Films About Being Rich
Films about being rich often explore the lives of the wealthy, delving into themes of luxury, excess, and the complexities of maintaining such a lifestyle. These movies can portray the opulence and glamour associated with wealth, as well as the moral and social dilemmas that come with it. They can range from dramas highlighting the personal struggles of the rich, to comedies satirizing their eccentric lifestyles, to thrillers about the darker side of wealth and power.
Here is a list of films that focus on themes of wealth and being rich, with brief descriptions of each:
“Crazy Rich Asians”, 2018
Director: Jon M. Chu
This romantic comedy follows Rachel Chu as she discovers that her boyfriend Nick Young is one of Singapore’s richest and most eligible bachelors. The film explores themes of wealth, family expectations, and cultural identity.
Starring: Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh, Gemma Chan, Lisa Lu, Awkwafina, Harry Shum Jr., Ken Jeong, Sonoya Mizuno, Chris Pang;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Crazy Rich Asians” on the website imdb.com
“The Wolf of Wall Street”, 2013
Director: Martin Scorsese
Directed by Martin Scorsese, this biographical black comedy is based on the life of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who engages in corruption and fraud on Wall Street. The film showcases the excess and debauchery associated with extreme wealth.
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Kyle Chandler, Rob Reiner, P.J. Byrne, Jon Bernthal, Cristin Milioti, Jean Dujardin, Matthew McConaughey;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama, crime, biography, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 180 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,2;
“Citizen Kane”, 1941
Director: Orson Welles
Directed by and starring Orson Welles, this film is a portrait of the rise and fall of Charles Foster Kane, a wealthy newspaper magnate. It explores themes of power, greed, and the ultimate emptiness of wealth.
Starring: Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Dorothy Comingore, Agnes Moorehead, Ruth Warrick, Ray Collins, Erskine Sanford, Everett Sloane, William Alland, Paul Stewart;
Production year: 1941;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 119 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,3;
More information about the film “Citizen Kane” on the website imdb.com
“Richie Rich”, 1996
Director: –
A family comedy about a wealthy young boy who has everything money can buy, but still seeks genuine friendship and connection. The film highlights the loneliness that can accompany a life of privilege.
Starring: Rene Auberjonois, Jeannie Elias, Pat Fraley, Martin Jarvis, Katie Leigh, Tracey Powlas, Susan Silo, Susan Solo;
Production year: 1996;
Genre: animation, comedy;
Rating: IMDB: 5,7;
More information about the film “Richie Rich” on the website imdb.com
“The Social Network”, 2010
Director: David Fincher
Directed by David Fincher, this film tells the story of the founding of Facebook by Mark Zuckerberg and the subsequent legal battles. It examines the impact of wealth and success on personal relationships and ethics.
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Armie Hammer, Max Minghella, Rashida Jones, Brenda Song, Rooney Mara, Bryan Barter, Joseph Mazzello;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “The Social Network” on the website imdb.com
“Giant”, 1956
Director: George Stevens
This epic Western, starring Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean, chronicles the life of a Texas rancher and his family as they become wealthy oil tycoons. It addresses themes of social change and the consequences of wealth.
Starring: Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, James Dean, Carroll Baker, Jane Withers, Chill Wills, Mercedes McCambridge, Dennis Hopper, Sal Mineo, Rod Taylor;
Production year: 1956;
Genre: drama, western;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 201 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “Giant” on the website imdb.com
“Trading Places”, 1983
Director: John Landis
A comedy film in which a snobbish investor and a street con artist find their positions reversed as part of a bet by two wealthy brothers. The movie humorously examines the effects of wealth and poverty.
Starring: Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy, Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche, Jamie Lee Curtis, Denholm Elliott, Maurice Woods, Richard D. Fisher Jr., Jim Gallagher, Anthony DiSabatino;
Production year: 1983;
Genre: comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 116 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Trading Places” on the website imdb.com
“There Will Be Blood”, 2007
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, this film follows the ruthless rise of oilman Daniel Plainview. It explores the corrupting influence of wealth and the destructive nature of greed.
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano, Kevin J. O'Connor, Ciarán Hinds, Dillon Freasier, Russell Harvard, Sydney McCallister, Colleen Foy, David Willis, Martin Stringer;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 158 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,2;
More information about the film “There Will Be Blood” on the website imdb.com
“The Bling Ring”, 2013
Director: Sofia Coppola
Based on true events, this film directed by Sofia Coppola follows a group of teenagers who rob the homes of celebrities in Los Angeles. It provides a critique of the obsession with wealth and fame.
Starring: Israel Broussard, Katie Chang, Emma Watson, Taissa Farmiga, Claire Julien, Gavin Rossdale, Georgia Rock, Leslie Mann, Carlos Miranda, Stacy Edwards;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 87 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,6;
“Wall Street”, 1987
Director: Oliver Stone
Directed by Oliver Stone, this film follows a young stockbroker who becomes involved with a ruthless corporate raider. The movie delves into the moral compromises associated with the pursuit of wealth.
Starring: Michael Douglas, Charlie Sheen, Daryl Hannah, Martin Sheen, Hal Holbrook, Terence Stamp, Saul Rubinek, William G. Knight, James Spader, Tamara Tunie;
Production year: 1987;
Genre: drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Wall Street” on the website imdb.com
Key Points
– Films about being rich can explore various themes including the glamour and excess of wealth, the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the wealthy, and the impact of wealth on personal relationships.
– These films can be dramas, comedies, biographical stories, or thrillers, providing diverse perspectives on the concept of wealth.
– Notable examples include “The Great Gatsby,” “Crazy Rich Asians,” “The Wolf of Wall Street,” and “Citizen Kane.”
Summary
Films about wealth often serve as a reflection on society’s fascination with riches, while also critiquing the inherent issues that come with it. They offer a wide range of narratives, from the indulgence and luxury of being rich to the ethical and personal conflicts it can entail.
In conclusion, films about being rich offer intriguing glimpses into lavish lifestyles and the complex human emotions intertwined with wealth. These narratives explore the moral, psychological, and societal impacts of affluence, while also delving into themes of greed, corruption, isolation, and redemption. Whether it’s the opulent visuals, multifaceted characters, or the intricate plots, these films captivate audiences by portraying the allure and the pitfalls of wealth, serving as a mirror to our own aspirations and cautioning us about the true costs of material success. As viewers, we are left to ponder the age-old question: does money truly buy happiness?
