21 Best Real Estate Movies and Binge Worthy Series
These best real estate movies and binge-worthy series offer something for all different people. Take some notes and check out some of these in the next couple months.
You’ll also see a couple recommended movies and docuseries that are not real estate specific, however, these have much value, inspiration and insight for all types of real estate professionals in 2024.
We did a poll with real estate agents and these were mentioned as favorite real estate movies and binge worthy series.
21 BEST REAL ESTATE MOVIES AND SHOWS FOR AGENTS
Real estate takes a unique position in the intriguing world of cinema, highlighting the intrigue, drama, creativity, and high-stakes nature of the real estate world.
Movies and TV shows demonstrate the complexities of the real estate market and the real estate professionals, agents, and brokers who navigate it.
For instance, Alec Baldwin’s unforgettable performance in “Glengarry Glen Ross” epitomizes how the cutthroat nature of property sales can be.
The gritty realism of real estate depictions is mirrored in movies like “The Big Short” with Christian Bale and Ryan Gosling, which provides a behind-the-scenes look into the real life experiences of investors during the 2008 housing market crash.
The complex, character-driven narratives presented in the movies and shows below, not only entertain audiences but also offer valuable insights into the world of real estate.
Some may be a favorite of yours, others may not and some you may not be familiar with.
Take a look and add noteworthy ones to your list of ones to catch!
BEST REAL ESTATE MOVIES AND SHOWS
1. THE BIG SHORT
THE BIG SHORT
This movie nabbed 5 Oscar nominations including one for Best Picture. Based on a true story a group of investors bet against the US mortgage market.
In their research they saw what the big banks, media and government refused to: the global collapse of the economy. It’s a riveting story you don’t want to miss.
Starring Steve Carell, Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling and Brad Pitt.
BEST REAL ESTATE MOVIES AND SHOWS
2. BUY MY HOUSE ON NETFLIX
BUY MY HOUSE
Homeowners from across America come to sell their properties, on the spot, to one of four real-estate tycoons including Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman, Corcoran Group CEO Pamela Liebman, NFL Linebacker Brandon Copeland, and investment property magnate Danisha Wrighster.
Incredible and unique homes are up for grabs as the owners share heartfelt backstories and engage in heart pounding negotiations with the tycoons.
BEST REAL ESTATE MOVIES AND SHOWS
3. 99 HOMES
99 HOMES
99 Homes” is a drama film that deeply delves into the world of real estate and its influence on individual lives and society. It’s centered around the 2008 housing market crash and foreclosure crisis in the United States.
The movie stars Andrew Garfield as a young construction worker, Dennis Nash, who is evicted from his own home by a ruthless real estate broker, Rick Carver, played by Michael Shannon. Nash is then ironically forced to work for Carver in a desperate bid to get his home back.
The film showcases the dark side of the real estate market, including foreclosure, eviction, and the moral ambiguity involved in profiteering from others’ misfortune.
By emphasizing the human toll of the real estate market’s collapse, “99 Homes” provides a deeply emotional and personal perspective on the world of real estate.
As critic, Paul Byrnes states “It’s a gripping thriller with good guys and bad guys, but everyone in it is a victim, including Rick Carver. Bahrani’s achievement in this film is breathtaking.”
BEST REAL ESTATE MOVIES AND SHOWS
4. THE REALTOR MOVIE (RUTHLESS REALTOR)
THE REALTOR MOVIE (RUTHLESS REALTOR)
Annie and Ralph Savage’s joy at their new home is undermined by their eccentric realtor, Meg, who becomes obsessed over their relationship and insists someone is out to murder them.
Despite their attempts to distance themselves and Meg’s subsequent arrest, her persistence leads to discovering a troubling history of previous homeowners being targeted by a deadly prowler. This revelation forces the Savages to question if Meg’s unsettling behavior is a product of her mental instability, or a dire attempt to save their lives.
BEST REAL ESTATE MOVIES AND SHOWS
5. AMAZING INTERIORS ON NETFLIX
AMAZING INTERIORS
This real estate series meets homeowners whose seemingly ordinary homes are full of surprises.
