Best Movies About Rich People, Ranked

Cinema has always maintained a fascination with the lives of the wealthy by offering audiences a glimpse into worlds of opulence and immense privilege. These films explore the complex dynamics of power and corruption that often accompany great fortune. Directors utilize these stories to critique social hierarchies or to simply revel in the aesthetic beauty of extravagance. The narratives range from biting satire and tense thrillers to sweeping historical dramas. The following list represents the most compelling cinematic portrayals of the upper class.

‘The Bling Ring’ (2013)

Sofia Coppola directs this satirical crime film based on actual events involving a group of fame-obsessed teenagers in Los Angeles. The group tracks the whereabouts of celebrities online to rob their homes while the owners are out of town. The narrative explores the modern obsession with luxury brands and the hollow pursuit of status through theft. It serves as a vacuous yet compelling portrait of privilege and moral decay among the youth of Calabasas.

‘Indecent Proposal’ (1993)

A billionaire offers a young married couple one million dollars for one night with the wife in this polarizing drama. The film examines the fragility of relationships when faced with life-changing amounts of money and the power dynamics of extreme wealth. Robert Redford plays the charming tycoon whose proposition tests the moral boundaries of the struggling couple. It sparked endless debates among audiences regarding the price of fidelity and love.

‘Cruel Intentions’ (1999)

This modern adaptation of a classic French novel transports the story to the world of wealthy Manhattan teenagers. Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe play manipulative step-siblings who wager on the sexual conquest of the headmaster’s daughter. The movie depicts the boredom and malice that can fester within the idle rich youth culture. It became a cult classic for its stylish presentation and biting dialogue about reputation and social standing.

‘Marie Antoinette’ (2006)

Kirsten Dunst portrays the infamous French queen in a stylized biographical drama that focuses on the excess of the pre-revolutionary court. The film utilizes a modern soundtrack and vibrant costumes to emphasize the isolation and immaturity of the young monarch. Viewers witness her retreat into a world of pastries and parties while political unrest brews outside the palace gates. It offers a sympathetic look at a woman ill-equipped for the responsibilities of her station.

‘House of Gucci’ (2021)

Ridley Scott directs this biographical crime drama about the family behind the famous Italian fashion brand. Lady Gaga stars as an outsider who marries into the Gucci dynasty and eventually unravels the family legacy through ambition and betrayal. The film showcases the destructive nature of greed and the infighting that can destroy a business empire. Opulent locations and high fashion underscore the tragic downfall of the Gucci family members.

‘Crazy Rich Asians’ (2018)

A New York professor travels to Singapore to meet her boyfriend’s family and discovers they are among the wealthiest people in the country. She must navigate the disapproval of his matriarch mother and the jealousy of socialites who view her as an unworthy outsider. The film was celebrated for its dazzling display of high-society living and its focus on Asian cultural nuances. It revitalized the romantic comedy genre with its lavish set pieces and charismatic cast.

‘Ready or Not’ (2019)

A young bride marries into a wealthy eccentric family only to discover she must participate in a deadly game of hide-and-seek. The film satirizes the bizarre traditions of the ultra-rich and the literal sacrifices they make to maintain their fortune. Samara Weaving delivers a standout performance as the protagonist fighting for survival in a mansion filled with traps. It blends horror and dark comedy to critique the way old money views outsiders.

‘Arbitrage’ (2012)

Richard Gere plays a hedge fund magnate desperate to complete the sale of his trading empire before his fraud is revealed. He struggles to maintain the façade of success while balancing a police investigation and a crumbling family life. The story highlights the extreme measures powerful individuals take to protect their reputation and wealth. It is a tense character study of a man accustomed to buying his way out of trouble.

‘All the Money in the World’ (2017)

This biographical drama chronicles the kidnapping of John Paul Getty III and the refusal of his grandfather to pay the ransom. Christopher Plummer portrays J. Paul Getty as a man whose immense wealth has stripped him of basic human empathy. The film juxtaposes the desperation of the boy’s mother with the cold calculation of the richest man in history. It serves as a chilling reminder that money cannot buy family loyalty or safety.

