Top 20 Movie on Real Estate on IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes

Our Top Movie Picks on Real Estate International List

Movies on real estate are becoming more common now especially with the rise of real estate reality tv on Netflix and other streaming platforms. Today we will explore and list the top movies on housing, real estate and property, based on the user reviews and critics on IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes. This is the ultimate must watch list of movies made about real estate including international titles.

Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)

• Description:  "Glengarry Glen Ross" is a 1992 film directed by James Foley, based on David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name. The film features an ensemble cast including Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, Ed Harris, Alan Arkin, Kevin Spacey, and Jonathan Pryce.

  Set in a real estate office in Chicago, the story revolves around a group of desperate salesmen who are given the ultimatum to sell undesirable properties or lose their jobs. The office becomes a pressure cooker of competition, deception, and manipulation as each salesman tries to outdo the others to save his career.

  A memorable scene from the film is Alec Baldwin's character's "Always Be Closing" speech, where he delivers a ruthless motivational talk to the salesmen, emphasizing the importance of making sales at all costs.

  The film explores themes of masculinity, competition, ethics, and the harsh realities of the business world. It's known for its sharp dialogue and powerful performances, particularly by Pacino and Lemmon, and it has become a classic in the realm of American cinema.

• IMDb Rating: 7.7 - IMDb

• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 94% - Rotten Tomatoes

The Big Short (2015)

• Description:  "The Big Short" is a 2015 film directed by Adam McKay, based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Michael Lewis. The film stars Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt, among others.

  Set in the years leading up to the 2007-2008 financial crisis, "The Big Short" follows several disparate groups of people in the financial world who predict the impending collapse of the housing market and decide to bet against it by purchasing credit default swaps. These characters include eccentric hedge fund manager Michael Burry (played by Christian Bale), socially awkward but brilliant investor Mark Baum (played by Steve Carell), and opportunistic traders Jared Vennett (played by Ryan Gosling) and Ben Rickert (played by Brad Pitt).

  The film uses a mix of humor, drama, and real-life footage to explain complex financial concepts and unravel the events that led to the global financial meltdown. It also delves into the greed, corruption, and lack of regulation that contributed to the crisis.

  "The Big Short" received critical acclaim for its performances, direction, and screenplay, winning the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. It's praised for its ability to make a complex and potentially dry subject matter accessible and engaging to a wide audience while shedding light on the systemic issues within the financial industry.

• IMDb Rating: 7.8 - IMDb

• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 88% - Rotten Tomatoes

99 Homes (2014)

• Description:  "99 Homes" is a 2014 drama film directed by Ramin Bahrani. The film stars Andrew Garfield, Michael Shannon, and Laura Dern. Set in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, "99 Homes" follows the story of Dennis Nash (played by Andrew Garfield), a single father who loses his home to foreclosure. Desperate to reclaim his home and provide for his family, Nash reluctantly accepts a job from real estate broker Rick Carver (played by Michael Shannon), who was responsible for evicting him.

  Under Carver's guidance, Nash becomes involved in the ruthless world of real estate and foreclosure fraud, evicting other families from their homes. As he climbs the ranks and earns more money, Nash grapples with his conscience and the moral implications of his actions.

  The film explores themes of greed, power, and the human cost of the housing crisis. It sheds light on the harsh realities faced by individuals and families who were affected by foreclosure and eviction during the economic downturn.

  "99 Homes" received critical acclaim for its performances, particularly those of Garfield and Shannon, as well as its compelling storytelling and timely social commentary on the housing crisis and its aftermath.

• IMDb Rating: 7.1 - IMDb

• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 93% - Rotten Tomatoes

La Villa (The House by the Sea) (2017)

• Description:  "La Villa," also known as "The House by the Sea," is a 2017 French drama film directed by Robert Guédiguian. The film stars Ariane Ascaride, Jean-Pierre Darroussin, and Gérard Meylan.

  Set in a picturesque coastal town in the south of France, "La Villa" tells the story of three siblings who reunite at their family home after their elderly father, Maurice, suffers a stroke. Angèle (played by Ariane Ascaride), Joseph (played by Jean-Pierre Darroussin), and Armand (played by Gérard Meylan) come together to care for their father and confront their past.

