The Dean's List: Top Five Movies with Economics Applications

Economic principles are all around us, even within movies. Sandeep Mazumder, PhD, the William E. Crenshaw Endowed Dean of the Hankamer School of Business, shares his top five movies with economics applications. 

5. Rogue Trader

This movie takes a look at derivatives trader Nick Leeson and how he covered up his financial losses in a way that was ruinous to his employer, Barings Bank. This case study is a good way to teach students what financial market options are. 

4. Too Big to Fail

A recreation of some of the major players involved with the financial crash of 2008. This movie is aided by some top-class actors who are cast in a variety of roles.  

3. Moneyball

A fun movie depicting how statistics and econometrics can be applied to sports in order to find undervalued athletes. And who doesn’t like a good underdog story? 

2. The Wizard of Oz 

This story is considered by some economists to be an allegory of the Gold Standard. The yellow brick road represents the return to the Gold Standard, the Tin Man represents industry, the Scarecrow stands in for farmers and the Cowardly Lion is William Jennings Bryan. In the book, Dorothy’s shoes are silver, representing the Bimetallic Standard.  

1. It’s a Wonderful Life

I have shown the scene from Bailey Building & Loan numerous times to my money and banking students to show them what a bank run might look like in action.