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If it wasn’t for labor, our country wouldn’t be in the place that it is. Sure, bankers and politicians call the shots – but it is the working class that lays the foundation of every brick in our tall skyscrapers.
Every hard worker deserves appreciation and that’s why we have a designated Labor Day every year. And what better way to spend it than to watch some movies that are centered around that depict and appreciate the effort that goes into such jobs?
Here’s our list for the best Labor Day movies to watch in 2022!
1. Cinderella Man (2005)
Cinderella Man is an all-time classic and it’s a movie that is relatable for every man who’s had to provide for his family. It’s a biographical sports drama film based on the real-world boxing champion James J. Braddock and shows his struggle to make a living in the Great Depression era of the United States.
Though he’s a decent boxer, he is unable to participate in the sport due to a hand injury. He works manual labor to support his family despite the condition of his hand but it’s not good enough. Thus begins the struggle of figuring out a way to become a boxer again – both for his passion and to put food on the table.
With powerful performances from the likes of Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, and Paul Giamatti, Cinderella Man is guaranteed to make you feel emotional. It’s easily one of the best Labor Day movies to watch with or without your family!
2. Office Space (1999)
If you’ve ever worked a 9 to 5 office job, this movie will feel like a biography inspired by you. It perfectly captures how mundane and draining working in a cubicle with horrible bosses is. And it takes us in the life of a man who realizes he can’t take it anymore.
Though the premise is very serious, the movie has a fair share of comedy. Without getting into spoilers, it has a hilarious plot which shows us just how ridiculous life can get when you try to stick it to the man. And it’s full of iconic scenes that you might have seen on the internet throughout the years.
Whether you’ve got a case of the Mondays or not, Office Space will satisfy your craving of Labor Day movies.
3. Parasite (2019)
If you don’t mind reading subtitles or watching a dub, then there is no reason due to which you should skip this masterpiece. Parasite is a satirical comedy thriller in which we see a family suffering from extreme poverty. Then, they devise a plan in which they start to live off the wealth of a wealthy family by getting jobs in their household. However, the twist is that they pretend to be unrelated to each other and lie about their qualifications too.
With the very foundation itself being a lie, it’s only a matter of time before it all falls apart. But what happens next is going to be as unexpected for you as it is shocking. And that’s exactly what makes Parasite such a compelling film. It may not be entirely relatable, but it’s one of the best Labor Day movies based on the quality alone.
4. Modern Times (1936)
Modern Times is one of the best Labor Day movies because that’s literally what it’s about. It takes us into another misadventure of Charlie Chaplin’s “Little Tramp” character. This time, he tries to find employment in the Great Depression era. Granted it’s a silent film, but it has underlining social commentary about the difficulties civilians had to go through in those years.
Not only that, but as the title implies, it shows us how the effectiveness of technology became a topic of difficulty for manual laborers too. But don’t worry, the movie does have a lot of humor too since it’s a Chaplin production after all.
5. Horrible Bosses (2011)
Horrible Bosses is a movie that is about unsatisfied workers who are tired of being exploited by their bosses. One day, they decide that they’ve had enough. But instead of quitting, they decide to murder their bosses with the help of a consultant who excels in murdering people.
Saying any more would be spoiling things. But it’s a very entertaining movie with just the right amount of comedy mixed in. And the cast is full of familiar faces, such as Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston, Collin Farrell, Jamie Fox, Charlie Day, and more.
We hope that this guide helped you pick the perfect Labor Day movies for your day, evening, or night. Whether you wish to watch them alone or with someone in your family who has worked hard to keep the lights on – we’re sure that you’ll have a great time.