Financial Literacy Lessons From 5 Past Oscars Movies

The Oscars is arguably the biggest night in film, one of the most celebrated awards shows in the world. As Hollywood honored the best in cinema, it made me think about how movies can do more than entertain. Similar to what I wrote before about The Lord of the Rings, this article explores five critically acclaimed films from past Oscars that not only captivated audiences but serve as a masterclass in financial literacy. Whether it’s understanding economic crises, learning how to invest wisely, or recognizing the dangers of greed, the movies discussed below offer an engaging way to build and enhance financial knowledge.

Parasite (2019)

Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite is a critique of class struggle, wealth inequality, and financial survival. It follows the Kim family, a poor household living in a cramped basement, who devise a clever plan to integrate themselves into the luxurious home of the wealthy Park family. By deceiving the Parks into hiring them as private tutors, a chauffeur, and a housekeeper, the Kims begin to experience the benefits of wealth, though they remain outsiders in a society that favors the privileged.

However, their rise is built on deception, and as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that economic disparity is not just about money—it is a deeply entrenched societal structure. The film’s themes resonated worldwide, illustrating how financial survival is shaped by class struggles, access to resources, and systemic barriers. It was nominated for six Oscars and won four, including Best Director for Bong Joon-ho.

Key Financial Lessons

1. The Importance Of Adaptability
The Kim family’s ability to think quickly and adapt to changing circumstances is key to their temporary success. They recognize an opportunity when it arises and seize it through resourcefulness and manipulation.

This mirrors financial resilience, where individuals must be able to pivot in response to economic downturns, job loss, or unexpected expenses, whether it’s acquiring new skills, diversifying income sources, or finding creative solutions to financial problems. However, Parasite also warns of the dangers of relying solely on short-term fixes without a sustainable financial plan.

2. Building Wealth Requires More Than Just Luck
While the Kim family’s entry into the Park household may seem like a stroke of luck, their struggle to maintain their newfound financial security shows the limitations of relying on luck alone. Unlike the Parks, who inherit generational wealth and security, the Kims must continuously fight for every financial gain.

This highlights the idea that sustainable wealth-building is a long-term process requiring financial education, strategic planning, and disciplined money management. The film ultimately underscores the importance of long-term financial strategies, such as investing, saving, and creating multiple income streams, rather than depending on short-term windfalls or opportunistic gains.

The Big Short (2015)

Based on Michael Lewis’ bestselling book, The Big Short tells the story of a group of investors who foresaw the 2008 financial crisis and bet against the housing market. The film follows hedge fund managers, analysts, and investors as they uncover the unstable foundation of the housing bubble.

Through clever storytelling techniques, including breaking the fourth wall and celebrity cameos explaining financial jargon, the film presents an entertaining yet shocking revelation of systemic greed and ignorance within the financial industry. The Big Short received five nominations in the 88th Oscars and won Best Adapted Screenplay for Adam McKay and Charles Randolph.

Key Financial Lessons

1. The Danger Of Speculation And Unchecked Risk
The 2008 financial crisis was fueled by reckless lending practices. Financial institutions issued risky subprime loans to unqualified borrowers, packaging them into mortgage-backed securities that were then sold to investors. This speculative frenzy created a false sense of security, masking the reality that these loans were doomed to fail.

The film (and the events of the 2008 financial crisis) serves as a stark reminder that speculation without proper risk assessment can have catastrophic consequences. As an investor, you should always evaluate the underlying value of an asset rather than blindly following trends.

2. Understanding Financial Jargon Is Essential
The complexity of financial instruments like collateralized debt obligations (CDOs) and credit default swaps (CDSs) played a crucial role in the crisis. The film goes to great lengths to explain these concepts in a way that makes them accessible to the audience.

This highlights the importance of financial literacy—many everyday investors and even industry professionals failed to grasp the full implications of these instruments. Without understanding what you’re investing in, it’s easy to fall victim to misleading financial products. The lesson here is clear: you must educate yourself before making financial commitments, whether it’s taking out a mortgage, investing in stocks, or saving for retirement.

3. Opportunities Exist For Those Who Do Their Research
While most of the financial world was blind to the looming disaster, a handful of investors who conducted independent research saw the warning signs and took action. Figures like Michael Burry (played by Christian Bale) and Mark Baum (played by Steve Carell) realized that the housing market was built on an unstable foundation and took the contrarian approach of shorting the market.

This underscores a key financial principle: those who take the time to conduct thorough research and question mainstream narratives can uncover valuable opportunities. Whether it’s spotting undervalued stocks, identifying economic bubbles, or making strategic investments, independent thinking and due diligence are crucial for financial success.

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, The Wolf of Wall Street is a high-energy, darkly comedic portrayal of excessive wealth, deception, and corruption on Wall Street. The film follows Belfort’s rapid rise from a young and ambitious stockbroker to the head of Stratton Oakmont, a brokerage firm built on fraudulent and unethical business practices. Through aggressive sales tactics, market manipulation, and a relentless pursuit of wealth, Belfort amasses an extravagant fortune—only to see it all come crashing down.

