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Oliver Stone’s Wall Street immortalized the phrase 'greed is good,' but cinema often delights in portraying the opposite. Countless films depict greedy characters facing consequences for their avarice, offering a stark contrast to the complexities of real life. In American capitalism, wealth often flows from the less fortunate to the already affluent, who then use their resources to influence politics, dismantle regulations, and weaken labor unions. While greed may not be virtuous, it certainly pays off. One can only hope that the wealthy feel a twinge of guilt as they indulge in their extravagant lifestyles. As Citizen Kane’s Mr. Bernstein wisely noted, '...it’s no trick to make a lot of money...if all you want to do is make a lot of money.' Perhaps the silver lining is that immense wealth doesn’t necessarily equate to an interesting life. Here’s a curated list of films exploring how greed can corrupt the human spirit.
Double Indemnity (1948)
Film noir thrives on the idea that greed inevitably leads to downfall. During Hollywood’s golden age, the Motion Picture Production Code ensured that crime in movies was always punished, pushing filmmakers to craft compelling narratives around morally ambiguous characters. In Double Indemnity, Barbara Stanwyck portrays Phyllis Dietrichson, who conspires with insurance salesman Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray) to take out a life insurance policy on her husband. While the stakes may seem modest—$50,000—their motives are equally shallow: she seeks financial gain, and he’s driven by lust. The film’s conclusion serves as a chilling reminder that greed and betrayal are a dangerous combination.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
Blake (Alec Baldwin), a ruthless real estate broker, delivers a chilling mantra: 'Only one thing counts in this life...' His philosophy revolves around the art of persuasion, even if it means exploiting clients’ vulnerabilities. In this David Mamet masterpiece, Blake confronts a desperate group of salesmen, warning that only two will survive impending layoffs. Their survival hinges on outmaneuvering colleagues and selling dubious properties to unsuspecting buyers. Glengarry Glen Ross serves as a stark portrayal of cutthroat capitalism, where the top echelons profit by pitting everyone else against each other. By the film’s end, the system’s inherent cruelty leaves only the elite unscathed.
Where to stream: Fubo, Showtime Anytime, Hoopla, Kanopy
Citizen Kane (1941)
Orson Welles’ Charles Foster Kane, inspired by media tycoon William Randolph Hearst, begins with noble aspirations. Inheriting a fortune, he launches a newspaper committed to ethical journalism. However, as his wealth and influence grow, Kane’s principles erode. Surrounded by yes-men and fleeting relationships, he becomes increasingly isolated. Despite amassing immense power, Kane finds no fulfillment, ultimately realizing that his riches cannot replace the simple joys of his youth. His journey from idealism to disillusionment unfolds as a poignant, Shakespearean tragedy, devoid of physical violence but rich in emotional depth.
Where to stream: HBO Max
There Will Be Blood (2007)
Two iconic films that delve into the depths of American greed: Citizen Kane chronicles a man’s ascent to wealth alongside the erosion of his humanity, while There Will Be Blood introduces Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis), a man seemingly devoid of a soul from the start. Paul Thomas Anderson’s film stands as one of the most bleak and unflinchingly cynical depictions of avarice ever created. It doesn’t merely explore how greed corrupts but suggests that for some, wealth has no soul to corrupt. Is this insatiable hunger for more an inherent human trait—a natural force rather than a moral failing? The question offers a sobering explanation for much of human behavior.
Where to stream: Netflix, Paramount+, Hoopla
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
Humphrey Bogart’s character in Sierra Madre is far from heroic; he once described him as 'the worst shit you ever saw,' and the film proves it. Starting with a brutal assault on his boss and ending in murder, Fred C. Dobbs embarks on a perilous journey for treasure, descending into moral decay. Along the way, he discovers his capacity for cruelty as he stops at nothing to secure his share of Mexican gold. As another character observes, acquiring wealth is one thing—holding onto it is the true challenge.
Where to stream: Fubo
Wall Street (1987)
Michael Douglas’ Gordon Gekko is a magnetic yet ultimately shallow antagonist. While the film’s moral stance—pitting integrity against the allure of quick riches—is straightforward, Gekko’s charisma captivated audiences. A composite of real-life figures, many of whom faced legal consequences, Gekko became an unlikely symbol of the 1980s’ fast-paced, high-stakes lifestyle. The infamous line 'greed is good' is often quoted without irony, underscoring the seductive power of wealth.
Where to stream: HBO Max
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Martin Scorsese’s film refuses to offer easy moral judgments, presenting a lengthy yet riveting tale of deeply flawed individuals. Leonardo DiCaprio embodies Jordan Belfort, a real-life figure who manipulated the stock market, profiting from the losses of unsuspecting investors. The film follows Belfort and his associates as they navigate one reckless scheme after another, blurring the line between admiration and disgust. Scorsese masterfully exposes the darker side of capitalism, where exploiting others for profit is both glamorized and normalized, leaving viewers to question their own moral boundaries.
Where to stream: Paramount+, Pluto TV
New Jack City (1991)
Mario Van Peebles’ gritty crime drama features Wesley Snipes as Nino Brown, a ruthless drug lord who transforms a New York City apartment complex into a hub for his illicit empire. Nino embodies greed, showing no remorse as his actions devastate the community. The film’s strength lies in its unflinching portrayal of the human cost of his ambition, culminating in a controversial yet impactful conclusion that questions the efficacy of the legal system in delivering true justice.
Where to stream: The Roku Channel
The Social Network (2010)
A Simple Plan (1998)
This often-overlooked Sam Raimi neo-noir quickly establishes its central dilemma: Hank Mitchell (Bill Paxton), a diligent family man from Minnesota, firmly believes that the American Dream is earned through hard work, not dishonesty. However, his principles crumble when he stumbles upon a fortune in a crashed plane. Like the finest noir tales, the story explores how greed, poor choices, and misfortune intertwine, making it eerily relatable. Who wouldn’t be tempted by the prospect of life-altering wealth? While real-life outcomes are unpredictable, the film’s moral clarity leaves no doubt: some treasures are better left untouched.
Where to stream: Max Go
