My Favourite Films About Social Inequality 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 that their beloved housekeeper was a thief. I remember that he was a generous housekeeper that would tend to my grandparents’ needs in kind manners. However, my housekeeper’s relationship with my family ended when he engaged in grim criminal behaviour. My grandparents were shocked to find that he had stolen their precious jewelry.  Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the tight social inequality barriers that poor Korean 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 social inequality. 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 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 frightening crimes to provide for his family. Ultimately, what makes “Parasite” my favourite social inequality film of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies occurring in South Korea that are targeted towards citizens of the country, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a heartbreaking message concerning social inequalities which would resonate with everyone. A breathtaking portrait of parasite challenges that housekeepers in South Korea fight, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated genre manufacturing memorable movies that deserve to achieve spotlight.

2. The White Tiger

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 often believed movies were an art that couldn’t honour a country holding a big place in his heart. As someone treasuring memories of a friend that cared deeply about Indian culture, I adored “The White Tiger”. Released in 2021, Ramin Bahrani’s movie capturing social inequality in India. Bahrani uses captivating voice-over narration to capture housekeepers in India that face social inequality tension. For instance, the scene in which Balram discovers that his masters have cut his wages causing a dilemma in India is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Adarsh Gourav, who captured a housekeeper in India facing social inequality. Ultimately, what makes “The White Tiger” a great movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies set in India, it tackles universal themes that everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with Indian culture to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about housekeepers which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of social inequality that housekeepers in India face, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies which audiences embrace.

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. Social class 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 message. The film delivers a bold 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 after the publication of a classic book about prejudiced women developing romantic bonds with pride, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a memorable genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to leave audiences commonly 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 definitely 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 inequality 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. Saltburn

Social inequality is a tradition that is common in Britain. Britain has built an image of being a country that follows traditions of social inequality. The struggles faced by lower-class people seeking to earn prosperity in Britain are beautifully depicted in the movie “Saltburn”. Released in 2023, Emerald Fennell’s movie offered a powerful portrait of social disparity in the country. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Saltburn” stand out is its depiction of wealth. Fennell uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a wealthy family owning an estate is facing. Assisted by Barry Keoghan who is amazing in lead role, Fennell captured social disparity in Britain. As precious as the Saltburn estate, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies audiences appreciate.

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 inequality. 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 commemorated genre that has made unforgettable movies that audiences treasure.

9. Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey is a legendary television show about social inequality that has built a lasting legacy. With its timeless themes, strong storytelling and powerful acting, the show earned a huge following. In 2019, Michael Engler honoured the iconic television series in his movie “Downton Abbey”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Downton Abbey” stand out is its depiction of housekeepers. Engler uses captivating set-design to capture the differences in ways of living between wealthy owners and housekeepers. Assisted by Maggie Smith who is magnificent in the lead role, Engler created a captivating adaptation of the television series. A breathtaking adaptation of a beloved television series, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies about families that face social inequalities.

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 powerful portrait of prostitution. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of a commemorated prostitute treated poorly by social class inequality has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As precious as clothes worn by Anora, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about social inequality causing a dilemma which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of modern Cinema.