Movies that focus on the lives of the rich often draw audiences with their extravagant displays of luxury, but the healthiest, most balanced aspects of these lifestyles can also be just as captivating. Beyond the sparkling homes, designer wardrobes, and exotic travels, these films offer insights into the pursuit of well-being among the wealthy. As they tackle issues around health, personal fulfillment, and the pursuit of a balanced life, movies about rich lifestyles can be both aspirational and instructive.
This article will explore a selection of films where wealth meets wellness, looking at how characters navigate their privileged lives with a focus on self-care, mental health, and maintaining balance. From reflective dramas to insightful documentaries, these movies reveal how wealth can be both a help and a hindrance on the journey to true well-being.
The Pursuit of Wellness in a World of Wealth
Many films about wealthy characters show how they use their resources to achieve a healthier and more balanced life—though it’s not always an easy journey. Eat Pray Love (2010), based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir, is one example of how wealth can facilitate self-discovery and wellness. Julia Roberts stars as Liz, a successful woman who, after a difficult divorce, takes a year-long trip around the world to rediscover herself. With her financial freedom, Liz is able to travel to Italy, India, and Bali, where she explores different aspects of wellness—nourishing her body with food, her mind with spirituality, and her soul with new relationships. This story highlights how wealth can provide access to experiences that foster growth and healing, though it also emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and personal growth beyond material success.
The Intern (2015) takes a gentler approach to wealth and wellness by focusing on work-life balance and mentorship. In this comedy-drama, Anne Hathaway plays Jules, a successful CEO of an online fashion startup. Her dedication to her business has taken a toll on her personal life, leading her to neglect her family and herself. Enter Ben (Robert De Niro), a 70-year-old intern who brings calm and wisdom to her hectic life. Through his mentorship, Jules learns the value of balance, mental well-being, and the importance of relationships. While her wealth enables her professional success, her journey shows that wealth alone isn’t enough for happiness; it’s the personal connections and self-care that ultimately lead to fulfillment.
Another insightful film, A Beautiful Mind (2001), tells the story of John Nash, a brilliant mathematician who struggled with schizophrenia. The movie illustrates how mental health challenges can persist regardless of wealth or success, and it showcases the importance of a supportive environment for managing one’s health. While Nash’s genius brought him acclaim and financial comfort, his wellness journey required him to confront and manage his mental health with the help of loved ones. The film underscores that mental wellness is an essential component of a healthy life, which money alone cannot provide.
Balancing Wealth, Health, and Purpose
A number of films about affluent lifestyles also touch on the tension between wealth and the pursuit of a meaningful, healthy life. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) is a powerful example, even though it begins with the protagonist struggling financially. The story follows Chris Gardner (Will Smith) as he overcomes poverty to become a successful stockbroker. His journey from hardship to wealth does not just highlight financial success; it illustrates the importance of perseverance, resilience, and the pursuit of purpose as essential elements of well-being. By the time Gardner reaches financial stability, he’s developed a deep appreciation for balance and a focus on what truly brings happiness and fulfillment.
Crazy Rich Asians (2018) also offers a unique perspective on the balance between wealth, family, and personal health. When Rachel, a Chinese-American professor, visits her boyfriend’s ultra-wealthy family in Singapore, she encounters the pressures and complexities of a rich lifestyle that centers on appearances, tradition, and social status. The film showcases both the perks and the pitfalls of wealth, especially the stress that comes from trying to maintain family honor and reputation. As Rachel navigates these challenges, she learns that health—both mental and emotional—requires boundaries and a sense of self-worth that cannot be bought. Her resilience emphasizes the importance of prioritizing well-being over material wealth, making the film a refreshing look at how values shape a healthy lifestyle within an affluent environment.
On a different note, Chef (2014) focuses on the pursuit of passion and personal health rather than wealth itself. This lighthearted film tells the story of a renowned chef, Carl Casper (Jon Favreau), who leaves a prestigious restaurant to start a food truck business. Although not a typical “wealth” story, it reflects on how the pursuit of creativity, balance, and personal satisfaction are integral to a healthy life. Casper’s journey is one of reclaiming his happiness and health after realizing that the high-pressure world of fine dining is draining his joy. His transition from a lucrative but stressful job to a more modest but fulfilling career reflects the idea that health and personal satisfaction are often worth more than financial success.
Conclusion: Wealth and Wellness on the Big Screen
Movies about the rich lifestyle and healthy living offer a unique perspective on the relationship between wealth and well-being. Whether it’s through self-discovery in Eat Pray Love, mentorship in The Intern, or the pursuit of passion in Chef, these stories reveal that while wealth can provide opportunities for wellness, true health and happiness are achieved through inner balance, strong relationships, and personal fulfillment.
These films underscore a universal truth: that a rich life, in every sense, involves a harmony between financial success, mental health, and emotional well-being. They show that while money can open doors, it cannot replace the fulfillment found in meaningful relationships, personal growth, and the pursuit of a balanced life. Whether or not viewers live in luxury, these movies provide valuable insights, reminding us that the wealthiest lives are often those filled with purpose, joy, and health.