The 5 Best Movies About Being Broke, You Really Should Watch

Money may not buy happiness, but it sure can make life easier. This is a premise around which a lot of movies revolve, but the other side of the coin is being broke which neither makes you happy nor makes anything easier. Considering that plenty of movies deal with the topic of money, we decided to compile this list of movies that showcase what it’s like to be completely and utterly broke. These films will make you laugh, cry, and feel inspired to keep pushing forward, no matter what life throws your way. Let’s take a look at our list.

1. ‘Sorry We Missed You‘ (2019)

What it’s about: Ricky Turner and his family have struggled with debt since the 2008 financial crash. Despite lacking education or professional training, Ricky takes the opportunity to become a self-employed delivery driver for a franchise, supervised by the strict man Maloney. To afford a van for the job, Ricky convinces his wife Abby to sell their family car when she really needs for her job as a home care nurse. The stress of the demanding job takes a toll on Ricky because he is under constant pressure and gets fined for delays. At the same time, Abby’s work becomes more challenging without a car and their quality of life suddenly plummets.

Why you should watch it: ‘Sorry We Missed You’ tells the cruel and true story about the “gig economy.” It’s a mode of employment that suits the employers while leaving you with basically no free time and no insurance if anything happens to you be it related to the job or not. ‘Sorry We Missed You’ is a rather stark reminder that the more you work, the more you succeed is not always a general rule.

2. ‘Rent’ (2005)

What it’s about: On Christmas Eve 1989, filmmaker Mark Cohen and his roommate Roger Davis learn that their landlord, Benny Coffin III, plans to evict homeless individuals to build a cyber studio. Benny offers free rent in exchange for getting Mark’s ex-girlfriend, Maureen, to cancel her protest against his plans. Mark and Roger decline the offer. Meanwhile, their former roommate Tom Collins is mugged, and he bonds with a street drummer, Angel, who is also HIV positive.

Why you should watch it: Skip this movie if you don’t like musicals, but if you are a fan, then you’re in for a treat. ‘Rent’ is all over the place, the movie not only deals with being broke it also deals with the concept of being broke while you are also a part of a marginalized group in our society.

3. ‘Pursuit of Happyness‘ (2006)

What it’s about: In 1981 Chris Gardner invested his life savings in bone-density scanners, and tried to peddle them as replacements for standard X-rays. The plan doesn’t work that way however and Chris finds himself being broke and on the verge of divorce. Despite caring for their young son, Christopher Jr., the economic instability takes a toll on their relationship. During an attempt to sell a scanner, Chris impresses Jay Twistle, a lead manager for an investment firm, by solving a Rubik’s Cube. Running short on money, Chris opts not to pay his taxi fare, leading to a chase into a BART station. Though he loses a scanner, his encounter with Jay opens the door for Chris to become an intern stockbroker.

Why you should watch it: This is a movie based on the true story of Chris Gardner who faced homelessness until ultimately becoming very successful and wealthy. If you need an extra push today regarding resilience, perseverance, and the strength of the human spirit, you should definitely watch ‘The Pursuit of Happyness.’ It’s a phenomenal movie.

4. ‘Precious‘ (2009)

What it’s about: ‘Precious’ tells the story of Claireece Precious Jones, a New York Harlem native in Section 8 apartments who lives with her unemployed mother. Precious has numerous problems in her life. She is destitute, mentally challenged, and overweight, she is constantly being abused verbally, physically, and sexually and to top everything off, she is a young mother, with a new child on the way. When Claireece’s principal discovers in what kind of conditions Precious lives, she enrolls her in a special program designed to give her some kind of hope for the future.

Why you should watch it: ‘Precious’ definitely goes a step above simply being poor. Imagine being not only broke but having a state of mind that completely disables you from ever achieving anything and pulling yourself out of that situation. The movie also features exceptional performances, especially by Gabourey Sidibe as Precious and Mo’Nique as her abusive mother. These performances have been widely praised and earned Mo’Nique an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

5. ‘The Florida Project‘ (2017)

What’s it about: Six-year-old Moonee lives with her single mother Halley at a budget motel near Walt Disney World in Florida. Halley, recently unemployed, struggles to make ends meet, resorting to selling knockoff perfume to tourists while relying on food from Ashley, a diner worker. Despite the challenges, Moonee and her friends, Scooty and Jancey, navigate their summer days, causing mischief and forming a bond in the face of economic hardships, all observed by Bobby, the motel’s protective manager.

Why you should watch it: What it’s like to be dirt poor at the happiest place on Earth? ‘The Florida Project’ answers that, particularly through the eyes of the children. The movie despite being set on the outskirts of Walt Disney World deals with severe poverty.

Have a movie to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!