Best Movies About Rich People, Ranked

Movies have always been drawn to the lives of the rich, giving audiences a peek into worlds of luxury and privilege. These films often examine the complicated relationships and corruption that can come with great wealth. Filmmakers use these stories to either criticize the social ladder or simply showcase the beauty of a lavish lifestyle. The stories themselves vary widely, from sharp comedies and suspenseful thrillers to grand historical epics. Here’s a list of some of the most captivating films that depict the upper class.

‘The Bling Ring’ (2013)

Sofia Coppola’s film is a darkly funny crime story inspired by real events. It follows a group of teenagers in Los Angeles who become obsessed with fame and use social media to find out when celebrities are away from home, so they can rob them. The movie looks at our culture’s obsession with expensive things and how some young people try to find meaning and status through stealing. It’s a striking, though unsettling, look at wealth, privilege, and a lack of morals among the young people of Calabasas.

‘Indecent Proposal’ (1993)

This intense drama centers on a wealthy billionaire who offers a married couple a million dollars for one night with the wife. The film explores how much money can strain a relationship and how extreme wealth can shift power between people. Robert Redford stars as the charismatic billionaire whose offer pushes the couple’s values to the limit, sparking widespread discussion about the true cost of loyalty and love.

‘Cruel Intentions’ (1999)

This film updates a famous French story, setting it among the privileged teens of Manhattan. Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe star as scheming step-siblings who make a bet to seduce their headmaster’s daughter. The movie explores the emptiness and cruelty that can grow among wealthy, bored young people. It gained a dedicated following thanks to its sleek style and sharp conversations about image and social status.

‘Marie Antoinette’ (2006)

Kirsten Dunst stars as Marie Antoinette in a visually striking film that explores the lavish lifestyle of the French court before the revolution. The movie uses contemporary music and colorful outfits to highlight the queen’s loneliness and youthfulness. We see her escaping into a world of fun and indulgence as tension builds outside the palace walls. It’s a film that aims to show understanding for a woman who wasn’t prepared for the demands of being queen.

‘House of Gucci’ (2021)

This biographical crime drama, directed by Ridley Scott, tells the story of the family behind the iconic Italian fashion house, Gucci. Lady Gaga plays a woman who marries into the Gucci family and, driven by ambition and deceit, ultimately contributes to the family’s downfall. The film highlights how greed and internal conflicts can ruin even the most powerful businesses, all set against a backdrop of lavish settings and high fashion, emphasizing the tragedy of the Gucci family.

‘Crazy Rich Asians’ (2018)

A professor from New York goes to Singapore to meet her boyfriend’s family, only to find they’re incredibly rich. She faces challenges winning over his strict mother and dealing with the envy of Singapore’s high society, who don’t think she belongs. The movie was praised for its glamorous depiction of a luxurious lifestyle and its insightful look at Asian culture. It brought a fresh take to romantic comedies with its beautiful settings and charming actors.

‘Ready or Not’ (2019)

A newlywed finds herself in a terrifying game of hide-and-seek after marrying into a strange and incredibly wealthy family. The movie playfully mocks the odd customs of the super-rich and the extreme lengths they’ll go to keep their wealth. Samara Weaving is excellent as the woman desperately trying to survive in a mansion rigged with dangerous traps. It’s a darkly funny horror film that examines how established wealth sees and treats those who aren’t part of it.

‘Arbitrage’ (2012)

Richard Gere stars as a wealthy businessman trying to finalize a deal to sell his company before his dishonest practices are exposed. He’s caught between a police investigation and his personal life falling apart, all while trying to appear successful. The film explores how far influential people will go to safeguard their image and fortune, and offers a gripping look at a man used to solving problems with money.

‘All the Money in the World’ (2017)

I just finished watching this really gripping movie based on the true story of John Paul Getty III’s kidnapping. It’s incredible – and heartbreaking – how his grandfather, played brilliantly by Christopher Plummer, just wouldn’t pay the ransom. He’s portrayed as someone so incredibly wealthy that he’d lost touch with basic human feelings. The film really highlights the contrast between the mother’s desperate attempts to save her son and the grandfather’s cold, calculating decisions. It really made me think – all the money in the world can’t guarantee your family’s love or even their safety, and that’s a pretty chilling thought.

