10 Movies and Shows Similar to How to Beat the High Cost of Living (1980)

Description: Like 'How to Beat the High Cost of Living', this film explores the comedic side of financial hardship and the lengths people will go to maintain their lifestyle. Both movies use humor to address serious economic issues, making light of desperate situations.

Fact: Starring George Segal and Jane Fonda as the titular couple. The film was remade in 2005 with Jim Carrey and Téa Leoni. It was one of the first mainstream films to tackle the subject of white-collar crime comedically.

Description: Shares a comedic take on crime and financial desperation, much like 'How to Beat the High Cost of Living'. Both films involve elaborate schemes to solve money problems, with a mix of dark humor and satirical commentary on greed and capitalism.

Fact: Directed by the Zucker brothers and Jim Abrahams, known for their slapstick comedies. Danny DeVito and Bette Midler play the feuding couple at the center of the plot. The film was a critical and commercial success, praised for its sharp wit.

Description: This heist comedy shares the same blend of humor and crime as 'How to Beat the High Cost of Living'. Both films feature quirky characters involved in schemes that go awry, with a focus on the absurdity of their situations.

Fact: Starring John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline, and Michael Palin. Kevin Kline won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role. The film was a critical and commercial hit, praised for its sharp writing and performances.

Description: Similar to 'How to Beat the High Cost of Living' in its depiction of a comedic heist gone wrong. Both films explore the theme of ordinary people turning to crime out of desperation, with a mix of humor and tension.

Fact: Co-directed by and starring Bill Murray. Based on the 1981 novel of the same name by Jay Cronley. The film was a box office disappointment but has since gained a cult following.

Description: While more dramatic, 'Thelma & Louise' shares with 'How to Beat the High Cost of Living' the theme of women breaking free from societal constraints, albeit in a more extreme manner. Both films feature female protagonists taking bold, unconventional actions against a backdrop of personal and financial strife.

Fact: Directed by Ridley Scott, known for his visually stunning films. The movie earned six Academy Award nominations, including Best Director. The ending is one of the most iconic in cinema history.

Description: Similar to 'How to Beat the High Cost of Living' in its theme of women taking control of their financial situations through unconventional means. Both films blend comedy with a critique of economic struggles, featuring strong female leads who band together to overcome adversity.

Fact: The film was based on the 1992 novel by Olivia Goldsmith. Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton starred as the three leads. The movie was a box office success, grossing over $181 million worldwide.

Description: While more of a thriller, 'The Bank Job' shares with 'How to Beat the High Cost of Living' the theme of a heist motivated by financial desperation. Both films involve elaborate plans to secure money, though 'The Bank Job' takes a more serious tone.

Fact: Based on the 1971 Baker Street robbery in London. Starring Jason Statham in a rare non-action role. The film was praised for its tight script and historical intrigue.

Description: Shares the heist comedy genre with 'How to Beat the High Cost of Living', though with a more glamorous and stylized approach. Both films involve elaborate schemes and a team of quirky characters working together to pull off a financial coup.

Fact: A remake of the 1960 Rat Pack film of the same name. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, known for his stylish direction. The film spawned two sequels and a spin-off, 'Ocean's 8'.

Description: Similar to 'How to Beat the High Cost of Living' in its focus on a heist driven by financial motives, though 'The Italian Job' is more action-oriented. Both films feature a team working together to outsmart the system, with a mix of humor and tension.

Fact: A remake of the 1969 British film. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, and Edward Norton. Known for its iconic Mini Cooper chase scenes.

Description: Like 'How to Beat the High Cost of Living', this film is a comedic take on a heist, with a focus on blue-collar characters trying to beat the system. Both movies blend humor with social commentary on economic inequality.

Fact: Directed by Steven Soderbergh, marking his return from a brief retirement. Features a star-studded cast including Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, and Daniel Craig. The film was a critical success, praised for its clever plot and charismatic performances.