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Hey there, fellow moms! Let’s be real—money is a constant topic in our lives. Whether it’s stretching a grocery budget, planning for vacations, or saving for the kids’ college funds, money can feel like a rollercoaster of emotions. And sometimes, we just need to sit back, watch a good movie, and feel all the feelings about money—envy, guilt, and maybe even a little inspiration. But mostly, we need to clear and forgive the money blocks and weird feelings so that we can move on to an abundance mindset!
This blog is a roundup of the best movies that can make you feel weird or bad about money, so that you can become aware of your own feelings and let go. These finance movies (in no particular order) are filled with drama, lessons, and those moments where you think, Why didn’t I invest in tech stocks 20 years ago? So, grab some popcorn, and let’s dive into the world of money and the mess it makes.
1. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
This over-the-top biopic starring Leonardo DiCaprio gives you a front-row seat to the extravagance and chaos of the Wall Street financial world in the ’90s. You’ll see yachts, mansions, and more designer suits than you can count—and then watch it all come crashing down. This film about the volatile financial markets set a world record for the most instances of profanity in a film and was nominated for several Academy Awards.
How It Makes You Feel Bad About Money:
You’ll question why you didn’t become a stockbroker (until you see the fallout). It’s a wild ride of greed, excess, and questionable ethics, leaving you both entertained and morally conflicted.
How to Unblock this Money Block:
Just because some rich people get greedy and corrupt with too much money does NOT mean you will too. Investing is not bad, it is a tool. It is okay to have excess, it is ok to have more than enough. You are NOT a Wolf on Wall Street. Don't let FOMO seep in and make you buy bad stocks impulsively either.
2. Parasite (2019)
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
This Oscar-winning masterpiece dives deep into the harsh realities of income inequality. It’s a great film and a gripping story of a poor family infiltrating a wealthy household, with jaw-dropping twists.
How It Makes You Feel Bad About Money:
You’ll be hit with the stark reminder of how wealth divides us and the lengths people go to escape poverty. The cinematography and storytelling leave you reflecting long after the credits roll.
How to Unblock this Money Block:
The gap between rich and poor is big, but this doesn't have to be you. Money doesn't have to be hard if you believe it is possible for you. No matter your past or so-called "class" growing up, it doesn't define who you are or dictate your future wealthy self. You are worthy of wealth just the way you are.
3. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
This inspiring film follows a young man from the slums of Mumbai who ends up on a game show with life-changing stakes. This cautionary tale won Best Adapted Screenplay in 2009.
How It Makes You Feel Bad About Money:
You’ll feel grateful for what you have, while also grappling with the stark inequities faced by millions worldwide.
How to Unblock this Money Block:
Money doesn’t solve everything, but opportunity can change lives. You can help more people if you make more money! It is ok to make more money and trust that you will be a good steward of your money.
4. The Big Short (2015)
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
Ever wonder what caused the 2008 financial crisis? This star-studded movie breaks it down in an engaging (and surprisingly funny) way, explaining how greed and negligence caused a global real-life event and an economic meltdown in the financial industry.
How It Makes You Feel Bad About Money:
Watching banks collapse and people lose their homes and life savings is sobering. You’ll feel a mix of anger, fear and helplessness over the financial systems we trust.
How to Unblock this Money Block:
Understanding money is power—don’t leave it to chance and don't depend solely on the federal government or the banking industry. There are so many fears around losing money. Truly, if you kept your money in the stocks you had in 2008, you would have made all your money back. Fear is what causes people to sell and lose all their investments. Instead, believe that money is always circulating and there is always more than enough.
5. Trading Places (1983)
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
This comedy classic starring Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd tackles the absurdities of wealth and social class. A rich man and a street hustler swap lives in a scheme that spirals hilariously out of control.
How It Makes You Feel Bad About Money:
It highlights the privilege and luck that often determine success, making you think about how society values (or devalues) people based on their bank accounts.
How to Unblock this Money Block:
Wealth does not define your worth. Money is a tool to be used to create the life you want. It's ok to want bigger and better things in real life. You will not be a mean snotty rich person just because one of the main characters in a movie is one.
6. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
This heart-wrenching film, based on a true story, follows a struggling father (played by Will Smith) as he fights to build a better life for his son.
How It Makes You Feel Bad About Money:
The desperation and sacrifices shown are a stark reminder of how hard it is to break out of poverty, especially when supporting a family.