‘The Great Gatsby’ (2013)

As a total film buff, I was really excited for Baz Luhrmann’s take on ‘The Great Gatsby,’ and it didn’t disappoint visually! He absolutely brought his unique style to Fitzgerald’s story of the 1920s. Leonardo DiCaprio is incredible as Jay Gatsby, this mysterious, wealthy man who throws these huge, over-the-top parties, all because he’s trying to win back the woman he loves. The movie really captures the energy – and the emptiness – of that era, and it made me think a lot about obsession and what people chase after when they’re pursuing the American Dream. The way it looked was stunning, but it also cleverly showed how much was hidden beneath all the glamour.

‘Saltburn’ (2023)

The movie follows a scholarship student at Oxford who becomes fascinated with a rich aristocrat and spends the summer at his family’s grand estate. It’s a suspenseful thriller that explores themes of jealousy and the allure of wealth and privilege. The beautiful scenery of the estate is juxtaposed with the characters’ hidden, darker impulses. The film gained notoriety for its daring content and critical portrayal of the British upper class.

‘The Menu’ (2022)

A group of wealthy food lovers journeys to a secluded island for a special dinner created by a famous chef. But the evening takes a dark turn when the chef reveals his menu is actually meant to punish his guests for their snobbery. Ralph Fiennes gives a terrifying performance as the chef, who is fed up with serving people who don’t appreciate his work. The movie is a sharp and critical look at the lifestyles of the rich and the world of high-end dining.

‘Triangle of Sadness’ (2022)

This darkly funny movie centers on a wealthy celebrity couple whose lavish cruise takes a disastrous turn. After the ship sinks, the remaining passengers find themselves stranded on a deserted island, where the ship’s cleaning lady unexpectedly takes charge. The film cleverly satirizes the worlds of fashion and wealth, showing how powerless the rich become when they lose their money and possessions. It won the prestigious Palme d’Or award for its biting commentary on capitalism and unrealistic beauty standards.

‘Trading Places’ (1983)

This funny movie stars Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd as two brokers who decide to swap the lives of a con artist and a high-powered executive. It’s a lighthearted look at whether people are shaped by their upbringing or society, and also touches on issues of racism. The film is still popular today for its comedic portrayal of the stock market and how random financial success can be. The story builds to a clever and satisfying conclusion where the underdogs get the upper hand.

‘Coming to America’ (1988)

A prince from Africa goes to Queens, New York, hoping to find a wife who will love him for who he is, not his royal status. In the movie, Eddie Murphy plays the prince, who gives up his luxurious lifestyle and takes a job at a fast-food restaurant to see what life is like for ordinary people. The film highlights the big difference between the prince’s wealthy kingdom and the tough realities of New York City. Ultimately, it’s a feel-good story that shows what truly matters isn’t money, but a person’s character.

‘The Devil Wears Prada’ (2006)

A recent journalism graduate gets a job assisting a demanding and intimidating editor at a top fashion magazine. Meryl Streep memorably plays Miranda Priestly, who expects nothing less than perfection from her employees. The film shows what people give up to succeed in the competitive world of fashion and luxury magazines, and how much hard work and toughness it takes to stay at the top.

‘Blue Jasmine’ (2013)

Cate Blanchett plays a wealthy woman who falls from grace and is forced to live with her sister in San Francisco. The movie deeply explores how she struggles to let go of her former life and accept her changed circumstances. Blanchett’s performance, which won her an Oscar, shows a woman falling apart as she’s haunted by her past mistakes and the loss of her wealth and status. It’s a powerful look at the emotional impact of financial hardship and losing one’s place in society.

‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’ (1999)

I was completely gripped by this movie! It follows a guy who’s not really going anywhere in life, and he gets sent to Italy with a seemingly simple job: find the son of a wealthy man. But honestly, he gets totally consumed by the luxurious life he sees over there. Matt Damon is incredible as Tom Ripley, a really unsettling character who lies and even kills to become someone else – specifically, this rich guy named Dickie Greenleaf. The Italian scenery is breathtaking and really highlights how desperately Ripley wants to be part of that world of wealth and privilege. It’s a super suspenseful thriller that shows just how dangerous envy can be.

