My Favourite Films About Millionaires of All-Time

Not many figures attract audiences to theatres like millionaires. Since the 1970’s, the genre has produced unforgettable movies. Whether it’s Wall Street stockbrokers, parasitic housekeepers or famous actors, the genre has produced many characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about rich people that deserve to be celebrated.

1. The Wolf of Wall Street

Wall Street stockbrokers participating in criminal behaviour fascinated my father. At an early age, I formed bonds with a great father that appreciated bold stockbrokers which faced damage. A banker by profession, my father often took keen interest in lives of great stockbrokers that managed an organization. He would often admire the way Wall Street millionaires got away with crimes without a price to pay. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured lives of millionaires on Wall Street as powerfully as “The Wolf of Wall Street”. Ever since its release in 2013, Martin Scorsese’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about millionaires. With the most entertaining film of his career, Scorsese used innovative cinematic techniques to capture stockbrokers engaging in criminal behaviour causing despair. Scorsese has always had an aptitude for capturing the luxurious lifestyles of wealthy millionaires, and “The Wolf of Wall Street” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Scorsese effectively used voice-over narration to capture luxurious lifestyles of a Wall Street stockbroker engaging in crime causing destruction. For instance, the scene in which Jordan Belfort delivers a motivational speech to his employees about there being no nobility in poverty causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Leonardo DiCaprio, who embodied a real-life commemorated Wall Street stockbroker that achieved fame years ago. Ultimately, what makes “The Wolf of Wall Street” my favourite film about millionaires of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Wall Street that are targeted towards a limited audience, it tackles bold themes everyone would relate to. It shows effects that come with living a life of luxury by committing crimes. Nearly 30 years after Jordan Belfort got away with committing frightening crimes on Wall Street, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a celebrated genre that has always made unforgettable films which audiences consider a treat.

2. The Social Network

Friendships are fragile relationships that often face hardships. I remember forming a strong bond with a kid in school I grew up to treasure. Seeking to become a millionaire, he was determined to achieve a successful career. As someone treasuring fond memories of a close companion on a social network, I adored “The Social Network”. Released in 2010, David Fincher’s movie captured formation of the famous social network organization Facebook. Fincher used captivating flashbacks capturing friendships falling apart in the formation of a famous social network organization. For instance, the scene in which Eduardo Saverin throws temper tantrums at Mark breaking his laptop for lowering his shares in social media is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Jesse Eisenberg, who embodied the bold founder of a social media firm. Ultimately, what makes “The Social Network” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about sacrifices of friendship in the world of business which would resonate with everyone. A fantastic tribute to millionaires that founded a great social network company, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has produced great movies which deserve popularity.

3. Slumdog Millionaire

India is a misunderstood country that’s rarely depicted accurately in movies. At an early age, I formed bonds with a friend that criticized movies giving India a bad image. Born in Mumbai slums, he was critical of movies depicting his country. He always believed movies were an art that couldn’t capture beauty of a country holding a special place in his heart. As someone treasuring a friend that sought to become an Indian millionaire, I adored “Slumdog Millionaire”. Released in 2008, Danny Boyle’s Oscar-winning movie honoured millionaires in India. Boyle has an aptitude for making movies about millionaires, and “Slumdog Millionaire” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Boyle effectively used locations across India to honour millionaires in the country. For instance, the scene in which Jamal is overcome with joy after he wins the game show becoming a millionaire in India is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Dev Patel, who embodied an impoverished Indian boy seeking to become a millionaire. Ultimately, what makes “Slumdog Millionaire” a classic is its depiction of India. Unlike most movies about India, it tackles themes that resonate with everyone. As strong as Jamal’s desire to be a millionaire, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made movies about which audiences care.

4. Parasite

Housekeepers have impacted my family. Several years ago, my grandparents faced grief when they discovered that their housekeeper was a thief. My grandparents were shocked to find that a housekeeper they trusted had stolen jewelry they appreciated. As someone haunted by memories of a housekeeper that had to fight class barriers, I appreciated “Parasite”. Released in 2019, Bong Joon-ho’s movie captured the lives of housekeepers in South Korea. Bong Joon-ho has always had an aptitude for making movies about social class in South Korea, and “Parasite” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Ki-woo poses as a school tutor to be hired by the Park family in Korea is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Song Kang-ho, who embodied a Korean man seeking to commit crimes to provide for his family. Ultimately, what makes “Parasite” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies set in South Korea that are targeted towards citizens of the country, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. A powerful portrait of frightening parasite barriers housekeepers in South Korea fight, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured commemorated movies which deserve to achieve the spotlight.

