10 Best Movies About Lottery Winners & Why You Should Watch Them

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We are certain there isn’t a person who hasn’t once in his or her life imagined himself or herself as a lottery winner. Whether we play it or not, it is a dream the majority of us have. Filmmakers have also dealt with this interesting phenomenon and explored the ways various people would react to the fact of winning the lottery. In this list, we are bringing you the 10 best movies about lottery winners.

It Could Happen To You (1994)

What it’s about: This is one of the most famous movies about lottery winners, with Bridget Fonda and Nicholas Cage in leading roles. He is Charlie Lang who has always been living a simple and humble life with his wife Muriel, at least until they won 4 Million dollars in the lottery. When Muriel finds out that Charlie has promised a waitress (played by Fonda) half of his possible win since he didn’t have any money to tip her, Charlie becomes aware that Muriel is not what he thought she was, but a selfish and greedy woman who is willing to leave him in order to get what she wants.

Why you should watch it: The first thing is the chemistry between Cage and Fonda which is addictive and makes the movie adorable. The second thing is a brilliant portrayal of how some people change and show their true selves when faced with a certain situation in their lives, in this case, a lottery win. This is a warm and lovely romantic comedy full of positivity, despite the negativity it tackles.

Finder’s Fee (2001)

What it’s about: Tepper is an ordinary and lovable guy who leads an ordinary life with his girlfriend and friends. His life will suddenly change when he finds a winning lottery ticket in a lost wallet he found in the streets. He has to decide what to do with the discovery and at the same time deal with his friend Avery who is beginning to behave differently than usual.

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Why you should watch it: An interesting storyline, great acting, and an ending that will make you think about your possible reaction to the movie’s topic and some decisions made, make this movie an excellent choice for everyone who is in search of a good drama thriller.

If I Had a Million (1932)

What it’s about: This comedy-drama tells the story of a tycoon John Glidden who doesn’t like his relatives and decides to give all his money to eight strangers when he dies. He chooses eight individuals from the city directory, a prostitute, a forger, a china salesman, two ex-vaudevillians, a condemned man, a clerk, and an inmate of an old ladies’ home.

Why you should watch it: Eight different characters in a movie and eight directors! This is a great story seen from the perspective of various people who are faced with the fact of receiving a huge amount of money. It shows how people behave around money and what decisions they make. 

Two Lottery Tickets (2016)

What it’s about: This is a hilarious comedy about three men from a provincial town who, desperate to earn some money, decide to buy a lottery ticket. They win the lottery but immediately after ticket gets stolen so they embark on an interesting and adventurous journey to find their lost ticket, getting into all sorts of funny situations and adventures. 

Why you should watch it: Romanian cinematography is growing bigger every day and there are true gems that can be found there. This is a realistic portrayal of life in Romania and it gives the audience a great insight into the people who live there, and it has some brilliant moments full of good humor.

Lucky Numbers (2000)

What it’s about: John Travolta plays Russ Richard, a famous weatherman from Pennsylvania who is having a hard time since the weather in Harrisburg is too warm for winter and no one is buying anything from a snowmobile dealership. Desperate to earn money, he decides to perform a lottery scam and win the next jackpot, worth 6,4 million dollars. But things won’t go as smoothly as planned.

Why you should watch it: This is a comedy-drama that, once again, deals with people and their reaction to winning big sums of money. It is an interesting story with a good cast, especially Bill Pullman who plays a lazy cop who doesn’t want to work anymore.

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Waking Ned Devine (1998)

What it’s about: Ned Divine is a lottery winner who can’t enjoy his money since he died of shock! Everyone in his small Irish village has learned about Ned’s wins but the news about his death hasn’t gotten out in the open. His friends decide to keep the prize money but the news in such a small town travel pretty fast and they learn that keeping a secret in a town like this is pretty difficult.

Why you should watch it: Don’t miss it! Find it somewhere and watch it as soon as you can. This is a must-see! It is a hilarious dark comedy with brilliant performances and dialogues, a true feel-good movie you will definitely enjoy.

29th Street (1991)

What it’s about: This drama-comedy is one of the most famous and beloved movies about lottery wins. It is inspired by true events and tells the story of Frank Pesce who happens to be the luckiest man alive in spite of his bad luck. Growing up in a poor New York City neighborhood, Pesce was always very good at getting himself in trouble. But he was also the first New York lottery winner.

Why you should watch it: This is a movie you shouldn’t miss. It is funny, with witty dialogues and unforgettable characters, played by brilliant Danny Aiello and Anthony LaPaglia. It has some unforgettable scenes that will make you laugh out loud. 

Uptown Saturday Night (1974)

What it’s about: Steve Jackson and Wardell Franklin sneak out from their homes to visit Madame Zenobia’s, an extravagant and high-class, but illegal nightclub. The place gets robbed during their visit and they are forced to hand over their wallets. But Steve had a winning lottery ticket in his wallet and now he has to team up with Wardell and try and get hold of their stolen property.

Why you should watch it: If you are a fan of Bill Cosby and Sidney Poitier, you will definitely enjoy this movie. Poitier’s directing is also excellent and, together with their great on-screen chemistry and brilliant acting skills, it makes the movie even better. 

Jerry and Marge Go Large (2022)

What it’s about: This is a biographical comedy-drama about a married couple who wins the lottery and decides to spend it for reviving their small town. After finding a loophole in the lottery system, Jerry and Marge Selbee figure out how to win the lottery and manage to get a hold of 27 million dollars.

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Why you should watch it: This movie focuses on different aspects than the usual movies about money and a big amount of won dollars It centers on people and the community and it’s a real refreshment, together with a great script and excellent acting by Brian Cranston and Annette Bening. 

Le million (1931)

What it’s about: This is a musical comedy about a poor Parisian artist who is constantly getting into trouble. When he finds out that he holds the winning ticket in Dutch Lottery, he is certain things are about to change for him. But soon he finds out that his girlfriend Beatrice has given his coat to a man in need and now he has to find his jacket. But he is not the only one who is interested in the jacket. 

Why you should watch it: This is a well-made silent film which should be on this list, not only because of its topic, but also its excellent innovative way of filming. It is technically brilliant and very interesting, with no boring moments.

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