  As they navigate their father's illness and their own complex relationships, the siblings reflect on their upbringing and the legacy of their family. Secrets are revealed, tensions arise, and they grapple with unresolved conflicts and regrets.

  "La Villa" explores themes of family, memory, and reconciliation against the backdrop of the serene Mediterranean landscape. It offers a nuanced portrayal of familial bonds and the passage of time, as well as the beauty and melancholy of the coastal setting.

  The film received positive reviews for its performances, cinematography, and emotional depth, with praise for Guédiguian's sensitive direction and the ensemble cast's portrayal of complex characters.

• IMDb Rating: 6.6 - IMDb

• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 80% - Rotten Tomatoes

L'argent de poche (Small Change) (1976)

• Description: "L'Argent de Poche," also known as "Small Change," is a 1976 French film directed by François Truffaut. The film is a charming and nostalgic portrayal of childhood, set in a small French town during the 1970s.

  "Small Change" follows the lives of various children as they navigate their everyday experiences, including school, family life, friendships, and small adventures. The film captures the innocence, wonder, and mischief of childhood, as well as the joys and struggles that come with growing up.

  Through a series of vignettes, Truffaut paints a rich and vivid portrait of childhood in all its diversity, featuring children from different backgrounds and circumstances. The film highlights the universal experiences of youth, from playground antics and classroom antics to moments of tenderness and vulnerability.

  "Small Change" is celebrated for its warmth, humor, and genuine affection for its young characters. Truffaut's sensitive direction and keen observation of childhood make the film a poignant and nostalgic tribute to the innocence and magic of youth. It's often regarded as one of the director's most heartfelt and accessible works.

  IMDb Rating: 7.8 - IMDb

Aquarius (2016)

• Description: "Aquarius" (2016) is a Brazilian drama film directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, starring Sônia Braga as Clara. Clara is a retired music critic and the last resident of an aging apartment building called Aquarius. She faces pressure from a development company that wants to demolish the building and replace it with a new structure. Despite lucrative offers and increasing harassment, Clara resolutely refuses to sell her apartment, leading to a tense standoff with the developers. The film explores themes of resistance, memory, and the impact of gentrification, portraying Clara's fight to preserve her home and history in the face of modernization pressures.

• IMDb Rating: 7.5 - IMDb

• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 97% - Rotten Tomatoes

Lease of Life (1954)

• Description: "Lease of Life" (1954) is a British drama film directed by Charles Frend and features the story of Rev. William Thorne, a vicar living in the village of Hinton St. John. Thorne is diagnosed with a terminal illness which leads him to reconsider the value of his life. Living with his wife Vera and his daughter Susan, a gifted pianist, Thorne contemplates his legacy and the impact of his work on his community. The film explores themes of life's purpose, the meaning of contributions to others, and the contemplation of mortality. This reflection prompts Thorne to look at his life and his duties in a new light, especially in the context of his relationships and responsibilities within the village.

• IMDb Rating: 6.9 - IMDb

Building Jerusalem (2015)

• Description:  "Building Jerusalem" (2015) is a documentary that captures the ascent of English rugby through the pivotal victory at the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Directed by James Erskine, the film showcases the transformation of rugby in England from an amateur sport to a professional spectacle, leading up to the dramatic World Cup win against Australia. It includes intimate interviews with key figures such as Jonny Wilkinson, Sir Clive Woodward, and Martin Johnson, who provide insight into the strategic shifts and emotional stakes involved in reaching such a historic triumph. The film is not only about sport but also delves into the themes of national pride, teamwork, and the sheer will to overcome odds.

• IMDb Rating: 7.4 - IMDb

The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019)

• Description: "The Last Black Man in San Francisco" (2019) is a deeply personal and poignant drama directed by Joe Talbot. The film follows Jimmie Fails, a young man on a quest to reclaim the Victorian house in San Francisco that his grandfather built. Throughout the movie, Jimmie, alongside his best friend Mont, navigates the rapidly changing city that seems to have left them behind. As Jimmie tries to connect with his roots and the community, the film explores themes of gentrification, belonging, and identity. It's a narrative that blends real-life experiences with a fictional storyline, making it both a unique cinematic exploration of friendship and a critical look at urban development and displacement.

