing the right thing. His integrity makes him a target of corporate espionage and personal threats.

Notable Scene:

One key scene involves Wigand analyzing company financial documents and reports, which highlights the unethical business practices of the tobacco industry. His accountant skills provide the evidence needed to confront the company’s illegal activities.

9. In Debt We Trust: America Before the Bubble Bursts (2006)

Director: Danny Schechter

Genre: Documentary/Political cinema

This documentary by Danny Schechter is an insight into the American economy. It covers the economic and political policies that transformed the US economy, from manufacturing to dependency on borrowed money and time, eventually leading to massive debt.

The movie also shows the long-term effects of this debt that might lead to the collapse of the entire economy. It also raises ethical questions about the financial industry’s practices and the responsibility of accountants and financial professionals in ensuring ethical financial decision-making.

IMDB- 7.3/10

Rotten Tomatoes- 80%

10. Midnight Run (1988)

Director: Martin Brest

Genre: Action/Comedy

This film series by Martin Brest is the story of a furious hunter named Jack Walsh chasing his accountant, Jonathan Mardukas, who stole $15 million from him and skipped out on a $450,000 bail posted for him.

The entire movie is a chase between the two in a comical way. And in the end, both end in a much better position than where they started.

IMDB- 7.5/10

Rotten Tomatoes- 96%

11. Stranger Than Fiction (2006)

Director: Marc Forster

Genre: Drama/Comedy

This film is classified as a dramedy in which the story revolves around Harold Crick, an accountant. He loves numbers and has a habit of involving counting, even in everyday tasks like brushing. The movie introduces a novelist with unfinished writing, wherein Harold is portrayed as the protagonist.

It teaches the viewers about how living one’s life to the fullest is crucial and there is much more in the world than just number-crunching.

IMDB- 7.5/10

Rotten Tomatoes- 73%

12. Changing Lanes (2002)

• Director: Roger Michell
• Main Cast: Ben Affleck, Samuel L. Jackson
• Genre: Drama, Thriller
• IMDB Rating: 6.5/10
• Rotten Tomatoes: 77%

Story Summary:

Lawyer Gavin Banek (Ben Affleck) and insurance salesman Doyle Gipson (Samuel L. Jackson) are involved in a minor car accident that spirals into a day of escalating tension and conflict. Gavin’s rush to court causes him to leave a vital legal file at the scene, sparking a battle of wills between the two men. Their personal and professional lives unravel as they engage in a dangerous game of revenge.

Gavin’s life revolves around his high-pressure law career, but the lost file—a key piece of evidence in a multi-million-dollar case—forces him to confront his moral compass. Meanwhile, Doyle’s struggles with his personal and financial issues create a perfect storm, making the confrontation more than just a legal battle.

Notable Scene:

The pivotal moment comes when Gavin realizes that losing the legal document could cost him his career. His frantic efforts to recover the file showcase how even simple financial paperwork can lead to catastrophic consequences.

13. The Firm (1993)

• Director: Sydney Pollack
• Main Cast: Tom Cruise, Gene Hackman, Jeanne Tripplehorn
• Genre: Drama, Thriller
• IMDB Rating: 6.8/10
• Rotten Tomatoes: 76%

Story Summary:

Mitch McDeere (Tom Cruise) is a young lawyer who joins a prestigious Memphis law firm with a dark secret. The firm lures Mitch with promises of wealth and power, but he soon discovers that the firm is deeply involved in illegal activities, including money laundering. As Mitch uncovers the firm’s secrets, he must decide whether to expose them and risk his life or become complicit in their crimes.

The tension builds as Mitch becomes entangled in the firm’s web of corruption, realizing that his every move is being watched. His struggle to protect his family while upholding his morals creates a suspenseful narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Notable Scene:

Mitch’s discovery of the firm’s financial records and money laundering schemes sets the plot in motion. His accounting skills play a pivotal role in unraveling the firm’s illegal activities, putting him at odds with the powerful forces within the organization.

