Introduction
Movies have a unique ability to captivate our imagination, especially when it comes to the allure of wealth and success. Whether it’s the thrill of a high-stakes gamble, the struggles of entrepreneurship, or the seduction of easy money, films about making wealth can inspire us—or serve as cautionary tales. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at 20 of the best movies that explore the quest for riches, offering a blend of entertainment, life lessons, and sometimes, a look at the dark side of wealth. Grab your popcorn and let’s dive into this cinematic journey!
20 Must Watch Movies about Getting Rich
- Wall Street (1987)
The Greed is Good Mantra
This Martin Scorsese film tells the true story of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who rises to significant wealth through fraud and corruption.
Why Watch It?
The movie portrays the high-octane lifestyle of 1990s Wall Street, filled with excess, ambition, and moral ambiguity.
Key Themes: Greed, ambition, the consequences of financial crimes
Standout Scene: Belfort’s infamous “Sell me this pen” moment, demonstrating persuasive sales techniques.
Directed by Oliver Stone, Wall Street is a cult classic that brought the phrase “Greed is good” to the forefront of popular culture. The movie focuses on the ruthless world of finance through the eyes of a young stockbroker, Bud Fox, who gets caught up in the ambition of Gordon Gekko, an iconic character who embodies corporate greed.
- The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Excess and Its Consequences
A classic that introduced the catchphrase “Greed is good,” this film follows the life of a young stockbroker aspiring to climb the corporate ladder under the tutelage of Gordon Gekko.
Lessons Learned
The film emphasizes the ethical dilemmas and the cutthroat nature of the finance industry.
Iconic Line: “The most valuable commodity I know of is information.”
Impact: It sparked a surge of interest in financial careers among young viewers.
Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street chronicles the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort, a real-life stockbroker who indulged in a lavish lifestyle fueled by crime and corruption. The film offers a dizzying portrayal of excess, decadence, and the inevitable consequences of an unbridled pursuit of wealth.
- Moneyball (2011)
Innovation and Strategy in Wealth
Based on a true story, Moneyball centers around the Oakland Athletics baseball team’s innovative approach to scouting and recruiting players using data analytics. While not a traditional wealth story, it highlights how creative strategies can lead to success and financial gains in unexpected ways.
- The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
A Heartfelt Journey
A touching biographical drama about Chris Gardner, who faces homelessness while struggling to provide for his son and achieve his dream of a better life.
Inspirational Takeaways
The Pursuit of Happyness is a testament to resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Key Message: Perseverance is crucial when chasing financial success.
Emotional Core: Gardner’s relationship with his son serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of family.
Starring Will Smith, this film is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who fights to create a better life for himself and his son. It’s an inspiring tale of resilience and determination, emphasizing that wealth is not just about money but about finding fulfillment.
- Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
Desperation in Real Estate
In a high-pressure sales environment, four real estate agents struggle to succeed in selling properties to clients. Glengarry Glen Ross is a gripping exploration of the lengths people will go to in order to achieve financial success, underscored by competition and desperation.
- The Big Short (2015)
Unraveling the Financial Crisis – The Big Short (2015)
The Big Short illuminates the events leading up to the 2008 financial crisis through the eyes of a group of savvy investors who predicted the collapse of the housing market. This film brilliantly combines humor and tragedy to depict how greed led to disastrous financial upheaval.
- Boiler Room (2000)
The Dark Side of Selling – Boiler Room (2000)
In Boiler Room, a college dropout becomes a broker for a shady investment firm. Initially drawn in by the allure of quick wealth, he soon discovers the ethical dilemmas and moral compromises that come with the territory. It’s a cautionary tale about the seductive pull of fast money.
- Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Con Artistry for Wealth
Based on the life of Frank Abagnale Jr., Catch Me If You Can portrays a brilliant con artist who successfully commits fraud while evading the FBI. This film is light-hearted yet demonstrates how the desire for wealth can lead to extraordinary—and often illegal—means of acquisition.
