The Best Rags-to-Riches Movies Made Ranked

Not many genres have earned recognition of rags-to-riches. Since the 1970’s, stories of poor people becoming rich have made for memorable movies. Whether it’s parasitic housekeepers, gangsters or Wall Street stockbrokers, the genre has created many characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films of a genre that deserves to be celebrated.

1. Goodfellas

Gangsters are grand figures that have always fascinated my grandfather. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a great grandfather that loved dark gangsters causing damage. He was fascinated with the rags-to-riches stories of dark gangsters that sought to become somebodies in neighbourhoods full of nobodies. An offer that he could simply never refuse, my grandfather loved watching dark movies about gangsters that had shaped his worldviews. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the rags-to-riches struggles faced by dark gangsters as powerfully as “Goodfellas”. Ever since its release in 1990, Martin Scorsese’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about rags-to-riches. With the greatest film of his career, Scorsese used innovative cinematic techniques to capture gangster seeking to become millionaires facing despair. Scorsese has often had an aptitude for making engaging movies about gangsters whose lives are in danger, and “Goodfellas” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the iconic scene in which Henry Hill leads Karen into the Copacabana club introducing her to gangsters causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Ray Liotta, who embodied a dark gangster that’s rich in America. Ultimately, what makes “Goodfellas” my favourite rags-to-riches film of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most gangster movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a message about community which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years after the release of an iconic film about gangsters seeking to be somebody in neighbourhoods full of nobodies, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making movies about rags-to-riches stories.

2. Slumdog Millionaire

India is a misunderstood country that is rarely depicted accurately in movies. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a close friend that would criticize any movies which had given India a bad image. Born in the Mumbai slums, he was often critical of movies that depicted 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 rags-to-riches, and “Slumdog Millionaire” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Boyle deftly used places in India to honour millionaires in the country. For instance, the scene in which Jamal is overcome with joy after he wins the game show being 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 a poor 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 making movies about which audiences care.

3. 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 rags-to-riches stories 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. It delivers a meaningful message about the consequences of social class which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of frightening parasite barriers housekeepers in South Korea commonly fight, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured movies which deserve to achieve the media spotlight.

4. The Personal History of David Copperfield

Charles Dickens is a legendary author whose literature impressed my mother. I remember a mother that adored the author’s literature. She had great expectations from an author she grew up to appreciate. Rags-to-riches has always been a common theme in stories written by the legendary author in English literature. In 2019, Armando Iannucci honoured the author whose stories have appealed in his movie “The Personal History of David Copperfield”. Iannucci used captivating montages capturing a poor orphan rising from poverty to become a famous writer that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which David Copperfield has a tense argument with Uriah causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Dev Patel, who portrayed an orphan that’s successful. Ultimately, what makes “The Personal History of David Copperfield” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Charles Dickens adaptations, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Charles Dickens’ literature to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about orphans which would resonate with everyone. As strong as David Copperfield’s desire to become an author, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made commemorated movies which audiences commonly treasure.

5. The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby is a great rags-to-riches 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 social class 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 the lives of millionaires, and “The Great Gatsby” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Gatsby recounts with nostalgia how he rose from childhood poverty to become a millionaire 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 legendary book to appreciate it. 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 genre that has manufactured great movies which audiences always consider extremely precious.

6. Anora

Prostitution is a profession in which rags-to-riches stories are common. Stories of prostitutes that rise from poverty to achieve prosperity are common in America. The struggles faced by prostitutes seeking to escape dilemma of poverty to become wealthy are beautifully depicted in the movie “Anora”. Released in 2025, Sean Baker’s Oscar-winning movie captured prostitution. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Anora” stand out is its depiction of prostitutes. Baker uses captivating montages capturing hardships a prostitute seeking wealth is facing. Assisted by Mikey Madison who is amazing in the lead role, Baker created a strong portrait of prostitution. As strong as Anora’s love for prostitution, it’s a powerful reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured engaging movies which deserve utmost appreciation.

7. 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.

8. The Pursuit of Happiness

Fathers shape children’s futures. As far as I remember, I have always shared bonds with my father. A role model, he motivated me to achieve dreams that I am pursuing. As someone treasuring fond memories of a father in the pursuit of happiness, I adored “The Pursuit of Happiness”. Released in 2006, Gabriele Muccino’s movie captured fathers’ rags-to-riches stories. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Pursuit of Happiness” stand out is its depiction of fathers. Muccino uses captivating voice-over narration capturing hardships a father seeking success is facing. Assisted by Will Smith who is extraordinary in the lead role, Muccino created a powerful drama. As strong as Chris’ pursuit of happiness, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies contributing to awareness of sacrifices in modern business.

9. The White Tiger

Rags-to-riches stories of housekeepers facing trauma are common in India. India has built an image of being a country where housekeepers are often treated poorly by masters causing damage. The negative treatment of housekeepers in India treated in an unfair manner is 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 narration capturing a housekeeper rising from rags to riches in India. Assisted by Adarsh Gourav who is amazing in the lead role, Bahrani created a portrait of India. A powerful portrait of housekeepers in Indian countries that face stress, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making unforgettable movies achieving success.

10. The Wolf of Wall Street

Few movies ever made about stockbrokers rising from rags to riches on Wall Street are as beloved as “The Wolf of Wall Street”. Released in 2013, Martin Scorsese’s movie captured a Wall Street stockbroker. Scorsese used narration capturing a Wall Street investor. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is outstanding in the lead role, Scorsese created a compelling rags-to-riches movie. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of Wall Street stockbrokers has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Jordan Belfort’s desire to become successful on Wall Street, it’s a wonderful reminder of a genre making movies about people rising from rags to riches which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking that will never become obsolete.