FX.co ★ Five films about billionaires: stories inspired by real events

Pirates of Silicon Valley

Pirates of Silicon Valley (1999) tells the story of two visionaries who transformed the world of technology: Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. The film chronicles their journey from early garage experiments to founding Apple and Microsoft—companies that became icons of the digital revolution. Based on the book Fire in the Valley, the film is notable for its documentary-like accuracy in recreating key episodes, from the creation of the first Apple computer to Microsoft’s deal with IBM that reshaped the market forever.

The Social Network

The Social Network (2010), directed by David Fincher, follows Mark Zuckerberg’s path from a Harvard student to the founder of Facebook—one of the most influential companies of the 21st century. At the heart of the plot is the creation of a platform that changed global communication, along with the conflicts, betrayals, and lawsuits that accompanied its rise. The film reveals the price of building the billionaire’s digital empire and how personal ambition intertwines with high-stakes business.

The Wolf of Wall Street

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), directed by Martin Scorsese, is based on the memoir of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who, in the 1990s, built a multimillion-dollar empire by mixing financial fraud with unrestrained luxury. The film vividly portrays Belfort’s meteoric rise and dramatic fall, from an ambitious newcomer to a symbol of Wall Street greed. Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a powerhouse performance in the lead role.

The Founder

The Founder (2016) is a drama based on the true story behind the rise of McDonald’s. It tells the tale of Ray Kroc—a salesman who spotted an opportunity in the small family-run restaurant of the McDonald brothers and turned it into a global franchise. It is a story of persistence, business acumen, and tough decisions that built a multibillion-dollar empire and reshaped the global food industry. Michael Keaton delivers an outstanding performance as Kroc.

Billionaire Boys Club

Billionaire Boys Club (2018) is based on real events in 1980s Los Angeles. The plot centers on a group of young financiers determined to become wealthy through high-risk investment schemes. Their venture promises quick wealth and a life of luxury, but gradually spirals into a series of disastrous consequences. The film shows how greed for easy money and deception can destroy lives and lead to tragedy.