My Favourite Films About Class Struggle of All-Time

Few genres have earned the appreciation of social class. Since the 1980’s, stories of social inequality have made for engaging movies. Whether it’s parasitic housekeepers, doomed lovers or serial killers, the genre has created several 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 social class which deserve to be celebrated.

1. Parasite

Housekeepers have impacted my family. Several years ago, my grandparents faced grief when they discovered their beloved housekeeper that they trusted was a thief. I remember he was a generous housekeeper that would often tend to my grandparents’ needs in a kind manner. However, my housekeeper’s strong bond with my family soon ended when he engaged in grim criminal behaviour. My grandparents were shocked to find that he had stolen from a closet their precious jewelry. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the big barriers that parasite housekeepers fight as powerfully as “Parasite”. Ever since its release in 2019, Bong Joon-ho’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about class struggle. With the greatest film of his career, Bong Joon-ho used innovative cinematic techniques to capture an impoverished Korean family that faces despair. Bong Joon-ho has always had an aptitude for making great movies about social class in his home country, and “Parasite” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Bong Joon-ho effectively used symbolism to capture a poor Korean family that’s impacted by poverty causing tragedy. For instance, the scene in which the Kim family’s house is destroyed by a frightening flood causing a nerve-wracking dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Song Kang-ho, who demonstrated a desperate Korean man seeking to commit grim crimes to provide for his family. Ultimately, what makes “Parasite” my favourite film about class struggle of all-time 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. It delivers a bold message on social class which would resonate with everyone. A bold portrait of parasite challenges that housekeepers in South Korea fight, it’s a great reminder of a strong genre that has made groundbreaking movies about class inequalities which deserve to achieve the spotlight.

2. 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 would hate movies which gave India a bad image. Born in Mumbai slums, he was critical of any movies depicting his country. He believed movies were an art that couldn’t honour a homeland holding a precious 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 movie captured social class in India.  Boyle effectively used real-life locations across India to capture the downtrodden lives of impoverished orphans 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 would resonate with everyone.  It delivers a bold message about social inequality in India which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Jamal’s desire to be a millionaire, it’s a bold reminder of a genre manufacturing movies about which audiences care.

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. Class struggled has always been a prominent theme in Austen’s books and it is most evident in “Pride & Prejudice”. Released in 2005, Joe Wright’s movie honoured Jane Austen’s most celebrated book. Wright has an aptitude for adapting classic literature into compelling movies, and “Pride & Prejudice” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Elizabeth confronts Mr. Darcy in the rain about destroying her sister’s marriage causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a bold performance by Kiera Knightley, who embodied a commemorated heroine. Ultimately, what makes “Pride and Prejudice” a commemorated adaptation is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Jane Austen to appreciate it. Centuries after the publication of a classic book about prejudiced women developing romantic bonds with pride, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to leave audiences satisfied.

4. Knives Out

Housekeepers are often treated poorly in Asian countries. At an early age, I have often witnessed housekeepers in Pakistan facing damage. Living in impoverishment, housekeepers often have to climb the social ladder to achieve dreams with commitment. As someone haunted by memories of a housekeeper taking knives out, I adored “Knives Out”. Released in 2019, Rian Johnson’s murder mystery captured a dysfunctional family. Johnson effectively uses humour to capture a dysfunctional family impacted by murder. For instance, the scene in which the members of the Thrombey family have a tense meeting causing a dilemma following the death of their patriarch is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Daniel Craig, who embodies a dedicated detective investigating a dysfunctional family. Ultimately, what makes “Knives Out” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most murder mysteries, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about wealth which would resonate with everyone. A magnificent mystery about housekeepers with knives out, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies about groundbreaking social inequalities in countries which deserve to be talked about.

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. He would always speak fondly about a book that captured class struggles in the 1920’s. 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 social class barriers causing danger, and “The Great Gatsby” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. 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 universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the famous book to appreciate it. The film delivers a meaningful message about social inequalities that would resonate with everyone. A breathtaking adaptation of a celebrated book about a millionaire that’s mysterious, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences consider precious.

6. The White Tiger

Housekeepers facing trauma are often common in India. India has built an image of being a country following social inequality causing housekeepers to face tragedy. The class struggles of housekeepers that are treated in an unfair manner in India are beautifully depicted in the movie “The White Tiger”. Released in 2021, Ramin Bahrani’s movie captured housekeepers in India. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The White Tiger” stand out is its depiction of India. Bahrani uses captivating narration capturing hardships housekeepers in India are facing. Assisted by Adarsh Gourav who is amazing in the lead role, Bahrani created a portrait of India. A powerful portrait of housekeepers facing trauma in India, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured great movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.

7. The Remains of the Day

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about the way social class affects families, it’s worth discussing The Remains of the Day. Since its publication in 1989, Kazuo Ishiguro’s book has become a literary classic. In 1993, James Ivory honoured the beloved book about butlers reminiscing their day in his movie “The Remains of the Day”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Remains of the Day” stand out is its depiction of butlers. Ivory uses captivating production-design to capture butlers whose lives decline. Assisted by Anthony Hopkins who is superb in the lead role, Ivory captured social class disparity in Britain. A powerful portrait of butlers that are British, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has managed to accomplish groundbreaking feats by manufacturing memorable movies which audiences cherish.

8. The Personal History of David Copperfield

Charles Dickens is a legendary author that often told stories about social class causing danger. With their compelling storytelling, strong themes and colourful characters. Dickens’ books earned a huge following. In 2019, Armando Iannucci honoured the iconic author whose stories have appealed to readers in his movie “The Personal History of David Copperfield”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Personal History of David Copperfield” stand out is its depiction of orphans. Dickens uses captivating narration capturing class struggles that an orphan writer in the 19th Century is facing. Assisted by Dev Patel who is amazing in the lead role, Iannucci honoured a classic book.  A spectacular tribute towards an English author, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable movies that audiences treasure.

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 social class in China. 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. Anora

Few movies ever made about social class causing a dilemma are as beloved as “Anora”. Released in 2024, Sean Baker’s Oscar-winning movie captured a prostitute affected by class disparity. Baker used captivating montages capturing hardships that a prostitute facing. Assisted by Mikey Madison who is amazing in the lead role, Baker created a portrait of prostitution. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of a prostitute treated poorly by social class inequality has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Anora’s love for prostitution, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making engaging movies about class disparity causing tension which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of film criticism giving my life greater direction.