‘American Psycho’ (2000)

Christian Bale plays Patrick Bateman, a rich investment banker who secretly lives a life as a serial killer. The film is a sharp critique of the excessive, status-obsessed culture of the 1980s, where things like business cards and getting into the right restaurants seemed more important than people’s lives. Bateman sees the people he hurts as worthless, reflecting a world driven by shallow appearances and selfishness. The movie has become a cult classic thanks to its dark comedy and its commentary on harmful ideas about what it means to be a man.

‘Wall Street’ (1987)

Michael Douglas famously won an Academy Award for playing Gordon Gekko in a film that popularized the line, “Greed is good.” The movie tells the story of a young stockbroker who learns the ropes from a heartless businessman and becomes involved in illegal stock trading. It vividly portrays the lavish lifestyle and ethical problems of Wall Street during the booming 1980s, ultimately warning audiences about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the allure of quick wealth.

‘Gosford Park’ (2001)

Robert Altman’s film is a 1930s-set murder mystery unfolding at a grand English estate during a shooting weekend. The story alternates between the lives of the wealthy guests and the servants who attend to them, offering a biting commentary on British social classes. With a strong cast, the film explores how the lives of both the masters and their staff are connected, all while keeping you guessing in a classic ‘whodunit’ style.

‘The Philadelphia Story’ (1940)

Katharine Hepburn plays a rich woman whose upcoming wedding is thrown into chaos when her ex-husband and a nosy reporter show up. This funny and clever movie gently pokes fun at the strict rules of high society and encourages the main character to be more open and honest with her feelings. With smart writing and delightful acting, it’s a classic look at wealth, relationships, and what it means to be human. It’s still considered one of the best films ever made about America’s wealthy elite.

‘The Big Short’ (2015)

This funny and dramatic movie tells the story of the 2007 financial crisis from the perspective of those who predicted the housing market would fail. It uses a unique style to explain complicated financial ideas, like how money moved around and how banks committed fraud. The film shows how the actions of powerful, corrupt people led to a worldwide economic disaster, and it’s both informative and upsetting to watch, revealing a system that was set up to unfairly benefit a few.

‘The Social Network’ (2010)

David Fincher’s film tells the story of Facebook’s beginnings and the legal battles that fractured the friendship between its founders. Jesse Eisenberg plays Mark Zuckerberg as a remarkably smart, but awkward and driven individual who changed how we communicate. The movie delves into questions of ownership and the way immense success can lead to betrayal. Ultimately, it’s a tragic tale of achieving great things at the cost of losing a close friend.

‘Knives Out’ (2019)

When a rich mystery writer dies unexpectedly, his entire fortune goes to his nurse, sparking an investigation. The detective quickly discovers the writer’s family – who were cut out of the will – are motivated by greed and a sense of privilege. Unlike typical whodunits, the story focuses on the clash between the nurse, an immigrant, and the wealthy, spoiled family members. With a clever script and strong performances, the film is a biting critique of inherited wealth.

‘The Aviator’ (2004)

Leonardo DiCaprio plays Howard Hughes in his most productive years as a filmmaker and aviation innovator. The movie shows how Hughes spent vast amounts of money on his big ideas, as well as his difficult battle with obsessive-compulsive disorder. It explores the loneliness that can come with both incredible talent and immense wealth. Overall, the film is a visually stunning and detailed look at the life of one of America’s most unusual and wealthy figures.

‘There Will Be Blood’ (2007)

Daniel Day-Lewis gives an incredible performance as Daniel Plainview in this sweeping story of the California oil boom. The film follows his harsh climb from a humble miner to a powerful oilman, showing how he crushes anyone who gets in his way. It’s a dark look at capitalism and how greed can ruin a person. The stark scenery and unsettling music emphasize how empty Plainview’s success really is.

‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (2013)

Martin Scorsese’s film tells the wild story of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who made a fortune through dishonest practices. It’s a three-hour look at a life filled with drugs, expensive cars, and illegal financial dealings. The movie shows how easily people can be tempted by wealth and a lack of ethics, and makes viewers think about their own desire for luxury. Leonardo DiCaprio brilliantly portrays Belfort as both charming and deeply unlikeable, capturing the dangerous side of unchecked greed.

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

2026-02-06 17:18