Is Wall Street Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Wall Street is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 126 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Wall Street Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1987, Wall Street emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A young and impatient stockbroker is willing to do anything to get to the top, including trading on illegal inside information taken through a ruthless and greedy corporate raider, whom takes the youth under his wing. Unlike standard genre fare, Wall Street attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Wall Street features a noteworthy lineup led by Michael Douglas . Supported by the likes of Charlie Sheen and Martin Sheen , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Wall Street (1987) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.2/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Wall Street Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Wall Street is a Crime, Drama film that delves into the criminal underworld with gritty realism and moral complexity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. A young and impatient stockbroker is willing to do anything to get to the top, including trading on illegal inside information taken through a ruthless and greedy corporate raider, whom takes the youth under his wing. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Thematic Depth
The film operates on multiple levels, using its genre framework to explore deeper themes about human nature, society, and the choices that define us.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Solid execution of genre conventions
- Engaging moments that showcase the filmmakers' vision
- Competent performances from the cast
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Some narrative choices that feel predictable
- Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act
Wall Street Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Wall Street resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to crime resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Wall Street reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Wall Street Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Wall Street incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Wall Street adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Wall Street?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Wall Street Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $15.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $43.9M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Wall Street Budget
The estimated production budget for Wall Street is $15.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Wall Street
- Michael Douglas – Gordon Gekko
- Charlie Sheen – Bud Fox
- Martin Sheen – Carl Fox
- Daryl Hannah – Darien Taylor
- John C. McGinley – Marvin
Top Highlights
Michael DouglasGordon Gekko
Charlie SheenBud Fox
Martin SheenCarl Fox
Daryl HannahDarien Taylor
John C. McGinleyMarvin
Hal HolbrookLou Mannheim
Sean YoungKate Gekko
Terence StampSir Larry Wildman
James SpaderRoger Barnes
Lauren TomLady Broker
Where to Watch Wall Street Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Google Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
Wall Street is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.2/10, and global collection metrics, Wall Street stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1987 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wall Street movie hit or flop?
Wall Street is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.2/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Crime, Drama movies.
Is Wall Street worth watching?
Yes, Wall Street is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Crime, Drama cinema.
Where can I watch Wall Street online?
Wall Street may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for Wall Street
If there were ever to be a film to demonstrate to youngsters the toxic effects of greed on someone then you'd struggle to find a more apt one than this. Made at the height of the stock market boom, it tells the tale of the naive but ambitious "Bud Fox" (Charlie Sheen) who devises a get-rich-quick scheme that attracts the attention of his super-venal boss "Gekko" (a superb Michael Douglas) who treats scruples like something unpleasant he had just trodden on. What now ensues is a break-neck course in how avarice; manipulation; a certain degree of luck and loads of sheer brass neck take him from being a bit of an home boy, to living in a fancy loft apartment, bathing in champagne and alienating both his erstwhile colleagues and his working class father "Carl" (Martin Sheen). It is only when a scheme that involves that latter man's airline employer is front and centre on planet "Gekko" that the young man starts to realise what's happening and with the help of Briton "Sir Larry Wildman" (a rather too plausible Terence Stamp) changes course a little. It has a very effective supporting cast; the writing and direction from Oliver Stone is quickly paced and well focussed and the story itself shows the rat race in as true a cinematic rendition as I have ever seen. Sure, the shoulder pads and costumes have dated since 1987, but the principles of a dog-eat-dog world are just as worthy of exposure now as they were then.
'Wall Street' makes for an interesting watch, anything to do with the titular financial market is total gobbledygook to me but even I was fairly hooked throughout. The performances of Michael Douglas and Charlie Sheen are top notch, so no surprise it turns out to be very good. I would say that the pacing is not the best, it probably overstays its welcome a bit, though to be honest that's the only thing I have to list under negatives and it's not even a big one. The relatively more energetic ending does do a fair bit to quell any serious run time issues.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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