11 Bizarre Obsessions of the Wealthy
Wealth can do some weird things to people. With an abundance of money, hobbies go from collecting vintage figurines to splurging on personal submarines. Think your obsession with cute animal videos on TikTok is weird? Try being obsessed with luxury bunkers (and then paying hundreds of thousands for one). Here are some of the incredibly strange things wealthy people are hooked on.
1. Extreme Longevity
The average age of a man in America is 77 years old, but try telling that to a wealthy man. As biohacking technology advances, the number of rich folks trying to pay their way to immortality is growing. Just look at Bryan Johnson, a millionaire tech entrepreneur who has spent an obscene amount of money in the hopes that his middle-aged organs will function like those of a teenager. Good luck, Bryan!
2. Dinosaur Fossils
You’d think dinosaur fossils would be best displayed in a museum, but some of the world’s wealthiest people are obsessed with having them in their home. Leonardo DiCaprio and Nicolas Cage reportedly battled it out at an auction for a 70-million-year-old dinosaur skull, with Cage ultimately winning after placing a $276,000 bid. (Joke’s on Cage, though: He had to return it after it was discovered the skull was stolen.) For these collectors, owning a piece of prehistoric history is the ultimate power move.
3. Luxury Doomsday Bunkers
When the end of the world comes, you can bet there will be plenty of billionaires hunkering down in their ultra-swanky underground bunkers. These high-end survival shelters come with air-filtration systems, indoor gardens, and even swimming pools. Companies like Vivos sell bunkers that cater to the super-wealthy, promising not just survival but survival in style. Some bunkers even include wine cellars and art galleries!
4. Exotic Animal Collections
While us normal people are out here cozying up to our dog or cat, the ultra-wealthy take pet ownership to a whole new level. Mike Tyson owned Bengal tigers, Nicolas Cage had a two-headed snake, and Paris Hilton owned a kinkajou. Caring for these exotic creatures can cost millions, but for some, it’s a status symbol of ultimate exclusivity.
5. Cryotherapy Chambers
The rich are obsessed with “hacking” their health (and living forever), and cryotherapy chambers are one of their go-to methods. These futuristic devices expose the body to extreme cold (as low as -200°F) for a few minutes, supposedly helping with muscle recovery, reducing inflammation, and even promoting anti-aging. Sports celebrities like LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo are known to own personal cryotherapy chambers at home, costing upwards of $50,000.
6. Space Exploration and Colonization
Billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos aren’t just interested in space; they’re obsessed with it. Musk’s SpaceX and Bezos’ Blue Origin are private companies with the goal of commercializing space travel (oh, and colonizing Mars — no biggie). While most people dream of taking a vacation on Earth, these billionaires are aiming for the stars.
7. Personal Submarines
Forget yachts: The ultra-rich splurge on personal submarines. A favorite among wealthy adventure-seekers, these high-tech submarines allow billionaires to explore the ocean’s depths in total privacy. Submarines like the Triton 3300 cost millions and provide an exclusive way to experience the underwater world. There are, of course, incredibly high risks associated with these submersibles.
8. Customized Perfumes
While most people stick to off-the-shelf fragrances, the rich take it up a notch by commissioning custom-made perfumes. London-based perfumer Azzi Glasser has created bespoke scents for celebrities like Cindy Crawford, Kylie Minogue, Helena Bonham Carter. The starting rate? $23,600. With a price tag like that, the perfume better be used until the last drop.
9. Private Islands
Owning a private island is the ultimate flex. But some super-rich individuals, like Richard Branson and Larry Ellison, go a step further by developing their islands into self-sustaining paradises with luxury villas, private beaches, and staff to cater to their every need. Private islands can cost anywhere from hundreds of thousands to over $100 million.
10. Extreme Bodyguard Services
The rich don’t just rely on typical security systems; they hire teams of elite bodyguards trained in advanced combat techniques. Some billionaires employ squads of former military personnel to provide 24/7 protection, which can cost millions each year. Others use AI-powered systems or drones to enhance security around their homes and businesses. In 2021, Meta spent close to $27 million on CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s security, which included 24/7 bodyguard protection and an office with bullet-resistant glass.
11. Timepieces as Investments
While watches have long been a symbol of wealth, the ultra-rich take this obsession to an investment level. Rare, vintage watches from brands like Patek Philippe or Rolex are not just fashion statements; they’re treated as valuable assets that appreciate over time.
Some billionaires have watch collections worth tens of millions. In December 2024, Tom Brady’s $11 million auction included his collection of luxury watches.