The White Tiger is one of Netflix’s newest original flicks, and it’s nominated for an Oscar for the 2021 awards. This unique and riveting movie is an impressive tale about class struggle and disparity, and as one of the more honest and eye-opening movies to come to the big screen in recent years, it’s time to get familiar with some others.
For those that liked The White Tiger or want to get well-adjusted to the theme before they binge it, these films similarly tackle topics that surround class struggle, including the caste system, poverty, and riches - all in a truthful, tragic, and entertaining way.
Roma (2018)
Roma follows her story, from her relationship with the kids and her ambitions to her losses.
The divide between her life and the household in which she lives is absolutely mesmerizing and eye-opening, and this beautiful black-and-white flick is worth every second.
Sorry To Bother You (2018)
Sorry To Bother You, he plays a telemarketer, who shows up every day to work every day to face the disparity of Black and white and poor and rich.
He becomes a “power caller” and part of the world that is all about success and riches. His journey into a new world, or class, is eye-opening, satirical, and totally entertaining. Sorry to Bother You is certainly unique and unforgettable.
Snowpiercer (2013)
Snowpiercer is a great choice for anyone that wants a bit of sci-fi dystopia mixed up with a tale of classism. Chris Evans stars in this apocalyptic thriller that takes place in the future after a climate change disaster - where all life is on one moving train.
On the train of survivors, there is still a divide of class - with the poor at the back and the rich at the front. This thrilling flick is directed by Bong Joon-Ho and it dives into a riveting tale of a new class that emerges on the train. Plus, it’s now also a television series.
The Florida Project (2017)
Living just outside of Disney World, this movie follows a hotel (with Willem Dafoe as the manager) where many parents and individuals live with no other place to go. Centering around a young girl and her young, drug-addicted mother, this movie is a tragic tale of the cycle of poverty and addiction.
Every family has a different story, and while they live so close to the magical world of Disney, there’s a powerful class divide displayed in The Florida Project, all told through the innocent eyes of children.
The Purge (2013)
The Purge isn’t exactly the most critically-acclaimed movie out there, but its thrilling and totally unique storyline has become known by everyone - even if they've never seen the movie.
During a 12-hour period where all crime is legal, a rich family is held up by a murderous syndicate. Despite the horror-side of this movie, it’s actually a brilliant insight into how purge night affects the different classes - and who has the money to defend themselves. For a thrilling flick about class struggle, this is a go-to.
Parasite (2019)
This Best Picture Oscar winner is an absolute must-see for anyone wanting to dive into the stark contrast between poverty and riches. Another film directed by Bong Joon-Ho, this Korean movie might be the most intense and honest portrayal of classism today.
A Korean family struggling with poverty finds a rich family that is looking for employees. They infiltrate the house as the driver, cook, and tutor, but they unravel much more than they bargained for. Parasite is as thrilling and entertaining as it is honest and raw.
Erin Brockovich (2000)
This classic stars Julia Roberts, and while it’s a fan-favorite, Erin Brockovich also a great depiction of ambition, class and capitalism. An unemployed, single mother becomes a legal assistant and takes on a huge case involving a wealthy power company that appears to be polluting the city’s water.
Erin’s character is consistently underestimated, looked down upon, and brushed to the side. Her drive and her ability to overcome the stereotypes surrounding her is an honest and inspiring story about class and gender divide.
Les Miserables (2012)
There might not be a more well-known musical than Les Miserables, and the 2012 flick brought a stellar cast to the big screen to tell the story, including Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, and Anne Hathaway.
Taking place in 19th-century , a prisoner tries to create a life for himself amidst poverty and being hunted by investigators. In a tragic tale of criminalized poverty, this haunting and iconic story is a must-see for all those looking to binge a great flick about class struggle.
Knives Out (2019)
For those looking for a more Knives Out is riveting, hilarious, and surprisingly insightful.
The movie follows a wealthy patriarch and the greed and chaos that surrounds his family after his death, as well as the detective looking into his murder. In the chaos is the patriarch’s personal care aide, Marta. The divide between her and the family couldn’t be more pronounced - or more entertaining to watch.
The White Tiger (2021)
The White Tiger follows an Indian driver who is keen on escaping the poverty that he has always known. He becomes the personal chauffeur for a rich Indian man, but he becomes much more than just that.
With crime, blame, family, and ambition, this flick is a devastating but riveting insight into the caste system in India - and just how hard it is to escape the class divide.