BEST REAL ESTATE MOVIES AND SHOWS
6. I LOVE YOU MAN
I LOVE YOU MAN
Successful real estate agent, Peter Klaven, portrayed by Paul Rudd, takes center stage in the comedy film “I Love You, Man.”
Faced with the unexpected dilemma of not having a close male friend to stand as his best man at his wedding, Peter embarks on a series of hilarious and, at times, cringe-worthy “man-dates.”
This leads him to Sydney Fife, played by Jason Segel, and what unfolds is a charming narrative about the bonds of male friendship, the essence of masculinity, and the intricate balance between romantic and platonic relationships.
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BEST REAL ESTATE MOVIES AND SHOWS
7. SELLING SUNSET ON NETFLIX
SELLING SUNSET
American reality television series created for Netflix by Adam DiVello.
The series revolves around the Oppenheim Group, a high-end real estate brokerage firm in Los Angeles, and follows a group of agents as they navigate their personal and professional lives.
BEST REAL ESTATE MOVIES AND SHOWS
8. MR. BLANDINGS BUILDS HIS DREAM HOUSE
MR. BLANDINGS BUILDS HIS DREAM HOUSE
A New York business man, Mr. Blanding, and his wife decide they can afford to have a house in the country built to their specifications. It turns out to be a lot more trouble than they could have imagined.
With 4.5 stars (out of 5) this classic keeps you laughing from beginning to end.
BEST REAL ESTATE MOVIES AND SHOWS
9. PACIFIC HEIGHTS
PACIFIC HEIGHTS
“Pacific Heights” is a suspenseful drama that explores the dark side of home ownership and tenant-landlord relationships.
The movie follows a young couple, portrayed by Melanie Griffith and Matthew Modine, who buy an expensive San Francisco house and rent one of the apartments to a seemingly perfect tenant, Carter Hayes, played chillingly by Michael Keaton.
As Hayes gradually turns from charming to sinister, refusing to pay rent and inflicting damage, the couple is drawn into a terrifying legal and personal battle, demonstrating the perils that can lurk within the real estate market.
BEST REAL ESTATE MOVIES AND SHOWS
10. INSIDE JOB
INSIDE JOB
This Academy Award-winning documentary, Inside Job, vividly portrays real-life events that led to the real estate bubble and financial Armageddon. This was not an accident.
A reviewer “Everyone should watch this eye-opening documentary to refresh their memory as to how the 2008 financial meltdown occurred.”
Starring Matt Damon, David McCormick, Bill Ackma, and Jonathan Alpert.
BEST REAL ESTATE MOVIES AND SHOWS
11. STAY HERE ON NETFLIX
STAY HERE
Interested in increasing your income with AirBnB and VRBO?
World Famous Designer, Genevieve Gorder and real estate expert Peter Lorimer show property owners how to turn their short-term rentals into moneymaking showstoppers.
BEST REAL ESTATE MOVIES AND SHOWS
12. THE MONEY PIT
MONEY PIT
Tom Hanks and Shelley Long buy their dream home, but their dream turns into something else they never could have imagined.
This comedy from executive producer Steven Spielberg is a cautionary tale about what happens when a deal sounds too good to be true.
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BEST REAL ESTATE MOVIES AND SHOWS
13. BEACH FRONT BARGAIN HUNT
BEACH FRONT BARGAIN HUNT
Each week HGTV follows a family making their beachfront living dreams come true — on a budget!
They follow them on the house hunt as they discover some of the most surprisingly affordable beachfront locales that prove you don’t need to be a millionaire to live right on the beach.
BEST REAL ESTATE MOVIES AND SHOWS
14. GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS
GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS
A riveting tale of desperation and betrayal based on a Pulitzer-winning play.
This allstar cast shine in this powerful story set in the world of real estate.
BEST REAL ESTATE MOVIES AND SHOWS
15. FUNNY FARM
FUNNY FARM
Married couple, played by Chevy Chase and Madolyn Smith, decide to move to a small New England town so he can write his novel and they can breathe the fresh country air and mow their own lawn.