‘The Great Gatsby’ (2013)

Baz Luhrmann brings his signature visual flair to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel about the Roaring Twenties. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as the enigmatic millionaire Jay Gatsby who throws lavish parties in hopes of reuniting with his lost love. The movie captures the excess and superficiality of the Jazz Age while exploring themes of obsession and the American Dream. The vibrant cinematography emphasizes the hollowness lurking beneath the glittering surface.

‘Saltburn’ (2023)

A scholarship student at Oxford University is drawn into the charming world of a wealthy aristocrat and invited to his family estate for the summer. The film unfolds as a psychological thriller that examines class envy and the seductive nature of old money. Visuals of the sprawling estate contrast sharply with the dark and twisted desires of the characters. It shocked audiences with its provocative scenes and scathing look at the British upper class.

‘The Menu’ (2022)

A group of wealthy food enthusiasts travels to a remote island for an exclusive dining experience prepared by a celebrity chef. The evening takes a sinister turn as the chef reveals a menu designed to punish his privileged guests for their pretension. Ralph Fiennes delivers a chilling performance as the culinary artist tired of serving those who consume without appreciation. The film is a biting satire on elite culture and the service industry.

‘Triangle of Sadness’ (2022)

This satirical black comedy follows a celebrity couple on a luxury cruise for the super-rich that ends in catastrophe. The social hierarchy is flipped upside down when the survivors become stranded on a desert island and the cleaning lady takes command. It ruthlessly mocks the fashion industry and the helplessness of the wealthy when stripped of their resources. The film won the Palme d’Or for its sharp critique of capitalism and beauty standards.

‘Trading Places’ (1983)

Two commodities brokers conduct a social experiment by switching the lives of a street hustler and a wealthy executive. Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd star in this comedy that tackles themes of nature versus nurture and institutional racism. The film remains a beloved classic for its humorous take on the stock market and the arbitrary nature of financial success. It culminates in a satisfying revenge scheme where the pawns outsmart the masters.

‘Coming to America’ (1988)

An African prince travels to Queens in New York City to find a wife who will love him for his intellect rather than his title. Eddie Murphy plays the pampered royal who sheds his jewels to work at a fast-food restaurant and experience life as a commoner. The movie contrasts the extreme opulence of his fictional kingdom with the gritty reality of urban America. It is a heartwarming story about the value of personal character over material wealth.

‘The Devil Wears Prada’ (2006)

A journalism graduate lands a job as an assistant to a powerful and terrifying fashion magazine editor. Meryl Streep gives an iconic performance as the icy Miranda Priestly who demands absolute perfection from her staff. The film explores the sacrifices required to succeed in the high-stakes world of fashion and luxury publishing. It reveals the grueling work ethic and ruthlessness often required to maintain a position at the top.

‘Blue Jasmine’ (2013)

Cate Blanchett stars as a disgraced socialite who loses her fortune and moves in with her working-class sister in San Francisco. The film is a character study of a woman clinging to her past status while refusing to accept her new reality. Blanchett won an Academy Award for her portrayal of a person unraveling under the weight of delusion and regret. It illustrates the psychological toll of losing financial security and social standing.

‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’ (1999)

A young underachiever is sent to Italy to retrieve a rich man’s son but instead becomes obsessed with his lavish lifestyle. Matt Damon plays the sociopathic Tom Ripley who uses deception and murder to assume the identity of the wealthy Dickie Greenleaf. The stunning Italian backdrops emphasize the allure of the leisure class that Ripley is desperate to join. It is a suspenseful thriller about the deadly consequences of class envy.

