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The 25 Best Business Movies Entrepreneurs Should Watch

CEO Plerdy — expert in SEO&CRO with over 14 years of experience.

Post date May 10, 2024
6 Comments on The 25 Best Business Movies Entrepreneurs Should Watch

The best films about business

The wolf of wall street.

Director: Martin Scorsese, 2013 IMDb: 8.20 Film Search: 8.12

This black comedy crime drama is the memoir of Jordan Belfort, a famous American broker who made a considerable fortune but attracted the attention of the FBI and was convicted of fraud and money laundering. This film invariably leads the top lists of “the best films about business, success, and finance.” It has everything – ups and downs, sex and drugs, brilliant deals and financial fraud, luxurious lifestyles, and the most incredible ways to burn money. Add to that the inexpressible charisma of the protagonist (Leonardo DiCaprio), the crazy risks, the thirst for wealth, moral issues, and the trade secrets of stockbrokers, and you have one beautiful presentation.

Boiler Room

Director: Ben Younger, 2000 IMDb: 7.00 Film Search: 7.2

For those who wish to discover something new in the field of sales, this story of American brokerage schemers will be a real gem. Before you are not just another crime drama, but the answer to the question: “How do you earn big money from scratch?” The film does not forget about the price at which a million dollars, expensive cars, palaces, and mansions are achieved. The film’s characters (a brilliant cast – another thing this film has going for it) are young and aggressive, enterprising and risky, and they’re ready to do anything to succeed.

The Billionaire

Director: Songyos Sugmakanan, 2011 IMDb: 7.90 Film Search: 8.0

If it seems that your hard work is not paying off, money is not flowing to you, and you are close to despair, this film will be an excellent motivator and undoubtedly increase your morale. This story is based on true events and guides us through all the milestones of the hero’s difficult journey. The purposefulness, resourcefulness, and enterprise of young Tom do not always find support in the real world, where adults insist on him receiving the appropriate education and impose their values on him. School, university, tedious work – all this does not attract Tom, his goal is business. Abandoned studies and mounting debts, successes and terrible troubles, intractable problems and struggles with the authorities – one can never give up on the path to real progress and billions in wealth if you believe in yourself.

The Corporation

Director: Mark Achbar, Jennifer Abbott, 2003 IMDb: 8.10 Film Search: 7.3

Do you know who rules the world? These giant corporations have absolute power. They can shape the way their customers think. A person’s circle of interests, dreams, opportunities, and very life, is only a package of resources for a corporation to profit. Business mastodons have reached great heights with their ability to manipulate consciousness, and only a few can resist them. So what is the role of business process leaders? What qualities should they have to avoid mistakes and achieve success?

Pirates of Silicon Valley

Director: Martyn Burke, 1999 IMDb: 7.30 Film Search: 7.5

Every entrepreneur and business owner will be touched by this story about two young computer geniuses, a visionary and an inventor – Bill Gates and Steve Jobs – who turned their utopian ideas into companies that conquered the world: Apple and Microsoft. They define the beginning of time. Their dreams come true. The rest of us have the opportunity to observe this exciting process and implement their results to our own goals, desires, and aspirations.

The best films for entrepreneurs

Director: Bennett Miller, 2011 IMDb: 7.6 Film Search: 7.7

This sports biopic featuring Brad Pitt can become a powerful motivator for many modern entrepreneurs. As the name implies, the plot deals with fundamental changes in life and the changing rules of the game. In the business world, as in sports, if you only have overcome fear and apathy, you can achieve brilliant results and find an effective solution to the problem with minimal resources.

Startup.com

Director: Chris Hegedus, Jehane Noujaim, 2001 IMDb: 7.1 Film Search: 6.7

This documentary by Start.com deserves the attention of entrepreneurs and businessmen, as it covers several topical issues in business at once. For example, it focuses on the consequences of incompetent management and incorrectly placed accents in the control of a promising company. The film also reveals the secrets of maintaining a healthy atmosphere and the effectiveness of the team in a crisis.

The Aviator

Director: Martin Scorsese, 2004 IMDb: 7.5 Film Search: 6.2

This biographical drama features an intriguing plot, a superstar cast, brilliant direction, unsurpassed cinematography, and elegant costumes. It’s not without reason that Aviator received five Oscars and 11 nominations. Nevertheless, this film is more than mere evening entertainment. The story of a genius madman, a millionaire, and the owner of a casino and the largest film company is a movie that will be interesting to all entrepreneurs and especially useful to those who complain about their lack of motivation and a loss of a sense of purpose.

Director: David O. Russell, 2015 IMDb: 6.6 Film Search: 6.7

Here is another real story about Joy Mangano, the entrepreneur who invented the self-pressing mop and founded Ingenious Designs. What difficulties did she have to go through? Problems like finances, personal turmoil, a family crisis, betrayal of loved ones. If you lose almost everything except the irrepressible thirst for success and if you have nowhere to retreat, what’s left? Well, in the case of the film’s main character, building a multi-million dollar business.

The Social Network

Director: David Fincher, 2010 IMDb: 7.7 Film Search: 7.7

This film, which reveals the history of the creation of Facebook, is something of a textbook business case for the attentive viewer. “The Social Network” describes the psychology behind modern entrepreneurship and the relationship between businessmen and investors, partners, competitors, and creditors. What are your goals as an entrepreneur and as a person? Why are you so eager for success? Honest answers to these questions can dramatically change your life.

The best movies about success

Wall street.

Director: Oliver Stone, 1987 IMDb: 7.40 Film Search: 7.6

The basic principles of business do not have a statute of limitations. They are invariably relevant in our time when a substantial part of entrepreneurship moved to the Internet. A classic film starring Michael Douglas and Charlie Sheen, Wall Street presents success stories and how they lead to prosperity. A bonus for the viewer will be the disclosure of some trading secrets.

Jerry Maguire

Director: Cameron Crowe, 1996 IMDb: 7.30 Film Search: 7.6

Real success is far beyond your comfort zone. To achieve it, you’ll have to get out of the usual rut, resist the provocations and attacks of detractors, overcome difficulties, and endure failures. With Tom Cruise in the title role, the feature film convinces us repeatedly that it is important to believe in yourself, recognize the target, and ignore the obstacles.

Director: Joshua Michael Stern, 2013 IMDb: 5.9 Film Search: 6.5

Although film critics nominated Ashton Kutcher for a Golden Raspberry for his role of Steve Jobs, it’s definitely worth watching. Here the viewer will find valuable information about achieving the pinnacle of business success. The most important rule is that “the best way to predict the future is to invent it!” Maybe money is not all that is worth striving for…

Breaking Bad

Director: Vince Gilligan, 2008 IMDb: 9.5 Film Search: 8.9

This exciting and unpredictable crime series about the transformation of an ordinary chemistry teacher into a thriving drug lord is a practical guide on how to competently build a business. It discloses all of the necessary features of all the constituent processes – from creating a product to getting it to the final consumer.

The Pursuit of Happyness

Gabriele Muccino, 2006 IMDb: 8.0 Film Search: 8.3

This is another drama based on a true story, but of the kind, positive, and inspiring variety. The main character, Will Smith, has trouble getting his start and pulling himself out of flagrant poverty. For the sake of his young son, he does the impossible – he goes through a difficult and long journey transforming himself from poverty to being a millionaire.

The best movies about sales

The goods: live hard, sell hard.

Neal Brennan, 2009 IMDb: 5.8 Film Search: 6.2

A bankrupt company selling a used car can be saved only by the work of a brilliant salesman. To pull the company out of crisis during Independence Day, they need to sell 211 cars. They will have to use everything – resourcefulness, ingenuity, cunning tricks, and subtle psychological techniques – to get the job done.

Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year

Shimit Amin, 2009 IMDb: 7.5 Film Search: 7.5

This modern Indian film does not surprise you with its enchanting special effects, but it will surely entice you with its inspirational plot. For beginning entrepreneurs and managers, it will be quite useful to watch this film to become acquainted with the original methods of working with clients and study the subtleties of relationships between buyer and seller.

Glengarry Glen Ross

James Foley, 1992 IMDb: 7.8 Film Search: 7.5

The film is fun to watch and will bring practical benefits to those who live off sales commissions. The whole film is, in fact, a collection of recommendations for increasing sales in extremely tough competition. You can successfully implement many of the methods and ideas from this movie in modern times.

Director: Roger Nygard, 1999 IMDb: 6.6 Film Search: 6.9

When making a list of the top business movies, this one is absolutely impossible to miss. This exciting comedy can serve as a real tool for working with constant objections, building sales funnels, skillful manipulation, and many other effective techniques.

Matthew Weiner, 2007 IMDb: 8.6 Film Search: 7.8

This drama series received high ratings from viewers and critics alike and a record four Emmy awards in a row alongside several other awards and nominations. The plot develops around the work of an advertising agency and the life of its creative director – a brilliant, charismatic, and reckless salesperson. An attentive viewer will gain invaluable lessons in this series.

The best movies about finance

Billionaire boys club.

James Cox, 2018 IMDb: 5.6 Film Search: 5.6

Cunning, irresistibility and the gift of persuasion are all qualities that the main characters of this film have in abundance. They use their talents and organized daring to create spectacular financial scams. Pretending to be billionaires to get to the pockets of real business tycoons seems like a great idea. Money makes money, the very essence of building a financial pyramid. But how long will the colossus stand on clay feet?

Margin Call

J.C. Chandor, 2011 IMDb: 7.1 Film Search: 6.7

The financial apocalypse is approaching – the world economic crisis of 2008. Forecasts are frightening – a collapse seems absolutely inevitable. A group of top managers on Wall Street face a tough choice and any decision is fraught with irreversible consequences. They expect a crazy night and the worst hours of their lives.

Too Big to Fail

Curtis Hanson, 2011 IMDb: 7.30 Film Search: 8.8

This film is based on real events from the documentary bestseller “Too Big to Fail.” So who were the people who, in the autumn of 2008, decided the fate of the world economy and tried to stabilize the financial markets? At the center of the plot is Finance Minister Henry Paulson. So what decisions did he have to make when powerful banks and huge investment pyramids collapsed like a house of cards?

Bruce Caulk, 2018 IMDb: 4.5 Film Search: 5.1

The world of big money is always associated with lies and fraud of all kinds. This fact is well known to Barry Minkow, a talented businessman. He makes his way from the bottom to the very top, and his methods, although questionable, are very useful. This swindler’s tale, by the way, is based on real events.

A Good Year

Ridley Scott, 2006 IMDb: 7.0 Film Search: 7.7

Max (played by Russell Crowe) is an investment expert and successful stock trader. What does the word “successful” mean in this field? Luck, toughness, vigor, and lack of principles. Max’s life will considerably change when he returns to Provence, where his childhood years were spent, to sell an estate inherited from his uncle.

Films about rich millionaires and successful businessmen appeal to various audiences, especially when they portray real people and true events. But, even if watching a film about millionaires seems like just a pleasant pastime to us, it’s impossible not to be inspired by the endurance, drive, stubbornness, and audacity of these people that led them to their success.

Films about successful people inspire us to think about our resources and capabilities, stimulate action, and may even be the impetus for starting our own business.

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20 Best Movies About Business and Entrepreneurs

November 20, 2023

If you’re reading this article, I’m sure you know by now that a cursory search of “the best business movies” will yield more or less the same results: The Wolf of Wall Street, Jerry Maguire, The Social Network, Steve Jobs, The Big Short . And sure, those are great films that shed light on the tough-as-nails business that is, well, business. But plenty of films have been made since then, many of which give us even more of a glimpse of what it’s like to find, manage, protect, and grow your own company.

We’ve searched far and wide, going beyond the usual Hollywood titles and recognizable brand names, to look for the most useful, entertaining, and recent movies that can be enjoyed by entrepreneurs of all kinds, and came up with the recommendations below. So whether you’re a seasoned salesman or an up-and-coming hustler, here’s our list of the best movies about business that you should watch right now.

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1. Inside Job (2010)

This Oscar winning documentary is no standard film. Even by being beautifully crafted and having an amazing soundtrack–soundtracks are important–it does not miss its core story for a second. A delivery so good and so crisp that it will make you go “the sons of b” and “those motherf” more times than Joey from Friends got laid in 1999. On a more serious note, Inside Job is a great and complete technical overview of the financial meltdown. I know the word “technical” scared you there, but it shouldn’t! The movie is simple, uses charts and colors for all of us who once thought figures and formulas were too complicated to understand — it even makes you go, “hey, this is not so difficult to understand. Them motherf.’ The movie is also very exciting: no spoilers but all I can say is that there are b*s trippin in there.

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2. Headhunters (2012)

Fasten your seatbelts because this nasty little chase film will jerk the wheel when you least expect it, featuring balls-to-the-wall action and lots of Norwegian humor – dark humor that is. Based on a novel from the country’s most famous crime writer, Jo Nesbø, Headhunters is brutal, insane, and incredibly good. This twisting, turning thriller tells the story of a corporate recruiter (Aksel Hennie), who has a secret side hustle as a nightly art thief. He ends up being pursued by the charismatic Clas Greve, a Dutch businessman played by none other than GoT-star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. And this plot summary is as far as you will get without the whole thing swerving into another direction. Headhunters does not slow down unless it wants to destabilise you further with simmering suspense. Like a Lars von Trier on speed, expect all the raw colors, emotion, and slightly off-kilter characters you want from a Norwegian production – and brilliant entertainment!

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3. The Kiosk (2021)

This bittersweet little documentary about a Parisian newsstand will change the way you look at a kiosk forever: they’ll no longer seem like transitory stops on the way to somewhere, but a destination themselves. Director Alexandra Pianelli, whose family has run this particular newsstand for four generations, shoots from inside the tiny cabin, from where she and her mother dispense newspapers, magazines, directions, and friendly conversation with anyone who stops by.

Anyone who’s seen Agnès Varda’s Daguerréotypes — her fond portrait of the traditional shopkeepers of Rue Daguerre, the street she lived on — will recognize the same warmth and humane curiosity in The Kiosk, which documents a quickly fading way of life and the community that clings to it. As Pianelli movingly shows us, the kiosk is an invaluable fixture in the lives of an assortment of locals: regular customers (particularly elderly ones, who perhaps visit more for the company than the magazines), a big-hearted homeless man, and fellow vendors like Islam, a Bangladeshi asylum-seeker and fruit-seller who uses the kiosk to hide his merchandise so that French police don’t confiscate it. The decline of printed material that the film documents isn’t just a threat to the family business, then, but the very concept of a truly joined-up society itself.

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4. Margin Call (2011)

A thoughtful drama about the financial crisis, Margin Call is gripping. Seriously, even something as convoluted as the 2008 global economic meltdown is not only accessible and understandable, but it’s gripping. Margin Call transports you to the heart of Wall Street, both the financial institutions and the street, literally. It is exciting, well-acted and informative. Uh, also: Kevin Spacey.

Watch Now On Netflix

5. 99 Homes (2015)

Andrew Garfield is a single father living with his own single mother in their family home. In the aftermath of the financial crisis, they find themselves evicted from their home by a businessman – Michael Shannon in a role as intriguing as Gordon Gekko in Wall Street, if not more. Desperate for work, Garfield’s character starts working for the same businessman, ultimately evicting other people. A star-packed, gritty and sobering tale on capitalism and our the lengths to which we’re ready to go to save face – while at the same time risking our most important relationships.

6. Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story (2020)

“They called me uppity. Uppity n*****. And I loved it”. That’s how this excellent documentary, about the first professional black racing driver Willy T. Ribbs, starts. It summarizes the strong personality of a champion who excelled in tracks that were filled with confederate flags.

The documentary explains the details of the difficulties that Ribbs went through in the 70s and 80s, but also the people who supported him and recognized his talent. It’s by no way a sad movie, on the contrary, even when Ribbs is talking about people spitting wherever he walks or about the death threats escalating, his unharmed determination is at the center of the story.

This is an inspiring documentary about a character who never got his worth in the history books. I was full of shivers by the first half-hour mark.

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7. Thank You for Smoking (2005)

As black a comedy as they come. Nick Naylor (superbly portrayed by Aaron Eckhart) is the chief spokesperson for tobacco and shows the world why smoking is as key to protect as any other liberal value. This movie is funny, smart, thoughtful and raises some good questions about the ego, the morale and what we leave behind, from unexpected sides.

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8. Chef (2014)

A popular chef loses his job and respect after a bad review. He ends up with a food truck and tries to show the world he still has his creative side, while at the same time trying to fix his broken family. Chef is a heartwarming feel-good movie, after you finish it you will want to cook, love your family, travel, and spread the love. One of my favorite movies, I see myself happily watching it again numerous times.

9. Big Night (1996)

There are comfort food movies, and then there are films like Big Night: comfort food movies about comfort food. Stanley Tucci and Tony Shaloub are brothers running a failing Italian restaurant. Their last chance to save it from foreclosure is to throw a colossal dinner bolstered by a dubious promise of a visit from singer Louis Prima.

The comedy is mellow and pleasant, and Tucci and Shaloub have wonderful chemistry as bickering brothers. Meanwhile, a great supporting cast featuring Isabella Rosellini, Ian Holm, and Allison Janney more than make up for the somewhat predictable script.

10. Tetris (2023)

Who knew that behind the puzzle Tetris lies a political thriller of a backstory that is just as fun and challenging as the game itself? Tetris, the film, is a playful telling of the game behind the game, a surprising account of the otherwise unbelievable events that had to happen in making Tetris available to the masses.

Between the 8-bit editing, the immensely likable lead, and the cat-and-mouse chase between heroes and villains, there is much to like about the movie. You put it on out of curiosity (how the hell does a brick game have this much back story?) but you stay for the intrigue, the playfulness, and the irresistible urge to see who wins the race.

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16 Top Business Movies Every Entrepreneur Must Watch

Watching movies is usually a leisure activity, but who says it has to be? If you tune into a business movie tonight, you can learn something.

I’m talking about real stories about real people’s successful businesses, from startups struggling to make a mark to entrepreneurs with big ideas . Sure, some of these films are glamorized for Hollywood, but they’re packed full of lessons.

You can tap into corporate ethics, how to handle financial crises, and the spirit of innovation.

The next time you’re scrolling through Netflix, wondering what you’ll watch, check out the films I have for you today. They’re recommended for professionals, business students, and aspiring entrepreneurs . You’ll take away great lessons and inspiration.

Table of Contents

Top Business Movies and Their Lessons

Are you ready to start watching? The following films, a mix of current and older, touch on areas like technology and innovation, biographies, financial markets and crises, corporate drama, and startups and entrepreneurship.

Let’s get into it!

1. Startup.com (2001)

A 2001 documentary, Startup.com is directed by Jehane Noujaim and Chris Hegedus. It examines the internet revolution in its state in the early 2000s. The movie focuses on two friends who create govWorks.com, starting a business with more than 250 employees and obtaining $60 million in business funding. However, when the internet bubble bursts, the company doesn’t survive.

Key Business Themes: Startups and entrepreneurialism, corporate drama, financial markets and crises, biographical

Why It’s a Must-Watch

Although it focuses on the long-ago dot-com bubble, Startup.com is still worth watching, as startups today have just as hard of a road ahead of them as any company did in the early 2000s. It’s a bit of a sad watch, teaching you why you shouldn’t cash out founding partners too fast and why someone can be a great friend but not a good business partner.

2. Dumb Money (2023)

Craig Gillespie directs this recent film, based on Ben Mezrich’s book The Antisocial Network . The film—which stars big names like Seth Rogen, Sebastian Stan, Nick Offerman, America Ferrara, and Pete Davidson—covers the GameStop stock short squeeze in early 2021 and the mixed bag of results that follow. Some of the characters in the movie live an extended life of luxury, while others end up ensconced in lawsuits.

Key Business Themes: Biographical, financial markets and crises, corporate drama

Besides its star-studded cast, Dumb Money is worth watching to learn the consequences of hopping aboard a stock trend. While some of the characters in the movie made it out scot-free, others, like Seth Rogen’s character Gabe Plotkin, ended up having to shut down his business due to the net losses of investing in GameStop stock.

3. Moola (2007)

This Don Most-directed film starring Charlotte Ross, Treat Williams, and William Mapother is based on a true story. Two friends forge a business opportunity and must compete against mega-corporations to succeed.

Key Business Themes: Corporate drama, entrepreneurialism and startups

How about a business movie wrapped up in the guise of a comedy? You will also get a few chuckles as you learn valuable corporate lessons while watching this film. Moola is good for that!

4. House of Gucci (2021)

The biographical story of Patrizia Reggiani’s rise as part of fashion brand Gucci is directed by Ridley Scott and stars Adam Driver and Lady Gaga. When Patrizia meets Maurizio Gucci, the Gucci heir, they fall in love. Although Maurizio’s family is wary of Patrizia at first, saying she’s just in it for the money, when she becomes pregnant, that changes. However, there’s a lot of betrayal and even murder ahead.

This movie took the world by storm when it came out, and rightfully so. House of Gucci is a fascinating watch into how one outsider worms her way into a high-end business family and how it eventually ends. I won’t spoil it for you, as you should watch it for yourself!

Read also: How Netflix Marketing Wins Audience Every Time

5. Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price (2005)

Walmart, the major retail chain, is not without controversy, which this documentary from Robert Greenwald explores. The documentary showcases real stories of Walmart employees and small businesses that have been pushed out of cities and towns nationwide in exchange for more Walmarts.

Although it’s an older documentary, many of the claims lobbied against Walmart, such as low wages and nationwide takeovers. The documentary also spotlights how some towns have managed to ban Walmarts from opening and maintaining their charm and mom-and-pop businesses.

6. BlackBerry (2023)

Matt Johnson directs this 2023 documentary about BlackBerry phones, based on the book Losing the Signal: The Untold Story Behind the Extraordinary Rise and Spectacular Fall of BlackBerry by Sean Silcoff and Jacquie McNish. The doc explores how BlackBerry was created, the hostile takeover of RIM (a competitor company), and the impact of the iPhone on BlackBerry.

Key Business Themes: Innovation and technology, biographical, financial markets and crises, corporate drama, entrepreneurialism and startups

Besides touching on major business themes, BlackBerry explores a device that many of us owned back in the day and have since forgotten about. You can see how the rise and fall of the phone technology pushed businesspeople to the brink.

7. Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

The black comedy and biography Wolf of Wall Street , directed by Terence Winter and Martin Scorsese, stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort, a young New Yorker working as a stockbroker on Wall Street in 1987. After losing his job due to the stock market plummet on Black Monday, he finds another job and co-founds a brokerage company with a friend.

The company experiences massive success, but all is not what it seems. With the FBI on his tail for how his company makes its money, all the success and lavishness come crashing down.

Key Business Themes: Biographical, financial markets and crises, corporate drama, entrepreneurship and startups

The Wolf of Wall Street showcases a hard lesson: if you play with fire, you’re bound to get burned. While Belfort’s company is initially perceived positively as a Robin Hood-esque brokerage that levels the playing field against the rich, he gets too greedy, and it comes back to bite him.

Read also: Business Introduction Letter Examples & Tips for Entrepreneurs

8. Air (2023)

The Ben Affleck-directed (he also stars in it) Air focuses on the Air Jordan, Michael Jordon’s best-selling athletic shoes, and how they came to be. The film also features Viola Davis, Chris Messina, Jason Bateman, and Matt Damon. The 112-minute movie is a tense ride through how the deal on the Air Jordans almost didn’t come to be and how the team behind it eventually prevailed.

Key Business Themes: Innovation and technology, biographical

Proving that not all business films based on a true story need a heartbreaking ending, Air is a great preview into how a big business deal can blossom, including the difficulties that can occur along the way.

9. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)

This documentary, based on the book by Peter Elkind and Bethany McLean, reviews how Enron Corporation fell apart in 2001, including the criminal trials that its executives underwent and Enron trading during the electricity crisis in California between 2000 and 2001. The documentary includes interviews with stock analysts and former Enron employees, even a few execs.

The documentary showcases how two years after Enron’s founding, it was already embroiled in controversy due to a trading scandal involving oil market betting, and how it only gets worse from there. There are some good lessons in this one, so check it out.

10. Tetris (2023)

The biographical film Tetris is based on one of the pioneering video games and its race to get patented. Jon S. Baird directs. The movie, which is set in 1988, focuses on Henk Rogers, who presents a game he created at the Consumer Electronics Show. That’s where he’s introduced to Tetris, which was created in Russia. Rogers strives to spread Tetris, getting it arcade rights and distribution on consoles.

Key Business Themes: Innovation and technology, biographical, corporate drama

This is another business film with a happy ending, but it’s still a bumpy ride to get Tetris distributed in the way that Henk Rogers imagined. The film spotlights business savviness without backstabbing.

Read also: 25 Productive Things To Do Instead Of Watching Netflix

11. Moneyball (2011)

The Brad Pitt classic Moneyball , which features director Bennett Miller, is based on Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game , a book by Michael Lewis. The film spotlights Billy Beane (played by Pitt) in a general manager role for the baseball team the Oakland Athletics in 2002. Although Beane struggles with a strict budget, he seeks undervalued players with potential based on sabermetrics.

Key Business Themes: Biographical, business drama

Sports films are always an exciting viewing experience, especially when they have business lessons built in like Moneyball does. The film is also a great example of the sabermetric method in action.

12. The Startup Kids (2012)

Sesselja Vilhjalmsdottir and Vala Halldorsdottir are the creators behind The Startup Kids , a documentary about technology startup businesses in Europe and the United States.

The two Icelandic directors interview founders of hot startups, including names like Brian Wong (founder of mobile app rewards company Kiip), Ben Wray (an entrepreneur), Jessica Mah (founder of Mahway and InDinero), Zach Klein (once the CEO of Dwell), and Leah Culver (an angel investor, startup founder, and computer programmer).

Key Business Themes: Innovation and technology, biographical, entrepreneurialism and startups

The Startup Kids feels like a rare opportunity to pick the brains of some of the most innovative names in various startup fields. You can glean all sorts of unique perspectives and nuggets of wisdom by watching.

Read also: Powerful Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Business

13. Margin Call (2011)

Directed by J.C. Chandor, Margin Call is focused on the 2007 and 2008 American Wall Street financial crisis, focusing on employees and how they handle the subsequent fallout. It stars Stanley Tucci, Demi Moore, Penn Badgley, Jeremy Irons, and Paul Bettany.

Key Business Themes: Financial markets and crises, corporate drama

Even if you didn’t experience the Wall Street financial crisis personally, you likely still felt the effects of the economic slowdown around 2008. Revisiting that time may be painful, but Margin Call is a fascinating (and fictional) look into how these difficult situations are handled.

14. Jobs (2013)

Take a dive into Steve Jobs’ life and career in Jobs , a drama and biography from director Joshua Michale Stern. The plotline starts with Jobs’ time at Reed College and how he co-created the MacIntosh (later known as Mac) computer and the iPod, along with all the struggles he faced in between.

Steve Jobs is an inspiration to many of us, even after his death. He started what would become the multi-billion-dollar Mac enterprise in his garage, which required a lot of trials and tribulations along the way. This documentary spotlights them in a fascinating style that makes Jobs an excellent watch from start to finish.

15. The Social Network (2010)

The Social Network explores the founding of Facebook by Mark Zuckerberg. This drama & semi-biography features David Fincher as the director and stars Jesse Eisenberg as the titular Zuckerberg. The cast also includes Justin Timberlake and Andrew Garfield. The film chronicles the beginning of Facebook as Facemash, how it grew into Facebook, and the people who felt betrayed and backstabbed along the way.

Key Business Themes: Innovation and technology, corporate drama, entrepreneurialism and startups

If you use Facebook for business or personal purposes, you should check out The Social Network . While not a straight biography and thus subject to storytelling to make the film more interesting, it’s a fascinating movie that proves founding a huge social network doesn’t come easily.

16. Too Big to Fail (2011)

Too Big to Fail is another chronicle into the 2008 financial crisis, this time focusing on Bear Stearns, an investment bank, and how it was sold to JPMorgan Chase, then the fall of Lehman Brothers. The television film from director Curtis Hanson is inspired by the nonfiction book of the same name by Andrew Ross Sorkin that was published in 2009.

Too Big to Fail debuted on HBO in 2011 and received several SAG awards for lead actor Ben Bernanke.

Too Big to Fail isn’t a documentary, so it has more intrigue around it. It’s a great glimpse into what transpired with Lehman Brothers during the 2008 financial crisis.

Read also: Interesting Insights From Samsung’s Marketing Strategy

Wrapping Up

Increasing your business acumen in your personal time doesn’t have to be a chore. Watching business movies for entrepreneurs will help you glean new ideas and forge a path forward to your goals!

How can I watch business movies?

Try your favorite streaming services, from Hulu to Netflix and Amazon Prime.

Can watching movies make you a more successful businessperson?

Not directly, but you can absorb lessons, guidance, and strategies that could come in handy in real-life applications.

About The Author

Nicole Malczan

20 Best Business Movies on Netflix Every Entrepreneur Should Watch

Avantika Bhardwaj , Akshat Hawelia

Entrepreneurs, just like anyone else, also appreciate a relaxing evening. And what better way to unwind than by indulging in a night of binge-watching Netflix? But here's the exciting part: even during your downtime, you can find inspiration and ignite your entrepreneurial spirit by watching the right movies and clips. So, grab your popcorn and get ready for a lightning bolt of inspiration as we explore the world of captivating films that can leave a lasting impact on your entrepreneurial journey.

Let’s bring on the new culture of NETFLIX & LEARN.

By watching movies that inspire us, we can absorb the qualities of our favorite characters and gather new ideas right from the comfort of our couches. If you are a business enthusiast looking for some captivating movies to inspire and entertain you, Look no further! In this blog, we have curated a list of the best business movies available on Netflix that will take you on a thrilling journey into the world of entrepreneurship, corporate intrigue, and financial success. From true stories of visionary entrepreneurs to gripping tales of corporate scandals, these movies offer valuable insights and entertainment for both aspiring and seasoned business professionals. Get ready to be inspired, motivated, and entertained as we explore the top business movies streaming on Netflix.

Netflix Total Global Subscriber Base (FY2017-23)

The graph shows the number of Netflix global subscribers from 2017 to 2023. The number of subscribers has increased yearly, from 99.04 million in 2017 to 238.4 million in 2023. This represents a growth rate of over 240% in six years.

Best Business Movies on Netflix

Here are some of the best movies for entrepreneurs on Netflix to get inspired by. These Netflix movies about business are a great source of business motivation for entrepreneurs.

The Pursuit of Happyness
The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind
The Theory Of Everything
Manjhi – The Mountain Man

The Social Dilemma

Fyre: the greatest party that never happened, the big short, the defiant ones.

The Social Network
The Founder
The Great Hack
Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed

Downfall: The Case Against Boeing

Inside bill's brain: decoding bill gates.

IMDB Rating	Director	Initial Release
8/10	Gabriele Muccino	January 2019

The Pursuit of Happyness - Best Movies for Entrepreneurs on Netflix

This movie is based on Chris Gardner's heart-wrenching “upward mobility” memoir, The Pursuit of Happyness is all about winning the fight against all odds that life throws on you while staying true to your inner compass. The story details Chris's nearly year struggle with homelessness while raising his young son and pursuing an unpaid internship as a stockbroker. At times, he had to resort to sleeping in a subway bathroom, while struggling to sell medical bone-density scanners for income. It has been decades since this film was released, and yet the subject is still relevant today.

The Pursuit of Happyness Trailer | Netflix Business Movies

What should we learn from "The Pursuit of Happyness" movie?

"The Pursuit of Happyness" teaches us the valuable lessons of resilience, determination, and the power of belief in oneself. As an entrepreneur, it reminds us to never give up, even in the face of adversity, and to keep striving for our dreams. It also emphasizes the importance of taking risks, seizing opportunities, and maintaining a positive attitude throughout the entrepreneurial journey.

IMDB Rating	Director	Initial Release
7.6/10	Chiwetel Ejiofor	2019

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind - Best Movies for Entrepreneurs on Netflix

This Netflix original is based on the true story of a boy named William Kamkwamba, who saved his town from famine by constructing a windmill to provide water and electricity. He was an adolescent when he was forced to drop out of school in Malawi because his family couldn’t afford the school fees. As famine hit his village, he began to search for a solution. He borrowed books from his former school’s library, and in them, he learned about wind turbines. At its heart, this is a story of incredible innovation.

What should we learn from "The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind" movie?

"The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind" teaches us several lessons as an entrepreneur. It highlights the power of innovation , problem-solving, and resourcefulness. The movie demonstrates that even in challenging circumstances, one can find creative solutions to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. It inspires entrepreneurs to think outside the box, leverage their skills and knowledge, and make a positive impact on their community. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of perseverance, determination, and the belief that one person can make a difference through their entrepreneurial endeavors.

IMDB Rating	Director	Initial Release
7.7/10	James Marsh	2014

The Theory of Everything - Best Movies for Entrepreneurs on Netflix

The movie is based on the Late Stephen Hawking, who has been one of the most brilliant and influential scientists of our time. But as well as, harboring an exemplary scientific mind, he was an extraordinary man. Hawking was a fighter who overcame what was supposed to be a fatal case of ALS also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and so he went on to live a full and accomplished life. He was advised by the doctor that he won’t survive not more than two or three years when he was diagnosed in 1964, but the disease progressed slower than expected. Although Hawking was confined to a wheelchair for much of his life, and as his condition worsened, he had to resort to speaking through a voice synthesizer and communicating by moving his eyebrows.

What should we learn from the movie "The Theory Of Everything"?

"The Theory of Everything" offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs. The movie teaches us the importance of embracing challenges, adapting to adversity, and never giving up. It emphasizes the power of passion and curiosity in driving innovation and pushing boundaries.

IMDB Rating	Director	Initial Release
7.6/10	Bennett Miller	2011

Moneyball - Movies on Netflix for Entreprenerurs

Moneyball is a captivating sports drama that portrays the true story of Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics, and his innovative approach to building a competitive baseball team on a limited budget. Facing financial constraints and struggling to keep up with wealthier teams, Beane partners with Peter Brand, an economics graduate, to revolutionize player evaluation using sabermetric principles. The film showcases how they challenged conventional wisdom and traditional scouting methods, ultimately leading to a historic 20-game winning streak during the 2002 season.

What should we learn from the movie "Moneyball"?

Moneyball inspires entrepreneurs to leverage their knowledge and embrace change to achieve remarkable outcomes and make a meaningful impact in their endeavors. It demonstrates that with the right mindset and approach, transformative achievements are possible, even in industries with established norms and limitations.

IMDB Rating	Director	Initial Release
8/10	Ketan Mehta	2015

Manjhi - Best Movies for Entrepreneurs on Netflix

"Manjhi - The Mountain Man" is a biographical drama film based on the true story of Dashrath Manjhi, a poor laborer from Bihar, India. The movie portrays the incredible journey of Manjhi, who single-handedly carved a path through a mountain using only a hammer and chisel.

Motivated by his wife's death due to lack of medical access, Manjhi spent 22 years breaking down the barrier to improve his community's lives. The film showcases his determination, resilience, and belief in the power of an individual to make a difference. It is an inspiring tale of triumph over adversity.

What should we learn from the movie "Manjhi- The Mountain Man"?

The movie emphasizes that with determination, resourcefulness, and a strong drive toward your dreams, you can overcome obstacles and achieve success. It inspires us to challenge excuses, push through limitations, and carve our own path to success, just as Manjhi did.

IMDB Rating	Director	Initial Release
8.8/10	Christopher Nolan	2010

Inception - Best Movies for Entrepreneurs on Netflix

This is a sci-fi drama that is basically peaking onto the influence of the subconscious over our waking lives and what reality really means. The protagonist uses "inception" to implant another person's idea into his target's subconscious. However, the subconscious mind will repel the attempts of inception, especially if that planted idea isn’t authentic. The plot explores the idea of “dream-sharing,” connecting with others on a much deeper level and being able to tap into someone’s core beliefs.

What should we learn from the movie "Inception"?

It teaches us the art of persuasive storytelling and marketing. Just like the characters in the movie plant ideas in people's minds, entrepreneurs can use strategic messaging and storytelling techniques to influence their target audience. By crafting compelling narratives that resonate with customers, entrepreneurs can create a sense of ownership and inspire them to take action, making their products or services feel like a natural and irresistible choice.

IMDB Rating	Director	Initial Release
7.2/10	Danny Boyle	2015

Steve Jobs - Best Movies for Entrepreneurs on Netflix

This is a biographical movie based on Steve Jobs , who was not about to follow the given paths to success. The film is divided into three parts, each focused on the time period prior to the launch of their key products. The scenes have offered crucial insights not only into professionality but also into strained personal life. Steve offered opportunities who shared his obsessions and were determined to do it. It also showed that Steve was not good at playing well with others.

Steve Jobs Official Trailer | Best Business Movies for Entrepreneurs on Netflix

What should we learn from the "Steve Jobs" movie?

Steve Jobs' story reminds us that great ideas can disrupt industries, and success comes from challenging the status quo and pushing boundaries. It also emphasizes the significance of strong leadership, effective communication , and the ability to inspire and motivate teams. As an entrepreneur, "Steve Jobs" teaches us to believe in our vision, persevere through setbacks, and never settle for mediocrity in our pursuit of greatness.

IMDB Rating	Director	Initial Release
6.8/10	Peyton Reed	2008

“Saying Yes to everything life” leads to funny chaos of scenes in the protagonist’s life. That’s because life, with all of its chaos, danger, and fun, is meant to be fully embraced. In the movie, Carl Allen is a man who basically lives to say no to everything. Completely stuck in a negative mindset , Carl attends a conference based on the concept of saying yes to any question thrown his way. What happens next is the result of Carl saying yes to every opportunity — which of course is insane and a lot of fun. In the end, Carl realizes he’s taken the “yes” exercise a little too far, but he’s changed for the better.

What should we learn from the "Yes Man" movie?

The movie teaches us the power of saying "yes" to new opportunities and experiences. As an entrepreneur , it is important to be open-minded, embrace change, and be willing to take risks. "Yes Man" reminds us that stepping out of our comfort zone and embracing a positive attitude can lead to personal and professional growth. By adopting a "yes" mentality, entrepreneurs can discover new paths, expand their network, and unlock hidden potential.

IMDB Rating	Director	Initial Release
7.6/10	Jeff Orlowski	2020

The Social Dilemma - Netflix Movies for Entrepreneurs

"The Social Dilemma" is a thought-provoking documentary that delves into the hidden consequences of social media and the impact of technology on society. It features interviews with former employees from major tech companies who provide insights into the design and algorithms used to keep users engaged and addicted to social media platforms. The film raises awareness about the negative effects of excessive screen time, the erosion of privacy, and the proliferation of misinformation.

What should we learn from "The Social Dilemma" movie?

"The Social Dilemma" provides valuable lessons for businesses, stressing the significance of ethical technology design and prioritizing user well-being over profit. It encourages questioning the information consumed online and developing critical thinking skills for responsible navigation in the digital landscape. By applying these lessons, we can foster a conscious and responsible digital future, where technology serves as a tool for positive societal impact, rather than manipulation.

IMDB Rating	Director	Initial Release
7.2/10	Chris Smith	January 2019

Fyre - Business Realted Movies on Netflix

Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened is a captivating Netflix documentary released in 2019. It delves into the story of Billy McFarland and the Fyre music festival, a booking app that promised a luxurious musical experience on a Bahamian island. Targeting affluent young individuals with alluring promotions featuring stunning models and the promise of an extraordinary night of music and revelry, the documentary unveils the harsh reality of a failed event that never came to fruition.

What should we learn from the movie Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened?

The movie "Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened" teaches us the importance of honesty, transparency, and delivering on promises as entrepreneurs. It serves as a reminder that building a successful venture requires more than just hype and marketing tactics ; it necessitates genuine planning, organization, and delivering value to customers.

IMDB Rating	Director	Initial Release
7.8/10	Adam Mckay	January 2016

The Big Short - business related movies on netflix

The biographical comedy-drama was picturized based on the book The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine. The story was about a housing bubble where most people took housing loans as their choice and couldn’t able to repay on time. This happened because Michael Burray the MD of Hedge Funds predicted housing loans would be the future and had bet 1 billion dollars and this steep made others take huge loans and invest in his way without a second thought of the future. This led to the biggest financial crisis in 2007-2008. Then few financial experts worked on the issue and saved the crisis.

What should we learn from the movie The Big Short?

"The Big Short" highlights the importance of critically analyzing the prevailing financial system and being aware of potential risks. It emphasizes the significance of questioning assumptions, conducting thorough research, and taking proactive measures to protect oneself from financial crises . Trusting in one's own efforts and staying determined are key to navigating uncertain times successfully.

IMDB Rating	Director	Initial Release
8.5/10	Allen Hughes	2017

The Defiant Ones - startup movies on netflix

The Ambitious HBO's TV series The Defiant Ones was a four-part documentary about Jimmy Lovine and Dr. Dre's impeccable music partnership and was released in 2017. Together, they formed Beats Electronics, which was later sold to Apple Inc. The four-part documentary shows the struggles faced by Jimmy Lovine and Dr. Dre individually and how they came together to form Beats Electronics.

Part 1 shows how both started their careers individually with many failures setbacks and frustrating moments and insults.

Part 2 shows the aspiration of both when by the little success of Fuck tha Police to Dre and a few hits to Jimmy.

Part 3 shows Jimmy founded Interscope Records and had a contract with Nine Inch Nails rock band to hail the music.

Part 4 shows the forming of Beats Electronics with the ambitious partnership and becoming a colossal success and then was sold to Apple for 3 billion dollars in 2014.

The Defiant Ones Official Trailer | Best Business Related Movies

What should we learn from the movie The Defiant Ones?

"The Defiant Ones" teaches us the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. It inspires us to never give up on our dreams and to maintain a "never quit" attitude, no matter how challenging the journey may be. The movie reminds us that with determination and unwavering belief in ourselves, we can overcome obstacles and achieve our goals.

IMDB Rating	Director	Initial Release
7.8/10	David Fincher	November 2010

The Social Network startup movies on netflix

The story is about the youngest and richest billionaire and founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg. Mark Zuckerberg, angry with his girlfriend, created a website called Facemash and listed the total number of girls in the university (Harward) and started to give a rating to them. Soon, it went on to reach even students of Harward. Knowing such an act by the administration, Mark got rusticated for six months. Attracted by such an attempt, Mark started improvising the idea in a bigger manner and launched Facebook along with his friend Eduardo Saverin. Then Mark started expanding the Facebook network from one university to another and from one place to another, making it a huge success.

What should we learn from the movie The Social Network?

"The Social Network" teaches us that turning an idea into reality requires relentless effort and perseverance. Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, the protagonist's determination to bring his vision to life sets him apart. The movie showcases how Facebook, with over 480 billion accounts, has become a global phenomenon. It reminds us that those who take action and bring their ideas into the world have the potential to create history and leave a lasting impact.

IMDB Rating	Director	Initial Release
7.2/10	John Lee Hancock	November 2010December 2016

The Founder - Best Movies for Entrepreneurs on Netflix

In this American biographical drama, the story revolves around Ray Kroc, the man responsible for turning McDonald's into a global fast-food empire. The film explores the origins of McDonald's and the visionary ideas of the McDonald brothers. It then delves into Kroc's journey as he recognizes the potential of their fast-food system and persuades them to franchise their restaurants. However, Kroc's rise to success comes at the expense of his relationship with the McDonald brothers and his own moral compass.

What should we learn from the movie The Founder?

The movie "The Founder" teaches us the importance of perseverance, seizing opportunities, and the impact of decision-making on personal relationships and integrity in the pursuit of entrepreneurial success.

IMDB Rating	Director	Initial Release
7/10	Karim Amer, Jehane Noujaim	January 2019

The Great Hack | Best Business Movies on Netflix

"The Great Hack" delves into the depths of the Cambridge Analytica controversy, exposing the subtle exploitation of social media data for political benefit. The story of David Carroll, a determined professor seeking access to his data, Brittany Kaiser, a former Cambridge Analytica employee turned whistleblower, and Carole Cadwalladr, a relentless investigative journalist, is intertwined as they uncover the scope of the data harvesting operation and its impact on the 2016 US presidential election and the Brexit vote. The movie highlights frightening issues about data privacy, the ability of social media to influence minds, and the potential erosion of democratic norms in the digital age as the layers of deception unravel.

What should we learn from the movie The Great Hack?

The movie teaches us that businesses should prioritize data transparency and accountability, exercise responsible data collection practices, implement robust data security measures, refrain from misusing data for manipulative tactics, uphold ethical data practices in advertising, collaborate with data brokers responsibly, and stay informed about data regulations and industry standards.

Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed

IMDB Rating	Director	Initial Release
6.9/10	Joshua Rofé	August 2021

The documentary explores the life and career of painter and television broadcaster Bob Ross and the battle for his commercial empire. It humanizes Ross, challenging the idea of him as a novelty and highlighting the ownership dispute around his franchise. The documentary tries to present a more complex perspective of Bob Ross and his legacy, highlighting the need not to oversimplify his image. It was launched on August 25, 2021, and has been described as educational and thought-provoking.

What should we learn from the movie Bob Ross?

As it digs into the battle over Bob Ross's economic empire following his death, it highlights the necessity of protecting one's legacy and business interests. The documentary emphasizes the need to know the business side of creative efforts and the possible difficulties that might develop when commercial interests collide with artistic integrity. It also underlines the need for individuals to be cautious in protecting their intellectual property and economic operations to guarantee that their objectives preserve their legacy.

IMDB Rating	Director	Initial Release
8.2/10	Charles Ferguson	October 2010

Inside Job | Best Business Movies on Netflix

The film explores the reasons for the 2008 global financial crisis. The film thoroughly accounts for the events leading up to the crisis, including financial industry deregulation, the increase of subprime mortgages, and the development of complicated financial products such as Collateralized Debt Obligations (CDOs). The movie is one of the top business movies on Netflix. It also investigates the crisis's impact on key financial institutions, rating agencies, and government authorities. The film emphasizes the financial industry's lack of accountability and ethical standards and the need for increased transparency and regulation.

What should we learn from the movie Inside Job?

The film teaches various important business principles, particularly company ethics and financial regulation. The film emphasizes the importance of better accountability and ethical standards in the financial industry, shedding attention on the repercussions of uncontrolled greed and a lack of regulatory monitoring. It highlights the significance of ethical business practices, transparency, and stronger regulation to avoid future financial disasters. Furthermore, the film serves as a reminder of the financial sector's connectivity with politics and academia, emphasizing the potential influence of these relationships on the global economy.