He’s been a sports writer for years, but now he figures with the typewriter placed just exactly right next to the big open window on the second floor overlooking the lawn, conditions will be perfect for the creation of a best seller.
Turns out things aren’t perfect for him in his new home and stomping grounds. His wife, however, goes on to sell a children’s novel about, well, I’ll stop here so I won’t spoil it for you.
BEST REAL ESTATE MOVIES AND SHOWS
16. CLOSING ESCROW
CLOSING ESCROW
Three quirky families seeking to buy their next home collide when trying to purchase the same property.
The bidding war tests the limits of their marriages and the resolve of their agents.
BEST REAL ESTATE MOVIES AND SHOWS
17. OPEN HOUSE
OPEN HOUSE
A couple on the verge of divorce attempt to sell their empty love nest and move on with their lives separately.
After a successful open house, they are horrified to discover, days later, that a potential buyer didn’t leave their home.
BEST REAL ESTATE MOVIES AND SHOWS
18. ARIZONA
ARIZONA
Danny McBride stars in this dark comedy about a desperate man who kidnaps a real estate agent he blames for all his problems.
BEST REAL ESTATE MOVIES AND SHOWS
19. THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES
THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES
This Sundance Award Winning Documentary profiles a billionaire couple who run into money troubles while attempting to construct an extravagant mega-mansion inspired by Versailles.
REAL ESTATE BUSINESS INSPIRATION
20. THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS
THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS
Inspired by a true story we watch as Will Smith plays a riveting and powerful character as he struggles as a single father but has a dream to build a better life for his son.
Finding themselves homeless he takes on an internship at a competive stock brokerage where only 1 in 20 even come close to making the grade.
This is a moving story I encourage you to watch.
REAL ESTATE BUSINESS MOTIVATION
21. THE LAST DANCE ON NETFLIX
THE LAST DANCE DOCUSERIES ON NETFLIX
I just finished the Netflix Documentary of the Chicago Bulls/Michael Jordan “The Last Dance.”
It has a 9.1 (out of 10) rating in IMDb. It has A LOT of layers to it and lessons that can be applied in business and life.
If you’re looking for something to watch that’s poignant and has many business *lessons* you may want to check it out (warning, there is strong language).
One piece that stood out and I’ve thought about daily since watching one particular episode and how poignant it was:
“My father repeatedly said over and over to me growing up and it was ingrained in me “TURN EVERY NEGATIVE INTO A POSITIVE.”
Michael Jordan
This is how he managed to move through (and grieve) the murder of his father. He retired from basketball the first time and played baseball. If someone can turn such a tragic, horrible event and use it for some type of *good* – there’s a lesson in that.
Another piece that stood out and I loved is the focus on how they became champions as a result of and working together as a “TEAM.” THE DREAM TEAM. Each player had a powerful strength and they strengthened each other as a result.
They understood the power of synergy and how powerful it is. It’s a moving docuseries. Some was a bit tough for me to watch – but I believe in finding nuggets that can help move one forward in life and business.
Some movies we can’t get out of our heads, some can be life-changing with a poignant message, and some we simply roll our eyes and quickly forget.
Some real estate movies are cerebral, some are ‘thrillers,’ others are riveting and enlightening, and some have you rolling with laughter at the foibles in real estate!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE BEST REAL ESTATE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
One of the most notable films centered around the real estate industry is “Glengarry Glen Ross” (1992). Based on David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, this film features an ensemble cast and gives a hard-hitting portrayal of the cutthroat world of real estate sales. It’s often lauded for its dialogue, performances, and critical examination of business ethics.
WHAT IS THE MOVIE ABOUT THE REAL ESTATE BUBBLE?
“The Big Short” (2015) is a renowned film that delves into the real estate bubble and subsequent financial crisis of 2007-2008. Directed by Adam McKay, it’s based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Michael Lewis. The movie chronicles the lives of several Wall Street professionals who predicted the housing market’s collapse and bet against the U.S. economy, thus making a fortune when the bubble eventually burst. The film is known for its unique approach to explaining complex financial concepts to the audience. It is often praised for its blend of humor and sobering examination of the financial crisis.
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