The 10 Best Old-Money Aesthetic Movies / Shows to Stream

1. Rebecca

Watch on Netflix

"Rebecca" is a movie adaptation of the classic novel by Daphne du Maurier, which was published in 1938. The story is set in the 1930s and follows a young, naive woman who marries a wealthy widower, Maxim de Winter, and moves to his estate, Manderley.

The movie's production design, costume design, and cinematography all contribute to its "old-money aesthetic." The characters are seen wearing elegant and timeless outfits, including long dresses, tailored suits, and formal evening wear. The settings are grand and opulent, with sprawling estates, elaborate gardens, and ornate furnishings.

The movie also features themes of aristocracy, social hierarchy, and tradition, which are central to the concept of "old-money" and the lifestyle associated with it. The characters are portrayed as members of a privileged class who value propriety and prestige above all else.

Picture: Netflix

2. The Kennedys

Watch on Hulu

Good script, best actors, including Katie Holmes as the President's wife: the short series "The Kennedys" looks like a legend from a distant past.

"The Kennedys" is a television series that follows the lives of the Kennedy family, one of the most prominent and influential families in American history. The series covers the period from the late 1940s to the early 1960s, a time when the Kennedys were at the height of their power and influence.

The show's production design, costume design, and cinematography all contribute to its "old-money aesthetic." The characters are seen wearing elegant and sophisticated outfits, including tailored suits, cocktail dresses, and evening gowns. The settings are grand and opulent, with sprawling mansions, elaborate gardens, and high-end furnishings.

Picture: Reelz

3. Death on the Nile

Watch on HBO Max or Hulu

"Death on the Nile" is a movie adaptation of the classic novel by Agatha Christie, which was published in 1937. The story is set in the 1930s and follows detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates a murder that occurs during a luxurious cruise down the Nile River.

The movie's production design, costume design, and cinematography all contribute to its "old-money aesthetic." The characters are seen wearing elegant and timeless outfits, including long dresses, tailored suits, and formal evening wear. The settings are grand and opulent, with a luxurious cruise ship and picturesque Egyptian landscapes.

The movie showcases the luxury and extravagance of the wealthy elite of the 1930s. From the lavish cruise ship to the exquisite jewelry and fine dining, the film depicts the opulent lifestyle that was associated with the old-money aristocracy of the time.

Picture: 20th Century Studios

4. Gossip Girl

Watch on HBO Max

"Gossip Girl" is a television series that follows the lives of wealthy teenagers living in the Upper East Side of New York City. The show aired from 2007 to 2012 and is known for its portrayal of the luxurious lifestyle of the young and privileged.

The show also touches on the idea of lineage and legacy, with many of the characters coming from prominent and wealthy families.

Furthermore, the show showcases the extravagance and excess of the wealthy elite, with parties, galas, and charity events serving as backdrops for much of the drama. The characters are constantly striving to maintain their status and social standing, and the show explores the often cutthroat world of the elite and the lengths they will go to stay on top.

Picture: The CW

5. Succession

Watch on HBO Max

"Succession" is a television series that focuses on the subtle and understated aspects of wealth and power. While the characters are undeniably wealthy and influential, the show avoids flashy displays of wealth and instead portrays a more restrained and subdued type of luxury.

The show's production design, costume design, and cinematography all contribute to this quiet luxury aesthetic. The characters are often seen wearing tailored suits and elegant dresses that exude sophistication and refinement, rather than ostentation. The settings are also understated and elegant, with sleek and minimalist decor that emphasizes quality and craftsmanship over showiness.

Moreover, the show focuses on the intricacies and behind-the-scenes machinations of high finance and corporate power, rather than on extravagant displays of wealth. The characters are portrayed as savvy and strategic, constantly scheming and plotting to maintain their positions of power and influence. The show also explores the personal and emotional tolls of wealth and power, delving into the complex and often dysfunctional relationships between the characters.

Picture: HBO

6. War and Peace

Watch on Amazon Prime Video

The BBC's six-part adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's epic saga War and Peace has impressed critics with its big-budget production values, stellar performances and knack for keeping control of all 45 named characters.

"War & Peace" captures the grandeur, sophistication, and excess of a privileged class living during a time of great political upheaval, portraying a world of wealth, status, and privilege that is both alluring and tumultuous.