The film highlights the intoxicating power of money and the moral compromises individuals make to attain it, making it one of the most striking critiques of financial corruption in modern cinema. While it didn’t win an Academy Award, Wolf of Wall Street received five nominations, including Best Actor (Leonardo Di Caprio), Best Director (Martin Scorsese), Best Supporting Actor (Jonah Hill), Best Adapted Screenplay (Terence Winter), and Best Picture.

Key Financial Lessons

1. Beware Of Get-Rich-Quick Schemes
Throughout the film, Belfort and his team at Stratton Oakmont aggressively push penny stocks to unsuspecting investors, using persuasive and deceptive tactics. These pump-and-dump schemes artificially inflate stock prices, allowing the perpetrators to sell at a high price before the stock inevitably crashes, leaving investors with worthless shares.

This lesson remains relevant today, as financial scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and speculative trading schemes continue to exploit individuals seeking quick financial gains. When investing, you should always exercise caution and conduct independent research. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

2. Sound Investment Strategies Are Built On Transparency
Throughout the film, Belfort’s firm thrives on deception, misleading clients with exaggerated stock potentials while obscuring the true nature of their investments.

In contrast, successful long-term investors rely on clear financial disclosures, accurate reporting, and solid research before making decisions. Transparency in financial dealings builds trust, minimizes risk, and ensures regulatory compliance. Always verify financial information, seek advice from reputable sources, and avoid schemes that lack clear and honest disclosures.

Moneyball (2011)

Synopsis

Moneyball is based on the true story of Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics, who revolutionized baseball by applying data analytics to build a competitive team with a limited budget. Beane, played by Brad Pitt, uses statistical analysis to identify undervalued players, challenging traditional scouting methods and reshaping the economics of professional baseball. Moneyball did not win an Oscar but it was nominated for six categories, including Best Actor (Pitt), Best Supporting Actor (Jonah Hill), Best Adapted Screenplay (Stan Chervin, Aaron Sorkin, and Steven Zaillian), Best Film Editing (Christopher Tellefsen), Best Sound Mixing (Deb Adair, Ron Bochar, David Giammarco, and Ed Novick), and Best Picture.

Though the film focuses on sports, its core financial principles—using data to drive decisions, maximizing limited resources, and challenging conventional wisdom—are directly applicable to personal finance and investing.

Key Financial Lessons

1. Use Data To Make Financial Decisions
Instead of relying on intuition or outdated scouting reports, Beane relied on sabermetrics—data-driven analytics—to find undervalued players. This lesson applies to personal finance and investing: making decisions based on historical performance, market trends, and thorough analysis is more effective than relying on speculation or emotion.

Many investors fall into the trap of making emotional decisions based on market fluctuations rather than basing strategies on long-term data. Moneyball highlights how disciplined, data-backed decision-making can lead to better results, whether in sports, finance, or business. By prioritizing research and rational choices, you can improve your financial well-being and make smarter investments.

2. Maximizing Resources Matters More Than Having The Biggest Budget
The Oakland A’s had one of the lowest payrolls in Major League Baseball, yet they remained competitive by identifying undervalued talent. This is a perfect analogy for personal finance—financial success is not just about how much money you have, but how effectively it is managed.

Just like Beane optimized player selection with a limited budget, individuals and businesses must learn how to maximize their financial resources. This could mean cutting unnecessary expenses, investing wisely, or using financial tools that offer better returns. The key takeaway is that financial discipline, strategy, and efficiency often outweigh sheer wealth when it comes to achieving long-term financial security.

Wall Street (1987)

Considered a classic, Oliver Stone’s Wall Street is a gripping exploration of ambition, corruption, and the consequences of unchecked greed. The film follows Bud Fox (portrayed by Charlie Sheen), an ambitious young stockbroker striving to climb the ranks of Wall Street. Desperate to work with his idol, the ruthless corporate raider Gordon Gekko (played by Michael Douglas who won Best Actor), Fox manages to get his attention by providing insider information.

As Fox falls deeper under Gekko’s influence, he becomes entangled in a world of illegal trading, corporate takeovers, and ethical compromises. However, as the consequences of his actions mount, Fox is forced to confront the reality of his choices and decide what kind of businessman and person he wants to be.

Key Financial Lessons

1. Greed Can Be Destructive
Wall Street is a cautionary tale about the consequences of greed, highlighted by Gekko’s infamous line, “Greed is good.” This philosophy promotes the idea that success in the financial world requires relentless pursuit of money at all costs, a mentality that has contributed to real-world economic disasters, including corporate collapses and market crashes.

The film reminds investors and financial professionals that ethical decision-making is crucial for long-term stability and success.

2. Short-Term Gains Can Lead To Long-Term Consequences
Bud Fox’s journey illustrates how chasing short-term profits without considering long-term consequences can lead to disaster. Initially, he benefits from his association with Gekko, gaining wealth and prestige, but he soon realizes that his actions have significant ethical and legal repercussions.

This mirrors real-life financial scandals such as Enron and the 2008 financial crisis, where individuals and corporations prioritized immediate profits over everything else. Remember, financial decisions should always be evaluated for their long-term impact; shortcuts can often lead to devastating outcomes.

Final Thoughts

While this list is by no means exhaustive, it demonstrates that valuable financial lessons can be gleaned from diverse sources, even Oscars movies. From the dangers of unchecked greed to the importance of data-driven decisions and the stark realities of wealth disparity, these films illuminate crucial aspects of financial literacy.