If you loved the lavish parties, tragic romance, and roaring 1920s setting of 'The Great Gatsby (1974),' you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 movies and shows that capture the same opulence, drama, and timeless themes of love and ambition. Whether you're a fan of classic literature adaptations or period dramas, these picks will transport you to similarly captivating worlds.

Scarface (1983)
Description: A rags-to-riches story of a criminal who rises to power through ruthless ambition, only to be undone by his own hubris and paranoia.
Fact: The film was initially criticized for its excessive violence but has since become a cult classic. The famous line 'Say hello to my little friend' was improvised.


Wall Street (1987)
Description: A gripping portrayal of corporate greed and moral compromise in the high-stakes world of stock trading, where the pursuit of wealth comes at a personal cost.
Fact: The character Gordon Gekko's 'Greed is good' speech became iconic. The film inspired many to pursue careers in finance.


Casino (1995)
Description: A tale of greed, power, and betrayal in the glitzy world of Las Vegas casinos, showcasing the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition and corruption.
Fact: The film's budget was $52 million, making it one of the most expensive films of its time. Many scenes were shot in the actual casinos of Las Vegas.


The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Description: A psychological thriller about identity, deception, and the dark side of ambition, as a young man infiltrates the lives of the wealthy elite.
Fact: The film was shot in various locations across Italy, including Rome and Venice. It was based on Patricia Highsmith's novel of the same name.


American Psycho (2000)
Description: A dark satire on materialism and superficiality in the 1980s, focusing on a wealthy investment banker whose psychopathic tendencies are masked by his polished exterior.
Fact: The film's infamous business card scene was improvised by the actors. The novel it's based on was initially met with controversy due to its graphic content.


Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Description: A captivating story of a young con artist who successfully impersonates various professionals, exploring themes of identity, ambition, and the allure of the high life.
Fact: The real Frank Abagnale Jr. has a cameo in the film as a French police officer. The story is based on Abagnale's actual exploits.


The Aviator (2004)
Description: A biographical drama about a wealthy industrialist whose genius and ambition are overshadowed by his personal demons and obsessive behavior.
Fact: The film used over 200 different aircraft models for its aviation scenes. It won five Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Cate Blanchett.


There Will Be Blood (2007)
Description: A stark examination of ambition, power, and the corrupting influence of wealth, set against the backdrop of the early oil industry.
Fact: The film's score was composed by Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood. It was inspired by Upton Sinclair's novel 'Oil!'.


The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Description: This film explores themes of excess, wealth, and moral decay, set against the backdrop of high-stakes finance. The protagonist's rise and fall mirrors the tragic arc of ambition and greed.
Fact: The film holds the record for the most uses of the word 'fuck' in a non-documentary film, with 569 instances. It was also based on the real-life story of Jordan Belfort.


The Social Network (2010)
Description: A story of ambition, betrayal, and the pursuit of success in the digital age, highlighting the moral ambiguities and personal costs of achieving greatness.
Fact: The screenplay was written in just two weeks. The film's score, composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, won an Academy Award.
