My Favourite Films About the Working-Class of All-Time

Not many genres have earned the appreciation of working class. Since the 1980’s, stories of social inequality have made for engaging movies. Whether it’s 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 grim thief. I remember that 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 ended when he engaged in grim criminal behaviour. My grandparents were shocked to find that he was a thief that had stolen their precious jewelry.  Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the tight social class barriers that poor housekeepers in Korea 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 working-class people. With the greatest film of his career, Bong Joon-ho used innovative cinematic techniques to capture a working-lcass 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 grim crimes to provide for his family. Ultimately, what makes “Parasite” my favourite film about the working-class 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 frightening inequalities which would resonate with everyone. A phenomenal portrait of parasite challenges that housekeepers in South Korea fight, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about working-class which deserve achieving 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 memorable movies about which audiences care.

3. The Remains of the Day

Butlers are powerful figures that played a pivotal role in my family. I recall fond memories of a butler that assisted my grandparents. Dedicated to performing every chore, he was a housekeeper that my family would always adore. As someone treasuring fond memories of a butler that changed my family in every way, I adored “The Remains of the Day”. Released in 1993, James Ivory’s movie captured the lives of Butlers assisting a British family. Ivory used captivating montages capturing a butler seeking to assist a family whose health is declining. For instance, the scene in which Stevens delivers a rousing speech seeking to prepare his servants for a big lunch during the era is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it al is an extraordinary performance by Anthony Hopkins, who embodied a butler dedicated to assisting his family. Ultimately, what makes “The Remains of the Day” a memorable movie is its meaningful message. The film delivers a strong message about social class with which everyone would be able to engage. A brilliant adaptation of a beloved book about larger-than-life butlers reminiscing the remains of the day, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that definitely deserves to be celebrated today.

4. The Pursuit of Happiness

Unemployment is a tense situation that can affect fathers’ abilities to care for children. Several years ago, my friend’s father lose his job at BlackBerry causing sorrow. Left without a stable profession, he struggled to take care of his children. As someone recalling a father that struggled to ensure his children’s pursuit of 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 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 commemorated movies contributing to greater awareness of working-class individuals in modern-day business.

5. 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, working-class 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 working-class 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 social class which would resonate with everyone. A magnificent mystery about housekeepers with knives out, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies about working-class people which deserve to be talked about.

6. The White Tiger

Working-class 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 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 genre making great movies attracting audiences to the modern-day Cinema.

7. The Personal History of David Copperfield

Few authors in English literature that wrote poetry are as beloved as Charles Dickens. During the 1800’s, Dickens was a legendary poet that penned timeless stories about working-class families. In 2019, Armando Iannucci honoured the working-class poet 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 satire. Iannucci effectively uses satire to honour a legendary poet that created stories readers admire. Assisted by Dev Patel who is phenomenal in the lead role, Iannucci honoured Charles Dickens’ legendary legacy.  A spectacular tribute towards a English author that penned timeless literature, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about working-class audiences treasure.

8. The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games is great literature capturing working-class families facing danger. Since its publication in 2008, Suzanne Collins’ book has become a classic readers appreciate. Poverty has always been a central theme in the legendary book. In 2012, Gary Ross honoured the book about games in his movie “The Hunger Games”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Hunger Games” stand out is its feminist point-of-view. Ross uses captivating montages capturing an impoverished girl facing games that are frightening. Assisted by Jennifer Lawrence who is amazing in the lead role, Ross created a captivating adaptation of a celebrated book about poverty. As strong as Katniss’ desire to become a feminist hero, it’s a riveting reminder of a great genre that has made unforgettable movies giving audiences dreams to commonly follow.

9. Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey is a legendary television show about the working-class 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 working-class people facing 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 desire to become wealthy, it’s a riveting reminder about a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about working-class people which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking that I value highly.