10 Comedy Films About Poverty

Description: While primarily a political satire, Charlie Chaplin's portrayal of a Jewish barber mistaken for a dictator includes humorous scenes of poverty and the struggle for survival in a world gone mad.

Fact: This was Chaplin's first true talking picture, and he took a significant risk by satirizing Adolf Hitler and Nazism at a time when the U.S. was still neutral in World War II.

Description: Steve Martin stars as Navin Johnson, a man who rises from rags to riches and back again, showcasing the absurdities of wealth and poverty. His journey from a poor upbringing to sudden fame and fortune, and then back to square one, is filled with comedic gold.

Fact: The film was Steve Martin's first starring role in a feature film. The famous "I was born a poor black child" line has become a cultural reference.

Description: This classic comedy sees a wealthy commodities broker (Dan Aykroyd) and a street-smart hustler (Eddie Murphy) switch lives due to a bet between two rich brothers. It's a hilarious take on class differences and the absurdity of wealth.

Fact: The film was inspired by Mark Twain's "The Prince and the Pauper." It also features one of the most memorable scenes involving a frozen concentrated orange juice futures market.

Description: Jeff Bridges plays "The Dude," an unemployed slacker whose life spirals into a comedic misadventure involving kidnapping, nihilists, and bowling. His laid-back attitude towards his financial situation is a key comedic element.

Fact: The film has inspired a cult following, with annual festivals celebrating "The Dude." The character of The Dude was inspired by Jeff Dowd, a real-life friend of the Coen brothers.

Description: A group of unemployed steelworkers in Sheffield, England, decide to form a male striptease act to make ends meet. Their journey from unemployment to the stage is both funny and touching.

Fact: The film's title is British slang for "the whole thing" or "everything." It was also nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: While not strictly about poverty, Walter Mitty's life of mundane routine and financial mediocrity is humorously contrasted with his vivid daydreams of adventure and heroism, making it a fitting addition to this list.

Fact: The film was shot in various locations around the world, including Iceland, Greenland, and New York City. It also features a real-life skateboarding scene with Ben Stiller.

Description: While more of a drama, the film has comedic moments as Chris Gardner (Will Smith) navigates homelessness and poverty while striving to become a stockbroker. His resilience and humor in the face of adversity make it a unique entry.

Fact: The film is based on a true story, and the misspelling of "Happiness" in the title is intentional, reflecting a real-life sign Chris Gardner saw.

Description: This French film, with an English dub, tells the story of an aristocrat who hires a young man from the projects to be his caregiver. Their friendship, despite their different backgrounds, brings humor and warmth to the narrative of poverty and wealth.

Fact: The film was a massive hit in France and became one of the highest-grossing non-English language films in the U.S. It's based on a true story.

Description: W.C. Fields stars as Egbert Sousé, a man who accidentally becomes a bank guard and then a detective, all while dealing with his family's financial woes. His comedic mishaps and schemes to avoid work are timeless.

Fact: The film was one of Fields' most successful, and his character's name, Sousé, is a play on the word "souse," meaning a drunkard.

Description: This film blends drama, romance, and comedy as it follows Jamal Malik, a young man from the slums of Mumbai, who becomes a contestant on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" His life story, filled with poverty and hardship, provides the answers to the show's questions.

Fact: The film won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The child actors in the film were discovered in Mumbai's slums.