5. The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby is a great book that my teacher would always appreciate. I remember a school teacher that grew up to treasure a book about millionaires facing disaster. Drawn towards the green light, he adored a book capturing the class barriers that millionaires fight. In 2013, Baz Luhrmann honoured the great book about millionaires in his movie “The Great Gatsby”. Luhrmann has always thrived at making lavish movies about the lives of millionaires, and “The Great Gatsby” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Luhrmann effectively used narration to capture the life of a millionaire seeking recognition. For instance, the scene in which Gatsby is first introduced to Nick Carraway at a party causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who created an iconic millionaire character. Ultimately, what makes “The Great Gatsby” a great movie is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about social class that would resonate with everyone. A beautiful adaptation of a celebrated book about a millionaire that’s mysterious, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured famous movies which audiences consider precious.

6. The Talented Mr. Ripley

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about millionaires that are talented, it’s worth discussing The Talented Mr. Ripley. Since its publication in 1955, Patricia Highsmith’s book has become a literary classic. In 1999, Anthony Minghella honoured the legendary book in his movie “The Talented Mr. Ripley”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Talented Mr. Ripley” stand out is its depiction of con-artists. Minghella uses captivating montages capturing a con-artist deceiving wealthy millionaires that are frightening. Assisted by Matt Damon who is amazing in the lead role, Minghella honoured a legendary book about millionaires. A terrific adaptation of a book about con-artists that are talented, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured commemorated movies which deserve to be appreciated.

7. My Week With Marilyn

Few movie-stars that achieved fame years ago are as beloved as Marilyn Monroe. With her attractive looks, charming personality and strong demeanour, Monroe gained a huge following in the 1950’s. In 2011, Simon Curtis honoured the iconic actress in his movie “My Week With Marilyn”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “My Week With Marilyn” stand out is its outsider perspective. Curtis effectively uses various perspectives of actors Marilyn worked with in the film industry to create a powerful portrait of a millionaire. Assisted by Michelle Williams who is magnificent in the lead role, Curtis honoured a legendary millionaire’s legacy. A marvellous tribute towards Marilyn Monroe, it’s a magnificent reminder of a commemorated genre that has always manufactured memorable movies giving audiences dreams to follow.

8. Crazy Rich Asians

Millionaires that live a lifestyle of luxury are common in China. China has built an image of being a country where millionaires earn a high wage. The luxurious lifestyles of crazy rich Asians are beautifully depicted in the movie “Crazy Rich Asians”. Released in 2018, John M. Chu’s movie depicted wealthy Asian families in China. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Crazy Rich Asians” stand out is its strong depiction of China. Chu uses captivating real-life locations across the country to capture a wealthy Asian-American family. Assisted by Michelle Yeoh who is amazing in the lead role, Chu created a compelling movie about Chinese millionaires. A captivating portrait of crazy rich families in China, it’s a compelling reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced unforgettable movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.

9. Batman Begins

Batman is a beloved comic-book character that has built a lasting legacy. Since his creation in the 1960’s, the caped crusader has appeared in unforgettable movies. One of the defining characteristics of Batman is that he’s a millionaire. In 2005, Christopher Nolan reimagined the heroic millionaire in his movie “Batman Begins”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Batman Begins” stand out is its depiction of trauma. Nolan effectively used flashbacks to capture a traumatized millionaire haunted by his parents’ death. Assisted by Christian Bale who is amazing in the lead role, Nolan honoured a groundbreaking superhero with detail. A captivating tribute towards a celebrated comic-book character, it’s a compelling reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences treasure.

10. American Psycho

Few movies ever made about millionaires facing sorrow are as beloved as “American Psycho”. Since its release in 2000, Mary Harron’s movie has become a classic. Harron used captivating voice-over narration to capture a millionaire committing murders. Assisted by Christian Bale who is extraordinary in the lead role, Harron created a captivating satire. Although I’ve always admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of a millionaire that gets away with murders has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s still a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Patrick Bateman’s desire to be psychotic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre that has manufactured iconic movies about tragic hardships experienced by millionaires which I will forever treasure for motivating me to accomplish dreams of becoming a film critic.