IMDB Rating	Director	Initial Release
7.4/10	Rory Kennedy	February 2022

Downfall: The Case Against Boeing | Best Business Movies on Netflix

Downfall: The Case Against Boeing looks into the events that led to Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashes, including the Boeing 737 MAX. The documentary investigates Boeing's culture of concealment and the company's negligence in addressing component failures in the 737 MAX. It links these concerns to Boeing's capitalization and the shareholder-first attitude that evolved following its 1997 acquisition of McDonnell Douglas. The documentary presents a devastating depiction of the catastrophes caused by Boeing's wrongdoing and greed, contextualizing Boeing's guilt within bigger trends in American corporate governance. It also highlights the need to transition toward safety-conscious engineering and responsible business decision-making in the aerospace sector.

What should we learn from the movie Downfall: The Case Against Boeing?

Maintaining a culture of safety and quality is of utmost importance, as responsible corporate decision-making is crucial. This documentary highlights the dangers of prioritizing financial gain over ethical business practices and neglecting regulatory oversight, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in industries where safety is paramount. Additionally, it serves as a reminder of the significance of crisis management and the importance of companies having effective risk management strategies in place.

IMDB Rating	Director	Initial Release
7.8/10	Davis Guggenheim	September 2019

Inside Bill's Brain: Decoding Bill Gates | Best Business Movies on Netflix

"Inside Bill's Brain: Decoding Bill Gates" is a 2019 Netflix documentary series that provides insights into the life and work of Bill Gates , focusing on his philanthropic efforts, childhood, and his pursuit of solutions to global challenges such as sanitation and climate change . The series offers a glimpse into Gates' personal and professional life, showcasing his determination, problem-solving approach, and commitment to positively impacting the world. It sheds light on the complexity of Gates' character and his efforts to address significant global issues.

What should we learn from Inside Bill's Brain: Decoding Bill Gates?

The documentary "Inside Bill's Brain: Decoding Bill Gates" is a source of valuable business lessons. It emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, thinking globally, and collaborating with passionate problem solvers. The film also highlights the significance of forming partnerships, practicing compassion, and developing clean and efficient solutions. It underscores the need to comprehend complex systems, detach oneself from emotions, and work diligently to tackle significant global challenges.

IMDB Rating	Director	Initial Release
6.5/10	Gauravv K. Chawla	October 2018

Baazaar | Best Business Movies on Netflix

The film Baazaar depicts the financial market's underbelly. The plot revolves around an ambitious young man who moves to Mumbai and works as a stock trader for an infamous businessman. Saif Ali Khan , Rohan Vinod Mehra, Radhika Apte, and Chitrangada Singh play pivotal parts. The video provides viewers interested in the stock market with insights into the market and enjoyment.

What should we learn from the movie Bazaar?

The film "Baazaar" teaches various business lessons, including the need for long-term and ethical business methods, avoiding shortcuts for rapid success, and completing rigorous study and analysis before making investment decisions. It also underlines the risks of blindly following market leaders and the significance of developing one's tactics. The film explores the complexities of the financial market and promotes slow and lasting returns over fast gains, emphasizing the importance of diligence and caution in business dealings.

So, NETFLIX & LEARN!

Exploring the world of business through movies can be both entertaining and educational. The best business movies on Netflix provide valuable insights, inspiring stories, and lessons that entrepreneurs can apply to their own journeys. These films offer a glimpse into the triumphs, challenges, and strategies employed by successful entrepreneurs, showcasing the highs and lows of the business world. By watching these movies, we can gain inspiration, learn from the experiences of others, and gain a fresh perspective on various aspects of entrepreneurship. These are some of the best business movies on Netflix 2023 to watch. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and let these movies spark your entrepreneurial spirit and motivate you on your path to success.

What are the movies to watch for entrepreneurs?

The best business movies on Netflix to watch for entrepreneurs are:

Are these business movies based on true stories?

Yes, business movies like The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, Moneyball, The Pursuit of Happyness, and more are some of the most popular movies based on true stories.

Is The Pursuit of Happyness a true story?

The Pursuit of Happyness is a true story based on the Real-Life Rags of Successful Businessman Chris Gardner. Entrepreneurs can learn a lot from this business movie on Netflix.

Is The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind a true story?

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a true story based on Malawian inventor & engineer- William Kamkwamba. The movie is a story about the incredible journey of innovation. It is a must-watch entrepreneur movie on Netflix.

Is Manjhi the Mountain Man a true story?

Yes, Manjhi- the Mountain Man is a true story of Dashrath Manjhi who is also known as Mountain Man. He was a laborer in Gehlaur village in Bihar, India who carved a path for crossing a mountain. It is one of the best entrepreneur movies on Netflix.

Can Netflix be used in two different locations with one account?

A Netflix account is meant for one household's use, allowing all members to access it from different locations and benefit from new features like Transfer Profile and Manage Access and Devices.

Can business movies provide practical business advice?

Yes, business-related movies often depict real-world business scenarios and can offer valuable insights and lessons for entrepreneurs.

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7 Film Biographies to Inspire Every Entrepreneur Movies can be thrilling flights of imagination but none more so than those depicting the struggles of true-life entrepreneurs.

By Vikas Lalwani Edited by Dan Bova Oct 17, 2014

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Movies are a great source of inspiration, and while there is no dearth of good fictional movies, what really inspires me are biographies. Fiction requires a powerful imagination and have strengths of their own, but true stories are the ones that make the real kill.

It is an awe-inspiring feeling to know what I am seeing did "actually' happen, with real people, in the real world. So, with enormous difficulty, I am listing down a few among the many great bio-pics that I would recommend every entrepreneur to watch and learn from:

1. Tucker: The Man and His Dream

It recounts the life story of Preston Tucker, the automotive genius behind " Tucker 48 ', a car which was way ahead of its time. In fact, many of the safety features that you see in contemporary cars were inherited from original Tucker 48 sedan.

Many of you might not have heard of this powerful biography, but some of its scenes are worth watching at least a few times. As young startups try to stand tall against incumbents, Tucker stood against all major automobile manufacturers to fight for this dream.

Related: 4 Movie Plots That Modern Technology Would Have Destroyed

2. The Aviator

This is my favorite movie from this list and it is not because of either the director or the actors. Although that might be playing some part at subconscious level, it is the courageous and risk taking personality of Howard Hughes that amazed me.

I can't imagine a more interesting life than that of Howard Hughes. There's practically nothing that he didn't do. He made movies, designed and flew aircraft, ran his business and invented stuff. He wasn't afraid to take risks and defy conventions to make his way - qualities every great entrepreneur should possess.

3. American Gangster

Now this might seem like an unusual entry in this list, but wait till you watch it. Don't be fooled. This movie is much more than a story of a gangster. Frank Lucas did not attend any school to learn how to build or run a business. He used his common sense, street smarts and skills to build an empire.

It will show you what resourcefulness and sheer determination can do. No doubt, he chose an illegal path but what is worth seeing in this movie is not what he did but how he did it, to perfection.

4. The Social Network

It is based on founding story of Facebook and shows how Mark Zuckerberg took it from his dorm room to a company worth billions of dollars. Although it was a bit over-dramatized, you get to experience the Zuck's way of thinking and his attitude towards everything.

True, he did some things that were not ideal and you might even hate him for that. Hate him or love him, you'll be impressed with how fast he transformed the way we network.

Related: Need Inspiration? Surprising Movies, Books and More to Motivate Success

5. Pirates of Silicon Valley

It covers the early days of two of the biggest tech companies, Apple and Microsoft, what the founders did before starting the companies and how they fought their way to the top.

Watch it to see the eccentricities of both Jobs and Gates. It is difficult to choose the best part of this movie. It is filled with great pieces, like the scene in which Gates got the IBM deal or the one in which he convinced Jobs that they were not working on Windows (when in reality they were). It's a must watch for anyone in the tech industry.

6. The Pursuit of Happiness

It is based on the struggling period of Chris Gardner's life. This was my first movie from this list and is probably one of the most heartwarming and motivational movies I've ever watched.

Watch this movie to experience the journey of a determined man fighting all odds to realize his dream. You can not come out of this movie feeling uninspired, that much I can guarantee.

7. The Wolf of Wall Street

It covers the true story of the outlandish rise and eventual fall of Jordan Belfort. He was an honest Wall Street broker in the beginning, but he soon transformed into a corrupt one. What you see on screen is the perfect combination of greed and ambition.

What amazed me most was how he convinced others to join him in the beginning. He took some not-so-smart folks and turned them into superstar salesman. If you have ever tried to hire someone yourself, you know that is not an easy task .

Related: 10 Movies Every Entrepreneur Needs to Watch

Marketing Analyst

Vikas Lalwani is a member of the marketing team at FusionCharts , a startup providing JavaScript charts to 23,000+ customers. He is also community manager at Zidisha , a Y Combinator backed non-profit helping entrepreneurs in developing countries. You can catch him on Twitter via @LalwaniVikas .

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20 Best Startup Movies for Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2024

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Being an entrepreneur is challenging, often requiring you to go above and beyond and work harder than ever to achieve your biggest goals and dreams. You’re working towards building a company that fulfills your ultimate vision and transforms your marketplace or industry, and that’s never an easy feat.

To stay inspired and see how other founders overcame their challenges, you may consider watching business movies for entrepreneurs that show the entrepreneurial journey from start to finish.

From the Social Network to the Pursuit of Happyness, we’ve listed several startup movies that’ll help you reset your frame of mind and refresh. All while taking in some valuable lessons, strategies, and tactics that you can potentially emulate in your own business.

Top Business Movies for Startup Founders

In order to help you stay inspired and get some ideas from other entrepreneurs who were once in your shoes, we’ve compiled a list of the top business movies for startup founders to watch. No matter which movie you decide to start with, you’ll be able to snag some valuable lessons and reflect on your own journey.

Even though it may sound cliche, entrepreneurship is truly a journey that matters far more than the destination. How you overcome challenges along the way, how you build your team, and how you provide valuable solutions to your customers or clients will make a massive impact on your life and make you a better entrepreneur in the long run.

Now it’s your turn – turn on one of these entrepreneurial movies and start reflecting on how you can improve your business strategies to achieve your desired growth and profitability.

1. Startup.com (2001)

Directors: Chris Hegedus, Jehane Noujaim
Stars: Kaleil Isaza Tuzman, Tom Herman, Kenneth Austin
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video

During the height of the dot com era, when web millionaires were seemingly on every corner, two friends, Tom Herman and Kaleil Isaza Tuzman, decided to make their fortune on the internet. “Startup.com” is a story of inspiration and motivation to build your dream as an entrepreneur and a cautionary tale with an inside look at the bursting of the dot-com bubble.

“Startup.com” is great for any entrepreneurs who want to follow the journey of two co-founders and see all of their struggles and difficulties close up. For many startups, their journey closely resembles that of the govWorks.com team, even though the fate of their companies might see better days than Herman and Tuzman.

2. The Startup Kids (2012)

Directors: Vala Halldorsdottir, Sesselja Vilhjalmsdottir
Stars: Trip Adler, Alexa Andrzejewski, Mike Butcher
Where to Watch: Amazon, Vudu, Roku

“The Startup Kids” is a documentary about young entrepreneurs who founded companies such as InDinero, Vimeo, Dropbox, Soundcloud, Kiip, and Foodspotting. Created by two Icelandic women, this movie offers a first-person experience into the lives of young founders who are making their dreams happen and bringing their visions to life.

If you’re an entrepreneur who is currently building your business from the ground up, or someone who has dreams and ambitions to acquire funding and start building a successful company, then “The Startup Kids” will give you a unique perspective and opportunity to follow several entrepreneurs from companies you may have heard of, or even used in your own life. For inspiration and strategy, this is a great movie for every startup founder to watch at least once.

3. Pirates of Silicon Valley (1999)

Director: Martyn Burke
Stars: Anthony Michael Hall, Noah Wyle, Joey Slotnick
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Roku, Xfinity, MSN

“Pirates of Silicon Valley” follows two of the most influential “geeks” that ever made their way into business and the tech world – Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. This is a movie about the birth of Apple and Microsoft during the 1970s and how the founders grew their companies into some of the most influential and important businesses in the world.

Even though your startup is likely on a much smaller scale than Microsoft or Apple, getting a unique view into the lives of prolific entrepreneurs is always a great way to level up your own thinking process, learn from their mistakes, and see firsthand what it took to build corporations on such a massive scale.

4. Generation Start-Up (2016)

Directors: Cheryl Miller Houser, Cynthia Wade
Stars: Dextina Booker, Kate Caitlin, Avery Hairston
Where to Watch: Amazon, Peacock TV, Vudu, Tubi TV, Apple TV, Roku

“Generation Start-Up” is an inspiring film that tracks the lives of six young entrepreneurs from Detroit who go through struggles and daily challenges to bring their business dreams to life. If you’ve ever wanted to see what it’s like to be an entrepreneur in America who is willing to put everything on the line to build their vision, then this is the perfect documentary for you.

You’ll see the risk-taking, challenging moments, and successes firsthand and may even get some inspiration from the drive and vitality these young entrepreneurs have daily. While the journey isn’t always easy, it is well worth the effort in the long run, especially if you’re someone who knows that building a business is something you want to do in life.

5. Something Ventured (2011)

Directors: Daniel Geller, Dayna Goldfine
Stars: Bill Bowes, Herbert Boyer, Po Bronson
Where to Watch: Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Prime Video

“Something Ventured” is a film that shows how venture capitalists and entrepreneurs changed our world by funding and building companies such as Apple, Atari, and Cisco. These companies, founded at the very beginning of the internet and technology age, paved the way for entire industries, including microprocessors, biotechnology, and personal computers.

If you’re a startup founder who wants to see firsthand how fearless individuals put their blood, sweat, and tears into transformative companies, “Something Ventured” is the perfect movie for diving deep into entrepreneurship, innovation, and companies that completely transformed our lives just a few decades later.

6. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room

Director: Alex Gibney
Stars: John Beard, Tim Belden, Barbara Boxer
Where to Watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV, YouTube, Apple TV, Vudu

“Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room” is more of a cautionary tale than an inspirational story of entrepreneurship and success. While it seemed like a successful enterprise from the outside, a plethora of corrupt and faulty business practices from within eventually led to Enron’s demise.

At one point, Enron was the seventh-largest company in the United States, yet it declared bankruptcy just a short year later. This movie is the perfect example of what not to do as a startup founder and entrepreneur, especially in regulated markets like energy and electricity.

Enron’s downfall was ultimately caused by greed, manipulation of brokerages and banks, gaming California’s deregulated electricity market, and instances of corruption. For a dramatic film that takes you through the fall of a major public company in the US, this title delivers.

7. Steve Jobs: One Last Thing (2011)

Directors: Sarah Hunt, Mimi O’Connor
Stars: Bill Fernandez, Robert Palladino, Dean Hovey
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, PBS

“Steve Jobs: One Last Thing” is a documentary and biography about Steve Jobs, as described by his colleagues, fans, friends, and rivals. This film reflects on the life of Apple’s co-founder, including excerpts from interviews with Jobs not long after his cancer diagnosis and Bill Gates.

As a startup founder, hearing about great entrepreneurs from their friends, family, and colleagues is a great way to get deep insights into how they acted, their personalities, and what made them tick. Apple is a company that has transformed the technology industry as we know it today, and getting a deeper understanding of the life of Steve Jobs is something every entrepreneur can benefit from.

8. Print the Legend (2014)

Directors: Luis Lopez, Clay Tweel
Stars: Chris Anderson, Bruce Bradshaw, Craig Broady
Where to Watch: Netflix, Roku, Amazon Prime Video

“Print the Legend” is a documentary about innovation and bringing 3D printing technology to homes and industries worldwide. As an entrepreneur, watching this film is a surefire way to get inspired and begin pondering some strategies and tactics for bringing innovation into your business.

This documentary follows the 3D printing revolution and looks at the challenges these startup founders faced when trying to bring this technology forward, even with all of the deniers and unbelievers. Even though your industry is likely not 3D printing directly, you can still take lessons and insights from this film and apply them to your own industry, helping you spread innovation in your own space and fearlessly adapt new technologies, products, and solutions to the old or “traditional” ways of operation.

9. Ctrl+Alt+Compete (2011)

Director: Brian Giberson
Stars: Joanne Lang, Mark Gilbreath, Josh Sookman
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Apple TV, Xfinity

“Ctrl+Alt+Compete” is a documentary that follows young entrepreneurs in the rapidly growing technology industry as they seek to change the world by solving problems and building their startups from the ground up. This film follows Mike Maples Jr. of Twitter, Tim O’Reilly of the Web 2.0 Summit, Nolan Bushnell of Atari, Felicia Day of The Guild, Tony Hsieh of Zappos, Veronica Belmont of Tekzilla, and Cliff Bleszinski of Gears of War.

This documentary truly captures the amount of work it takes to take an idea and turn it into a real physical product that solves problems in the marketplace. If you’re looking for “the story behind the story” of entrepreneurship, “Ctrl+Alt+Compete” provides an excellent perspective.

10. The Social Network (2010)

Director: David Fincher
Stars: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake
Where to Watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, YouTube, Apple TV

“The Social Network” is a movie that details the story of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his journey toward creating one of the world’s most popular social networking sites. This film won three Oscars and is the perfect film for any entrepreneur or startup founder who wants to mix some entertainment, drama, and inspiration all in one.

The plot follows Zuckerberg, a Harvard undergraduate student with a particular knack for computer programming. He begins using his skills to build what would ultimately become a social network for college students and eventually grow into something billions of people use to communicate with their friends, coworkers, family, and colleagues. For an immersive experience that walks you through what it took for Zuckerberg to achieve staggering success and become the world’s youngest billionaire in history, this is a classic entrepreneurial film that won’t disappoint.

11. Jerry Maguire (1996)

Director: Cameron Crowe
Stars: Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr., Renee Zellweger
Where to Watch: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV, YouTube

“Jerry Maguire” is a fun film for startup founders and entrepreneurs that follows a sports agent (Cruise) as he has a moral epiphany and is fired as a result. He decides to test his new philosophy and become an independent agent, even though only one athlete believes in him enough to stay with him through the turbulence.

Before all of this, life was good – Jerry Maguire was a very successful sports agent who had the respect of his peers, noteworthy clients, and a beautiful fiancee. Now, as he finds himself going out on his own and rebuilding his reality from the ground up, he has to endure the challenges and hardships of life that he never had to face before.

This is a great film for startup founders, as it shows how vital perseverance is when picking yourself up and pushing forward, no matter how difficult the situation might be.

12. Wall Street (1987)

Director: Oliver Stone
Stars: Charlie Sheen, Michael Douglas, Tamar Tunie
Where to Watch: Paramount+, Sling TV, Vudu, Roku, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube TV

The original “Wall Street” film, directed by Oliver Stone, is a classic movie of ambition, greed, and the main character’s desire to work his way to the top. Bud Fox is a young stockbroker willing to do whatever he needs to make his way in the big city; he ends up enticing corporate raider Gordon Gekko into mentoring him by providing insider trading information and becomes embroiled in various underhanded schemes and greedy endeavors as a result.

As he’s tied up in the mess he created, Fox starts to question where his loyalties lie and whether or not he’s willing to pay the price for his dream of quick riches.

13. The Founder (2016)

Director: John Lee Hancock
Stars: Michael Keaton, Nick Offerman, John Carroll Lynch
Where to Watch: YouTube, Apple TV, Tubi, Google Play Movies, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu

“The Founder” is a film about Ray Kroc, the salesman behind the massive enterprise we know today as McDonald’s. Through a combination of ruthlessness, persistence, and ambition, Kroc took the innovation of two brothers who created their own fast food eatery and used their ideas to build the largest restaurant chain in the world.

Even though every single one of our stories is unique, as entrepreneurs, we’ll often be faced with some of the same challenges Ray Kroc faced when building companies into successful endeavors. If you’re looking for an interesting film about a prolific entrepreneur, give “The Founder” a watch when you have the opportunity.

14. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Director: Gabriele Muccino
Stars: Will Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Jaden Smith
Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Vudu, Apple TV

“The Pursuit of Happyness” is the story of a struggling salesman and his son and how he built himself up and started a life-changing professional career that significantly improved their quality of life.

This film is based on a true story about a man named Christopher Gardner who was invested in selling medical devices known as “bone density scanners.” Due to their high cost and similarity to regular X-ray machines, these devices didn’t sell as well as Gardner had initially hoped. He works hard to make ends meet but eventually finds himself out on the streets with his son.

After working through a number of challenges and difficulties, he manages to land a position as a stockbroker and changes his and his son’s lives forever.

“The Pursuit of Happyness” is a great film for entrepreneurs and startup founders, specifically because it dives into the challenges of building something from nothing and overcoming obstacles and adversity.

15. Moneyball (2011)

Director: Bennett Miller
Stars: Brad Pitt, Robin Wright, Jonah Hill
Where to Watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV, YouTube, Google Play Movies

“Moneyball” is a story about Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane and how he assembled an incredible baseball team with a shoestring budget through computer-generated player analysis — a brand new innovation.

Beane uses statistical data to sniff out “sleeper” players that others overlook but have amazing skills hiding behind the curtain. Even though his budget was incredibly tight, he could find a competitive advantage that put his team above the competition and turn baseball upside down in the process with his innovative ideas.

Entrepreneurs often face similar challenges, where innovation comes from a constraint or hindrance that eventually ends up working in their favor. “Moneyball” is a great film to watch for entertainment purposes, but it’s also an excellent movie for entrepreneurs who want to get inspired and begin innovating in their own respective industries.

16. The Big Short

Director: Adam McKay
Stars: Steve Carell, Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, Brad Bitt
Where to Watch: YouTube, Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, Pluto TV

“The Big Short” is a biopic based on a true story, or rather, three parallel true stories at once. Set in 2008, the film centers around Michael Burry, a Wall Street hedge fund manager, who discovers the instability of the US housing market. Burry bets over $1 billion against the housing market. What ensues is a wild ride through a devastating economic crash and how the gamble paid off – at a price.

This is one of the best business movies that skillfully demonstrates corruption and cunning while introducing creative educational tidbits from unexpected sources. With various cameos and several instances of ‘breaking the fourth wall,’ The Big Short is a successful and entertaining portrayal of a pivotal moment in modern American history.

17. The Wolf of Wall Street

Director: Martin Scorsese
Stars: Leonardo Di Caprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, YouTube

By successful film director Martin Scorsese, “The Wolf of Wall Street” is based on the true story of Jordan Belfort and his rise and fall from success.

The movie begins in 1987 when Jordan Belfort – once a promising Wall Street broker – takes on an entry-level position at a brokerage firm. It isn’t long before Belfort sets out to make his stamp on the business world by founding his own firm off of Wall Street. As success grows, so does greed, white-collar crime, and a myriad of illicit activities that lead, eventually, to Belfort’s downfall.

This is a wild tale of greed, addiction, lust, and money – lots of it. Not only is this one of the best entrepreneur movies to demonstrate what not to do when building your business, but it is also highly entertaining and will keep you engaged all the way through.

18. Glengarry Glen Ross

Director: James Foley
Stars: Al Pacino, Alex Baldwin, Kevin Spacey, Jack Lemmon
Where to Watch: YouTube, Pluto TV, Tubi, Peacock

Based on an award-winning play, “Glengarry Glen Ross” is one of the best business movies to learn one of the most important skills in the business world — sales.

The story follows a New York City real estate office. When the salesmen are informed all but two of the top salesmen will be fired at the end of the week, pressure, competition, and desperation begin to build. This movie teaches some valuable lessons in sales, what to do and not to do, as well as skills for navigating the high-pressure nature of sales.

