The Best Movies Made About Money Ranked

Not many genres have achieved the popularity of money. Since the 1990’s, stories of money have made for engaging movies. Whether it’s parasitic housekeepers, prejudiced lovers or luxurious millionaires, the genre has created many strong 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 money which deserve to be celebrated.

1. Slumdog Millionaire

India is a misunderstood country that’s rarely depicted accurately in movies. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a friend that would often criticize movies that gave India a bad image. Born in the poverty-stricken slums of Mumbai, he was always critical of dark movies portraying his country. An Indian without fear, he once had dreams of becoming a famous millionaire. He would argue movies were an art that couldn’t capture the beauty of a great country holding a precious place in his heart. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the struggles of impoverished kids to become millionaires causing despair as powerfully as “Slumdog Millionaire”. Ever since its release in 2008, Danny Boyle’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about money. With the greatest film of his career, Boyle used innovative cinematic techniques to capture an impoverished Indian boy’s journey to become a successful millionaire. Boyle has always had an aptitude for making movies about money putting lives of people in danger, and “Slumdog Millionaire” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Jamal is overcome with joy after he miraculously 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 a phenomenal performance by Dev Patel, who portrayed an Indian boy seeking to become a successful millionaire. Ultimately, what makes “Slumdog Millionaire” my favourite film about money of all-time is universal appeal. Unlike most movies set in India that are targeted towards citizens of the country, it tackles universal themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about poverty which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 20 years after the release of an iconic film about a poverty-stricken orphan dreaming of becoming a millionaire, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has created great movies about money about which audiences care.

2. Parasite

Social class is a barrier that impacts housekeepers. Years ago, my family faced grief when we found our housekeeper was a thief. I remember a housekeeper that treated my family in a generous manner. My grandparents were shocked when they found the housekeeper they trusted fully had stolen jewelry.  As someone that has witnessed the social class barriers housekeepers fight, I adored “Parasite”. Released in 2019, Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning drama captured social class barriers affecting families in South Korea. Bong Joon-ho effectively uses symbolism to capture the plight of a parasitic family seeking money in a country divided by social inequality. For instance, the scene in which the Kim family hatch a plan to plant parasitic peaches to get ride of the Park family’s housekeeper causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Song Kang-Ho, who embodied a father facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Parasite” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be South Korean to appreciate it. A powerful portrait of the parasite social class barriers families in South Korea fight, it’s a bold reminder of a genre creating movies that deserve spotlight.

3. Pride & Prejudice

Jane Austen is a legendary author whose literature always impressed my mother. I remember bonding with a mother that appreciated the author in English literature. She was drawn towards the sense and sensibility of an author that shaped her identity. Money has always been a key theme in Austen’s novels, and it is most evident in “Pride & Prejudice”. In 2005, Joe Wright honoured the book about money causing prejudice in his movie “Pride & Prejudice”. Wright used captivating production-design to capture the life of a poverty-stricken family facing a decline. For instance, the scene in which Elizabeth confronts Mr. Darcy in the rain about destroying her sister’s marriage causing a dilemma for financial reasons is one of the greatest moments of the genre. t the centre of it all is a bold performance by Kiera Knightley, who embodied a great heroine. Ultimately, what makes “Pride and Prejudice” a great adaptation is its message. The film delivers a heartwarming message about social class which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Jane Austen’s literature to appreciate it. Centuries following the publication of a book about prejudiced women experiencing relationships with pride, it’s a strong reminder of a great genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to make bold movies which leave audiences satisfied.

4. The Pursuit of Happiness

Unemployment is a tense situation that affects fathers’ abilities to care for children. Several years ago, my friend’s father lose his job at BlackBerry causing sorrow. Left without a profession, he struggled to take care of his children. As someone recalling a father that struggled to ensure his children’s happiness, I adored “The Pursuit of Happiness”. Released in 2006, Gabriele Muccino’s movie honoured the true story of a father struggling raising his family. Muccino uses voice-over narration to capture a father struggling to provide for his son in a dire economic situation.  For instance, the final scene in which Chris is hired by the stockbroker company resolving his life dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Will Smith, who embodies a financially unstable father struggling to ensure his son’s happiness.  Ultimately, what makes “The Pursuit of Happiness” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about sacrifices fathers make for children which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Chris’ pursuit of happiness, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced great movies contributing to greater awareness of money in business.

5. The Wolf of Wall Street

Wall Street stockbrokers always fascinated my father. At an early age, I formed bonds with a father admiring stockbrokers causing damage. He admired the way stockbrokers got away with crimes without a price to pay. As someone treasuring a father fascinated with stockbrokers on Wall Street, I adored “The Wolf of Wall Street”. Released in 2013, Martin Scorsese’s movie depicted the lives of drug-addicted stockbrokers on Wall Street. Scorsese effectively used voice-over narration to capture the life of a Wall Street stockbroker with severe drug addiction. For instance, the scene in which Jordan Belfort faced the high of quaaludes for the first time wrecking his car causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who embodied a stockbroker that made money years ago. Ultimately, what makes “The Wolf of Wall Street” a great movie about money is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about capitalism which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Jordan Belfort’s desire to become a stockbroker on Wall Street, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a bold genre that has produced unforgettable movies which audiences consider a treat.

6. The Talented Mr. Ripley

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about con-artists making money, 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 breathtaking 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

Marilyn Monroe is a legendary actress that earned money years ago. 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. The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby is a legendary book about money that has built a strong legacy. Ever since its publication in 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book has become a classic. In 2013, Baz Luhrmann did a great job of adapting the book in his movie “The Great Gatsby”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Great Gatsby” stand out is its depiction of the 1920’s. Luhrmann uses captivating voice-over narration to capture the life of a mysterious millionaire overcoming poverty in the 1920’s. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is amazing in the lead role, Luhrmann honours an iconic book published years ago. A breathtaking adaptation of a famous book about commemorated millionaires that are mysterious, it’s a magnificent reminder of a one-of-a-kind genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences consider precious.

9. 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.

10. The Big Short

The financial crisis is a tricky subject to depict in movies. Since the 2008 downfall, it’s tough to depict a crisis that’s hard to recall. In 2015, Adam McKay did an admirable job of depicting the big crisis in his movie “The Big Short”. McKay used montages to capture a financial crisis that’s frightening. Assisted by Christian Bale who is amazing in the lead role, McKay recreated the crisis with detail. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s celebrity cameos to explain finance have tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. Nearly 20 years after the financial crisis caused the economy to crumble, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured commemorated movies about money I will always treasure for motivating me to believe my dreams of film criticism are attainable.