In a world where the spotlight often focuses on the extravagant lifestyles of the wealthy, the reality behind the scenes tells a different story. While many assume that affluence leads to indulgence, some of the richest individuals defy that perception by becoming more driven and purpose-focused.
Take Elon Musk, earning a staggering $537 per second, yet he’s known for his relentless work ethic and has famously avoided lavish parties for years. He’s one of many living examples that show success isn’t always about luxury, but about passion and dedication to one’s goals.
Yet making money movies expose the luxurious lifestyle of the rich and give us a lifetime dream of not having to worry about the pocket. Scenes of grand gatherings on yachts and extravagant shopping sprees in the world’s fashion capitals take us to a world where money is no object. Below are the 6 best rich people movies that depict the life of the elite for those who want to satisfy their curiosity about the reality of the affluent.
6 Top Movies about Rich People
These movies about rich families will help you understand the habits of the richest people in the world and inspire you to adopt similar practices in your own life.
1. Scarface
| Movie | Starring | Directed By | Genres | IMDb Rating | Rotten Tomatoes Rating | Box Office Records |
| Scarface | Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer | Brian De Palma | Crime, Drama | 8.3/10 | 79% | $66 million |
Scarface is one of those glamorous films that strike a theme of Mafia, which is based on a novel named as “Scarface” written in 1930 by American author Maurice Coons. It sheds light on the life of Tony Montana, a Cuban refugee who later transforms into one of the richest people in Miami. He ascends to power and will do all sorts of things to acquire everything all to himself.
Al Pacino delivers a memorable performance that portrays Tony as a complex, flawed individual rather than a typical crime movie stereotype. Instead of watching crime movie clichés such as “Hit Man,” DePalma and his writer allow us to see “human beings” who are criminals.
2. American Psycho
| Movie | Starring | Directed By | Genres | IMDb Rating | Rotten Tomatoes Rating | Box Office Records |
| American Psycho | Christian Bale, Willem Dafoe | Mary Harron | Crime, Drama, Thriller | 7.6/10 | 68% | $34.3 million |
American Psycho, a film by Mary Harron narrates the story of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy Wall Street investment banker in New York. The picture shows that Bateman’s materialism comes from his job as an investment banker to emphasize the falsity and corruption often mastered by individuals possessing wealth. Christian Bale’s portrayal of Bateman was praised and criticized, making the film a controversial yet powerful commentary on consumer culture.
3. The Great Gatsby
| Movie | Starring | Directed By | Genres | IMDb Rating | Rotten Tomatoes Rating | Box Office Records |
| The Great Gatsby | Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton | Baz Luhrmann | Drama, Romance | 7.2/10 | 48% | $353.6 million |
“The Great Gatsby” is based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel depicts the story of Jay Gatsby, who loved Daisy Buchanan and tried to present her with a wealthy life. The movie took place in the 1920s, the movie belongs to the same genre of extravagance and despair. The movie brings out the theme of wealth through the lifestyle of the characters. Tom Buchanan, portrayed explicitly shows the arrogance and entitlement of the newly rich, a sharp contrast with Gatsby’s recent wealth and desires.
We see Daisy’s moral and emotional conflicts caught between both worlds which highlights well the theme of the American Dream. The fancy parties in the movie got their inspiration from real Jazz Age shindigs, and Baz Luhrmann’s direction made those scenes pop.
4. The White Lotus
| Movie | Starring | Directed By | Genres | IMDb Rating | Rotten Tomatoes Rating | Box Office Records |
| The White Lotus | Paul Giamatti, Damian Lewis | Brian Koppelman,David Levien | Comedy Drama | 8/10 | 92% | $20 million |
The White Lotus refers to a satirical comedy drama that is set in Hawaiian from the point of view of the guests and the workers of a fancy resort. Every episode focuses on the gradual revelation of conflicts of various degrees, and oppression. Some performances represent income inequality, aimless luxury, and human interactions and employment, all with a satirical twist.
Interestingly, they shot the series right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic when everyone had to keep their distance. You’d think this would make filming a lot more complicated. But, the cast became a tight-knit group, and you can see that bond in their on-screen chemistry.
5. Crazy Rich Asians
| Movie | Starring | Directed By | Genres | IMDb Rating | Rotten Tomatoes Rating | Box Office Records |
| Crazy Rich Asians | Constance Wu, Henry Golding | Jon M. Chu | Comedy, Drama, Romance | 6.9/10 | 91% | $239 million |
This movie is based on the story of Rachel Chu being taken by her boyfriend to meet his best man at a wedding in Singapore. It is there that she learns about the fact that he is the son of one of the wealthiest men in the country now, something that looks quite believable given his appearance. The contrast between the two in the Americanization/Arabization conflict and the dramatic play that ensues are quite enjoyable.
This film was the first major Hollywood production with an all-Asian cast in 25 years and marked a key milestone for representation in cinema. While there have been many fine Asian or Asian-American lead characters to appear in American films since Wayne Wang’s Joy Luck Club in 1993, no other feature film to date has had an all-Asian or Asian-American cast.
6. Billions
| Movie | Starring | Directed By | Genres | IMDb Rating | Rotten Tomatoes Rating | Box Office Records |
| Billions | Paul Giamatti,Damian Lewis | David Fincher | Drama | 8.3/10 | 87% | (TV Series) |
Billions is an intense drama set around the cutthroat world of money and influence. It follows the personal life drama of U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti) and hedge fund manager Bobby Axelrod (Damian Lewis). Having jobs, wealth, and their very lives at stake, both of them employ wit and influence to outmaneuver each other.
The show masterfully brings out the themes of ambition, morality, and striving for success despite all the flaws in their characters. This series hooks the audience with the intricate portrayal of its main characters and their rivalry, complex characters, and insight into the mechanisms of wealth and influence. Some of the aspects of Bobby Axelrod’s character are based on actual hedge fund managers, notably the performance of Damian Lewis. Interestingly, this adds some authenticity to his ruthless ambition.
Final Thoughts
Admittedly, watching the luxurious lifestyles of the world’s elite is entertaining while offering valuable finance and wealth lessons. Stay tuned as we continue to expand our list with more fascinating movies about rich people. Whether you’re looking for motivational content, such as money memes or practical tips on money saving tips, there’s always something to guide you toward your money-related dreams.