- The Great Gatsby (2013)
A Look at the American Dream – The Great Gatsby (2013)
Adapted from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, The Great Gatsby captures the opulence of the Jazz Age and the pursuit of the American Dream. Jay Gatsby’s reckless spending highlights the emptiness that can accompany wealth and the lengths people go to in pursuit of love and acceptance.
- Erin Brockovich (2000)
Wealth through Justice
Erin Brockovich (2000) – Julia Roberts stars as Erin Brockovich, a legal assistant who takes on a powerful corporation over water contamination. While her journey isn’t directly about monetary wealth, it emphasizes the wealth of integrity and justice, showing that financial victories also come from standing up for what’s right.
- The Social Network (2010)
Digital Revolution and Riches
The Social Network narrates the founding of Facebook and the clashes among its creators. The film explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the rapid ascent to immense wealth in the digital age, making it a relevant look at modern entrepreneurship.
- American Psycho (2000)
Wealth and Identity Crisis
The Social Network (2010) – Starring Christian Bale, this film provides a chilling view of the life of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy New York City investment banker. Beneath his polished exterior lies a disturbing moral void, pointing to the disconnect often found in a world obsessed with wealth and status.
- A Beautiful Mind (2001)
Genius and the Pursuit of Success
Based on the life of mathematician John Nash, A Beautiful Mind showcases the intersection of genius and the pursuit of wealth. Nash’s struggle with mental illness and eventual success in economics offer a poignant reminder that true wealth may lie in personal fulfillment rather than financial gain.
- The Founder (2016)
Fast Food Empire Building
The Founder tells the story of Ray Kroc and the rise of McDonald’s from a small burger stand to a global franchise. This film captures the ambition, hard work, and ethical challenges faced when building a business empire.
- The Money Pit (1986)
Comedy in Wealth Challenges
This romantic comedy follows a couple who buy a dilapidated mansion, only to discover the extensive repairs needed to make it livable. The Money Pit humorously illustrates the unpredictability of financial projects and investment.
- Joy (2015)
From Struggles to Success
Joy (2015) – A Biographical drama about Joy Mangano, the inventor of the Miracle Mop, shows the struggles of a single mother battling hardships to build her business empire. Joy tells a relatable story about perseverance and innovation in the pursuit of wealth.
- Too Big to Fail (2011)
Political Drama in the Financial Crisis
Too Big to Fail (2011) – Based on Andrew Ross Sorkin’s book, this film provides an insider’s view of the financial crisis of 2008, showcasing how key players in government and finance made decisions that led to catastrophic economic consequences. It emphasizes the complex interrelations of wealth and power.
- The Insider (1999)
Whistleblowing and Integrity
The Insider (1999) – The story of Jeffrey Wigand, a whistleblower from the tobacco industry, demonstrates the moral complexities of the financial world. While not purely about making money, it examines the wealth generated from unethical practices and the personal cost of standing up against them.
- Office Space (1999)
Corporate Culture and Wealth
Office Space takes a comedic spin on the world of corporate work, showcasing the frustrations of employees trapped in mundane jobs while they lesser their dreams of wealth. Through humor, it critiques workplace culture and consumerism.
- The Secret of My Success (1987)
Rise to Corporate Success – The Secret of My Success (1987)
In this comedy, Brantley Foster, played by Michael J. Fox, moves to New York City to seek his fortune. The film captures the whimsical nature of business and the ridiculous lengths people will go to achieve their financial goals.
Conclusion
Whether through earnest hard work, innovative thinking, or moral dilemmas, these films provide a multifaceted view of the pursuit of wealth. From heartwarming narratives to compelling dramas, they reflect the complexities of human ambition. So, grab your popcorn and start streaming—these movies will not only entertain but may also inspire your own financial journey.
What’s your favorite movie from this list? Or do you have another film in mind that showcases the quest for riches? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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