How to Unblock this Money Block:
Resilience and hard work are essential, but systemic barriers make financial success harder for some. By taking a closer look at how the movie makes you feel about money, you can release any weirdness and believe that you have the power to change your finances, no matter your current situation.
7. Wall Street (1987)
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
This iconic film started all the other wall street movies and introduced us to the infamous phrase, “Greed is good.” It’s a story about ambition, power, and the moral compromises made in the pursuit of wealth. Michael Douglas plays one of the main characters Gordon Gekko who is a wealthy stock-broker and a hero of sorts to the impatient young stockbroker played by Charlie Sheen.
How It Makes You Feel Bad About Money:
It exposes the dark side of ambition, leaving you questioning the price of success.
How to Unblock this Money Block:
Wealth gained unethically often comes at a cost. Money does not have to be made through sacrifice. It is ok to want more money and it is ok to make more money. This classic movie does not define how wealth will come to you.
8. Cinderella Man (2005)
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
This inspiring Depression-era drama follows a boxer (played by Russell Crowe) who fights his way out of poverty to provide for his family. This gripping drama about a true story hit the film industry with critical acclaim. It won a Critics Choice Award for both best film and best director.
How It Makes You Feel Bad About Money:
It’s a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change, especially in tough economic times. You’ll appreciate every dollar you’ve earned.
How to Unblock this Money Block:
Hard work and determination can lead to redemption, even in the toughest times. Just remember that a rags to riches story like this one doesn't mean your road to the high life has to be filled with tough sacrifices and hard punches. Making more money is available to you if you believe it.
9. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
This rom-com is one of my favorite movies and is a visual feast of opulence and luxury, following a young woman who discovers her boyfriend is ridiculously wealthy. Drama ensues when the past of her father could cause scandal for the family of his future son-in-law. A gorgeous film about love and money.
How It Makes You Feel Bad About Money:
The extravagant wealth on display might make you feel a little envious—or even question how much of life’s joy is tied to financial privilege.
How to Unblock this Money Block:
True happiness isn’t about money, but let’s admit—it makes life more comfortable. You are worthy of excess and extravagance if you want it. It's ok to want nice things and it is possible for you to get it. Also, you don't have to be a snobby rich person. You can help more people with more wealth and resources.
10. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)
Why It’s a Must-Watch:
This documentary turned crime drama dives into one of the most infamous corporate scandals in history, detailing how greed and corruption brought down a financial giant. At the time, Enron filed the largest bankruptcy in the history of the United States. Due to the money laundering practices of it's top executives, Enron's price in the stock market fell from $90 per share to $0.26 per share causing upheaval with its employees and investors on Wall Street.
How It Makes You Feel Bad About Money:
You’ll feel outraged at how unchecked greed can ruin lives and destroy trust in institutions. Fear of losing it all can sneak into your mindset over things you can't control.
How to Unblock this Money Block:
Transparency and ethics matter—especially when money is involved. However, you have to believe that money will come to you and let go of the fear that you could lose it. Investing is still a good thing and it is ok to want to invest and take educated risks safely with your money. (PS, this is not investing advice from an expert, this is just my opinion on how to release your fears around money.)
Why Do We Love Movies About Money?
Money-themed movies resonate with us because they reflect our own struggles, dreams, and frustrations. They can serve as cautionary tales, inspire us to chase our goals, or simply remind us of life’s inequalities.
Tips for Watching These Movies Without Feeling Too Bad
Remember, It’s Just a Movie:
The characters and their financial woes (or wins) aren’t real. If they are based on a true story, this is not your story and doesn't have to be true to you.
Find the Lessons:
Use the stories to reflect on your own relationship with money. Let go of any fears that you notice creep up.
Appreciate What You Have:
These films can remind us to be grateful for the stability and opportunities we do have. Be grateful and trust that money is always circulating and you have the power to attract it to you with your thoughts and inspired actions.
These money movies hit hard because they reflect life’s biggest highs and lows. Whether they make you feel inspired, frustrated, or downright envious, they remind us that money isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people, relationships, and choices.
Written in collaboration with artificial intelligence (ChatGPT-3.5). Edited by a human.
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So, which one of these movies is your favorite? Or is there a money-themed movie you think should be on the list? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts! 🍿
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