14. Wall Street (1987)

• Director: Oliver Stone
• Main Cast: Michael Douglas, Charlie Sheen, Daryl Hannah
• Genre: Drama, Crime
• IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
• Rotten Tomatoes: 79%

Story Summary:

Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen), an ambitious young stockbroker, gets entangled in the ruthless world of corporate finance under the mentorship of the unscrupulous corporate raider, Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas). Gekko’s “greed is good” mantra seduces Bud into unethical practices that eventually lead to his moral dilemma.

As Bud rises in wealth and status, he becomes increasingly aware of the devastating impact of his actions on others, including his own father. He is eventually forced to choose between personal integrity and a life of greed and corruption.

Notable Scene:

The scene where Gekko delivers his iconic “Greed is good” speech at a shareholder meeting encapsulates the ethos of Wall Street during the 1980s. Bud’s growing disillusionment with this mantra is a central point of the story.

15. Boiler Room (2000)

• Director: Ben Younger
• Main Cast: Giovanni Ribisi, Vin Diesel, Nia Long
• Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
• IMDB Rating: 7/10
• Rotten Tomatoes: 66%

Story Summary:

Seth Davis (Giovanni Ribisi), a college dropout, becomes a stockbroker at a corrupt brokerage firm that preys on investors by selling them worthless stock. The firm’s shady dealings quickly make Seth successful, but his rise comes with a moral cost.

Seth’s ethical crisis begins when he uncovers the firm’s fraudulent practices. The deeper he gets, the more conflicted he becomes between staying loyal to the firm and doing the right thing. His journey shows how financial pressure can blur moral lines.

Notable Scene:

Seth’s realization that the firm is running a pump-and-dump scheme, where he uses his accounting skills to trace the fraud, is a key turning point. His conscience leads him to eventually turn against the firm.

16. Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Director: Steven Spielberg
Main Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken
Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%

Story Summary:

Based on a true story, Frank Abagnale Jr. (Leonardo DiCaprio) successfully impersonates an airline pilot, doctor, and lawyer, but it’s his role as a master forger that gets him into trouble with the FBI. He amasses millions through check fraud while being pursued by FBI agent Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks).

Frank’s ability to manipulate financial records and forge checks makes him one of the most notorious criminals of the 1960s. His charm, quick thinking, and mastery over numbers allow him to stay one step ahead of the law.

Notable Scene:

One of the most memorable scenes involves Frank using his knowledge of bank systems to create fraudulent checks, manipulating accounting details to stay ahead of the authorities. His brilliance with numbers is what makes him so elusive.

17. Schindler’s List (1993)

Director: Steven Spielberg
Main Cast: Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes
Genre: Biography, Drama, History
IMDB Rating: 9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%

Story Summary:

This poignant film follows the true story of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), a German businessman who saves over a thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. Schindler uses his connections and finances to bribe Nazi officials and keep his workers safe from concentration camps.

Schindler’s transformation from a war profiteer to a selfless humanitarian is heart-wrenching. His ability to navigate finances and business relationships becomes instrumental in his efforts to protect his workers, known as “Schindlerjuden.”

Notable Scene:

A powerful scene depicts Schindler using his accountant, Itzhak Stern (Ben Kingsley), to falsify company records, listing the Jewish workers as “essential.” This act of financial manipulation is what keeps many of them alive.

18. The Big Short (2015)

Director: Adam McKay
Main Cast: Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling
Genre: Biography, Comedy, Drama
IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%

Story Summary:

Based on true events, “The Big Short” follows a group of investors who predicted the 2008 financial crisis caused by the housing bubble. Each uses their unique expertise to exploit the coming market crash and profit from the impending economic collapse.

Through a combination of humor and drama, the film explores the complex world of Wall Street finance, where greed and negligence result in widespread economic disaster. The protagonists, though benefiting from the collapse, are deeply aware of the human cost of financial corruption.