19. Thank You for Smoking

Director: Jason Reitman
Stars: Aaron Eckhart, Adam Brody, Rob Lowe
Where to Watch: YouTube, Vudu, Google Play, Apple TV

“Thank You for Smoking” is a satirical film based on a book by the same name by Christopher Buckley. The film is about a tobacco lobbyist, Nick Naylor, and his personal battle between fatherhood and promoting harmful products.

The character ricochets between the drive to be a great role model for his son while being the face of Big Tobacco. And, to make things more complicated, a sentor-driven anti-smoking campaign threatening the career he’s built.

Notably, the firm’s executive producers include Elon Musk, Max Levchin, and Peter Theil. This is more of a business movie, less of an entrepreneur film, that masterfully portrays the sometimes inharmonious balance between values and success.

20. Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened

Director: Chris Smith
Stars: Ja Rule, Billy McFarland
Where to Watch: Netflix

“Fyre” is a documentary film about the infamous luxury music festival that never was: Fyre Festival. This documentary by the same name is one of the best business movies for entrepreneurs as it provides a look into the true story behind one entrepreneur, fraud, and failure.

Fyre Festival founder Billy McFarland’s cautionary tale demonstrates the consequence behind failing to deliver on promises – especially after taking on investment.

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21 Movies Every Entrepreneur Should Watch for Inspiration

Entrepreneurs, like most people, occasionally need a spark of inspiration to light up their path. And what better way to find inspiration than to take a break and watch some thought-provoking movies.

Movies have the power to inspire, challenge, and push us beyond our limits, making them the perfect companion on the entrepreneurial journey.

Regardless of where you currently stand on the entrepreneurial path, you're sure to find some much-needed inspiration by watching the movies featured in this list.

Here are 21 inspiring movies every entrepreneur should watch.

Table of Contents

1. The Social Network

2. pirates of silicon valley, 3. startup.com, 4. wall street, 5. glengarry glenn ross, 6. the big short, 7. the wolf of wall street, 8. boiler room, 9. fyre: the greatest party that never happened, 10. the aviator, 11. moneyball, 12. the founder, 13. margin call, 14. steve jobs, 15. thank you for smoking, 16. the pursuit of happyness, 17. enron: the smartest guys in the room, 18. any given sunday, 19. the inventor: out for blood in silicon valley, 20. the great hack, 21. becoming warren buffett, final thoughts, 21 inspiring movies for entrepreneurs.

Directed by David Fincher, The Social Network tells the story of how Mark Zuckerberg created Facebook while studying at Harvard and how he was later sued by two brothers who claimed he stole their idea, and his best friend who was ousted from the company.

Why watch it? It offers you a glimpse into how Facebook began and reminds you that big companies often have small beginnings. Aside from that, you have Aaron Sorkin's brilliant script, David Fincher's perfect direction, and a great ensemble cast.

Best Scene in the Movie: When Mark Zuckerberg meets Sean Parker for the first time.

Based on the book Fire in the Valley: The Making of the Personal Computer , Pirates of Silicon Valley explores the rivalry between Steve Jobs and Bill Gates between 1971 – 1997. This movie came out in 1999, just when Steve Jobs began flourishing in his second innings at Apple. The movie ends with Bill Gates gaining the upper hand in the rivalry, but we all know what transpired next.

Why watch it? It offers a glimpse into the humble beginnings of two of the most iconic technology companies in the world and chronicles the rise of two men who totally transformed the world of technology.

Best Scene in the Movie: Steve Jobs interviews a prospective Apple employee.

If you want to learn more about the rise and fall of internet companies during the dotcom bubble , then Startup.com is the perfect movie. Startup.com is a business documentary film that follows the story of GovWorks , a promising startup that failed spectacularly because of mismanagement and internal power struggles.

Why watch it? Aside from showing you the boom and bust of the dotcom bubble era, the documentary also tells you a cautionary tale of how friendships can turn into bitter rivalries because of internal politics. Massively underrated, it's easily one of the best startup movies of all time.

Best Scene in the Movie: No clip stands out in particular, so I'd suggest you watch the movie to get the full scoop. Luckily, you can watch the whole movie on YouTube.

Related: 27 Best Documentaries for Entrepreneurs

This is the movie with the famous "Greed is good" speech, delivered by the charismatic Gordon Gekko played brilliantly by Michael Douglas, who won an academy award for his performance.

Directed by Oliver Stone, Wall Street tells the story of ambition and greed, portrayed brilliantly by Charlie Sheen and Michael Douglas respectively. The main protagonist, Bud Fox, idolizes Gekko and gets carried away by his glamorous lifestyle, only to get entangled in the vicious web of insider trading.

Why watch it? As young entrepreneurs, it's often easy to be lured by greed and make morally reprehensible decisions. Wall Street serves as a cautionary tale of how ambition can sometimes lead us down an unethical path.

Word of advice: Skip the 2010 sequel starring Shia LaBeouf.

Best Scene in the Movie: The famous, or rather infamous, Gordon Gekko speech.

A movie that stars Al Pacino, Kevin Spacey, Jack Lemmon, and Alec Baldwin (in a scene stealing cameo) should serve as motivation alone to watch this movie.

Glengarry Glenn Ross is based on an award-winning play which shows the plight of real estate salespeople during a tumultuous sales season.

Best Scene in the Movie: This 'motivational' speech by Alec Baldwin to the sales team. Enjoy!

Based on Michael Lewis' book of the same title, The Big Short tells three separate but parallel stories of individuals who were able to predict and profit from the American financial crisis of 2007-08 .

Directed by Adam McKay (best known for the Anchorman franchise prior to this movie), the movie features Oscar-worthy performances from Christian Bale and Steve Carell.

The film is also noted for employing unconventional techniques to explain complex and supposedly boring financial concepts like subprime mortgages and collateralized debt obligations (CDOs).

Why watch it? If you ever wanted to learn the real reasons behind the financial crisis of 2007-08 and not be bored to death at the same time, then you need to watch The Big Short .

While it serves as a cautionary tale for entrepreneurs, it also highlights the importance of risk-taking and conviction. Very few individuals would bet against the gigantic housing market at the time, but the characters in this movie (based on real people) do just that, despite facing mockery and ridicule from the entire financial community.

Best Scene in the Movie: Mark Baum (Steve Carell's character) meets a shady CDO manager.

( Side note: The Big Short by Michael Lewis is one of my favorite business books of all time. If you liked the movie, I'd urge you to read the book as well. If you're looking for more business books, check out this list of my 85+ favorite business books .)

The Wolf of Wall Street is based on the true story of Jordan Belfort. It follows his rise and fall as an entrepreneur, and shows how his firm Stratton Oakmont engaged in penny stock trading and securities scam, drawing the attention of the FBI.

Brilliantly directed by Martin Scorsese with stellar performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, and a spectacular cameo by Matthew McConaughey (right at the peak of his " McConaissance .")

Why watch it? Jordan Belfort is the perfect example of what an entrepreneur shouldn't be. He was driven by greed, having little to no empathy towards the people he was duping, and lived a life of extreme debauchery which eventually led to his downfall.

Best Scene in the Movie: Matthew McConaughey describes what it takes to be a stock broker.

( Interesting Trivia – The chest thumping and humming performed by McConaughey was improvised and actually a warm-up rite that he performs before shooting a scene.)

If you can ignore the fact that Vin Diesel plays a smooth-talking stockbroker in the movie, you're going to enjoy this. And if you enjoyed The Wolf of Wall Street , you're going to enjoy Boiler Room even more as it is loosely based on Stratton Oakmont, the fraudulent stock trading company founded by Jordan Belfort.

The characters in the movie worship Gordon Gekko from Wall Street and make their living manipulating gullible people into buying penny stocks. You know exactly where this is headed!

Why watch it? Aside from exposing you to interesting cold-calling tactics, Boiler Room is ultimately a cautionary tale for young entrepreneurs to not be swayed by the lifestyle of the rich and famous to make morally questionable decisions.

Best Scene in the Movie: The Group Interview!

Fyre festival was supposed to be the greatest music festival ever. Organized by Billy McFarland and rapper Ja Rule, the "luxury music festival" was promoted on Instagram by celebrities and social media influencers, including Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, and Emily Ratajkowski. The only problem? It was all a scam , devised by MacFarland who had a history of starting up fraudulent business ventures.

Netflix's documentary Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened gives us an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the ill-fated music festival.

To grasp the scale of this fraud, you have to watch the documentary as it includes some shocking revelations from Billy's unfortunate team members, the festival goers who were stranded on the island, and the heartbreaking tale of a Bahamian restaurateur who had to spend $50,000 of her own life savings to pay her staff who were preparing and serving meals to the stranded festival goers. Luckily, she created a GoFundMe page after the release of the documentary where she was able to recuperate the lost amount, thanks to the sympathy and generosity of people who were moved by her tale in the documentary.

Why watch it? Aside from being hilariously entertaining, it's a cautionary tale for young entrepreneurs about making promises and not delivering a good product. Billy MacFarland was a dubious character who made misleading promises and misrepresented facts just to sell expensive tickets to an affluent audience. He had no experience, skills, or even the attitude to manage a music festival of this scale and magnitude.

The documentary also serves as a reminder for entrepreneurs who invest a huge amount of money in marketing and advertising without making any investment in improving the product. Fyre had great marketing, thanks to the enormous fan-base of the social media influencers, but the event itself was so mismanaged that it's amazing MacFarland and Ja Rule thought they could get away duping their customers like this.

Best Scene in the Movie: That would be event producer Andy King's shocking confession. King became a viral meme on Reddit and Twitter after the documentary. A clip of this on YouTube will probably be taken down because of copyright issues, so I'm not linking to it here. You'd need to watch the full movie on Netflix. In the meantime, watch the trailer below:

Side note: Around the same time this documentary was released on Netflix, Hulu released its own documentary on Fyre festival called Fyre Fraud . Although the Netflix documentary is better, Hulu's Fyre Fraud features an interview with Billy MacFarland who does his best to dodge difficult questions in a totally cringeworthy manner.

Related: 15 Best Documentaries About Scams and Fraud

Yet another Scorsese-DiCaprio collaboration in the list. The Aviator is a biopic of Howard Hughes , the eccentric billionaire who overcame all the odds to become a famous businessman and successful film director, while coping with his gradually worsening OCD. DiCaprio is brilliant in the movie and his performance earned him his second Oscar nomination. It's also one of the best biography movies of all time.

Why watch it? Howard Hughes didn't just compete with rival companies with deep pockets and movie moguls with powerful connections, but fought his own internal battle with a debilitating mental illness like OCD. Despite so many obstacles, he remained passionate about aviation and built a powerful legacy. He is the perfect role model for fledgling entrepreneurs who have to overcome numerous obstacles in life to achieve great things.

Best Scene in the Movie: The Senate Hearings!

A fan of baseball? No? Never mind! Moneyball has less to do with baseball and more to do with Oakland A's GM Billy Beane's unique tactics to overcome the odds stacked against his team.

Faced with limited budget, Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) decides to take the untested sabermetric approach towards building his team to achieve incredible results in the Major Baseball League (MLB).

Why watch it? Billy Beane had to adapt to survive. He knew Oakland A's couldn't compete with the big guns in the league because they didn't have deep pockets. As such, he had to take risks and make tough decisions to achieve good results. Most startups face a similar scenario when they go up against stiff competition from established businesses in the market. Billy Beane's success story at Oakland A's shows that success can be achieved through risk-taking and inventiveness.

Best Scene in the Movie: Billy Beane describes the problem at Oakland A's.

The Founder is a biopic of the American fast-food tycoon Ray Kroc. Starring Michael Keaton as Ray Kroc, the movie tells the story of his creation of McDonald's fast-food restaurant chain, which became the biggest restaurant business in the world. It also stars Nick Offerman and John Carroll Lynch who play the McDonald brothers, the original founders of McDonald's.

Why watch it? Despite being a controversial figure, Ray Kroc's story is an inspiring one for entrepreneurs. He was a travelling milkshake mixer salesman who eventually transformed McDonald's into a global franchise, making it the most successful fast food company in the world. It's the biopic that narrates the rise of one of America's most influential businessmen and perhaps the most recoginizable fast food brands in the world. At the same time, you feel for the original founders of McDonald's, the McDonald brothers, who were dealt a bad hand and eventually forced out of business.

Best Scene in the Movie: Ray Kroc orders a meal at McDonald's for the first time.

Related: 85+ Best Books for Entrepreneurs

Yet another movie about the 2007-08 financial crisis, but this time it's from the perspective of an investment bank deep in the crisis. The plot of Margin Call revolves around key people in a large investment bank and the actions they take over a 24-hour period during the initial stages of the financial crisis.

Although the fictional investment bank has no name in the movie, many believe the actions taken by the firm are too similar to the ones taken by Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch during the crisis.

Why watch it? Greed is never good, despite what Gordon Gekko says. Entrepreneurs must remember this at all times. Margin Call tells the story of a corporation that is steeped in greed and dishonesty. Like Wall Street and The Big Short , this movie is also a cautionary tale about the corruptive power of greed.

Best Scene in the Movie: Emergency meeting with the senior partners at the bank.

Not the one starring Ashton Kutcher, but the one with Michael Fassbender playing the iconic Apple co-founder. Directed by Danny Boyle and written by Aaron Sorkin (who also wrote The Social Network ), Steve Jobs is a different sort of a biopic. It contains just 3 sequences, all depicting a pivotal point in Jobs' life. The movie includes brilliant performances by Fassbender and Kate Winslet.

Why watch it? Though it was not as critically acclaimed as the studio hoped it would be, it's still the best Steve Jobs biopic there is. If you don't have the time to read Walter Isaacson brilliant Steve Jobs' biography, watch this movie.

Best Scene in the Movie: Steve Jobs confronts John Sculley, the person responsible for getting him fired from the company he co-founded.

Want to master the art of marketing or selling just about any product? Then Thank You for Smoking is the movie you need to watch. The plot of the movie revolves around the machinations of Big Tobacco's chief spokesman, Nick Naylor, who defends the cigarette industry in challenging situations.

Why watch it? Selling is an essential aspect of entrepreneurship and this movie teaches you that it's possible to sell anything as long as you have data and persuasiveness to woo your audience.

Best Scene in the Movie: Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart) shows off his spin skills on Joan Lunden's talk show.

The Pursuit of Happyness is a true story based on the life of entrepreneur Chris Gardner's nearly one-year struggle of being homeless with his son while going through a gruelling 6-month unpaid internship as a stockbroker. Will Smith's portrayal of Gardner earned him an Oscar nomination.

Why watch it? Chris Gardner overcame unbelievable circumstances to achieve his dreams. Circumstances that are not much different from what early-stage entrepreneurs face.

Best Scene in the Movie: After months of struggle, Chris Gardner is finally hired by Dean Witter Reynolds.

Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room is a documentary based on the best-selling book of the same name by Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind (the book is featured in my list of 85+ best books for entrepreneurs .)

The documentary examines the fall of Enron Corporation in 2001 and all the key players who were responsible for what came to be known as the Enron scandal. The film features interviews with the authors McLean and Elkind, as well as former Enron executives and employees, stock analysts, reporters, and the former Governor of California Gray Davis.

Why watch it? The story of Enron is the ultimate tale of greed and corruption. As such, it can provide key lessons to entrepreneurs and business leaders of the consequences of greed. From using faulty accounting practices to hiring unscrupulous characters in key roles, the top executives at Enron were driven solely by greed and profits, and as a result, did everything in their power to deceive the stakeholders and the general public until it all collapsed like a house of cards.

Best Scene in the Movie: No particular scene stands out, so I'd urge you to check out the documentary. You can watch the full movie on YouTube.

Related: 10 Best TV Shows for Entrepreneurs

Directed by Oliver Stone and featuring a great ensemble cast, including Al Pacino, Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz, Dennis Quaid, and LL Cool J, Any Given Sunday offers a behind-the-scenes look at the struggles of a fictional professional American football team.

Al Pacino plays a veteran coach who is facing the heat after having fallen out of favor with the team owner Christina Pagniacci (Cameron Diaz). This movie is a must-watch not just for Pacino fans, but also for budding entrepreneurs and sports enthusiasts.

Why watch it? I'd recommend this movie to entrepreneurs for the sheer grit and intensity shown by Al Pacino's character in the face of adversity. He's not just having a face-off with the unrelenting owners, but also trying to subvert a revolt from an emerging star within his team. But in the end, he overcomes all these challenges because of his inner strength and willpower to succeed.

Best Scene in the Movie: This epic speech by Al Pacino (Tony D'Amato) to his team before the start of a crucial playoff game.

Ever since I read Bad Blood by John Carreyrou, I have been fascinated with Theranos and its enigmatic founder Elizabeth Holmes.

The Inventor examines the rise and fall of Theranos, a multibillion dollar biotech company that was set to transform the healthcare industry. The documentary mainly revolves around Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of Theranos, and to some extent, the company's COO Sunny Balwani.

The film chronicles how Holmes and Balwani engaged in fraudulent practices to mislead investors and business partners, and how both of them were more interested in marketing, promotion, and fame than in getting the actual mechanics of their technology working. They also spent most of their time intimidating and threatening former employees who had quit the company because of the deceptive practices followed by Theranos.

Why watch it? Theranos' meteoric rise and catastrophic fall exemplifies the Silicon Valley attitude towards valuation. This should serve as a reminder to all of us to never get carried away by promises that sound too good to be true.

To tell the truth, I was a bit underwhelmed by the documentary as it's not as compelling as Carreyrou's book Bad Blood , which goes into greater detail into what transpired at Theranos. That said, the documentary presents a good overview of the Theranos scandal. But if you'd like to learn more about the scandal, I'd highly recommend you read Carreyrou's book Bad Blood .

Best Scene in the Movie: Nothing stands out in particular. You'll need to watch the documentary on HBO, and if you live in India, you can watch it on Hotstar. In the meantime, you can watch the trailer below:

One of the most shocking scandals in 2018 was the Facebook–Cambridge Analytica data scandal , where it was revealed that Cambridge Analytica, a British political consulting firm, had harvested the personal data of millions of Facebook users without their consent and used it for political advertising purpose, including Brexit and Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.

The Great Hack is a documentary film that examines the Cambridge Analytica scandal through the eyes of people who were involved in it.

Why watch it? It reveals the extent to which our personal data is harvested by Facebook for advertising purposes. We all knew Facebook was mining our private data, but The Great Hack reveals the extent to which our privacy is violated by Facebook. And the sad part is this: Facebook got away doing this with just a slap on the wrist. As Scott Galloway writes in his book The Four , "Facebook has been weaponized; our faux outrage hasn't translated to any tangible action, and it's going to get worse."

Best Scene in the Movie: No clips on YouTube that I can link to, so you'll need to watch the movie on Netflix. In the meantime, you can watch the trailer below:

Becoming Warren Buffett is a documentary film about Warren Buffett and his life. The documentary examines the contrast between Warren Buffett's expertise in investing and his personal relationship skills.

Why watch it? If young entrepreneurs can look up to just one role model for inspiration, it would have to be Warren Buffet. Warren Buffet is known for his business and investing acumen. But more importantly, his down-to-earth nature makes him one of the most admirable people to look up to. If you wanted to learn the secrets behind Buffet's success, this is a must-watch documentary.

Best Scene in the Movie: Once again, I'd urge you to check out the full documentary, which you can watch on YouTube below:

If you're ever in need of inspiration or would just like to take a break from your hectic work schedule, watch or rewatch these movies. You'll not be disappointed.

Did I miss any of the best entrepreneur movies that you consider must-watch? Let me know in the comments section below.

If you liked this article, please share it on Twitter using the link below:

Editor's Note: This article was first published on July 26, 2017 and has been updated regularly since then for relevance and comprehensiveness.

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StartupBooted

One-stop Guide For Business Growth

Feb 1, 2023
10 min read

21 Best Business Movies For Entrepreneurs in 2023

As an entrepreneur, you are always looking for ways to improve your business skills . Watching movies is one way to learn from the successes and failures of others. Here are the 21 best business movies for every entrepreneur should watch. These films can teach you something about running a business, making money, and overcoming obstacles. So grab some popcorn and get started!

Wall Street

Wall Street is a classic film that chronicles the rise and fall of stockbroker Gordon Gekko. The movie is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and corruption, but it also contains some valuable lessons for entrepreneurs. For one, the film highlights the importance of making connections and networking with powerful people. It also shows how easy it is to get caught up in the rat race and lose sight of what's truly important. Finally, Wall Street serves as a reminder that even the most successful businesses can come crashing down overnight. Despite its dark themes, the film is ultimately an inspiring story about ambition, determination, and resilience. Entrepreneurs who are looking for a dose of motivation should definitely check out Wall Street.

The Wolf of Wall Street

The Wolf of Wall Street is a movie about the life of Jordan Belfort, a New York stockbroker who was convicted of fraud and conspiracy charges in connection with his work in the securities industry. The movie chronicles Belfort's rise to power and eventual fall from grace, and it provides valuable insights into the world of high finance. While the movie is ultimately a cautionary tale, it can be inspiring for entrepreneurs who are looking to make their mark in the business world.

The Founder

The Founder is a 2016 American biographical drama film directed by John Lee Hancock. The film stars Michael Keaton as businessman Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald's. The film depicts how the entrepreneur took the small burger restaurant chain founded by brothers Dick McDonald and Mac McDonald and turned it into one of the largest fast-food chains in the world. The movie is relevant for entrepreneurs as it shows how one man was able to take a small business and turn it into a global empire. The film is also a reminder that there is no single formula for success, and that hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck are often key ingredients in achieving success.

The Social Network

The Social Network movie is a 2010 American biographical drama film directed by David Fincher. The film stars Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, and chronicles the development of the social networking website from 2004 to 2010. The Social Network is a great movie for entrepreneurs because it highlights how quickly a good idea can turn into a global phenomenon. The story follows Mark Zuckerberg as he creates Facebook in his college dorm room, and then watches as it quickly catches on with other students at Harvard before spreading to other campuses across America.

The Aviator

The Aviator is a 2004 American epic biographical drama film directed by Martin Scorsese. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Howard Hughes, Cate Blanchett as Katharine Hepburn, and Kate Beckinsale as Ava Gardner. The Aviator is based on the life of Howard Hughes, an American entrepreneur, business magnate, aviator, engineer, film producer, and director. The film shows how dedication and single-minded focus can help one achieve great things. It also highlights the importance of always pushing oneself to stay ahead of the competition. In addition, The Aviator illustrates the dangers of letting one's personal life suffer in pursuit of business success. These are all important lessons that any entrepreneur would do well to remember.

Boiler Room

Boiler Room is a movie that was released in the year 2000. It is about a 19-year-old named Seth Davis who gets a job at a brokerage firm called J.T Marlin. The Boiler Room movie is a great movie for entrepreneurs because it shows them how to spot a Boiler Room and how to avoid getting scammed. It also shows them how to turn a struggling company around and make it successful.

Office Space

Office Space is a cult classic among entrepreneurs. The movie tells the story of a man who hates his job and day-to-day office life. However, he eventually learns to stand up for himself and fight back against the soul-crushing corporate culture. In doing so, he serves as an inspiration for other entrepreneurs who are struggling with their own businesses. Office Space provides a relatable and humorous look at some of the challenges that entrepreneurs face. It also highlights the importance of standing up for oneself and refusing to accept a work situation that is anything less than ideal. As a result, the movie is an essential watch for any entrepreneur who wants to learn more about fighting for their business.

