Films About Inheritance
Films about inheritance often delve into the dynamics of family relationships, legal battles, and the personal growth or downfall of the characters involved. Inheritance in movies is not just about the transfer of wealth or property; it often serves as a catalyst for exploring themes of greed, responsibility, identity, and redemption. These stories can range from dramatic courtroom battles to heartwarming tales of families coming together. Here are some noteworthy films that center around the theme of inheritance:
“The Grand Budapest Hotel”, 2014
Director: Wes Anderson
Directed by Wes Anderson, this film tells the story of a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars and his friendship with a young employee who becomes his trusted protégé. The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting and the battle for an enormous family fortune, bringing in the theme of inheritance through quirky and visually stunning storytelling.
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Tony Revolori, Saoirse Ronan, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Edward Norton, Mathieu Amalric, Harvey Keitel, F. Murray Abraham, Tilda Swinton;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: comedy, adventure, detective, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “The Grand Budapest Hotel” on the website imdb.com
“The Inheritance”, 2007
Director: Charles Henri Belleville
This is a lesser-known gem that explores the inheritance of cultural and familial identities within a Black Marxist collective in Philadelphia. While not about financial inheritance, it delves into the inheritance of ideals, values, and the legacies of activism, making it a unique take on the theme.
Starring: Fraser Sivewright, Timothy Barrow, Imogen Toner, Tom Hardy, Sharon Sheehan;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: drama;
Duration: 62 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,3;
More information about the film “The Inheritance” on the website imdb.com
“The Godfather”, 1972
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
A classic film by Francis Ford Coppola, this crime saga focuses on the powerful Italian-American crime family of Don Vito Corleone. When the don's youngest son, Michael, reluctantly joins the mafia, he becomes involved in the inevitable cycle of violence and betrayal. Though not exclusively about financial inheritance, the film explores the inheritance of power, responsibility, and the family legacy.
Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, Richard S. Castellano, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, John Cazale, Al Lettieri, Sterling Hayden;
Production year: 1972;
Genre: drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 175 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 9,2;
More information about the film “The Godfather” on the website imdb.com
“Howards End”, 2017
Director: Hettie Macdonald
Based on the novel by E.M. Forster, this film is a tale of class relations in turn-of-the-20th-century England. The story revolves around three families of different social classes and their interactions, with the titular country home, Howards End, symbolizing the legacy and inheritance disputes among them.
Starring: Matthew Macfadyen, Hayley Atwell, Philippa Coulthard, Alex Lawther, Joe Bannister, Donna Banya, Tracey Ullman, Bessie Carter, Joseph Quinn, Rosalind Eleazar;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
Age: 18+;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Howards End” on the website imdb.com
“Rain Man”, 1988
Director: Barry Levinson
This film tells the story of selfish yuppie Charlie Babbitt, who discovers that his estranged brother Raymond, an autistic savant, has inherited the majority of their father's $3 million estate. Charlie decides to take Raymond out of the mental institution to claim his half of the estate, leading to an unexpected and transformative journey for both.
Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Valeria Golino, Gerald R. Molen, Jack Murdock, Michael D. Roberts, Ralph Seymour, Lucinda Jenney, Bonnie Hunt, Kim Robillard;
Production year: 1988;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 133 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Rain Man” on the website imdb.com
“A Simple Favor”, 2018
Director: Paul Feig
While primarily a mystery thriller, this film involves elements of inheritance as one of the central conflicts revolves around the disappearance of Emily, a woman with a secretive past, and her husband Sean's potential gain from her presumed death, including a lucrative life insurance policy.
Starring: Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding, Andy Rannells, Ian Ho, Joshua Satine, Dustin Milligan, Rupert Friend, Linda Cardellini, Jean Smart;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: thriller, comedy, crime, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
“Giant”, 1956
Director: George Stevens
This epic film spans over two decades, telling the story of a Texas cattle rancher, his family, and their changing world. It extensively covers themes of wealth, power, and racial prejudice, with a significant focus on land and oil as forms of inheritance that shape the characters' destinies.
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
These films showcase the myriad ways in which inheritance can impact characters' lives, be it through financial windfalls, the burden of family legacies, or the struggle over power and influence. Each story reflects on what is left behind and how it defines or redefines the characters involved.
In sum, films about inheritance critically underscore the multifarious dimensions of human relationships, legacy, and the pursuit of identity within the framework of familial and societal expectations. They artfully navigate the intricate dance of emotions, conflicts, and resolutions that arise when material wealth, secrets, and responsibilities are transferred from one generation to the next. Through a blend of drama, suspense, and sometimes humor, these narratives invite audiences to reflect on their own familial bonds, values, and the concept of legacy. Moreover, they elucidate the universal truth that beyond the tangible assets, the true inheritance lies in the intangible — the stories, values, and lessons passed down, shaping individuals and perpetuating family lineage. Films about inheritance are more than just entertainment; they are poignant explorations of the human condition, offering deep insights into the complexities of love, loss, and the enduring connections that define us.