The characters are portrayed as members of a privileged class who value power, prestige, and influence above all else, with lineage and legacy being of great importance.

Tolstoy himself even questioned the nature of the piece after its conclusion: “What is War and Peace? It is not a novel, even less is it a poem, and still less an historical chronicle. War and Peace is what the author wished and was able to express in the form in which it is expressed.”

Picture: A&E

7. Titanic

Watch on Amazon Prime Video

"Titanic" is a classic movie that tells the story of the ill-fated maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic in 1912, and the romance between two passengers from different social classes. The movie is known for its elegant and classy portrayal of the time period, which is evident in its production design, costume design, and overall aesthetic.

The movie's production design captures the opulence and grandeur of the early 20th century, with the Titanic itself depicted as a marvel of engineering and luxury. The sets are ornate and detailed, with lavish furnishings and decor that evoke a sense of grandeur and sophistication.

The movie's overall aesthetic is also elegant and classy, with a romanticized and nostalgic portrayal of the time period. The movie captures a sense of timelessness, with the love story between Jack and Rose transcending social class and tragedy.

Moreover, the movie's score, composed by James Horner, is a masterpiece in its own right, further contributing to the movie's elegant and classy vibe.

Picture: 20th Century Studios

8. The Talented Mr. Ripley

Watch on Amazon Prime Video, Paramount Plus,or for free with ads on The Roku Channel

"The Talented Mr. Ripley" is a movie based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith, set in the 1950s in Italy. The movie is known for its classic elegance, which is evident in its production design, costume design, and overall aesthetic.

The movie's production design captures the beauty and sophistication of Italy in the 1950s, with stunning locations such as the Amalfi Coast and Rome. The sets are meticulously designed, with attention to detail given to the architecture, furnishings, and decor.

The costume design in "The Talented Mr. Ripley" is also notable, with the characters' clothing reflecting the style and fashion of the era. The characters are seen wearing classic and refined clothing, such as tailored suits, dresses, and elegant accessories. The attention to detail given to the costumes enhances the overall elegance of the movie.

The movie's score, composed by Gabriel Yared, also adds to the classic elegance of the movie, with a lush and emotive soundtrack that complements the movie's themes.

Picture: Paramount Pictures

9. Sky Castle

Watch on Netflix

"Sky Castle" is a South Korean TV series that explores the lives of wealthy families living in an exclusive neighborhood in Seoul. The show is known for its elegant and classic portrayal of the lives of the elite in South Korea, which is evident in its production design, costume design, and overall aesthetic.

The costume design in "Sky Castle" is also notable, with the characters' clothing and accessories reflecting the style and fashion of the upper class in South Korea. The characters are seen wearing elegant and sophisticated clothing, such as tailored suits, dresses, and jewelry.

Moreover, the show's overall aesthetic is elegant and classic, with a focus on refined and sophisticated lifestyles. The show portrays a world of privilege and luxury, with the characters living a life of leisure and indulgence. However, the show also explores themes of family, love, and ambition, which adds depth to the storyline.

The show's score, composed by Jung Jae-il, also adds to the elegant and classic feel of the series, with a beautiful soundtrack that complements the show's themes.

Picture: JTBC

10. The Great Gatsby

Watch on HBO Max

"The Great Gatsby" is a movie based on the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, set in the 1920s in New York City. The movie is known for its old-money aesthetic, which is evident in its production design, costume design, and overall aesthetic.

The costume design in "The Great Gatsby" is distinctive, with the characters' clothing reflecting the style and fashion of the era. The characters are seen wearing elegant and sophisticated clothing, such as flapper dresses, tailored suits, and elegant accessories. The attention to detail given to the costumes enhances the overall elegance of the movie.

Moreover, the movie's overall aesthetic is classic and timeless, with a focus on refinement and sophistication. The movie portrays a world of privilege and luxury, with the characters living a life of leisure and indulgence. However, the movie also explores darker themes such as love, greed, and corruption, which adds depth to the storyline.

The movie's score, composed by Craig Armstrong, also adds to the old-money aesthetic of the movie, with a lush and emotive soundtrack that complements the movie's themes.

Picture: Warner Bros.