Notable Scene:

In a critical scene, Michael Burry (Christian Bale) discovers the housing bubble by analyzing the accounting data of mortgage-backed securities. His deep dive into financial records reveals the impending collapse of the market.

19. The Other Guys (2010)

Director: Adam McKay
Main Cast: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Steve Coogan
Genre: Comedy, Action
IMDB Rating: 6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 78%

Story Summary:

The movie centers around two unlikely police detectives, Allen Gamble (Will Ferrell), a mild-mannered forensic accountant, and Terry Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg), a hot-tempered detective. They’re forced to work together to take down a wealthy CEO involved in fraudulent accounting schemes that have massive financial implications.

Allen’s accounting background plays a key role in helping them uncover the fraud. Through hilarious twists and action-packed sequences, the movie mixes police comedy with financial crime, showcasing the importance of understanding accounting even in law enforcement.

Notable Scene:

One of the key moments shows Allen Gamble identifying suspicious financial discrepancies in the company’s books, which eventually helps expose a major corporate fraud. His accounting expertise drives the investigation forward.

20. Office Space (1999)

Director: Mike Judge
Main Cast: Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston, David Herman
Genre: Comedy
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 80%

Story Summary:

“Office Space” revolves around the frustrations of Peter Gibbons (Ron Livingston), an office worker trapped in a dead-end job at a soulless software company. Fed up with his monotonous life, Peter and his colleagues plot to steal money from the company by manipulating its accounting software to divert small amounts of money into their personal accounts.

The movie is a satirical take on the frustrations of office culture, corporate incompetence, and the drudgery of 9-to-5 jobs. Peter’s decision to cheat the system reflects his deeper dissatisfaction with life and work.

Notable Scene:

One pivotal scene shows the team writing a computer program to embezzle small fractions of pennies. Though they believe the changes are untraceable, an accounting error results in an unexpected amount of stolen funds, which complicates their scheme.

21. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)

Director: Alex Gibney
Main Cast: Peter Coyote (Narrator), John Beard, Tim Belden
Genre: Documentary, Crime
IMDB Rating: 7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%

Story Summary:

This documentary chronicles the rise and fall of the Enron Corporation, one of the largest corporate scandals in U.S. history. It delves into the fraudulent accounting practices that led to Enron’s bankruptcy in 2001. The film exposes how Enron executives manipulated financial statements, creating an illusion of profitability while hiding massive debts.

The film also explores the devastating impact the collapse had on employees, shareholders, and the broader economy, providing a comprehensive overview of corporate greed and ethical mismanagement.

Notable Scene:

A key moment shows how Enron’s accounting tricks, like using “special purpose entities” to hide debt, ultimately led to its downfall. The film highlights how accountants and executives played a central role in the fraudulent activity.

That’s not the end

In addition to the movies listed above, there are a number of other movies that accountants may find interesting and informative. These include:

• Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005) By Alex Gibney
• Too Big to Fail (2011) By Curtis Hanson
• Glengarry Glen Ross (1992) By James Foley
• Working Girl (1988) By Mike Nichols
• Office Space (1999) By Mike Judge
• Up in the Air (2009) By Jason Reitman
• The Social Network (2010) By David Fincher
• The Founder (2016) By John Lee Hancock

Lights, Camera, Finance: Unwind with These Movies

Movies have the power to shed light on the multifaceted and captivating world of accounting, finance, and the ethical dilemmas that financial professionals may encounter.  

Whether you’re an accountant, a finance enthusiast, or simply intrigued by the complexities of the financial world, these films offer entertainment and valuable insights. They provide a unique lens through which to explore the intriguing, diverse, and sometimes controversial aspects of finance, making them a great addition to your watchlist.  

Accounting professionals’ lives are entirely of everyday hustle and deadlines. Therefore, it is crucial to take a break from daily tasks. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and embark on a cinematic and episodic journey through the financial world.