The Best Films Ever Made About Greed 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 that faced damage. He was fascinated with the rags-to-riches stories of dark gangsters that had plans to become somebodies in neighbourhoods full of nobodies. An offer that he could simply never refuse, my grandfather loved to watch dark movies about the lives of dark gangsters that had shaped his worldviews. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the rags-to-riches struggles that are faced by greedy 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 greed. With the greatest film of his career, Scorsese used innovative cinematic techniques to capture greedy gangsters that seek 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 film about greed of all-time is its bold appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with Henry Hill’s life story to appreciate the movie. Unlike most gangster movies, it tackles 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 gangs seeking to be somebody in neighbourhoods full of nobodies, it’s a bold reminder of a genre honouring greed.

2. Parasite

Greed is a bad emotion that often impacts housekeepers. Years ago, my family faced grief when we found our greedy housekeeper was a thief. I remember a housekeeper that treated my family in a generous manner. My grandparents were shocked when they found the housekeeper they trusted fully had stolen jewelry.  As someone that has witnessed the emotions of greed housekeepers fight, I adored “Parasite”. Released in 2019, Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning drama captured social class barriers affecting families in South Korea. Bong Joon-ho effectively uses symbolism to capture the plight of a parasitic family seeking money in a country divided by social inequality. For instance, the scene in which the Kim family hatch a plan to plant parasitic peaches to get rid off the Park family’s housekeeper causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Song Kang-Ho, who embodied a greedy father facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Parasite” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be South Korean to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about social inequality which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of the parasite poverty barriers families in South Korea fight, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has manufactured great movies that deserve spotlight.

3. Se7en

Detectives are dazzling figures that have always fascinated by father. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a father that was fascinated with detectives investigating grim crimes causing damage. He would always appreciate seeing the grim crimes that world-famous detectives sought to investigate. As someone treasuring fond memories of a father that loved detectives conducting an investigation, I appreciated “Se7en”. Released in 1995, David Fincher’s movie captured determined detectives seeking to investigate serial killers causing tragedy. Fincher has always excelled at capturing lives of characters engaging in criminal behaviours, and “Se7en” showcased his strengths as a director. One of the most common techniques Fincher uses in his movies is plot twists. For instance, the ending scene in which Detective Mills and Somerset discover the scary contents of the box remains one of the best moments of the crime genre. Ultimately, what makes “Se7en” a crime classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about serial killers, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a strong message about serial killers which would resonate with everyone. As strong as murders that detective Somerset seeks to investigate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has never lost its abilities to commonly captivate.

4. The Social Network

Facebook is a legendary social networking company that my cousin always loved dearly. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a cousin that adored the company which changed social media. A huge fan of Facebook, he would always praise greedy founders of a company that changed his outlook. He would often yearn to see the social media company depicted in Cinema. In 2010, David Fincher honoured the greedy entrepreneurs that formed the social network in his movie “The Social Network”. Fincher used captivating non-linear storytelling capturing the greedy entrepreneurs that formed a company which revolutionized social networking. For instance, the scene in which the greedy Mark is accused by the twins of stealing their idea for Facebook causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Jesse Eisenberg, who embodied the extremely greedy founder of a social network company. Ultimately, what makes “The Social Network” a masterpiece is its appeal. Viewers don’t need to be Facebook users to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about friendship which would resonate with everyone. A spectacular tribute to a company that changed social media, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a celebrated genre commonly attracting audiences towards modern-day Cinema.

5. The Wolf of Wall Street

Wall Street stockbrokers fascinated my father. At an early age, I formed bonds with a father admiring stockbrokers causing damage. He admired the way stockbrokers got away with crimes without a price to pay. As someone treasuring a father fascinated with stockbrokers on Wall Street, I adored “The Wolf of Wall Street”. Released in 2013, Martin Scorsese’s movie depicted the lives of greedy stockbrokers on Wall Street. Scorsese effectively used voice-over narration to capture the life of a Wall Street stockbroker driven by greed to succeed. For instance, the scene in which Jordan Belfort faces the high of quaaludes for the first time wrecking his car causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who embodies a stockbroker that abused dangerous drugs years ago. Ultimately, what makes “The Wolf of Wall Street” a great movie about addiction is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Wall Street, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a cautionary message about dangers of greed which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Jordan Belfort’s desire to become a stockbroker on Wall Street, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies about greed which audiences consider treat.

6. There Will be Blood

Paul Thomas Anderson is a legendary filmmaker that has made great movies about greed causing destruction. Greed has always been a central theme in Anderson’s movies, and it is most evident in “There Will be Blood”. Released in 2007, Anderson’s movie captured a greedy oil prospector facing adversity. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “There Will be Blood” stand out is its depiction of oil. Anderson uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a greedy oil prospector seeking fortune is facing. Assisted by Daniel Day-Lewis who is extraordinary in the lead role, Anderson created a captivating drama about greed. As precious as oil sought by Daniel Plainview, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies about the dangerous consequences of greed audiences value.

7. The Talented Mr. Ripley

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about greedy people, 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 greedy 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 tremendously appreciated.

8. Catch Me if You Can

When it comes to greedy con-artists that faced jail, it’s worth discussing Frank Abagnale. During the 1960’s, Abagnale was a clever conman that engaged in felonies. Abagnale participated in criminal activities until the day that he was caught by FBI authorities. In 2002, Steven Spielberg honoured the notorious con-artist with a plan in his film “Catch Me if You Can”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Catch Me if You Can” stand out is its depiction of con-artists. Spielberg uses captivating montages capturing con-artists committing crimes that are shocking. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is amazing in the lead role, Spielberg honours a greedy con-artist that achieved fame years ago. As strong as crimes Frank Abagnale has committed, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated genre that deserves to be absolutely appreciated.

9. BlackBerry

BlackBerry is a legendary smartphone company that fell out of popularity. Created in 1984, the BlackBerry was a phone that people would adore. However, in 2008 the BlackBerry lost its popularity following the introduction of the iPhone. In 2023, Matt Johnson honoured the legendary smartphone in his movie “BlackBerry”. Unlike most movies in the business genre, what makes “BlackBerry” stand out is its strong attention to detail. Johnson used captivating montages to capture the detailed downfall of a smartphone that lost popularity. Assisted by Glenn Howerton who is exceptional in the lead role, Johnson celebrated a smartphone that fell out of fashion. As precious as the BlackBerry phone, it’s a brilliant reminder of a commemorated genre that has blown audiences away making timeless movies that are in a league of their undeniable own.

10. American Psycho

Few movies ever made about greed affecting abilities of businessmen to succeed are as beloved as “American Psycho”. Released in 2000, Mary Harron’s movie captured businessmen with greed. Harron uses montages capturing a businessman that feels greedy of his co-workers. Assisted by Christian Bale who is exceptional in the lead role, Harron created a portrait of jealousy with detail. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of jealousy causing a businessman to commit violence has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As memorable as murders committed by Patrick Bateman, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making unforgettable movies about the emotion of greed causing tension which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.