There's no question that Joy is a feel-good movie. It's the story of a woman who overcomes incredible odds to build a successful business. But beyond providing some entertainment and inspiration, Joy can actually be a helpful tool for entrepreneurs. The movie does an excellent job of illustrating the importance of perseverance and determination. It also highlights the power of taking risks and following your passions. For anyone who is thinking about starting their own business, Joy is a great reminder that anything is possible if you're willing to work hard and stay focused. In addition, the film provides some valuable insights into the day-to-day realities of running a business. From dealing with difficult customers to managing a team of employees, Joy gives viewers a realistic perspective on what it takes to be successful in the business world. So if you're looking for a little motivation and guidance, be sure to check out Joy - it just might be the boost you need to take your business to the next level.

Pirates of Silicon Valley

Pirates of Silicon Valley is a 1999 American biographical drama film directed by Martyn Burke. The film documents the early days of Apple Computer and Microsoft. It portrays the two co-founders of Apple, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, as well as Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft. Pirates of Silicon Valley is an inspiring story for entrepreneurs. Steve Jobs and Bill Gates were two young men with big dreams who overcame incredible odds to change the world. The film shows that anything is possible with hard work and determination. Pirates of Silicon Valley is an essential watch for any entrepreneur.

The Pursuit of Happyness

The 2006 film The Pursuit of Happyness tells the true story of entrepreneur Chris Gardner's struggle to make it in the competitive world of stock brokerage. The film follows Gardner as he becomes homeless and must rely on the kindness of strangers while trying to build a future for himself and his young son. While the film is ultimately a story of hope and determination, it also provides a realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. The film highlights the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity, qualities that are essential for any successful entrepreneur. In addition, The Pursuit of Happyness showcases the power of positive thinking and self-belief, two more key ingredients for entrepreneurial success. As such, The Pursuit of Happyness is an inspiring portrayal of what it takes to make it as an entrepreneur.

The Intern movie is a classic story about an experienced professional who takes an internship at a start-up company. The movie highlights the importance of having a mentor, being coachable, and being adaptable. The main character, Ben Whittaker, is able to teach the young employees valuable lessons while also learning from them. The movie is an inspiring story for entrepreneurs because it shows that success comes from hard work and determination, not just from having a great idea. The Intern is a must-watch for any entrepreneur who wants to learn from the mistakes and successes of others.

The Steve Jobs movie is a biographical drama that was released in 2015. The movie is based on the life of Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc. The movie covers Jobs' early life, his time at Apple, and his later years. The Steve Jobs movie is an important film for entrepreneurs because it tells the story of how one man was able to achieve great success. The film shows how Jobs was able to turn his vision into reality, and it provides inspiration for entrepreneurs who are looking to create something new. In addition, the movie is relevant for anyone who is interested in technology or business. The Steve Jobs movie is a must-see film for anyone who wants to learn more about entrepreneurship.

The Billionaire

The Billionaire movie is a great way for entrepreneurs to get inspired. The movie follows the story of a young man who starts out with nothing and ends up becoming a billionaire. The movie is full of great scenes that show the importance of hard work, dedication, and determination. The Billionaire movie is a great way for entrepreneurs to get motivated and learn more about what it takes to be successful. The movie is also a great source of entertainment, and it is sure to leave you entertained and inspired.

The Corporation

The Corporation movie is a documentary that offers insights into the world of business. The movie is based on the book The Corporation: The Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Power, by Joel Bakan. The book and movie explore the idea of the corporation as a legal entity that is motivated by profit at all costs. The Corporation film features interviews with CEOs, marketing experts , and corporate whistleblowers. The movie provides entrepreneurs with an understanding of the inner workings of businesses and the challenges they face. The film also offers a critical view of corporations and their impact on society. The Corporation is an important film for entrepreneurs because it offers insights into the system they are trying to change.

The Big Short

The Big Short movie is a biographical drama film that is based on the 2010 book The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine by Michael Lewis. The film tells the story of how the housing and credit bubble of the 2000s led to the financial crisis of 2007-2008. The film has been praised for its accurate portrayal of how the financial crisis unfolded. The film can help entrepreneurs by providing insight into how to identify and take advantage of opportunities in the marketplace. The film can also help entrepreneurs avoid making similar mistakes that led to the financial crisis.

Startup.com

The Startup.com movie is a must-watch for any entrepreneur. It chronicles the rise and fall of a dot-com company and provides valuable lessons for anyone looking to start their own business. One of the most important lessons from the movie is the importance of having a solid business plan. Without a clear plan, it's easy to get caught up in the hype and make expensive mistakes that can sink a company. The Startup.com movie is an essential watch for anyone wanting to learn more about what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur.

It’s a Wonderful Life

It’s a Wonderful Life is a classic holiday movie that has come to define the Christmas season for many Americans. The film tells the story of George Bailey, a man who is on the brink of suicide on Christmas Eve. As he prepares to jump from a bridge, George is visited by an angel who shows him what life would have been like if he had never been born. Through this journey, George comes to realize that his life has been full of love and happiness and that even though it may not have been perfect, it was nonetheless wonderful. This film is a touching reminder of the importance of appreciating what we have, and It’s a Wonderful Life can help entrepreneurs to stay motivated and committed to their passion.

Moneyball is a movie that tells the story of how the Oakland Athletics baseball team used data to build a winning team on a shoestring budget. The movie has been praised for its portrayal of data-driven decision making, and it has also been found to be inspirational for entrepreneurs. Moneyball demonstrates how creative problem solving and out-of-the-box thinking can help entrepreneurs to succeed in spite of limited resources. The movie also highlights the importance of using data to make decisions, rather than relying on intuition or gut instinct. In today's competitive business landscape, Moneyball provides an important example of how entrepreneurs can use data to give themselves a competitive edge.

The Godfather Trilogy

The Godfather Trilogy is a popular movie that has helped entrepreneurs in a number of ways. The movie tells the story of the Corleone family, who are involved in organized crime. The movies follow the family's rise to power, and the various challenges they face along the way. The movies have been praised for their realistic portrayal of the world of organized crime, and for their insights into human nature. The Godfather Trilogy has also been praised for its positive portrayal of entrepreneurship. The movies show how businesses can be built from scratch, and how perseverance and dedication can lead to success. The Godfather Trilogy is an inspirational story that can help entrepreneurs to achieve their goals.

The Mad Men movie, which is set in the 1960s, tells the story of Don Draper, an advertising executive at Sterling Cooper. Mad Men has been praised for its accurate depiction of the Mad Men era. The Mad Men movie can teach entrepreneurs several things about running a business. First, it shows the importance of thinking outside the box. In one scene, Don Draper comes up with an award-winning ad campaign by thinking outside the box. He was able to take a negative situation and turn it into a positive one. Second, Mad Men shows the importance of networking. In another scene, Don Draper attends a party where he meets potential clients. He is able to build relationships with these clients by networking with them. Third, Mad Men teaches entrepreneurs the importance of branding . In yet another scene, Don Draper creates a unique logo for Sterling Cooper. This logo helps to brand the company and make it more recognizable. By watching Mad Men, entrepreneurs can learn several valuable lessons about running a successful business.

Margin Call

Margin Call is a movie that every entrepreneur should watch. The film is set during the early days of the financial crisis, and it chronicles the intense pressure that investment bankers were under to meet quarterly goals. While the movie does not explicitly offer any lessons for entrepreneurs, it does provide a useful case study of how quickly things can go wrong when people are focused on short-term gain. Margin call is a reminder that businesses need to be built on solid foundations, and that sustainable growth requires careful planning and execution. This is a film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled, and it is sure to leave you feeling grateful for your own business successes.

What are the best business movies for entrepreneurs to watch in 2023?

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Growth Navigate

Team Growth Navigate
11 min read

22 Best Business Movies in 2024 (With IMDb Rating)

Are you an entrepreneur who is looking for inspiring movies to watch? Do you want to get motivated and entertained while learning something new about running a business? Well, you're in luck! We've curated the best list of business films that every budding entrepreneur should watch. Whether it's timeless classics like Wall Street or more recent award-winning gems like The Big Short, these stories are sure to give you excellent insight into the world of business. So pop some popcorn, sit back, relax, and prepare to be inspired with our ultimate guide on the best business movies for entrepreneurs!

Best Business Movies List 2024

1. wall street.

Director: Oliver Stone

Stars: Charlie Sheen, Michael Douglas, Tamara Tunie

IMDB Rating: 7.3/10

In the world of business, the name Wall Street carries a certain weight to it. It's synonymous with power, wealth, and often, controversy. This infamous street serves as the backdrop for the movie Wall Street, a thrilling tale of an ambitious young stockbroker eager to climb the ranks at any cost. The film follows his journey as he embarks on a dangerous path by trading on illegal inside information. Along the way, he's taken under the wing of a ruthless corporate raider who shows him the darker side of the industry. Wall Street is a captivating story that offers an inside look into the world of high finance and the trade-offs that come with chasing success.

2. The Founder

Director: John Lee Hancock

Stars: Michael Keaton, Nick OffermanJohn, Carroll Lynch

IMDB Rating: 7.2/10

If you're looking for a business movie that showcases the power of ambition, persistence, and good old-fashioned ruthlessness, look no further than The Founder . This captivating film tells the story of Ray Kroc, a salesman who took a small fast-food eatery run by two brothers and turned it into one of the most successful restaurant businesses in the world: McDonald's. Kroc's journey to the top wasn't easy, and the movie highlights the many challenges and setbacks he faced along the way. As you watch "The Founder" you'll be drawn in by the incredible performances of the cast and the gripping portrayal of Kroc's cutthroat approach to business. Ultimately, this movie is a must-watch for anyone who's interested in the world of entrepreneurship and the power of perseverance.

3. The Big Short

Director: Adam McKay

Stars: Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling

IMDB Rating: 7.8/10

The Big Short is a must-see business movie that brings to light the dark truths about the United States mortgage market. Based on a true story, the movie reveals how a group of investors defied the odds and bet against the very system that held their financial futures. Through their research and investigations, they discovered the dirty secrets that plagued the market - corruption, greed, and fraud. The Big Short offers an insightful look into the inner workings of the stock market and a sobering reminder of how quickly things can unravel when money and power are at play.

4. The Wolf of Wall Street

Director: Martin Scorsese

Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie

IMDB Rating: 8.2/10

The Wolf of Wall Street is a thrilling business movie that takes us on a wild ride through the life of Jordan Belfort, a successful stockbroker who built himself a luxurious lifestyle through unscrupulous means. From lavish parties to expensive cars and yachts, this film portrays the excess and corruption of the stock market during the 1990s. But it also takes us through Belfort's downfall, as his unethical practices drew the attention of the federal government and landed him in prison. With outstanding performances by Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, and Margot Robbie, The Wolf of Wall Street is a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of finance.

5. The Social Network

Director: David Fincher

Stars: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake

When it comes to business movies, one that has stood out in recent years is The Social Network . This captivating film tells the story of Mark Zuckerberg, the Harvard student who famously created Facebook. But as much as the movie celebrates Zuckerberg's success, it also explores the controversies that surround it. From the lawsuits filed by the twins who claimed he stole their idea, to the co-founder who was pushed out of the company, "The Social Network" offers a fascinating look at the cutthroat world of business. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, tech, or the inner workings of Silicon Valley.

Director: Joshua Michael Stern

Stars: Ashton Kutcher, Dermot Mulroney, Josh Gad

IMDB Rating: 6.0/10

Jobs is not just any business movie. It is the compelling story of the iconic Steve Jobs and his journey from a college dropout to a visionary entrepreneur. The movie encapsulates Jobs' exceptional creative abilities and his determination to turn his bold ideas into reality. As the story unfolds, viewers witness the intense personal struggles and professional challenges that Jobs faced, leading to his eventual success as one of the most revered pioneers of the 20th century. With stunning performances and a captivating storyline, "Jobs" proves to be a true masterpiece in the world of cinema.

7. The Aviator

Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale

IMDB Rating: 7.5/10

Step into the glamorous world of Hollywood and aviation history with the thrilling biopic, The Aviator . This movie takes the audience on a journey through the early years of the legendary director and aviator Howard Hughes' career, from the late 1920s to the mid-1940s. Leonardo DiCaprio delivers an incredible performance, depicting the unwavering passion and determination that led Hughes to become a true icon of his time. The film captures the essence of the era, exploring his relationships with some of the most notable figures in Hollywood, as well as his groundbreaking achievements as a pioneer in the aviation industry. This captivating portrayal of a captivating man will leave you inspired and in awe of one of the most remarkable stories in American history.

8. The Pursuit of Happyness

Director: Gabriele Muccino

Stars: Will Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Jaden Smith

IMDB Rating: 8.0/10

The Pursuit of Happyness is a heart-warming movie that follows the journey of a struggling salesman who finds himself at a crossroads in his life. The film explores the challenges and sacrifices that come with chasing a dream while trying to provide for a family. The story takes a poignant turn when the protagonist takes custody of his young son, who becomes his beacon of hope and a driving force behind his pursuit of happiness. The film is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. It's sure to leave you feeling inspired and motivated to chase your dreams, no matter the obstacles that stand in your way.

9. Pirates of Silicon Valley

Director: Martyn Burke

Stars: Anthony Michael, HallNoah Wyle, Joey Slotnick

If you're in the mood for a captivating flick that tells a story about the beginning of the technology industry, look no further than Pirates of Silicon Valley . This movie brings to life the real-life struggles and triumphs of the two biggest players in the game - Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. With an engaging storyline that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this movie skillfully illustrates the brilliant minds behind the companies that have changed our lives forever. From their humble beginnings to their rise to power, "Pirates of Silicon Valley" is a must-watch for anyone interested in the evolution of technology and the incredible people behind it.

10. Boiler Room

Director: Ben Younger

Stars: Giovanni Ribisi, Vin Diesel, Nia Long

IMDB Rating: 7.0/10

Filled with gripping action and thrilling suspense, the business movie Boiler Room tells the story of a young man who is forced to navigate the murky waters of the investment world in order to prove himself to both himself and his strict father. With a job as a broker at a seemingly successful investment firm, he is determined to carve a successful career for himself. However, as he delves deeper into the complex world of stocks and investments, the young man discovers that not everything is as it seems. With twists and turns around every corner, "Boiler Room" is a thrilling cinematic experience that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

11. Startup.com

Director: Chris Hegedus, Jehane Noujaim

Stars: Kaleil Isaza Tuzman, Tom Herman, Kenneth Austin

IMDB Rating: 7.1/10

Startup.com is a captivating movie that delves into the world of entrepreneurship and the ups and downs of building a company in the early days of the internet. The film follows the journey of two high-school friends who merge their business ideas, only to realize that the road to success is full of challenges and setbacks. Throughout the movie, viewers get a glimpse of the intense pressure that entrepreneurs face in a highly competitive market, as well as the sacrifices that come with chasing a dream. Startup.com is not only a compelling watch, but also a valuable lesson in business strategy, innovation and perseverance.

12. Margin Call

Director: J.C. Chandor

Stars: Zachary Quinto, Stanley Tucci, Kevin Spacey

Margin Call is a gripping movie that follows the events of a 24-hour period in the life of an investment bank during the 2008 financial crisis. This intense drama delves into the world of finance and the people who work tirelessly to keep it running smoothly. It showcases the intricate workings of the stock market and the ruthless decisions that have to be made in times of turmoil. The characters in the movie are complex and multi-layered, giving the audience a glimpse into the minds of the people responsible for managing billions of dollars of other people's money. If you're looking for a compelling movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat, Margin Call is definitely worth a watch.

13. Flash of Genius

Director: Marc Abraham

Stars: Greg Kinnear, Lauren Graham, Alan Alda

In the film Flash of Genius , we are immersed in the world of Robert Kearns, a brilliant engineer who finds himself embroiled in a legal battle against the powerful Detroit automakers. Kearns claims that they have stolen his idea for the intermittent windshield wiper, and he's not willing to back down. This gripping drama takes us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as we watch a determined man fight against all odds to protect his invention and his reputation. With fantastic performances from the cast and a compelling storyline, Flash of Genius is a must-see for anyone who loves a good underdog story.

14. The Corporation

Director: Mark Achbar, Jennifer Abbott

Stars: Mikela Jay, Rob Beckwermert, Christopher Gora

The Corporation is much more than just a business movie; it is a thought-provoking documentary that examines the very nature of modern capitalism. Throughout the film, we are taken on a journey through recent history, exploring the rise and current dominance of the corporation and its impact on society. Filled with interviews from business leaders, activists, and even former corporate insiders, The Corporation raises important questions about the role of these powerful entities in our world. Whether you're a seasoned business professional or simply interested in the workings of the modern economy, this film is sure to challenge your assumptions and leave you questioning the very foundations of our economic system.

Stars: Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci

The movie Casino takes us on the thrilling ride of two best friends' rivalries in Las Vegas. It's the story of a casino executive and a mafia enforcer who are competing for a gambling empire in the city of sin. The action-packed film also features a fast-living, fast-loving socialite caught up in their dangerous game. The movie is full of twists and turns as the characters navigate the seedy underworld of Las Vegas. Casino offers a gripping and unforgettable tale of greed, power, and betrayal.

16. Jerry Maguire

Director: Cameron Crowe

Stars: Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr., Renée Zellweger

Jerry Maguire is a cinematic masterpiece that has stood the test of time for over two decades. This film charts the journey of a brilliant sports agent who experiences a moral awakening and finds himself fired for expressing his newfound beliefs. Jerry Maguire's journey does not end there, as he decides to use his newfound philosophy to forge his path as an independent sports agent. He finds a trusty partner in the only athlete who believes in him and sets out to make his mark in an industry that can often be unforgiving. The movie offers an engaging and inspiring tale that is both touching and entertaining.

17. The Intern

Director: Nancy Meyers

Stars: Robert De Niro, Anne Hathaway, Rene Russo

In the business world, sometimes age really is just a number. That's what audiences learned in the heartwarming and relatable film, The Intern . Starring Robert De Niro as Ben Whittaker, a 70-year-old retiree who feels restless and unfulfilled in his newfound leisure time. Thanks to a unique opportunity, Ben became a senior intern at an online fashion company founded and led by the driven and unconventional Jules Ostin. Through their unlikely partnership, viewers witness the power of intergenerational collaboration, as well as the importance of embracing new chances to learn and grow. The Intern is not just a film about business, but also a story about rediscovering one's purpose and passion.

18. Ford v Ferrari

Director: James Mangold

Stars: Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, Jason Keller

IMDB Rating: 8.1/10

Ford v Ferrari is a film that will satisfy any racing enthusiast's need for speed. The movie follows the journey of two passionate men, car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles, as they take on the task of building a car that can beat Ferrari at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. The stakes are high, as they not only have to battle against their competitors on the track but also against corporate interference that threatens to compromise their innovative ideas. The movie is a thrilling ride that showcases the determination and perseverance of Shelby and Miles as they push the limits of what's possible to achieve their goal of victory. Ford v Ferrari is a must-watch for anyone who wants to witness the pinnacle of automotive engineering and racing history.

Director: Jon Favreau

Stars: Jon Favreau, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson

The big screen has seen its fair share of movies about cooking and food, but few have captured the essence of a chef's journey as well as the movie Chef . The film follows a head chef who quits his prestigious restaurant job and takes a leap of faith by purchasing a food truck. With a newfound sense of freedom, he sets out on a cross-country journey to reconnect with his family, rediscover his love of cooking, and reignite his creative passion. The audience is treated to a feast of mouth-watering dishes, each one more tantalizing than the last. The movie brings together food, family, and a heartfelt story that will leave you feeling inspired and hungry for more.

20. The Devil Wears Prada

Director: David Frankel

Stars: Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Adrian Grenier

IMDB Rating: 6.9/10

The Devil Wears Prada is a movie that's as iconic as its title suggests. It tells the story of a young, ambitious graduate who lands her dream job as an assistant to the formidable Miranda Priestly, editor-in-chief of a prestigious fashion magazine. The film offers a glimpse into the fast-paced world of high fashion, where even the smallest mistake can have serious consequences. As we follow the protagonist, we see her go through the ups and downs of working in a high-pressure corporate environment, and how her job affects her personal life. With strong performances from a talented cast, and a plot that keeps you hooked till the very end, The Devil Wears Prada is a must-watch for anyone who wants a glimpse into the cutthroat world of corporate America.

21. Office Space

Director: Mike Judge

Stars: Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston, David Herman

IMDB Rating: 7.6/10

Have you ever felt trapped in your own workspace, surrounded by paperwork and fluorescent lighting? If the answer is yes, then you might find solace in the movie Office Space . This satirical film follows three disgruntled employees who are fed up with their mundane, soul-sucking jobs. They band together and hatch a plot to stick it to their greedy boss. But what starts off as a small act of rebellion quickly spirals out of control, leading to hilarious and unpredictable consequences. Office Space is a must-watch for anyone who has ever dreamt of sticking it to the man and breaking free from their monotonous 9-5 routine.

22. Glengarry Glen Ross

Director: James Foley

Stars: Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin

IMDB Rating: 7.7/10

Glengarry Glen Ross is a must-see movie for anyone curious about the inner workings of the cutthroat world of real estate sales. This drama uncovers the conniving tactics employed by a group of salesmen, each competing to sell more real estate than the others. The competitive, high-pressured environment breeds betrayal and ruthless behavior, leaving little room for ethical salesmanship. Glengarry Glen Ross exposes the dark side of the business world and serves as a cautionary tale of just how far people will go for success. Whether you are in the industry or not, this compelling film is guaranteed to captivate you from beginning to end.

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10 Best Entrepreneur Movies of All Time

Entrepreneurs are quite popular these days. The advancement in technology has created several platforms for this budding tycoons to come and set up shop. But even in this golden age for entrepreneurship, people find it difficult to publish their ideas and get recognized. The world is tough enough and too crowded. However like always, there are a handful who breakout from the masses and rise up above the others.

Some filmmakers have often chronicled their journeys on the silver screen and sometimes created history with their films. Others have drawn parallels to the real world with well-crafted out characters for their stories. We, at the Cinemaholic , take a look at the list of top business movies ever made. You can watch some of these best entrepreneur movies on Netflix or Amazon Prime or Hulu.

10. Boiler Room (2000)

Ben Younger’s crime drama is one under-appreciated movie. Basing the story on a fictional college dropout Seth Davis, Ben weaves in an intricate story, pitting ambition against moral conscience and the results on that eternal struggle. The glamor of quick money in the Wall Street, the crooked schemes that run behind the money-making, and the willingness to sacrifice human goodwill in order to achieve the goals is well documented in this crime drama. Every entrepreneur is not a shining example of ideology and goodness. The brokerage is a ‘Boiler Room’, the heat from the various schemes and processes makes the office unspeakably hot. Conscience wins in the end satisfyingly and a lesson is learnt in never submitting overwhelmingly to ambition. ‘Boiler Room’ is a fine piece of American crime drama and it would be a shame to miss this quality film.

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9. The Aviator (2004)

Howard Hughes was an enigma. One of the most recognized entrepreneurs, one of the most financially successful men ever, film tycoon, flying magnate – he had done it all. But all these came at a terrible cost, with his personal life in shambles due to his eccentric behavior and OCD. Who better to document this colorful persona than the legend Martin Scorsese himself? ‘The Aviator’ is a gem of a film, one of the truest biopics ever made in history. Howard Hughes entire story was drafted exceedingly well, showcasing his rise to fame and his countless love lives, especially the one with legendary actress Katherine Hepburn. If Leonardo DiCaprio was outstanding as the quirky entrepreneur, Cate Blanchett stole hearts with her rendition of the iconic star. Martin Scorsese proved his genius yet again and one can only wonder how the golden statuette shirked past him. The road to the future is long and tough and only the strong can stay in its path.

