The Big Short (2015)
Adam McKay's razor-sharp financial satire about the reckless greed that brought the global economy to its knees.
The Big Short - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Big Short
- Release Year: 2015
- Directed by: Adam McKay
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 11m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 23, 2015 (Canada - R), December 23, 2015 (United States - R), January 22, 2016 (United Kingdom - 15), January 14, 2016 (Germany - 6), December 23, 2015 (France - TP), January 22, 2016 (India), January 14, 2016 (New Zealand - M), January 14, 2016 (Australia - M), January 14, 2016 (Brazil - 14), January 8, 2016 (Mexico), January 7, 2016 (Italy), January 22, 2016 (Spain - 7), January 21, 2016 (South Korea - 19)
- Alternative Titles: Chớp Thời Cơ (VN), The Big Short 2015 (JP), 뷉 소트 (KR), Suur Vale (EE), The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine (US), La grande scommessa (IT)
- Production Companies: Paramount Pictures, Regency Enterprises, Plan B Entertainment
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Big Short - Plot
The men who made millions from a global economic meltdown.
The Big Short - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the audacious bet that shook Wall Street:
This is a true story.
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The Big Short - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Adam McKay
Main Cast
- Steve Carell
- Christian Bale
- Ryan Gosling
- Brad Pitt
- Marisa Tomei
- Melissa Leo
- Hamish Linklater
- John Magaro
- Rafe Spall
- Jeremy Strong
Writers
- Adam McKay
- Charles Randolph
Producers
- Jeremy Kleiner
- Arnon Milchan
- Brad Pitt
- Dede Gardner
The Big Short - FAQs
Is The Big Short based on a true story?
Yes, The Big Short is based on a true story. It adapts Michael Lewis's 2010 non-fiction book of the same name, chronicling real investors — including Michael Burry, Mark Baum, and Jared Vennett — who foresaw the 2007–2008 financial crisis and profited by betting against the U.S. housing market.
Why does The Big Short break the fourth wall?
Director Adam McKay deliberately uses fourth-wall breaks, celebrity cameos, and pop-culture explainers to make complex financial concepts accessible and entertaining. Characters address the camera directly, while figures like Margot Robbie and Anthony Bourdain appear to explain mortgage-backed securities and collateralized debt obligations in plain, often humorous terms.
Who are the main actors in The Big Short?
The Big Short features an acclaimed ensemble cast including Christian Bale as eccentric hedge fund manager Michael Burry, Steve Carell as the morally conflicted Mark Baum, Ryan Gosling as slick banker Jared Vennett, and Brad Pitt as retired trader Ben Rickert, alongside Marisa Tomei, Melissa Leo, and Jeremy Strong.
Did The Big Short win any awards?
The Big Short won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for Adam McKay and Charles Randolph at the 88th Oscars. The film received five nominations in total, including Best Picture and Best Director. It also won the BAFTA for Best Adapted Screenplay and earned numerous critics' circle awards.
Where can I stream The Big Short?
The Big Short is available to stream on Paramount Plus Essential. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, JustWatch TV, and Plex. Free streaming options include Kanopy and Hoopla, depending on your library membership.
What is The Big Short about?
The Big Short follows a group of unconventional investors and outsiders who recognized the catastrophic instability of the U.S. housing market before the 2008 financial crisis and placed massive bets against it. The film blends dark comedy with biting social critique, exposing the reckless greed and systemic fraud that triggered a global economic collapse.
What is the age rating for The Big Short?
The Big Short is rated R in the United States. The rating reflects the film's strong language throughout, brief sexual content, and drug use. It is intended for adult audiences. In the United Kingdom it carries a 15 certificate, and in South Korea it is rated 19 and above.
How long is The Big Short?
The Big Short has a runtime of 2 hours and 11 minutes (131 minutes). Despite its complex subject matter, the film moves at a brisk, energetic pace thanks to Adam McKay's unconventional direction, Hank Corwin's frenetic editing style, and the film's frequent use of humor and direct-address sequences.
More About The Big Short
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