• IMDb Rating: 7.3 - IMDb

• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 93% - Rotten Tomatoes

Life as a House (2001)

• Description:  "Life as a House" (2001) is an American drama film directed by Irwin Winkler. The story revolves around George Monroe, an architectural model maker who is dissatisfied with his life and career. When George is diagnosed with terminal cancer, he decides to use the remaining time to rebuild his dilapidated house in hopes of restoring his relationship with his estranged teenage son, Sam.

  Throughout the film, as the physical structure of the house improves, so does the relationship between father and son. The process of building the new house becomes a metaphor for their rebuilding of relationships and personal healing. The film explores themes of redemption, the reconciliation of past mistakes, and the deep bonds of family.

• IMDb Rating: 7.5 - IMDb

Land of Mine (2015)

• Description: "Land of Mine" (2015) is a historical war drama directed by Martin Zandvliet. It tells the story of young German POWs in post-World War II Denmark, who are forced to clear land mines from Danish beaches under the supervision of a Danish sergeant. The film explores the evolving dynamics between the sergeant and the prisoners, highlighting themes of empathy, redemption, and the lingering horrors of war. The intense narrative is grounded in historical events where over 1.3 million mines were cleared in Denmark by German soldiers.

• IMDb Rating: 7.8 - IMDb

House of Sand (2005)

• Description: "House of Sand" (2005), directed by Andrucha Waddington, is a Brazilian drama film set in the vast deserts of Maranhão, Brazil. The story begins in 1910, with a young woman named Áurea and her mother arriving at a remote, desert-like region, dragged there by Áurea's husband who dreams of starting a farm. However, the harsh environment proves nearly impossible to cultivate, and after a series of tragic events, Áurea and her mother are left stranded.

  Over the decades, the film explores Áurea's attempts to escape the desolate life she never chose, juxtaposing her personal saga against the stark, beautiful landscapes of the sand dunes. The narrative spans 59 years, capturing the changes not only in Áurea's life but also in the world around her, touching on themes such as resilience, isolation, and the passage of time.

• IMDb Rating: 7.4 - IMDb

• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 73% - Rotten Tomatoes

The Castle (1997)

• Description: "The Castle" (1997) is an Australian comedy directed by Rob Sitch. The film tells the story of the Kerrigan family, led by the father, Darryl, who are very happy living near the Melbourne airport. However, their lives are disrupted when they are forced to leave their beloved home due to government and airport authority plans to expand the airport. The film follows the Kerrigans as they fight to remain in their home, taking their case as far as the High Court. "The Castle" humorously portrays the family's legal struggles and their heartfelt attachment to their home, embodying the spirit of the Australian underdog.

• IMDb Rating: 7.7 - IMDb

• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 88% - Rotten Tomatoes

The Draughtsman's Contract (1982)

• Description: The Draughtsman's Contract" (1982) is a British period film directed by Peter Greenaway. Set in 1694, it features a young artist, Mr. Neville, who is hired by Mrs. Herbert to create drawings of her estate while her husband is away. The contract includes unusual terms, intertwining professional duties with personal entanglements, leading to a complex murder mystery. The film is known for its elaborate visuals and a plot that blends intrigue with architectural and sexual themes.

• IMDb Rating: 7.3 - IMDb

• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 89% - Rotten Tomatoes

The Architect (2006)

• Description: "The Architect" (2006) is a drama film directed by Matt Tauber, based on a 1996 play by David Greig. The story revolves around Leo Waters (played by Anthony LaPaglia), an architect who designed a public housing complex that, over the years, has become a hotbed for crime and social dysfunction. As Leo faces criticism from both his family and the community, the residents of the complex demand the buildings be demolished due to the negative impact they've had on the neighborhood.

  The film explores themes of urban decay, family dynamics, and the social responsibilities of architects in their designs. It also delves into the personal struggles of Leo, including his failing marriage and disconnected family life, juxtaposed against his professional challenges brought on by the failing housing project.

