My Favourite Films About Materialism of All-Time

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 materialism 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 he was a generous housekeeper that would 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 had stolen their precious jewelry.  Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the tight social inequality barriers that poor Korean housekeepers must 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 materialism. 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 film about materialism 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 tremendous spotlight.

2. Titanic

The Titanic is a tragic event in history that shaped my brother’s identity. At an early age, I bonded with a brother that had immense knowledge about a sad shipwreck that caused damage. He was often interested in becoming educated about a sad disaster he appreciated.  In 1997, James Cameron honoured the tragic shipwreck in his iconic film “Titanic”. With the greatest film of his career, Cameron used bold cinematic techniques to capture a grim shipwreck disaster that caused despair. Cameron used great special effects to capture lovers with social class tension torn apart on a ship that’s deteriorating. For instance, the scene in which Jack and Rose face tension being torn apart from each other as the ship begins sinking causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all are a pair of great roles from Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, who portrayed lovers torn apart by social class. Ultimately, what makes “Titanic” a classic period piece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the history of the Titanic to appreciate it. The film delivers a bold message about disasters which will resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years after the tragic sinking of the Titanic, its a breathtaking reminder of a great genre that has produced commemorated movies which created a long-lasting legacy that’s undeniably iconic.

3. 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 dysfunctional families which would resonate with everyone. A magnificent mystery about housekeepers with knives out, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about social inequalities in countries which deserve to be talked absolutely about.

4. The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby is a great book 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 demonstrating class struggles in the 1920’s. Drawn towards the green light, he would always love discussing a book about barriers that materialistic millionaires fight. 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 genre that has manufactured movies which audiences consider precious.

5. Fight Club

Anxiety has shaped my personality. As far as I remember, I have always been an anxious person under intense pressure. This anxiety first began in high school when I faced painful pressure to succeed in a class that was cruel. No matter how hard I tried, I could never cope with feelings of anxiety that left me terrified. As someone that has faced anxiety causing adversity, I adored “Fight Club”. Released in 1999, David Fincher’s movie depicted the lives of terrorists forming fight clubs causing tragedy. Fincher used captivating voice-over narration to capture the life of a terrorist forming a materialistic organization causing tension. For instance, the scene in which Tyler Durden first creates the fight club causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Edward Norton, who embodied a mentally disturbed terrorist facing tension. Ultimately, what makes “Fight Club” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most David Fincher movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about the importance of mental health which would resonate with everyone. As precious as fight clubs Tyler Durden seeks to create, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies audiences tremendously appreciate.

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 modern-day Cinema.

8. Materialists

Matchmaking is an activity that my cousin always found engaging. I remember my cousin once had dreams of becoming a famous matchmaker. As someone treasuring memories of a materialistic matchmaker, I adored “Materialists”. Released in 2025, Celine Song’s movie captured a materialistic matchmaker arranging marriages. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Materialists” stand out is its depiction of matchmakers. Song uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a matchmaker arranging marriages is experiencing. Assisted by Dakota Johnson who is extraordinary in the lead role, Song created a captivating drama about matchmaking. As strong as Lucy’s desire to be materialistic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated genre that has made iconic movies about materialists captivating movie-going public.

9. The Talented Mr. Ripley

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about materialism causing adversity, 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 terrific adaptation of a book about con-artists that are talented, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured commemorated timeless movies which deserve to be always appreciated.

10. The Wolf of Wall Street

Few movies ever made about stockbrokers becoming rich 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 bold rags-to-riches movie. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of materialistic 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 a millionaire, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured commemorated movies about materialism causing people to face fear which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking about which I care.