Who said taxes are boring? Hollywood has proven time and time again that taxes can be a crucial part of a gripping plot while still providing plenty of entertainment. From IRS investigations to tax evasion schemes, these films bring the world of taxes to life in unexpected ways. Whether you’re a tax enthusiast or simply looking for an exciting movie night, here are 10 must-watch tax movies that should be on everyone’s list. Grab some popcorn and get comfy!
Catch Me If You Can
Genre: Crime/Comedy
Where to Watch: Stream on Paramount+. Rent or buy on Prime Video.
How It Involves Taxes: Frank Abagnale Sr. is under investigation by the IRS for tax fraud, which ultimately costs him his home and marriage. His son, Frank Jr., is so impacted by this that he runs away and begins using elaborate scams to survive, even forging checks and impersonating a pilot.
The Firm
Genre: Thriller/Mystery
Where to Watch: Stream on Pluto TV or Paramount+. Rent or buy on Prime Video.
How It Involves Taxes: Mitch McDeere, a tax lawyer, uncovers that his firm is involved in illegal tax evasion schemes for their wealthy clients, funneling money through offshore accounts to avoid paying taxes. This film is a tense look at tax fraud within the legal world.
The Accountant
Genre: Action/Thriller
Where to Watch: Rent or buy on Prime Video.
How It Involves Taxes: Christian Wolff is a brilliant accountant who works as a freelancer for various criminal organizations, including laundering money and managing their illicit tax affairs. This action-packed thriller offers a unique view of forensic accounting and its role in uncovering financial crimes.
The Untouchables
Genre: Thriller/Crime
Where to Watch: Stream on Paramount+. Rent or buy on Prime Video.
How It Involves Taxes: Al Capone, the infamous gangster, was finally convicted of tax evasion, thanks to the relentless efforts of Eliot Ness and his team. This classic film highlights the role taxes played in bringing down one of America’s most notorious criminals.
Seven Pounds
Genre: Drama
Where to Watch: Rent/buy on Prime Video or Vudu.
How It Involves Taxes: Ben Thomas, an IRS agent, investigates the lives of delinquent taxpayers in his quest to determine who deserves a second chance. This emotional drama weaves the IRS’s role in finding redemption through tax audits.
Stranger Than Fiction
Genre: Comedy/Fantasy
Where to Watch: Rent/buy on Prime Video or Vudu.
How It Involves Taxes: Harold Crick, an IRS agent, audits a baker who’s behind on her taxes while becoming entangled in a quirky, life-changing love story. The film combines comedy and the financial responsibility of paying taxes, showing the personal side of tax investigations.
Happy Gilmore
Genre: Comedy
Where to Watch: Stream on Peacock. Rent or buy on Prime Video.
How It Involves Taxes: Happy Gilmore’s grandma is facing foreclosure due to a large IRS debt. In a bid to save her home, Happy enters a golf tournament, hoping the prize money will cover the taxes owed. This comedy highlights the consequences of tax debt and the lengths people will go to avoid losing their property.
The Shawshank Redemption
Genre: Thriller/Crime
Where to Watch: Rent or buy on Prime Video.
How It Involves Taxes: Andy Dufresne, an inmate at Shawshank prison, earns special privileges by helping prison guards and the warden file their tax returns. This powerful drama subtly integrates the importance of tax preparation in even the most unlikely settings.
Say Anything
Genre: Romance/Comedy
Where to Watch: Rent/buy on Prime Video or Vudu.
How It Involves Taxes: Diane’s father is under investigation by the IRS for tax evasion, and eventually, he is jailed. This classic rom-com adds a tax twist as Diane’s family deals with the fallout of tax fraud.
Everything Everywhere All at Once
Genre: Sci-fi/Action
Where to Watch: Stream on Prime Video or Paramount+. Rent or buy on Vudu.
How It Involves Taxes: Evelyn and her husband Waymond operate a laundromat that is under IRS audit, which complicates their already stressful lives. This film delves into the intersection of personal struggle and the bureaucratic nature of tax audits.
Ready to Make Tax Season Easier?
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