• IMDb Rating: 5.6 - IMDb

• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 11% - Rotten Tomatoes

Unfinished Spaces (2011)

• Description: "Unfinished Spaces" (2011) is a documentary directed by Alysa Nahmias and Benjamin Murray that explores the history and fate of Cuba's National Art Schools project, initiated by Fidel Castro and Che Guevara. The film examines the innovative architectural designs by Ricardo Porro, Vittorio Garatti, and Roberto Gottardi, and their subsequent neglect and partial ruin. It also covers recent efforts to restore these structures and their cultural significance, highlighting the schools' use today by artists and dancers. The documentary received critical acclaim for its exploration of visionary architecture and revolutionary ideals.

• IMDb Rating: 7.5 - IMDb 

Revolutionary Road (2008)

• Description: "Revolutionary Road" (2008) is a romantic drama that delves into the complexities of an unhappy marriage in 1950s suburban America. The film follows Frank and April Wheeler, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, who appear to have the perfect life in their Connecticut home but are deeply dissatisfied with their existence. April, once an aspiring actress, and Frank, a mundane office worker, struggle with the monotony of their lives and the crushing weight of unfulfilled dreams.

  The story intensifies when April proposes they move to Paris to break free from their dissatisfaction, promising a new beginning where Frank can find his true passion while she supports the family. However, as they plan their escape, unexpected developments, including a new pregnancy and a tempting job promotion for Frank, challenge their escape plan. The couple's relationship is tested by secrets, betrayals, and the harsh realities of their choices, leading to tragic consequences.

  The film is a poignant examination of the struggle between personal desires and societal expectations, the sacrifices made for stability, and the ultimate cost of unfulfilled potential. The narrative is a tragic portrait of a marriage torn apart by the pressures of conforming to an idealized American life, highlighting the profound effects of existential crises within a relationship.

• IMDb Rating: 7.3 - IMDb

• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 67% - Rotten Tomatoes

Synecdoche, New York (2008)

• Description: "Synecdoche, New York" (2008), directed by Charlie Kaufman, follows theater director Caden Cotard as he embarks on an ambitious theatrical project in a life-size replica of New York inside a warehouse. The film explores themes of existential angst and the blurring of reality and fiction, as Caden's personal and professional lives intertwine in increasingly complex ways. The narrative delves deep into the struggles of creative expression and the human condition, making it a profound psychological drama.

• IMDb Rating: 7.7 - Imdb

• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 94% - Rotten Tomatoes

The Landlord (1970)

• Description: "The Landlord" (1970) is a comedy-drama directed by Hal Ashby. The film follows Elgar Enders, a wealthy young man who buys a tenement in a predominantly black neighborhood in Brooklyn with plans to evict the tenants and renovate. However, his interactions with the residents lead him to grow fond of them, and he decides to stay and help improve the building. His relationships with the tenants and his romantic involvements with two women from the building challenge his former lifestyle and perceptions​

• IMDb Rating: 7.0 - The Landlord on IMDb

• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 89% - The Landlord on Rotten Tomatoes

I Am Love (2009)

• Description: "I Am Love" (2009) is a romantic drama set in Milan, featuring Tilda Swinton as Emma, a Russian immigrant who marries into a wealthy Italian family. Despite her respected status, Emma feels unfulfilled until she meets Antonio, a talented chef and her son's friend, whose passion rekindles her zest for life. Their relationship unfolds against the backdrop of her family's business troubles, leading to personal and familial upheavals. The film explores themes of love, loyalty, and the search for personal identity within the constraints of tradition and societal expectations.

• IMDb Rating: 7.0 - I Am Love on IMDb

• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 81% - I Am Love on Rotten Tomatoes

The Descendants (2011)

• Description: "The Descendants" (2011) is a drama centered around Matt King, a lawyer and trustee of family-owned land in Hawaii. Facing the impending end of the trust, he contemplates selling the land amidst personal turmoil after his wife's tragic boating accident leaves her in a coma. His journey includes managing tensions within his family and dealing with revelations of his wife's infidelity. This unfolds as he reconnects with his two daughters while grappling with the decision about the family's land​

• IMDb Rating: 7.3 - The Descendants on IMDb

 This is our editors top 20 movies on real estate. Although we may have not covered all movies about real estate, these are the main ones that revolve around real estate.