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8. Office Space (1999)

The life trapped inside an office cubicle is frustrating and all the corporate employees can easily relate to the characters’ lives in Mike Judge’s ‘Office Space’. The limited opportunity of growth, the personal troubles and stuck up lives are too much to handle and the protagonists of the story decide to rebel in their own unique ways against the practices of the company. From breaking the cubicle walls and smashing printers to embezzling funds, the brilliant minds exact revenge on the white-collar anarchy of the corporate world, which many of us dream of doing. The tale is told hilariously and each comic turn is bound to leave the audience clutching their sides. The movie also narrates the change of heart and the twist in the end is just too funny. ‘Office Space’ has become a cult classic and merits a watch certainly.

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7. Wall Street (1987)

The Wall Street is a dirty place and strewn with lots of money. All a person needs to do it to catch it. But that leap involves devious means which are the direct antithesis to a man’s good conscience. Oliver Stone’s ‘Wall Street’ depicts just that through the life of the ambitious entrepreneur Bud Fox, a junior stockbroker as he joins forces with the morally dead legendary Wall Street player, Gordon Gekko. The rise to fame and the constant battle between the good and bad conscience lead Bud to taking the honest route, even though it meant harming himself and his career. The tough choices are difficult to make and this film captures just that. ‘Wall Street’ is one serious narrative on the money making business and explores the labyrinth of dirt it holds. Michael Douglas earned his Oscar as Gekko and Charlie Sheen rose to prominence as the new player Bud. Money doesn’t ever sleep indeed.

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6. Jerry Maguire (1996)

The life of a sports agent wanting to stay true to his job isn’t all that easy and Jerry Maguire’s life proves just that. His commitment to stay true to his ideals and develop a personal bond with his client is a respectable decision for many, but is a loss in the eyes of the businessmen. Cameron Crowe narrates this conflict of interests with utmost precision. The life of Jerry was superbly chronicled. His passion, his personal heartbreaks due to his fixation with his job and the ultimate reward for his hard work was told expertly. An entrepreneur must always stay strong in his path, no matter what happens and Jerry’s life story tells just that. He was ridiculed and had to suffer two heartbreaks but he never gave up, scratching and clawing his way to success. Tom Cruise put in the performance of a lifetime along with Cuba Gooding Jr. as the erratic client Rod Tiddle who won the Academy Award for his honest efforts.

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5. Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Every man engages in the pursuit of happiness, the feeling being elusive and illusive. Chris Gardener was the owner of a multimillion dollar brokerage firm but the road to happiness was a tough one indeed. From spending homeless nights with his son to seeing his wife walk out on him, life wasn’t smooth at all for the hard-working entrepreneur. He faced an uphill task while achieving his life’s goals and the taste of victory got sweeter as a result. Gabriele Muccino makes a solid film out of Chris Gardener’s life moving the audience to tears with the emotional struggle and making them shed tears of joy at the wonderful victory in the end. ‘Pursuit of Happyness’ is one of the most moving stories in modern cinema. Will Smith as the protagonist and his real life son, Jaden as the Christopher Jr. put in a couple of enchanting performances making the audience connect to the story even more.

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4. Steve Jobs (2015)

Apple is the dream tech gadget for every single electronics user in this planet; such is the popularity of the brand name. Like all success stories of entrepreneurs, Apple wasn’t formed overnight. It had to travel a tough road strewn with obstacles to cross the finish line. Danny Boyle, the underrated genius, documents the difficult choices the face behind the bitten apple had to take behind the scenes. ‘Steve Jobs’ is true to the facts and Michael Fassbender as the turtle-neck sporting co-founder is surprisingly convincing despite the dissimilarities in appearance. The launching of the iMac was a revolutionary step in the history of computers, and ‘Steve Jobs’ is a fantastic narrative of the backstory. The respect for the enigma rises a notch higher after this.

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3. Wolf of the Wall Street (2013)

Scorsese loves digging into the dark world, patronizing the colorful characters who scratched and clawed their way to the top only to be buried by their arrogance and greed, in a Macbeth way. While Casino and Goodfellas accounted the hardened underworld of America, The Wolf of the Wall Street was a nod to the ever existent white collar crime and Scorsese prepared a nice meal of black comedy out of it. Filming a biography takes a lot of background work, for you have to stick to the facts as long as possible. In the end the viewer is served with a serious account of the protagonist’s life, sometimes flavored with a dash of salt and spice. Scorsese takes it up another notch. Not only does he showcase the life of the crazy stock broker with pinpoint accuracy, taking capitalism by the throat, but also manages to pack a perfect comic punch to it. Jordan Belfort was THE entrepreneur in the financial circles and it was about time he came on to the silver screen.

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2. The Social Network (2010)

Facebook is a revolution in our lives and Mark Zuckerberg is the shining revolutionary, smiling at the end of it all. David Fincher in his brilliant style chronicles this person’s early days in ‘The Social Network’. The struggle, the endless sleepless coding nights at Harvard coupled with the pangs of early adulthood summed up a journey which spelled heroic in every syllable. The entire path was devoid of bloodshed but passed through a war-zone, riddled with accusations, politics and betrayal. He came out strong in the end, and Mark Zuckerberg became a household name all over the world. The king of all the modern day entrepreneurs, Zuckerberg’s life may be taken as a lesson. The pitfalls, the desire and the willingness to loosen the strings of the idealist purse a bit are documented expertly. ‘You really don’t get to make 5 million friends without making a few enemies’. True that.

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1. Citizen Kane (1941)

The greatest film ever made needs no introduction. Orson Welles’ debut feature broke barriers and revolutionized filmmaking in many ways. Amongst others, it gave the insight of the life of a newspaper magnet who began his journey as an idealist but became consumed by the power in his pursuit of greatness. Sheer political play proved to be the boon and the bane for the protagonist as he was reduced to a mental wreck in the end. Citizen Kane is essentially the best handbook of what to do and what not to do for the budding entrepreneurs. Powerfully narrated with flashbacks, Citizen Kane trod on the lines of a Shakespearean tragedy whilst staying true to its own origin story. It was visually enhancing and took the audience to a whole new level of realization through the life of the protagonist. Truly, it is the very best film of all time. Rosebud?

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50 Game Changing Business Movies For Entrepreneurs 2024

Description

Everything you need to raise funding for your startup, including 3,500+ investors, 7 tools, 18 templates and 3 learning resources.

Information about the countries, cities, stages, and industries they invest in, as well as their contact details.

List of 250 startup investors in the AI and Machine Learning industries, along with their Twitter, LinkedIn, and email addresses.

List of startup investors in the BioTech, Health, and Medicine industries, along with their Twitter, LinkedIn, and email addresses.

List of startup investors in the FinTech industry, along with their Twitter, LinkedIn, and email addresses.

We’ve made a list of entrepreneur movies you can enjoy and also learn a thing or two about the world of business.

In an hour or two, you can learn how Wall Street works, dive deep into the background stories of some of the most popular founders and investors (yes, Warren Buffet’s on the list), or discover that criminals are actually excellent at running a business.

There’s something for everyone. Pick a movie title you like, and be prepared to question your current business principles and beliefs.

Here Are Our Top 3 Picks if You Can’t Decide

If you’re as indecisive as we are and want to know the best entrepreneur movies to watch, here are our top 3 picks:

If you want to learn how to prepare for an economic downturn and what happened in the 2008 financial crisis: The Big Short
If you’re interested in the financial markets: Wolf of Wall Street
If you’re into gangster movies but want to learn about business: The Godfather

50 Best Movies for Entrepreneurs

1) fyre festival.

Name of the movie : Fyre Festival

Description of the movie : Fyre is a documentary about a young entrepreneur and fraud named Billy McFarland and his failed Fyre Festival in 2017. The festival was doomed from the beginning mainly due to bad planning and mismanagement of funds.

This is a great entrepreneur movie because it highlights that planning is the key to everything. But more importantly, it shows that in life, it’s not enough to have the desire and passion to achieve something great - you need to work hard and smartly to succeed.

Released in : 2019

Related topics: Fyre serves as an example that presents the importance of planning and management. It can serve as a warning sign for all young entrepreneurs who fail to deliver the final product, despite massive financial investments.

IMDB Rating : 7.2/10 from 34,714 votes

2) The Founder

Name of the movie : The Founder

Description of the movie : A biographical movie about McDonald’s rise as one of the biggest businesses in the gastronomy world.

Salesman Ray Croc joined the McDonald’s brothers, stole their idea, and without ever paying them for their royalty, he took all the credit for the restaurant's expansion. The lesson - be careful who you get in bed with.

Released in : 2016

Related topics : The Founder is an inspiring story for entrepreneurs willing to create ‘the next big thing”. Although sometimes harsh and too ambitious, Ray Kroc managed to transform McDonald’s into the most popular fast-food chain restaurant.

IMDB Rating : 7.2/10 from 116,351 votes

3) Steve Jobs

Name of the movie : Steve Jobs

Description of the movie : This biopic on Apple's founder tells the behind-the-scenes story about the iconic entrepreneur and his struggles on the way to the top.

Also, important shots from Steve’s personal life are shown as well as the obstacles he overcame to build the brand we all know.

Released in : 2015

Related topics : Steve Jobs revolves around Job’s ideas and the decisions he had to make in order to create Apple and take it to the top.

This is one of those entrepreneur movies anyone can learn something from, even if you have years of experience running a business. Taking a sneak peek into Job’s mind can be educational and insightful, so give this movie a chance.

IMDB Rating : 7.2/10 from 149,991 votes

4) The Social Network

Name of the movie : The Social Network

Description of the movie : The Social Network is the ultimate story about Facebook and its founder. It shows Mark Zuckerberg and the way he brought to life his idea of building a social media platform.

Soon afterward, his project got substantial financial backing, and all of a sudden, Facebook was ‘live’ all around the world.

However, it wasn’t all roses on Mark's journey - the movie also shows Mark’s struggles and lawsuits from his once-friend and first investor, Eduardo Saverin.

Released in : 2010

Related topics : Zuckerberg’s creative approach is fascinating to watch and analyze - you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of the technological world in Silicon Valley.

The movie also shows that even large corporations often have small and struggling beginnings, and it can be quite inspiring for young entrepreneurs to see that for themselves.

IMDB Rating : 7.7/10 from 607,074

5) The Wolf of Wall Street

Name of the movie : The Wolf of Wall Street

Description of the movie : The Wolf Of Wall Street is one of those entrepreneur movies that will keep you glued to the screen. What’s a better way to learn about business mistakes to avoid than watching the catastrophic mistakes Jordan Belfort did?

This movie is based on his real-life story and how from a promising broker, he got himself into the world of too many drugs, too many lies, and a devastating feud with US authorities. Of course, the success he had is not excluded, but ultimately, he was remembered for his wrongdoings, proving once again that business choices can define your life, so always choose carefully.

Released in : 2013

Related topics : Perhaps one of the most exciting moments in the movie is the cold-calling process. It’s shown with passion, dedication, and belief in the great idea.

Also, keeping your employees satisfied by doing whatever makes them happy is another lesson you can take from this movie - but set some boundaries, otherwise, you may dig yourself a hole.

IMDB Rating : 8.2/10 from 1,137,086 votes

6) The Big Short

Name of the movie : The Big Short

Description of the movie : What happens when one man finds out about the housing market crash before it even occurs? He wouldn’t dare to use that for personal profit... or would he?

If you like dramatic business movies, this one is a must-watch . This Oscar winner is about the story of the 2007 financial crisis in a way you wouldn’t expect.

As an entrepreneur, you’ll have even more fun watching it - it’s every bit intriguing, and educational at the same time. As a future founder, that should be the part that will catch your eye the most.

Related topics : Everything you’ll hear in this movie is legit as it gets, especially the economic terms.

It would be like finding out what happens in Wall Street before you make any investment, and as a future investor and entrepreneur, you should be familiar with these things before spinning a dime in the stock market.

IMDB Rating : 7.8/10 from 347,373 votes

7) Pirates of Silicon Valley

Name of the movie : Pirates of Silicon Valley

Description of the movie : You’re probably reading this article from a Windows or Mac computer - that’s the size of the influence of Steve Jobs and Bill Gates.

This movie is about their work, their brilliant minds, the challenges they faced, and the betrayals they encountered in the business world.

It’s one of the best business movies to learn how to think like an innovator, but also how to protect your ideas from business sharks. Also, if you’re a tech geek, you’ll love this movie.

Released in : 1997

Related topics : Any founder-to-be can learn so much from this movie.

Starting from the enthusiastic young innovators and the sacrifices they made to achieve their goals, all the way to developing the mindset of a businessman and how sometimes things won’t go as planned.

Also, if you want to know how great minds are built from a young age, this is the movie for you.

IMDB Rating : 7.3/10 from 23,345 votes

8) The Corporation

Name of the movie : The Corporation

Description of the movie : The Corporation is not unlike any of the other business movies on this list.

It elaborates on a topic like no movie before – what would happen if corporations were people , do they know how to make the difference between the good and the bad?

For starters, it’s a documentary on corporate America. The movie shows the other side of the business world, the one that’s much darker and not at all fun to watch or live – but it’s here to stay.

Multiple big shots have a chance to tell their side of the story in front of the camera, and some of them might grow on you. But the question remains – are we living as full consumers, or have the big companies made us one?

Released in : 2003

Related topics : The corporate world is presented as a psychopathic character – selfish, ruthless, and run only by the desire to have more of everything – possessions, money, resources, power.

It’s an excellent entrepreneur movie to think about the influence of capitalism on today’s corporate values, but it’s also great to question your beliefs.

IMDB Rating : 8.1/10 from 20,211 votes.

9) American Hustle

Name of the movie : American Hustle

Description of the movie : Inspired by a true story in the late 70s, American Hustle is a crime story that will keep you attentive from start to finish.

A divergent movie that picks on multiple topics, the story is conveyed through vibrant humor, delivering a lesson worth its weight in gold.

American Hustle is about the consequences of past mistakes and the price any one of the movie’s characters needs to pay to rectify them.

Related topics : All things aside, American Hustle is a great movie that focuses on the importance of loyalty in business – even if it's an illegal one.

Of course, just like any other crime movie on the list, we don’t support this kind of behavior – but there’s a lot to learn about loyalty, staying true to yourself, and keeping your word.

IMDB Rating : 7.2/10 from 439,649 votes

Name of the movie : Casino

Description of the movie : What are you willing to do to achieve your goals - that’s the question that will pop in your head once you watch this movie.

Casino is an epic drama that follows the life of a gambler, working alongside the Mafia that manages a casino in Las Vegas. It’s a perfect representation of what greed, power, and money can do to a man.

It also shows how thin is the line between leading a decent life and letting all of the above consume you and put you on the road to perdition.

Released in : 1995

Related topics : Casino picks on a topic that’s always sensitive in the business world - should you do business with your best friends or not?

As it’s shown in the movie, that’s not always the smartest decision and things can go south pretty quickly.

IMDB Rating : 8.2/10 from 451,318 votes

11) Glengarry Glen Ross

Name of the movie : Glengarry Glen Ross

Description of the movie : Based on the award-winning play by the same name, Glengarry Glen Ross is one of the most-watched business movies.

It shows the life of four real estate agents and their problems while working under pressure for their new trainer.

All four of them are forced to use their knowledge and expertise to overcome the current events and keep their job intact, during a difficult sales period.

Released in : 1992

Related topics : Glengarry Glen Ross is a perfect example that expresses the “hard sale” mastery and how to work in a high-pressure environment.

This movie should be shown to anyone who would like to become a better seller, as it teaches real-life salesmen the right and wrong way to sell.

IMDB Rating : 7.7/10 from 93,652 votes

13) Boiler Room

Name of the movie : Boiler Room

Description of the movie : If you wish to know the answer to the popular question “How do you earn big money from nothing” , then this movie is the right one. Boiler Room is based on Stratton Oakmont , a stock trading company created by Jordan Belfort.

It shows the ambitions and decisions made by young future founders and their obsession to reach the top.

Released in : 2000

Related topics : Like many business movies, Boiler Room sends a warning to all people involved in the business of any kind.

You can easily be blinded by the lifestyle of the rich and famous, so stick to your moral code to avoid that. Aside from that, entrepreneurs can learn plenty of cold-calling tactics regarding sales.

IMDB Rating : 7.0/10 from 48,349 votes

14) The Pursuit of Happyness

Name of the movie : The Pursuit of Happyness

Description of the movie : The Pursuit of Happyness is a real story based on the life of a homeless salesman, Chris Gardner, and his son. Chris is offered an unpaid internship as a stockbroker, but his ambitions are bigger than that.

The movie shows how he manages to become a millionaire in only one year and the sacrifices he and his son make in the pursuit of a better life.

Released in : 2006

Related topics : The Pursuit of Happyness is more than just an inspiring movie to watch - it reveals common challenges ambitious people face and what it takes to rise above one’s situation.

IMDB Rating : 8.0/10 from 436,173 votes

15) Moneyball

Name of the movie : Moneyball

Description of the movie : Moneyball tells the story about Billy Beane and his innovative approach to attracting new players in Oakland Athletics, with the team’s low budget in mind.

Billy uses computer data analysis to acquire potential signings and manages to overcome his rivals from the MLB elite.

Released in : 2011

Related topics : Many startups face the same challenge as Billy did. It shows the scenario where every startup is facing obstacles in the open market while competing against established companies.

This is a great movie because it teaches you everything can be achieved through a mixture of risk-taking and creativity - but only if you know what you’re doing.

IMDB Rating : 7.6/10 from 353,071 votes.

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16) Jerry Maguire

Name of the movie : Jerry Maguire

Description of the movie : Sports agents have it hard going for them - they need to be pros at negotiating better deals for their clients, while also constantly searching for the next big thing.

Jerry Maguire gives a very insightful perspective on what it takes to be a sports agent, but with an added twist - what to do when you get fired from your agency and decide to start over, this time with more dignity and righteousness?

This is a great movie about business for anyone looking to get out of a rut. It's packed with advice that can help anyone in the business world.

Released in : 1996

Related topics : There’s more to life than just making money - it’s about building your life from scratch ! If you’re an entrepreneur who has found himself a bit trapped in the money world, without any nourishment for your soul, this movie will be an eye-opener.

IMDB Rating : 7.3/10 from 237,666 votes

17) Startup.com

Name of the movie : Startup.com

Description of the movie : Sometimes described as one of the most heart-wrenching movies for entrepreneurs, Startup.com tells the story of the rise and fall of one dot-com company.

Two high-school friends merge business ideas only to find out that building a company when the Internet was a new thing, wasn’t easy at all.

If you watch it carefully, Startup.com can turn out to be the lesson for every entrepreneur - think twice before going into business with someone you know, and don’t trust the crowd - trust your instincts.

Released in : 2001

Related topics : The one thing to take from Startup.com is the effect money, greed and power can have on relationships.

The movie goes into full detail on whether material ownership is all that matters in the end, even if you lose the one friend who stayed beside you all the time.

It’s an emotional roller-coaster that will make you think back on your business decisions, but also analyze your priorities as an entrepreneur.

IMDB Rating : 7.0/10 from 3,253 votes

18) The Aviator

Name of the movie : The Aviator

Description of the movie : Being a genius is by no means easy, and this movie portrays that as clearly as possible. The movie is based on the story of Howard Hughes, the American business magnate, pilot, and filmmaker who loved to take risks during his lifetime.

The Aviator tells the story of a businessman who has trouble finding meaning in life beyond money and business opportunities while struggling to keep his mental health in check.

This business movie is not just about making smart or risky business decisions - it’s about how our mental health can affect and in some cases even define our success, or even failure.

It's an excellent way to learn more about how to deal with it if you ever find yourself struggling with personal matters.

Released in : 2004

Related topics : As an entrepreneur, it’s important to recognize which business decisions are smart, and which ones are just foolish. In this movie, that’s presented in a way that will make you rethink your current decisions.

Some ideas, as crazy or undoable as they might seem at first, might turn out to be a jackpot - the only way to bring these to fruition is to have an unwavering belief in them.

IMDB Rating : 7.5/10 from 326,364 votes

Name of the movie : Joy

Description of the movie : It can’t be easy watching everyone around you becoming more and more successful – and some of them with your ideas?

That’s what happened to Joy, a divorced mother of two who was creative and capable enough to have a business of her own but somehow lacks the courage to actually get out and start it.

On her rise to success, she faces many obstacles – both business and personal, but she never gave up on her dream of becoming an inventor.

Related topics : It’s quite an inspirational story for every entrepreneur, but it’s particularly beneficial for women.

It shows how persistence and determination can help you make it despite a financial crisis crippling the market, and how personal struggles won’t stop you on your way to the top if you stand your ground and believe in your ideas 100%.

IMDB Rating : 6.6/10 from 125,258 votes

20) The Devil Wears Prada

Name of the movie : The Devil Wears Prada

Description of the movie : The Devil Wears Prada is the representation of the saying the means justify the ends.

How far would some people go to reach the stars is the main storyline, presented to you by the CEO of a top-rated magazine and a small-town girl who finds herself in the middle of an unforgiving, highly-competitive working environment.

This movie represents another way of leadership – cold-blooded, ruthless, and devoid of emotions. The effects of this leadership style are shown all the time on the screen - a not-so-healthy way to handle your employees.

Related topics : It’s definitely one of those business movies every founder-to-be should watch. Specifically, because it elaborates on topics such as the morality of choices in both professional and personal life.

The effects a job has on employees’ personal lives, and how stepping over everyone can be devastating, especially if you’re the CEO.

IMDB Rating : 6.9/10 from 361,426 votes

21) Becoming Warren Buffett

Name of the movie : Becoming Warren Buffett

Description of the movie : If you want to get a taste of the mind of one of the most brilliant businessmen ever, Becoming Warren Buffet is the right movie choice for you. He’s one of the wealthiest men on Earth, but at the same time, he kept his humble spirit.

How someone of his size, both intellectual and financial, hasn’t lost sight of reality and kept himself accountable, is a lesson you can learn while watching this movie.

The movie unravels the story of how the mindset of an innovator is built from a very young age. It’s truly one of the most inspiring stories to ever meet the big screen, one that will definitely challenge your beliefs and moral core.

Released in : 2017

Related topics : One of the most important lessons you can learn from this entrepreneur movie is what to do with yourself once the money stops being an issue – how to find life goals and objectives unrelated to making more money, but focus on becoming a better human being?

Buffet speaks a lot about his view and his philosophy on life, so make sure to catch something of that for you.

IMDB Rating : 7.6/10 from 3,180 votes

22) Billionaire Boys Club

Name of the movie : Billionaire Boys Club

Description of the movie : Led by their friend Joe Hunt, a group of wealthy young men in 1980s Los Angeles come up with a plan to get-rich-quick with a Ponzi scheme. The plan ends badly for all involved when Hunt and Jim Pittman end up murdering investor and con man Ron Levin.

Released in : 2018

Related topics : Billionaire Boys Club is not an exception about how bad a Ponzi scheme might end. Those get-rich-quick methods are never worth it, and you should not get involved in one of them.

IMDB Rating : 5.6/10 from 11,557 votes

23) Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

Name of the movie : Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

Description of the movie : Although the sequel of Wall Street didn’t get the raving reviews as the first movie, it still offers a valuable lesson about the business world.

Gekko, the main character, is once again at the center of the attention, but this time he tries to rebuild his company and fortune – alongside his future son-in-law. He uses some not-so-conventional and morally wrong methods to fight his rivals and enemies, and with his history, that may turn out to be a big mistake.

Related topics : How past bad business decisions can turn out to be problematic, even if you're a changed man – that’s the main thing you’ll learn from this movie.

