The allure of wealth, the corrosive nature of greed, and the intoxicating power of money have been central themes in cinema for over a century. From silent film masterpieces to modern-day blockbusters, Movies About Money offer a captivating lens through which to examine human nature and societal structures. Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut, Blink Twice, featuring Channing Tatum as a tech billionaire, joins a long lineage of films exploring these themes. To celebrate its release, we’ve compiled a list of 21 compelling movies about money that delve into the complexities of finance, fortune, and the human pursuit of wealth.
Cinematic Explorations of Wealth and its Impact
Modern Satires on Excess and Inequality
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Triangle of Sadness (2022): Ruben Östlund’s darkly comedic Palme d’Or winner skewers the ultra-rich aboard a luxury yacht, exposing their hypocrisy and the absurdity of wealth disparity. The film follows a model couple amidst oligarchs and arms dealers, culminating in a chaotic and thought-provoking climax.
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The Wolf of Wall Street (2013): Martin Scorsese’s outrageous black comedy chronicles the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who amasses a fortune through fraud and debauchery. Leonardo DiCaprio’s electrifying performance captures the seductive allure and ultimate emptiness of Belfort’s lifestyle.
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The Bling Ring (2013): Sofia Coppola’s stylish drama explores the real-life story of a group of teenagers who robbed celebrity homes, raising questions about consumerism, celebrity culture, and the moral ambiguity of desire.
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Parasite (2019): Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning masterpiece offers a brilliant and unsettling commentary on class warfare and economic inequality, following the intertwined fates of a poor family and a wealthy household.
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The Big Short (2015): Adam McKay’s sharp and witty film dissects the 2008 financial crisis, explaining complex financial instruments and exposing the greed and recklessness that led to economic collapse.
Classic Tales of Fortune and Corruption
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Metropolis (1927): Fritz Lang’s groundbreaking silent film depicts a dystopian future where a wealthy elite rules over an oppressed working class, foreshadowing themes of social and economic injustice.
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American Madness (1932): Frank Capra’s pre-Code drama explores the fragility of the financial system and the importance of integrity in the face of economic panic.
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Citizen Kane (1941): Orson Welles’ iconic film examines the life of Charles Foster Kane, a media magnate whose pursuit of wealth and power ultimately leaves him isolated and unhappy.
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The Godfather Part II (1974): Francis Ford Coppola’s epic sequel contrasts the rise of Vito Corleone with the moral decay of his son Michael, exploring the corrupting influence of power and wealth.
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Trading Places (1983): This comedic social commentary explores themes of class, privilege, and the arbitrary nature of wealth through a life-swap experiment involving a commodities broker and a street hustler.
Unique Perspectives on Money and Society
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The Great Gatsby (1949): This adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel captures the excesses of the Jazz Age and the tragic consequences of pursuing wealth and status.
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The Exterminating Angel (1962): Luis Buñuel’s surrealist masterpiece satirizes the wealthy elite, trapping a group of dinner guests in a room and exposing their primal instincts as their civilized facade crumbles.
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Grey Gardens (1975): This documentary offers a fascinating glimpse into the eccentric lives of Edith Beale and her daughter “Little Edie,” relatives of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, exploring themes of decay, isolation, and the peculiarities of inherited wealth.
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Glengarry Glen Ross (1992): David Mamet’s blistering drama exposes the cutthroat world of real estate sales, where desperation and greed drive men to ruthless lengths in pursuit of commissions.
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Hyenas (1992): Djibril Diop Mambéty’s powerful film explores themes of revenge, corruption, and the destructive power of money in a Senegalese village.
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American Psycho (2000): Mary Harron’s darkly comedic adaptation of Brett Easton Ellis’s novel satirizes the excesses of Wall Street culture and the shallow materialism of the 1980s.
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Snowpiercer (2013): Bong Joon-ho’s post-apocalyptic thriller depicts a class-divided society aboard a perpetually moving train, highlighting themes of social injustice and revolution in a resource-scarce world.
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Crazy Rich Asians (2018): This romantic comedy offers a glimpse into the opulent world of Singapore’s elite, exploring themes of family, cultural clashes, and the pressures of wealth and tradition.
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Generation Wealth (2018): Lauren Greenfield’s documentary examines the global obsession with wealth and status, exposing the emptiness and destructive consequences of materialistic pursuits.
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New Order (2020): Michel Franco’s dystopian thriller depicts a violent uprising in Mexico City, exploring themes of social unrest, political corruption, and the fragility of societal order.
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Azor (2021): Andreas Fontana’s chilling drama explores the murky world of private banking in 1980s Argentina, where wealth and power intertwine with political corruption and disappearances.
These 21 films offer a diverse range of perspectives on the complex relationship between money and humanity, reminding us that the pursuit of wealth can be both seductive and destructive. From comedic satires to chilling dramas, these movies provide a compelling cinematic exploration of money’s enduring influence on our lives.
