Entertainment • Film

The Wolf of Wall Street

The Wolf of Wall Street is a 2013 American biographical black comedy crime film directed by Martin Scorsese.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Wolf of Wall Street is a 2013 American biographical black comedy crime film directed by Martin Scorsese. It follows stockbroker Jordan Belfort’s rise, excesses, and legal downfall on Wall Street, and is based on Belfort’s memoir of the same name.

Plot

The film follows Jordan Belfort from his entry into Wall Street in the late 1980s to his creation of Stratton Oakmont and the company’s fraudulent success. As his wealth and excess escalate, the SEC and FBI close in on his activities.

Production

The film was directed by Martin Scorsese and adapted from Jordan Belfort’s memoir by Terence Winter. It was released in 2013 and became known for its fast pace, dark humour, and explicit depiction of excess.

Cast and characters

Leonardo DiCaprio plays Jordan Belfort, Jonah Hill plays Donnie Azoff, and Margot Robbie plays Naomi Lapaglia. The ensemble also includes other actors portraying Belfort’s associates, family, and law-enforcement figures.

Reception

The film was widely noted for its energetic direction and performances, especially DiCaprio’s portrayal of Belfort. It was also discussed for its provocative tone and extreme depictions of greed and corruption.

Key facts

The film depicts Jordan Belfort’s career as a stockbroker and the rise of his firm, Stratton Oakmont.
Its story includes fraud, drug use, lavish spending, and an eventual investigation by law enforcement.
Martin Scorsese directed the film, with Leonardo DiCaprio playing Jordan Belfort.
Jonah Hill and Margot Robbie are among the main cast.
The film is based on Belfort’s memoir and dramatizes real events from his life.

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Canadian context

The film is widely available to Canadian audiences through rotating streaming, rental, and digital purchase options, though specific platforms vary over time.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Wolf of Wall Street about?

It follows stockbroker Jordan Belfort’s rise on Wall Street, the growth of his firm Stratton Oakmont, and his eventual downfall amid fraud, excess, and law-enforcement scrutiny.

Who directed The Wolf of Wall Street?

Martin Scorsese directed the film.

Who stars in The Wolf of Wall Street?

The main cast includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, and Margot Robbie.

Is The Wolf of Wall Street based on a true story?

Yes. It is based on Jordan Belfort’s memoir and dramatizes events from his real life as a stockbroker.

How long is The Wolf of Wall Street?

The film’s running time is 179 minutes.

Where to watch The Wolf of Wall Street?

Availability changes by region and service over time; it is commonly available through major digital rental, purchase, or streaming platforms, but current Canadian availability should be checked on local streaming and storefront listings.

References

IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0993846/
Supports: Director, cast, and plot synopsis; identifies the film as based on the true story of Jordan Belfort.
Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_wolf_of_wall_street_2013
Supports: Plot synopsis and runtime.
Common Sense Media — https://commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/the-wolf-of-wall-street
Supports: Director, cast, release date, and story basis in Jordan Belfort’s real life.
Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wolf_of_Wall_Street_(2013_movie)
Supports: Runtime, release date, director, and summary of the film’s subject matter.
WhatsAfterTheMovie — https://www.whatsafterthemovie.com/movies/the-wolf-of-wall-street
Supports: Plot summary, director, and core cast.
Scribd — https://www.scribd.com/document/638614143/The-Wolf-Of-Wall-Street-A-summary
Supports: Cast list and basis in Jordan Belfort’s memoir.