‘American Psycho’ (2000)

Christian Bale stars as Patrick Bateman and portrays a wealthy investment banker who leads a double life as a serial killer. The film satirizes the materialistic yuppie culture of the 1980s where business cards and restaurant reservations matter more than human life. Bateman views his victims as disposable objects in a world defined by superficiality and greed. It has attained cult status for its dark humor and critique of toxic masculinity.

‘Wall Street’ (1987)

Michael Douglas won an Oscar for his role as Gordon Gekko and immortalized the phrase that greed is good. The story follows a young stockbroker who falls under the wing of the ruthless corporate raider and gets drawn into illegal trading. The film captures the excess of the 1980s financial boom and the moral corruption of Wall Street. It serves as a cautionary tale about the cost of ambition and the seduction of easy money.

‘Gosford Park’ (2001)

Robert Altman directs this murder mystery set at an English country estate during a shooting party in the 1930s. The narrative is split between the wealthy guests upstairs and the servants downstairs who cater to their every whim. It functions as a sharp critique of the British class system while delivering the intrigue of a classic whodunit. The ensemble cast delivers nuanced performances that highlight the interdependence of the masters and their staff.

‘The Philadelphia Story’ (1940)

Katharine Hepburn stars as a wealthy socialite whose wedding plans are complicated by the arrival of her ex-husband and a tabloid reporter. This romantic comedy satirizes the rigidity of the upper class and challenges the protagonist to embrace her own vulnerability. The witty dialogue and charming performances make it a timeless examination of privilege and human relationships. It remains one of the most celebrated films about the American aristocracy.

‘The Big Short’ (2015)

This biographical comedy-drama explains the financial crisis of 2007 through the eyes of the investors who bet against the housing market. The film uses unconventional storytelling techniques to break down complex economic concepts regarding wealth transfer and banking fraud. It highlights the corruption and negligence of the financial elite that led to a global economic collapse. The narrative is both educational and infuriating as it exposes a rigged system.

‘The Social Network’ (2010)

David Fincher directs the story of the founding of Facebook and the subsequent lawsuits that destroyed the friendship between its creators. Jesse Eisenberg portrays Mark Zuckerberg as a brilliant but socially abrasive ambitionist who revolutionizes communication. The film explores the concept of intellectual property and the betrayal that often accompanies the creation of massive wealth. It is a modern tragedy about gaining the world but losing one’s closest ally.

‘Knives Out’ (2019)

A wealthy crime novelist dies under mysterious circumstances and leaves his entire estate to his nurse. The film follows the investigation as the detective uncovers the greed and entitlement of the disinherited family members. It subverts the traditional whodunit genre by focusing on the class conflict between the immigrant nurse and the spoiled heirs. The sharp script and ensemble cast make it a scathing takedown of generational wealth.

‘The Aviator’ (2004)

Leonardo DiCaprio portrays Howard Hughes during his prime years as a film director and aviation pioneer. The biopic showcases the immense resources Hughes used to fuel his ambitious projects and his struggle with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder. It depicts the isolation that can accompany genius and unlimited funds. The film is a grand visual spectacle that honors the complexity of one of America’s most eccentric billionaires.

‘There Will Be Blood’ (2007)

Daniel Day-Lewis delivers a powerhouse performance as Daniel Plainview in this epic about the California oil boom. The film tracks his ruthless rise from a silver miner to an oil tycoon who destroys everyone in his path. It is a grim examination of capitalism and the corrosive nature of greed on the human soul. The desolate landscapes and haunting score underscore the emptiness of Plainview’s ultimate victory.

‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (2013)

Martin Scorsese directs this high-energy biography of Jordan Belfort and his rise to infamy as a fraudulent stockbroker. The film is a three-hour tour of debauchery involving drugs and luxury cars and financial crimes. It presents the seduction of wealth without moral boundaries and forces the audience to question their own attraction to such excess. DiCaprio’s performance captures the charismatic yet repulsive nature of unbridled greed.

Tell us which movie about the wealthy you think deserved the top spot in the comments.