The Best Rags to Riches Films Ever 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. Slumdog Millionaire

India is a misunderstood country that’s rarely depicted accurately in movies. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a friend that would criticize any movies that gave India a bad image. Born in the poverty-stricken slums of Mumbai, he was always critical of the dark movies that depicted his home country. An Indian without fear, he once had big dreams of being a famous millionaire. He would argue that movies were an art form that could never capture the harsh realities of a great country that had often held a precious place in his heart. Few films I have ever seen have captured the grim hardships it takes to become a big millionaire as powerfully as “Slumdog Millionaire”. Following its release in 2008, Danny Boyle’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest rags-to-riches film ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Boyle used innovative cinematic techniques to capture an impoverished Indian boy’s hard journey to become a successful millionaire. Boyle has always had an aptitude for making movies about poverty putting lives of people in danger, and “Slumdog Millionaire” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Jamal is overcome with joy after he miraculously 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 a great role by Dev Patel, who portrayed an Indian boy seeking to become a millionaire. Ultimately, what makes “Slumdog Millionaire” my favourite film about millionaires of all-time is its commemorated appeal. Unlike most movies set in India, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about achieving one’s dreams which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 20 years after the release of a groundbreaking film about a orphan seeking to be a millionaire, it’s a bold reminder of a genre manufacturing commemorated movies about which audiences commonly care.

2. The Social Network

Friendships are fragile relationships that often face hardships. I remember forming a strong bond with a kid in school I grew up to treasure. Seeking to become a millionaire, he was determined to achieve a successful career. As someone treasuring fond memories of a close companion on a social network, I adored “The Social Network”. Released in 2010, David Fincher’s movie captured formation of the famous social network organization Facebook. Fincher used captivating flashbacks capturing friendships falling apart in the formation of a famous social network organization. For instance, the scene in which Eduardo Saverin throws temper tantrums at Mark breaking his laptop for lowering his shares in social media is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Jesse Eisenberg, who embodied the bold founder of a social media firm. Ultimately, what makes “The Social Network” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about sacrifices of friendship in the world of business which would resonate with everyone. A fantastic tribute to millionaires that founded a great social network company, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has produced great movies which deserve popularity.

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 social class 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. A powerful portrait of frightening parasite barriers housekeepers in South Korea fight, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured commemorated movies which deserve to achieve the 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. Knives Out

Social class has impacted my family. Years ago, my grandparents faced grief when they found our that their housekeeper was a thief. I recall he was a generous housekeeper that treated my grandparents in a kind manner. However, my grandparents were shocked to discover he had stolen their jewelry. As someone haunted by sad 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. A magnificent mystery about housekeepers with knives out, it’s a strong reminder of a genre that has made movies about the lives of housekeepers which deserve to be talked about.

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 Wolf of Wall Street

Jordan Belfort is a wealthy stockbroker that built a lasting legacy. During the 1980’s, Belfort was a Wall Street stockbroker that engaged in criminal activities becoming wealthy. In 2013, Martin Scorsese honoured the wealthy stockbroker that ruled Wall Street in his movie “The Wolf of Wall Street”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Wolf of Wall Street” stand out is its depiction of Wall Street. Scorsese uses captivating voice-over narration to capture the life of a stockbroker on Wall Street facing tension. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is incredible in the lead role, Scorsese honoured a stockbroker that became wealthy years ago. 30 years after Jordan Belfort committed crimes on Wall Street, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies which audiencesc commonly consider unforgettable treat.

10. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Few movies ever made about rags to riches are as beloved as “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”. Since its release in 1971, Mel Stuart’s movie has become a celebrated classic. Stuart staged captivating musical numbers capturing a child overcoming poverty. Assisted by Gene Wilder who is extraordinary in the lead role, Stuart created a beautiful adaptation of a book. Although I loved the movie, its depiction of poverty has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of a child overcoming poverty by visiting a chocolate factory has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As precious as Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, it’s a wonderful reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about the dangers of poverty which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.