But on the other side, another question arises - do people really change or adapt a certain shape the way it suits them or not? You’ll have time to think about these while watching the movie.

IMDB Rating : 6.2/10 from 96,806 votes

24) The Secret of My Success

Name of the movie : The Secret Of My Success

Description of the movie : If you like the taste of corporate America, this movie is like a fine piece of beef. It’s a comedy movie that sheds light on the business life leaders live.

The main storyline is about a character who wants to taste the big life in New York but will be faced with multiple obstacles along the way.

It’s relaxing but at the same time enjoyable and fun to watch, with a pinch of background stories from the ones who are at the top of a company.

Related topics : One thing to take from this movie? It’s basically about becoming successful without working hard – but working smart .

IMDB Rating : 6.5/10 from 28,860 votes

25) Margin Call

Name of the movie : Margin Call

Description of the movie : Margin Call is created in a way that shows the other side of the business world - the psychological one.

Specifically, this movie is about the early days of the 2008 financial crisis, but its focus is on the psychological consequences of the people involved in the crisis rather than the financial one.

The action takes place in a 24-hour period where things start to crumble in one finance company, and everyone is trying to make the best of it.

Related topics : Margin Call is excellent for entrepreneurs who are not interested in complex economic or financial terms, but rather the mindset. The writing is light and understandable for anyone.

Aside from that, this business movie is every bit great at showing the psychological drama brokers went through during the 2008 crisis.

As future businessmen, it’s important you acknowledge the stress a job can cause, and do some changes to prevent that from happening. Also, keep in mind that your decision can affect more people than just your employees.

IMDB Rating : 7.1/10 from 113,934 votes

26) Catch Me If You Can

Name of the movie : Catch Me If You Can

Description of the movie : Based on a true story, this movie represents the high-class conworld, brought to you by Frank Abegnail himself, one of the most popular con men in history. Of course, we don’t support any illegal activities to gain profit.

The reason we have this movie on our list is the skill set Frank has to achieve his goals – imagine if he was an honest man with that set of skills – charismatic, good with numbers and an eye for details, exceptional negotiation skills, and a personality that can blend anywhere. Those are skills any entrepreneur should aim to have.

Released in : 2002

Related topics : Every decision you make as a future entrepreneur will have consequences on you, your company, your employees – even your personal life.

That’s why it’s always better to think twice before making your final decision. That’s what Frank missed to do, and that ultimately, got him behind bars.

IMDB Rating : 8.1/10 from 796,971 votes

27) Flash of Genius

Name of the movie : Flash of Genius

Description of the movie : If you want to watch a movie where you can root for the good guy, Flash of Genius is an excellent choice. Inspired by the real-life story of Robert Kearns, a college professor who invents the windshield wiper.

However, he’s not aware of what the big-shot auto companies have prepared for him, and if he wants to stay on top of his game, he needs to build a thick skin and not let anyone step on him.

Released in : 2008

Related topics : There are two crucial things you can take from this movie: one is the mindset of the big sharks. The other one is the persistence of the honest man and the way he’ll defend himself.

No one should come and tell you that you don’t deserve something you’ve worked for – even if that someone is Ford.

IMDB Rating : 7.0/10 from 16,334 votes

28) Office Space

Name of the movie : Office Space

Description of the movie : Office Space is a great example of rebel employees who are not satisfied with their job or with their boss’ attitude, so they decide to take matters into their own hands.

The story, although said in a funny way, elaborates on important topics in the workplace. The most important one is leaders’ communication style and employees’ dedication to set things straight, even if that means using a less-ethical way to prove a point.

Released in : 1999

Related topics : If you want to get a glimpse of the mindset of an unhappy employee, this is a movie for you.

As entrepreneurs, keeping your workers happy should be one of the top priorities. Unless you want that to backfire to you like it’s the case in this business movie.

IMDB Rating : 7.7/10 from 237,261 votes

29) The Godfather Trilogy

Name of the movie : The Godfather Trilogy

Description of the movie : Considered as one of the best movies of all time, The Godfather trilogy is not just one-of-a-kind stories – it’s the epitome of the rise and fall of an entire empire.

Despite being a crime movie, The Godfather trilogy is the perfect example of versatile human behavior and the consequences of it on business. Everything in life is negotiation, one way or the other, and this movie does an impeccable job of showing that on-screen.

Besides being a masterpiece, this movie is an absolute must for everyone, but even more so if you’re on the verge to start your own business.

Released in : 1972, 1974 and 1990

Related topics : As one of the most famous movie quotes is “I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse” , you can learn a lot about negotiation from the movie, along with other things like staying true to yourself and keeping your business and personal reputation at the highest level.

IMDB Rating : 9.2/10, 9.0/10, 7.6/10.

30) Rogue Trader

Name of the movie : Rogue Trader

Description of the movie : Is there such a thing as too much ambition? For the stockbroker Nick Leeson, the main character in this movie, this was the harsh reality.

The story becomes even more demoralizing as Nick gains a precious career opportunity that unfortunately, he takes full advantage of and makes risky investments.

Rogue Trader is the ultimate movie that shows the devastating effect of bad business decisions on both the company and the person itself.

Related topics : No entrepreneur could become successful if there’s a lack of ambitions.

However, knowing when to stop is a good sign of a rational mindset. You can learn a lot on how to avoid making business decisions that will backfire at some point, which may even put you to prison.

IMDB Rating : 6.4/10 from 9,237 votes

31) Lord Of War

Name of the movie : Lord Of War

Description of the movie : Business and pleasure don’t mix – that’s unless you’re Yuri Orlov, a famous fictional arms dealer. You may find yourself rooting for him in the movie, even though he’s the bad guy. His rags-to-riches story may be one of the reasons for it, alongside with the human inability to fight the system. It’s an entertaining movie, despite telling a story that turns dark rather quickly.

Released in : 2005

Related topics : The movie puts on display the moral code a businessman has – or what’s left of them in the chase for more money and power.

Lord of War does a great job answering the ancient question – is your business in line with your ethical principles? Every business owner has found themselves in such a dilemma at one point or another and what’s important is to make the right choice – not only for yourself but also for your closest ones.

IMDB Rating : 7.6/10 from 289,449 votes

32) Something Ventured

Name of the movie : Something Ventured

Description of the movie : Something Ventured tells the story of investors from the mid-20th century. It’s a documentary that includes interviews with prominent American venture capitalists from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, most of which are the founders of companies like Apple, Intel, Cisco, etc.

The movie shows actual footage and conversations and uncovers the background stories, shedding a light on how some of these popular companies managed to scale and expand.

Related topics : In an hour and a half, you’ll see how a handful of men managed to create a stable foundation and build companies from scratch, companies that will soon rule the world of business and technology.

Also, the audience is not spared from the juicy details and the misunderstanding between investors – there were a lot of ups and downs, and you’ll get them all - firsthand!

IMDB Rating : 7.0/10 from 678 votes

33) Two for the Mone

Name of the movie : Two for the Money

Description of the movie : A former football player whose exceptional at sports-betting gets noticed by one smart man in the sports consulting industry and receives an offer that’s hard to decline.

However, once the money starts rolling in and the greed starts rising up, it’s a downward spiral all the way. ‍

Two For The Money is an enjoyable movie that shows the dark side of betting, but also the consequences of poor business decisions mixed with greed.

Related topics : Proficient communication skills are key for any founder-to-be and here Brandon’s smooth-talking skills can teach you a lot.

This movie does an excellent job of showing what personal follies can do for your business and makes you think of the good old saying: once the money starts pouring in, do we know when enough is enough?

IMDB Rating : 6.3/10 from 42,725 votes

34) Erin Brockovich

Name of the movie : Erin Brockovich

Description of the movie : Based on a true story, this movie is the epitome of encouragement and persistence – and we all lack that sometimes don’t we?

Erin Brockovich has no experience or knowledge to work in the law industry, but she has motivation like no one else – and three mouths to feed.

What will start off as a simple rags-to-riches story will turn out as a battle against one corporation that’s slowly destroying the lives of citizens of Hinkley, California.

Related topics : Watching this movie is like listening to a Rocky theme song while running – it will make you chant in front of the TV for Erin. Plus, as most of the entrepreneurs fight for the little guy, you’ll recognize the same drive in this movie too.

It’s always good to remind yourselves that seeing the big picture can be beneficial for everyone, and you may even help someone along the way.

IMDB Rating : 7.3/10 from 170,257 votes

35) Any Given Sunday

Name of the movie : Any Given Sunday

Description of the movie : Any Given Sunday it’s not just an average sports drama – it’s a two and a half hours long school on life.

The passion, enthusiasm, and desire to continue to fight even when the odds are against you is the main storyline of this movie.

More than that, Any Given Sunday is about proper team management when there are multiple different characters, personalities, and set of skills. It may not be a classic business movie, but the resemblance is uncanny.

Related topics : Money makes the world go round, whether we like that or not. But, more important than that, is to stay humble to your closest people - that’s the thing you’ll remember from this movie.

The best way to become a better leader is to become more empathetic and you’ll see a lot of those moments in this movie.

IMDB Rating : 6.9/10 from 110,488 votes

36) Donnie Brasco

Name of the movie : Donnie Brasco

Description of the movie : Donnie Brasco tells the true story of an FBI agent, Joe Pistone who infiltrates the local mob after being taken under the wing of Lefty Ruggiero.

They become extremely close as the lines between Joe’s real and mob life get blurred. As the mob catches wind of a possible rat, Donnie’s time is almost up.

But he’s faced with the tough decision with dire consequences. His friend Lefty who trusted in him blindly might be killed off if he brings him in, and Donnie would be the one to put the final nail in his coffin.

Related topics : As with almost all mob movies, how to stay loyal is the most valuable lesson to be learned here.

Trusting someone blindly could be the downfall of a business so it’s always important to surround yourself with loyal and trustworthy people.

IMDB Rating : 7.7/10 from 271,468 votes

37) Goodfellas

Name of the movie : Goodfellas

Description of the movie : The Goodfellas is a movie about Henry Hill, a man who tells the story of how he had wanted to become a gangster since he was a child.

Together with Tommy, they are groomed by the local mob capo Paulie and his associate Jimmy Conway to become part of the Lucchese crime family.

The first rules Jimmy lays on Henry, loyalty and trust, are the ones he ends up breaking.

Released in : 1990

Related topics : Goodfellas talks about a very important quality all business associates or even employees should possess: loyalty.

It shows how important it is to have loyal and trustworthy people around you when building and expanding a business. As this movie shows, one wrong move and the whole business falls apart like a house of cards.

IMDB Rating : 8.7/10 from 989,705 votes

38) Invictus

Name of the movie : Invictus

Description of the movie : Having spent nearly 26 years in prison, Nelson Mandela is released in what would soon be the end of the apartheid in South Africa. After being elected president, he vows to unite the divided country for which he employs the help of Afrikaaner Francois Pienaar, the captain of the National Rugby team.

An inspiring movie based on the true story of Nelson Mandela, where we see the unification of an apartheid-torn nation through unconventional means: a win at the 1995 World Rugby Championship.

Released in : 2009

Related topics : Even though it’s a biographical sports drama and it might not be the most obvious choice for an entrepreneurship movie, there’s much to be learned from Invictus.

For instance, the unconventional approach that Mandela takes and his leadership style by example. Skills and luck are important for a business to prosper, but unity and dedication to the cause can get it to the very top.

IMDB Rating : 7.3/10 from 147,308 votes

39) Generation Startup

Name of the movie : Generation Startup

Description of the movie : Generation Startup follows the journey of 6 college students willing to put everything on the line in order to develop startups in Detroit.

This movie shows us the frontlines of entrepreneurship in America, presents us with all it takes to launch a startup, and the potential outcomes.

Related topics : There is a reason why this movie found its place on our list. Younger entrepreneurs can take valuable notes and see that planning a startup from scratch is an arduous task.

The actors are strongly determined to reach the top through hard work and creative ideas, encouraging the audience to do the same.

IMDB Rating : 6.5/10 from 84 votes

40) The Startup Kids

Name of the movie : The Startup Kids

Description of the movie : The Startup Kids is a documentary about young web entrepreneurs from around the world. The founders of Vimeo, Soundcloud, Dropbox, and more talk about what it takes to create a start-up, and the ugly side of the business world.

On the other hand, important people from the tech scene share their experience working with young entrepreneurs with brilliant, life-changing ideas.

Released in : 2012

Related topics : It should go without saying how helpful this documentary would be.

It’s filled with inspirational stories from young entrepreneurs who share the challenges they have had to face before becoming CEOs of successful startups.

IMDB Rating : 6.7/10 from 622 votes

41) The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard

Name of the movie : The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard

Description of the movie : The storyline goes like this: a failing car dealership and its employees help a used car liquidator Don and his team to sell over 200 cars for the 4th of July.

Through various marketing gimmicks and cheap tricks, Don tries to achieve the goal, however, his dishonest tactics prove fruitless. In the end, they do achieve the goal, but not before Don learns a valuable lesson about team play.

Related topics : The underlying theme of the movie is indeed the power of teamwork, a lesson even the main character needed to learn.

It’s not baseless when they say that teamwork makes the dream work because a good team can go a very long way. With a good and strong team around you, the sky’s the limit.

IMDB Rating : 5.8/10 from 20,513 votes

42) Limitless

Name of the movie : Limitless

Description of the movie : A movie that’s as much about science as it is about business, Limitless portrays the story of Edward Mora, a struggling writer who gets his hands on a brain-enhancing drug.

We see his exploits under the influence of the drug, both the good and the bad ones.

The movie is centered around our responsibility to be better people when we have the edge over our competition and others in need.

Related topics : What if we use 100% of our brains? This movie portrays the good and the bad side of this phenomenon. It’s a good movie choice to provoke people to think about what kind of person and businessman they would like to be.

IMDB Rating : 7.4/10 from 518,181 votes

Name of the movie : August

Description of the movie : It’s not easy to run a business and have a fulfilling social life, but Tom seems to balance it pretty well.

That’s until things start to crumble, clients start to stall and the company starts to lose money. Once you’re down, the cost of getting up is much higher and this movie’s storyline covers that in detail.

Related topics : August is a fall from grace’ movie, a perfect example of how failed planning, a false sense of power, freedom, and money can do to a man. You might question your own beliefs as an entrepreneur once you see Tom’s somewhat immoral acts.

IMDB Rating : 5.3/10 from 4,008 votes

44) Coach Carter

Name of the movie : Coach Carter

Description of the movie : Don’t let the high-school storyline mislead you – there’s more to this movie than the regular, rebellious, 18-years-old youngsters.

This sports drama is the perfect example of what the right person, at the right time, with the right resources, can do of an almost failed college basketball team. The impeccable leadership skills coach Carter shows will discipline even the most rebellious team members.

Related topics : More important than success is building long-lasting relationships with people, whether those are current or potential employees, or even regular basketball players.

Doing the right thing is more important than conquering awards and this movie does an excellent job of reminding everyone about its value of it.

IMDB Rating : 7.3/10 from 123,262 votes

45) A Beautiful Mind

Name of the movie : A Beautiful Mind

Description of the movie : The storyline in A Beautiful Mind touches multiple pinpoints, it’s hard to pick just one.

An absolutely brilliant movie, with an even better story – a mathematical genius who accepts a job that will tear his life apart. It’s a bit different from the rest of the movies on our list, but it’s worth watching.

Related topics : A Beautiful Mind will show you a side of the mind of a genius, and you’ll get to see how his entire life revolves around it.

One poor decision and it can all go down the drain, even though in John’s case, it’s much more complex than that.

IMDB Rating : 8.2/10 from 825,509 votes

46) The Blind Side

Name of the movie : The Blind Side

Description of the movie : Another sports drama based on a true story. The Blind Side is a movie that shows the human side of successful people.

More often than not, rich people are seen as bad in society, but there are those who want to do good.

This is a story about a woman who takes a young man under her wing, and tries to make him not only a top student and baseball player out of him but a better human being.

Related topics : The Blind Side is a great reminder that no one succeeds alone in this world.

Everyone needs help from time to time, and even though many entrepreneurs think that they can do everything alone, asking for help doesn’t mean defeat or failure.

If you have the right people around you, success is the last thing you’ll achieve – becoming a better human being first, successful entrepreneur last.

IMDB Rating : 7.6/10 from 285,259 votes

47) Thank You for Smoking

Name of the movie : Thank You for Smoking

Description of the movie : Don’t let the title mislead you – this movie is not about smoking.

Well, not entirely. Nick Naylor, the main character and CEO of a tobacco company, has a challenge in front of him – how to make cigarettes more popular even though the health industry doesn’t recommend them, and raise a preteen son while doing so?

Thank You For Smoking has all the pinpoints of the challenges entrepreneurs face: personal beliefs, market demand, and family relationships – how to keep everyone happy and not lose a dime.

Related topics : Thank You For Smoking answers the ancient question every entrepreneur has at one point in life - how is my business in accordance with my personal beliefs? Do I still believe in the good side of my business or I’ve lost it somewhere along the way?

As entrepreneurs, you’re sometimes too busy or too deep into it, that you might lose sight of the bigger picture - this movie will help you visualize it.

IMDB Rating : 7.6/10 from 210,969 votes

48) Inside Job

‍ Name of the movie : Inside Job

Description of the movie : Inside Job is a comprehensive analysis of the 2008 global financial crisis.

The movie shows how the crisis cost about $20 trillion and caused millions of people to lose their jobs and homes in the worst recession since the Great Depression.

Related topics : Inside Job illustrates how important it is to learn about financial markets and the forces that drive them.

We can see that financial institutions are closely linked together, so if one falls, it could cause a snowball effect that would potentially affect the whole country and even have a worldwide impact. It is a must-watch for those interested in the finance and banking industry.

IMDB Rating : 8.2/10 from ‎75,958 votes.

49) Too Big to Fail

‍ Name of the movie : Too Big to Fail

Description of the movie : Too Big to Fail is another one of our favourites when it comes to knowing what happened in the 2008 financial crisis in the United States.

The movie explains how the Treasury Secretary and Federal Reserve Chairman at the time worked together to deal with the disaster that had happened.

Related topics : This film teaches us the importance of learning how to prepare for the worst.

As entrepreneurs, it’s important to stay alert and prepare for economic downturns. And given the uncertainties of the last couple of years, I think we can all learn some things from this fantastic film.

IMDB Rating : 7.3/10 from ‎17,680 votes.

50) War Dogs

‍ Name of the movie : War Dogs

Description of the movie : During the war in Iraq, a young man offers his childhood friend a chance to make big bucks by becoming an international arms dealer.

The two soon find themselves in over their heads after landing a $300 million deal to supply Afghan forces, a deal that puts them in business with some very shady people.

Related topics : War Dogs teaches us the importance of always doing your research, no matter how much you think you know about a particular industry.

In the movie, the two young men underbid their competitors millions making them lose quite a lot of money.

This happens because they fail to do their research and prepare adequately. In business, you have to know what your competitors are doing and the value of what you are offering in order to succeed. This is one of those great movies everyone should watch.

IMDB Rating : 7.1/10 from ‎220,591 votes.

What Business Movies Have You Watched?

So, how do you like our business movies list?

We tried to make it as comprehensive and complete as possible. Plus, we wanted to include something for everyone – from drama to crime movies all the way to regular business genres and Wall Street storylines.

It’s not easy to be a CEO – it’s even harder to be a skillful CEO!

That’s why you should aim to become better in any way possible, and watching business movies can be the easiest way to do it!

Prepare your popcorn and choose any movie you like from the list!

Please, let us know if we missed your favorite one – we’re always ready to update the list!

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15 of the best business & startup movies to watch on Netflix

Currently there are over 4,000 movies available on Netflix. Nevertheless, it can be hard to find some good business- and entrepreneurship-focused films within this massive catalogue.

Are you looking for some exciting business movies to inspire and entertain you? In this article we’re introducing you to 15 of the best business and startup movies that are currently available on Netflix. From biopics to fictionalized accounts of real events, these films offer a wide range of perspectives on what it takes to succeed in the world of business.

The Founder

An American biographical drama about Ray Kroc, the man who transformed McDonald’s from a small family-run hamburger chain into a global fast food empire. The film traces the early history of McDonald’s, starting with the story of the original founders, brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald, who developed a revolutionary fast food system in the 1950s. It then follows the involvement of Kroc, a traveling salesman who saw the potential in the McDonald’s system and convinced the brothers to allow him to franchise their restaurants. Kroc eventually took over the company and expanded it into a multi-billion dollar business, but at the cost of his relationship with the McDonald brothers and his own personal integrity.

The Social Network

This movie tells the story of the creation of Facebook and the legal battles that ensued after its co-founder Mark Zuckerberg was accused of stealing the idea from his former classmates. The film follows Zuckerberg (played by Jesse Eisenberg) as he creates Facebook in 2004 while studying at Harvard University. The movie also explores the legal disputes that arose between Zuckerberg and his former business partners and friends, Eduardo Saverin (played by Andrew Garfield) and the Winklevoss twins (played by Armie Hammer and Josh Pence). “The Social Network” received widespread critical acclaim and was a big commercial success. It was nominated for several awards, including eight Academy Awards, and won three, including Best Adapted Screenplay.

Fyre – The greates Party that never happened

A documentary film about the Fyre Festival, a failed music festival that was supposed to take place on the Bahamian island of Great Exuma in April and May 2017. The event was marketed as a luxury music festival with top-tier musical acts and luxurious accommodations, but it quickly turned into a disaster as attendees arrived to find a chaotic and poorly organized event with inadequate food, shelter, and other basic necessities. The film, released in 2019, explores the background and events leading up to the festival, as well as the aftermath and the legal consequences for the organizers. It features interviews with former employees, contractors, and attendees, as well as footage of the event itself and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the planning process.

An American biographical comedy-drama about Joy Mangano, a self-made millionaire who invented the Miracle Mop. The film follows Joy’s life from childhood to adulthood, as she struggles to overcome various challenges and setbacks to achieve success and build a business empire. The movie also stars Robert De Niro as Joy’s father, Edgar, and Bradley Cooper as Neil Walker, a struggling executive who helps Joy launch her business. “Joy” was inspired by the true story of Joy Mangano, who became a successful entrepreneur despite facing numerous obstacles and challenges. It was a commercial and critical success upon its release, and Jennifer Lawrence received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance as Joy.

The Great Hack

A documentary film about the Cambridge Analytica scandal, in which the political consulting firm harvested the personal data of millions of Facebook users without their knowledge or consent, and used it to influence political campaigns around the world. The documentary explores the impact of the scandal on politics, privacy, and the role of technology in society, and features interviews with key figures involved in the story, including former Cambridge Analytica employees, whistleblowers, and journalists. The film was directed by Karim Amer and Jehane Noujaim, and was released on Netflix in July 2019. It received generally positive reviews from critics and was nominated for several awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special.

The Pursuit of Happyness

An American biographical drama film starring Will Smith as Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who becomes homeless with his young son (played by Smith’s real-life son Jaden Smith) while trying to build a better life for himself. Based on a true story, the film follows Gardner’s journey as he tries to overcome numerous challenges and setbacks, including financial struggles, homelessness, and discrimination, while also trying to provide for his son and pursue his dream of becoming a stockbroker. Despite facing numerous obstacles, Gardner eventually achieves his goal and becomes a successful financial executive. “The Pursuit of Happyness” was a critical and commercial success upon its release and received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for Will Smith’s performance.

