Lights, Camera, Cash! Movies That Make Money (and Movies About Money)
Ever think Hollywood runs on dollars instead of film? Not literally, but money is key in cinema. From films that earn billions to tales of fortunes gained, lost, or faked, money fuels great stories. Let’s explore the world of finance in movies.
Money, Money, Movies: A Blockbuster Breakdown
Movies on money? They aren’t all dull economics docs, thankfully. Many are fun and, yes, even educational. Let’s check out some classic examples!
1. Specific Movies Based on Money Themes:
- The Wolf of Wall Street: Think finance is dull? Think again. This film is a wild ride through finance. Based on Jordan Belfort’s memoir, it highlights the flashy side of Wall Street. Great for entertainment, education comes later.
- S.W.A.T.: Not exactly about cash, but who misses the intense storyline? A drug lord puts a huge bounty on his own head to escape. Enter the S.W.A.T. team to keep order and prevent L.A. from chaos.
- All the President’s Men: “Follow the money.” This quote fuels investigative journalism and is central in this classic. Explore corruption and scandal by tracing the cash flow. Learn more about it here.
- Rich and Famous: Can money buy joy or just tangled friendships? This film looks at the rivalry between two writers, one seeking respect, the other cash. Both roads lead to their own drama.
- In Time: What if time equals money? The wealthy live forever while the rest struggle to survive day-to-day. Will Salas, played by Justin Timberlake, is a poor man racing against time, where time is currency.
- Goodfellas: Want to know movie magic? Sometimes it’s just cash. For *Goodfellas*, they used real money. They counted every bill after each shot to keep it all in check.
- Farzi: Shifting from real to fake money, *Farzi* illustrates an artist’s disillusionment, leading him to counterfeit currency. Spoiler: it’s complex and illegal.
- Brewster’s Millions: What would you do spending $30 million in 30 days to inherit $300 million? Richard Pryor faces this comedic challenge in *Brewster’s Millions*, based on a classic novel.
- The Millionaire (1931): Returning to the past, *The Millionaire* from 1931 focuses on humor amid sudden wealth. Classic pre-Code comedy!
- Inheritance: Family drama gets financial twists. A rich uncle dies, pulling his estranged family into puzzle-filled mansion for a chance at his fortune. Think Knives Out but with a twist.
- Too Big To Fail (HBO): Want a true financial thriller? *Too Big To Fail* takes a peek behind the 2008 crisis. Watch insiders scrambling to avert disaster. Gripping content. You can watch it on Max.
- A Simple Plan: Found cash seems easy, right? Not so fast. Three friends discover millions and their “simple plan” quickly turns chaotic. Million-dollar problems emerge.
- Better Off Dead: “I want my $2!” Sometimes, money is all about principles, even if it’s merely a few dollars. This scene from *Better Off Dead* captures golden 80s comedy.
- Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves: Steal from the rich, give to the poor – a money redistribution method! Robin Hood battles wealth inequality with his iconic arrows.
- Blank Check: Ever dream of a blank check? A kid receives one in *Blank Check* and indulges in luxury. Note: may spark childhood dreams of rich lifestyles.
- Rich and Strange: From mundane to money! A mundane accountant and wife inherit a fortune, leaving their dull life for adventure. Can money bring excitement or just more troubles?
- For Richer or Poorer: Wealthy couple, marital strife, and an accountant’s theft. *For Richer or Poorer* shows money doesn’t solve everything, sometimes it’s the root of issues.
- Jerry Maguire: “Show me the money!” This famous quote resonates throughout sports movies and beyond. *Jerry Maguire* showcases more than cash, but let’s face it; the money angle is key.
- Coming from Insanity: Based on facts, *Coming from Insanity* follows a genius who became a counterfeiter. A bad past turned into a profitable, though illegal, venture.
- Two For the Money: Focusing on Brandon Link’s true story, *Two For the Money* dives deep into sports betting’s high stakes. Money and pressure make for risky business.
- Greatest Inheritance, The: Sibling rivalry over hidden treasures provides family fun! Estranged siblings return for inheritance and discover a scavenger hunt awaits. Shows the messy blend of family ties and money.
- Margin Call: Dramatizing the 2008 crisis, *Margin Call* places you within an investment bank facing chaos. Fear and tough choices reveal fragile financial public aspects.
- The Big Short: Another take on 2008, *The Big Short* uses humor and stars to explain complex finance issues. It’s funny but also disturbing.
- If I Had a Million: Dream of a millionaire giving away a million during Depression? *If I Had a Million* is a feel-good 1932 anthology exploring reactions to sudden wealth.
- Show Me the Money: More than a phrase, it’s pure demand! Made famous by *Jerry Maguire*, “Show me the money” became the anthem for fair pay.
- Indecent Proposal: A million for one night? *Indecent Proposal* disrupts a couple’s life through an unexpected offer. How much is too high for personal values?
- Five Dollars a Day: A man saves on five dollars daily? Intriguing! *Five Dollars a Day* showcases a frugal conman and his son on a road trip. Proof maybe money isn’t all.
- One for the Money: Based on Janet Evanovich’s book, *One for the Money* features a woman who pursues bounty hunting to survive financially. Sometimes you chase money literally.
2. Movie Quotes About Money:
- “Money’s only something you need in case you don’t die tomorrow.” – Carl Fox in Wall Street. A dark but realistic financing perspective.
- “Follow the money.” – *All the President’s Men.* A simple yet powerful statement that aids countless puzzles, movie-related or not.
- “Show me the money!” – *Jerry Maguire.* The ultimate demand for fair pay.
- “We got more money than Davy Crockett.” – Forrest Gump in *Forrest Gump.* Forrest’s charmingly naive bragging about his shrimp riches.
3. Highest-Grossing Films:
- Avatar: King of earnings! *Avatar* grossed over $2.9 billion globally, making it the top-grossing movie ever. James Cameron certainly knows how to make waves and wealth.
- Avengers: Endgame: Superhero showdown at box office.
- *Avengers: Endgame* briefly held the top spot against Avatar.
- Avatar: The Way of Water: Cameron returns! *Avatar: The Way of Water* keeps the box office crown.
- Titanic: “Near, far, wherever you are,” *Titanic* remains among the highest-grossing films. Cameron excels with billion-dollar budgets.
4. Inspirational Movies About Money:
- Wolf of Wall Street: Inspirational? In a twisted sense. Jordan Belfort states, “There’s no nobility in poverty.” *Wolf of Wall Street* shows a journey from zero to financial hero, albeit morally bankrupt. Inspiration leans toward “go get it.”
5. Movies About Extreme Wealth:
- The Wolf of Wall Street: Once more with the Wolf! *The Wolf of Wall Street* showcases extreme wealth and corrupt lifestyles. It reveals how the ultra-rich sometimes live and stumble. For more less savory wealth tales, see Yardbarker’s list of 20 films and TV shows about horrible rich people.
6. Most Expensive Movies:
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens: Building a galaxy demands a huge budget. *Star Wars: The Force Awakens* holds the record for the most expensive movie at a net budget of $447 million. A worthwhile investment for fans.
7. Best Movies Ever (Subjective):
- The Shawshank Redemption: A frequent top choice. *The Shawshank Redemption* isn’t strictly about money, but its themes of hope are priceless. With a 9.3 IMDb rating, it resonates with many.
- Citizen Kane: A cinema classic! *Citizen Kane* (1941) has consistently topped critics’ lists for decades. Orson Welles’ film is essential viewing for film lovers.
- Forrest Gump: America’s beloved movie? *Forrest Gump* touches hearts and teaches us that life is unpredictable, much like a box of chocolates.
8. The “Root of All Evil” Quote:
- 1 Timothy 6:10: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” This quote warns against the perils of greed.
9. Movie Budgets & Success:
- Zyzzyx Road: On the flip side, *Zyzzyx Road* has earned the title of the lowest-grossing movie ever, making just $30 at the box office. A financial disaster!
10. Famous and Motivational Movie Lines:
- “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.” – Rhett Butler in *Gone With the Wind*. This quote is often deemed the most memorable American movie line. Sometimes, walking away is necessary.
- “Show me the money!” – *Jerry Maguire*. Timeless and motivational.
- “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” – Forrest Gump in *Forrest Gump*. Not just about money but a metaphor for life’s unpredictability.
11. Movie Success:
- Titanic: Breaking barriers! *Titanic* was the first movie to gross over $1 billion worldwide in 1998. A blockbuster success.
- Star Wars: Long ago in a distant box office… *Star Wars* was the first to hit $500 million worldwide back in 1980 (not inflation adjusted). Still impressive!
- Am I Racist?: Documentaries can succeed too! As of October 19, 2024, *Am I Racist?* is the highest-grossing documentary of 2024 with $12.3 million. Important topics can attract large audiences.
12. The World’s Greatest… Richest Actor:
- Jami Gertz: Surprisingly, as of March 19, 2025, Jami Gertz is reportedly the richest actor worldwide, with an estimated net worth of $3 billion. Acting and wise investments pay off!
13. Illegal Activities Shown in Movies:
- Counterfeit Money: Films like *Farzi* might glamorize counterfeiting, but it’s a severe crime with severe punishment — up to 20 years in prison. Don’t try this.
- Destroying US Currency: Good news! Filmmakers can use real US currency on set and even destroy it (for dramatic effect). Go ahead, legally burn that prop money.
14. Other Money-Related Topics:
- Famous quotes about wealth: From “Money can’t buy happiness” to “Being rich is better,” opinions on wealth abound.
- Old proverbs about money: “A fool and his money are soon parted.” Rarely has a statement been truer.
- Does money buy happiness?: The ageless question goes unanswered in movies and real life, yet it merits contemplation.
For your next movie night, consider picking a film that entertains while prompting thoughts on money. Whether it’s a comedy on crazy spending or a thriller about financial collapse, movies about money mirror our world in fascinating ways.