A biographical drama movie which is featuring Ashton Kutcher as Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc., and chronicles the early years of his career, from his days as a college dropout to the launch of the Macintosh computer in 1984. The film follows Jobs as he co-founders Apple with Steve Wozniak (played by Josh Gad) and becomes involved in the personal computer revolution of the 1970s and 1980s. It also explores his relationships with key figures in his life, including his business partner, his family, and his colleagues at Apple. “Jobs” received mixed reviews upon its release and was a commercial disappointment. However, Ashton Kutcher’s performance as Steve Jobs received some praise from critics.

The Big Short

A biographical comedy-drama movie based on the 2010 book “The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine” by Michael Lewis and tells the story of a group of investors who profited from the housing market crash of the late 2000s by betting against the mortgage market. The film stars Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt as the main characters. “The Big Short” was a critical and commercial success upon its release and received numerous accolades, including five Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Christian Bale’s performance. It was praised for its portrayal of the events leading up to the housing market crash and its explanation of complex financial concepts in a way that was accessible to a wide audience.

A comedy-drama movie starring Robert De Niro as Ben Whittaker, a 70-year-old widower who becomes an intern at a successful e-commerce company run by Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway). The film follows Ben as he adjusts to his new role as an intern and becomes friends with his younger colleagues, including Jules. Along the way, he offers guidance and support to Jules, who is struggling to balance the demands of her career and her personal life, and helps her realize the importance of work-life balance. “The Intern” was well-received by critics and was a commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its charming performances and its heartwarming portrayal of the relationship between Ben and Jules.

The Wolf of Wall Street

A biographical crime/comedy film based on the memoir of Jordan Belfort. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Belfort, a New York stockbroker who becomes involved in corrupt and fraudulent activities in the 1990s. The film follows Belfort’s rise to success as a stock broker and his subsequent fall from grace, as he becomes involved in securities fraud and money laundering. It also explores his relationships with his colleagues, his family, and the authorities, and depicts the excesses and excesses of the Wall Street culture of the time. “The Wolf of Wall Street” was a critical and commercial success upon its release and received numerous accolades, including five Academy Award nominations. It was praised for its performances, especially DiCaprio’s portrayal of Belfort, and its depiction of the corrupt and decadent world of Wall Street.

Boiler Room

A business/drama movie about a young man named Seth Davis who becomes involved in a questionable, high-pressure stock brokerage firm called J.T. Marlin, which recruits college students to sell overpriced stocks to unsuspecting investors. As Seth becomes more involved in the firm and its sketchy business practices, he begins to question the ethics of his actions and the consequences of his involvement. The film also explores Seth’s relationships with his colleagues, his family, and his girlfriend, and the impact that the firm has on their lives. “Boiler Room” received generally positive reviews upon its release and was a commercial success. It was praised for its performances and its depiction of the cutthroat world of high-pressure sales.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

An adventure comedy-drama directed by Ben Stiller and starring Stiller as the titular character, Walter Mitty. The movie is based on the 1939 short story of the same name by James Thurber and tells the story of Mitty, a daydreaming magazine employee who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and adventure after his job and his personal life are threatened. The film follows Mitty as he travels to various locations around the world, including Greenland, Iceland, and Afghanistan, in search of a missing negative for a photograph that he believes will be the cover of the final print issue of Life magazine. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters and challenges, and learns to embrace his true potential and live in the present.

Startup.com

A documentary film about the rise and fall of the internet startup company govWorks.com. The film follows the experiences of co-founders Kaleil Isaza Tuzman and Tom Herman as they try to build and scale their company, which aimed to provide an online platform for government services, during the dot-com boom of the late 1990s. “Startup.com” chronicles the challenges and setbacks faced by the founders, including financial and management issues, as well as the impact of the dot-com bubble burst on their company. It also explores the personal and professional relationships between Tuzman and Herman and the effect that the demands of running a startup had on their friendship. The film is considered a classic of the dot-com era and a cautionary tale about the risks and challenges of starting a business.

A techno-thriller based on Eggers’ 2013 novel of the same name. The film stars Emma Watson as Mae Holland, a young woman who lands a job at a powerful and influential technology company called The Circle. The film follows Mae as she becomes more and more involved in the company and its products, including a new social media platform that allows users to share all aspects of their lives online. As Mae’s involvement with The Circle deepens, she begins to question the ethics and consequences of the company’s actions and the impact that its products have on society. “The Circle” received mixed reviews upon its release and was a commercial disappointment. However, it was praised for its performances, especially Watson’s portrayal of Mae, and its exploration of themes related to privacy, surveillance, and the role of technology in society.

A crime comedy film directed by Chris Addison and starring Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson as two con artists who team up to take down a tech mogul. The movie follows the two characters as they try to pull off a series of elaborate scams and schemes in order to get revenge on the wealthy businessman who wronged them. The film also features a supporting cast that includes Alex Sharp, Ingrid Oliver, and Dean Norris. “The Hustle” was released in theaters in February 2020 and received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise for the performances of Hathaway and Wilson and the film’s entertaining and amusing plot.

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10 new business & startup movies to watch on Apple TV+

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The 45+ Best Documentaries About Business, Ranked

The world of business can be a fascinating and complex arena, full of stories that range from the inspiring to the cautionary. For those intrigued by the intricacies of commerce and industry, the best documentaries about business reveal the different aspects of this subject. These documentaries not only shed light on the world of entrepreneurship and innovation but also explore broader socioeconomic factors that drive human progress and shape our global society.

The best documentaries about business delve into various aspects of commerce, from inspiring tales of entrepreneurs to stories of corporate machinations. The featured films provide insights into the lives of influential entrepreneurs, the inner workings of powerful corporations, and key moments that have shaped modern economies. They also delve into corporate ethics and responsibility, strategic decision-making, and the balance of power between employers and employees.

One of the best documentaries about business is American Factory, which documents the challenges faced by both American and Chinese workers in a revitalized Ohio factory under new Chinese ownership. Another riveting example is Inside Job, a compelling exposé of the 2008 financial crisis and its far-reaching consequences. Something Ventured offers an engaging look at the birth of venture capitalism and the pioneers who transformed the world of startups and technology. These captivating documentaries represent just a few examples of the rich array of films exploring the varied aspects of the business world.

The best business documentaries offer viewers a unique and nuanced perspective on the world of commerce and industry. They dig deep into the motivations, strategies, and successes of individuals and enterprises, while also addressing broader concerns of societal impact and ethical responsibility. These insightful documentaries provide valuable lessons for anyone interested in understanding the driving forces behind the global economy and the stories of those who have shaped it for better or worse.

Oscar-winning director Charles Ferguson presents an incisive analysis of the 2008 global financial crisis in his riveting documentary Inside Job . Narrated by Matt Damon, this powerful film delves into the intricate web of corruption, greed, and negligence that brought about one of the most devastating economic crashes in modern history. Featuring interviews with prominent economists, politicians, and journalists – alongside whistle-blowers who reveal unsettling truths about Wall Street's inner workings – Inside Job meticulously dissects how deregulation, conflicts of interest, and corporate malfeasance culminated in a disaster that left millions jobless and homeless worldwide.

Released : 2010
Directed by : Charles Ferguson

Delving deep into America's industrialized food system, Robert Kenner's eye-opening documentary Food, Inc. explores how large corporations dominate every aspect of food production – often at great cost to human health and environmental sustainability. Featuring interviews with experts like Michael Pollan and Eric Schlosser alongside heart-wrenching stories from farmers battling corporate giants, this hard-hitting film unearths startling truths about what we eat – from genetically engineered crops to hormone-infused livestock – while shedding light on systemic issues surrounding animal welfare and consumer rights. Food, Inc. is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the intimate connection between our food choices and the global consequences that ensue.

Released : 2008
Directed by : Robert Kenner

Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room

Chronicling one of the most infamous corporate scandals in history, Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room offers an enthralling account of greed, deceit, and corruption at its finest. Directed by Alex Gibney and based on Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind's best-selling book, this engrossing documentary showcases how Enron's top executives meticulously orchestrated one of the largest financial frauds ever witnessed. Through revealing interviews with key players and gripping archival footage, Gibney masterfully exposes Enron's meteoric rise to power and its catastrophic downfall that sent shockwaves through Wall Street.

Released : 2005
Directed by : Alex Gibney

Freakonomics

Adapted from Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner's best-selling book of the same name, Freakonomics brings together six renowned directors to create an enthralling anthology-style documentary exploring human behavior through surprising economic theories. From debunking conventional wisdom about cheating to investigating social phenomena like sumo wrestling scandals and corruption in education systems, this eclectic film offers a fascinating glimpse into rarely explored topics using innovative storytelling techniques that will pique viewers' curiosity.

Directed by : Morgan Spurlock, Eugene Jarecki, Alex Gibney, Rachel Grady, Heidi Ewing

American Factory

Set in the heart of America's Rust Belt, American Factory unravels the captivating story of a Chinese billionaire who opens a new factory in an abandoned General Motors plant. The documentary offers a riveting glimpse into the complex dynamics between global businesses and their workers, as well as the cultural clashes that arise from these partnerships. As tensions escalate between high-tech China and blue-collar America, this eye-opening film delves into critical themes like workers' rights, automation, globalization, and the future of manufacturing. Directed by Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert, American Factory has garnered widespread acclaim for its insightful examination of crucial socio-economic issues.

Released : 2019
Directed by : Steven Bognar, Julia Reichert

Exit Through the Gift Shop

In this enigmatic documentary from acclaimed street artist Banksy, Exit Through the Gift Shop blurs the lines between reality and fiction as it follows French shopkeeper Thierry Guetta on his quixotic quest to document graffiti artists' hidden world. As Guetta becomes increasingly obsessed with capturing elusive legend Banksy on film, he inadvertently morphs into an art sensation himself under the pseudonym Mr. Brainwash. This engaging story – part documentary, part satire – offers a thought-provoking commentary on hype culture within contemporary art while providing viewers with rare glimpses into some of the most secretive street artists' lives.

Directed by : Banksy

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15 Netflix Documentaries Every Aspiring Entrepreneur Should Watch

These films will teach you how to turn your vision into the next big thing..

Here's a quick and fun way to enrich your business knowledge: streaming documentaries on Netflix.

The online movie and TV service has a vast cache of business and tech documentaries that anyone with a subscription can watch instantly. The topics range from profiles of great innovators like Steve Jobs and Henry Ford to the psychology behind human behavior.

Each of these 15 documentaries offers an entertaining storyline, as well as valuable insights into business success.

1. How lifelong dedication and obsession with quality can pay off.

The 2011 documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi profiles Jiro Ono, a Japanese sushi chef and restaurant owner who is widely revered for his skill and $300-a-plate dinners. It follows the now 90-year-old master as he works with vendors to secure the finest ingredients, manages and mentors his staff, and prepares his son to succeed him when he retires. The movie brings viewers inside the dedication, obsession, and decades of hard work it takes to achieve perfection.

2. The best tricks to transform your life.

TED Talks: Life Hacks is a collection of 10 popular TED lectures that offer tips and insights for success in life and business. You'll learn body-language secrets from Harvard psychologist Amy Cuddy, research-backed productivity tricks from positive-psychology expert Shawn Achor, and more.

3. How to adapt constantly to stay relevant.

Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work takes viewers deep inside the business of the late Joan Rivers. After following the comedian for a year, filmmakers reveal the highs and lows of Rivers' decades-long quest to stay relevant. What does it take to get to the top and stay there? From meticulous organization systems to her willingness to take any job to make sure her staff got paid, the movie shows the fierce determination necessary for success.

4. Behind the scenes of the business world's biggest scandal.

The 2005 documentary Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room is a cautionary tale. It's a deep dive into the fall of Enron, the energy company that was at one point valued at $70 billion but filed for bankruptcy in 2001. It's become one of the most well-known cases of financial corruption and accounting fraud, and this film explores the psychology behind and fallout of the collapse of an empire.

5. How a farm boy rose to become one of the greatest innovators of the 20th century.

From PBS's documentary miniseries on American history, American Experience: Henry Ford chronicles the life of the famous automobile maker. It follows Ford from boyhood to mogul and reveals how he forever changed the way we work and manage businesses.

6. How economics explain what motivates people.

Why do people do the things they do? Freakonomics , a 2010 film based on the book by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner , explores the scientific and economic concepts behind human behavior. It will open your eyes to what motivates your customers, employees, and coworkers.

7. Why showmanship and great marketing are just as important as the products you sell.

Steve Jobs was one of the most revered entrepreneurs and designers of our time. In the PBS documentary Steve Jobs: One Last Thing , the filmmakers trace Jobs' inspiring career and lasting legacy in technology and retail, as well as his legendary product presentations.

8. How early venture capitalists helped build American tech giants.

Something Ventured portrays some of the most successful and prolific venture capitalists, who, through genius or luck, made big early-stage bets on tech companies like Apple, Google, Atari, and Intel. For a crash course in venture capital or a modern-business history lesson, this 2011 documentary shows how entrepreneurs partnered with investors to build some of the greatest American companies.

9. How a personal-care line became an accidental success.

The face on Burt's Bees products belongs to the late Burt Shavitz, a beekeeper who never anticipated that he'd found a billion-dollar international brand. Burt's Buzz tells the story of Shavitz's career, starting from his days as a young New York City photojournalist. Viewers also learn about Shavitz's complicated relationship with co-founder Roxanne Quimby, who eventually bought out Shavitz and sold the business to the Clorox company.

10. How to turn your vision into the next big thing.

The original Netflix documentary Print the Legend takes viewers inside the budding 3-D printing industry. It follows young companies like MakerBot and Formlabs as they race to be the next big consumer tech giants, printing everything from footwear to human organs to handguns.

11. How big business affects everyday Americans.

When Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price debuted in 2005, it highlighted many of the company's negative business practices, like underpaying its workers. Since then, Wal-Mart has made a number of changes, including raising wages for workers and stocking some organic foods . It's a compelling -- albeit controversial -- look at the effects of big business in America.

12. How to turn your passion into a profession.

Somm follows a group of four men preparing for the master sommelier exam, a test with one of the lowest pass rates in the world. Their obsession with getting ready for the exam consumes them, as well as the people closest to them. The film will inspire you to pursue your own ambitions, however lofty they may seem.

13. What it looks like behind the scenes of the food industry.

A word to the wise: Don't plan on snacking while you watch Food, Inc. -- you might feel sick. The 2008 film is based on the premise that virtually everything we eat comes from corporations that value their own profit over consumer and environmental health. It raises questions about what companies should do when their financial interests conflict with their customers' well-being.

14. How one company revolutionized the music industry.

Napster and its creators are the stars in Downloaded , a 2013 film about the rise of file sharing on the internet. Viewers learn how the company developed, about the impact it made on the music industry, and how it was eventually acquired by Rhapsody. Most important, we hear the narrative from multiple perspectives --Napster's founders as well as musical artists and legal experts.

15. Pulling back the curtain on one of the world's greatest fashion brands.

Produced by James Franco's company Rabbit Bandini, The Director goes behind the scenes of world-renowned fashion house Gucci. It follows the career of Frida Giannini, the Italian fashion designer and Gucci's creative director. Viewers see how a collection goes from concept to runway to closets, and can learn a lot about building a venerable brand.

This story first appeared on Business Insider .

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Other Biz Bios Every Guy Should See

We’re not sure whether the new “Jobs” movie that comes out this weekend will be any good or not, but if it happens to be a bomb, it won’t be for lack of a story. The eccentricities and talents of Steve Jobs have been discussed ad nauseum. That said, the story of the Apple king is far from the first interesting business story ever put on film. If you want to check out some business biographies that are seriously fascinating, here are some perfect starters.

Shadow Billionaire

For what seems like a very ho-hum business, DHL sure had an interesting founder. “Shadow Billionaire” tells the story of Larry Hillblom and it picks up right after he vanished over the Pacific. What follows is a story of a secrecy, scandal, and lots and lots of sex. Amazon Instant iTunes Netflix

Candyman: The David Klein Story

Unfortunately, not every rags to riches story ends in riches. “Candyman: The David Klein Story” has the makings of a warm and fuzzy movie about the man who invented the Jelly Belly jelly bean, and while David Klein did do that, his story doesn’t end up the way he dreamed it would. In fact, it ruined his life. Amazon Instant iTunes Netflix

Tucker: The Man and His Dream

If you believe Preston Tucker, this is a classic David versus Goliath story. The little man challenges the big auto manufacturers of his day with what he believes is the car of the future. (Think Homer Simpson and his creation “The Homer” . . . kind of.) Amazon Instant iTunes

“Salesman” was as relevant to the actual door-to-door salesmen of days gone by as it is now for anyone in a sales department. The capitilist theme that runs throughout the film and the pressure of closing a deal didn’t die with the profession and the movie is somewhat haunting in that regard. Amazon Instant

Rogue Trader

If you don’t know the story behind the collapse of Barings Bank, “Rogue Trader” is worth a watch. The film stars Ewan McGregor who plays Nick Leeson, a former broker. It details Leeson’s secret dealings that basically bankrupted Barings. Amazon Instant Netflix

How To Make A Book With Steidl

Not every job requires a suit and tie and in “How To Make A Book With Steidl” you get taken out of the standard office. The German documentary chronicles the life of famed printer and publisher, Gerhard Steidl. What seems like a fairly boring business gets a shot of life from the man’s passion for his work. Amazon Instant Netflix

The Social Network

We’re going to go ahead and assume you’ve at least heard about “The Social Network.” Just because it’s mainstream doesn’t mean it’s any less brilliant. With amazing music, a great performance by Jesse Eisenberg, and heavyweights like Sorkin and Fincher behind it, if you haven’t seen it yet, seriously do so. Amazon Instant iTunes

This Indian film from 2007 is really a sprawling epic of a business movie. It’s based on the life of Dhirubhai Ambani the founder of Reliance Industries and his insatiable desire for success at all costs. Amazon Instant

A Man’s Story

Why wouldn’t you want to watch a documentary about the person some have called, “The coolest man on earth”? “A Man’s Story” is a detailed look into the personal life and business of fashion designer, Ozwald Boateng. In it, you’ll find the same personality and charisma that has driven other entrepreneurs to fame only on perhaps a whole new level. Amazon Instant iTunes Netflix

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The 50 Best Biography Movies of All Time

Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci in Goodfellas (1990)

1. Goodfellas

Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Peter O'Toole, José Ferrer, and Jack Hawkins in Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

2. Lawrence of Arabia

3. Schindler's List

4. Raging Bull

6. The Wolf of Wall Street

7. The Pianist

Russell Crowe in A Beautiful Mind (2001)

8. A Beautiful Mind

Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck in The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)

9. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

Rooney Mara and Dev Patel in Lion (2016)

12. The Aviator

Patricia Arquette, Johnny Depp, Bill Murray, Jeffrey Jones, Sarah Jessica Parker, Martin Landau, Lisa Marie, and George 'The Animal' Steele in Ed Wood (1994)

13. Ed Wood

John David Washington in BlacKkKlansman (2018)

14. BlacKkKlansman

15. The Elephant Man

16. A Hidden Life

Al Pacino and John Cazale in Dog Day Afternoon (1975)

17. Dog Day Afternoon

Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway in Bonnie and Clyde (1967)

18. Bonnie and Clyde

19. Downfall

20. Memories of Murder

Michael B. Jordan in Fruitvale Station (2013)

21. Fruitvale Station

22. Into the Wild

23. The King's Speech

Paul Newman, Robert Redford, and Katharine Ross in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)

24. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

François Cluzet and Omar Sy in The Intouchables (2011)

25. The Intouchables

More to explore, recently viewed.

ronald reagan pointing as he stands at a podium with a california flag behind him

How Ronald Reagan’s “A Time for Choosing” Speech Launched His Political Career

Reagan was primarily known as an actor until 1964 when a televised address for presidential candidate Barry Goldwater changed his life.

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Ronald Reagan is now considered one of the best public speakers in U.S. political history. Holding an impressive distinction as the “Great Communicator,” he delivered a number of pivotal speeches in office—most notably his 1987 address telling Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev to “tear down” the Berlin Wall.

Reagan’s comfort behind a microphone became one of the defining aspects of his presidency, which is examined in the new biopic Reagan in theaters Friday. Starring Dennis Quaid in the titular role and Penelope Ann Miller as his wife, Nancy Reagan , the movie spans Reagan’s life from his childhood in Illinois to his ascension to the White House and his eventual diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease.

However, there was a time very few knew of Reagan’s oratory ability or potential within the Republican party. In the early 1960s, he was a political nobody just starting his transition out of Hollywood. That is, until one important address in October 1964 informed Americans of “A Time for Choosing” and changed everything.

Reagan’s movie career had fizzled out by the 1960s

Long before he was U.S president or even governor of California, most Americans knew Reagan from the big screen during his decades-long film career. Starting in 1937, Reagan appeared in more than 50 movies—highlighted by his early performances as George Gipp in the 1940 sports drama Knute Rockne, All American and amputee Drake McHugh in 1942’s Kings Row . Later nominated for the American Film Institute’s list of the greatest movie stars , Reagan was known as an onscreen charmer who had what The Dissolve editor Scott Tobias called “bland, uncomplicated affability.”

ronald reagan pulling money out of a safe in a movie still on a poster card

But his roles eventually dwindled. Reagan appeared in only two feature-length films from 1957 through 1963, and his last movie, The Killers , became memorable for unfavorable reasons. Reagan played gangster Jack Browning in the 1964 crime drama based on the short story of the same name by Ernest Hemingway . The movie was controversial from the outset; it was originally supposed to air on NBC, but the network felt its subject matter was too violent. Instead, Universal Pictures released the movie theatrically on July 7 of that year.

In one particularly infamous scene, Browning slaps character Sheila Farr, played by Angie Dickinson , hard across the face in a stark contrast from Reagan’s good guy persona. According to Tobias , Reagan reportedly hated his lone villainous role and regretted joining the project.

With his professional life ripe for transition, Reagan had already begun to explore other career opportunities.

He became increasingly involved in politics

According to the Reagan Presidential Library , Reagan had started a side career as a public speaker by this time. He regularly delivered speeches to Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs, Chambers of Commerce, and many other civic groups.

At the same time, Reagan became much more outspoken politically. A longtime Democrat, he felt the party had become too liberal on economic issues. He campaigned for Republican presidential nominee Richard Nixon in 1960 before officially switching parties two years later.

“My views haven’t changed an awful lot since I was a Democrat,” Reagan said in 1966. “I believed then that anything—whether it came from labor, management, or government—that anything imposed unfairly on the individual, the freedom of the individual, was tyranny and should be opposed.”

Seeing an opportunity to help struggling presidential nominee Barry Goldwater who was facing Democratic incumbent Lyndon Johnson in the 1964 election, California Republicans asked Reagan to use his speaking ability to assist Goldwater with a televised speech. He accepted with one stipulation: that he give the address in front of a live audience, as he had grown accustomed to doing.

Reagan worried he “let down” Goldwater with his speech

Reagan spent weeks tweaking and practicing the speech. It was scheduled to air on October 17, 1964, from an NBC studio as part of a pre-taped TV program called Rendezvous with Destiny .

Employing elements of the speech in prior speaking engagements, Reagan was confident listeners would be receptive. However, Goldwater wasn’t as sure and even called Reagan days before the air date. “He sounded uneasy and a little uncomfortable,” Reagan later wrote in his 1990 autobiography An American Life , explaining that Goldwater proposed airing a pre-recorded talk he had with former President Dwight D. Eisenhower instead. “I’d seen the film showing Barry’s meeting with Eisenhower at Gettysburg and didn’t think it was all that impressive.” Despite Goldwater’s hesitance, they stuck with the original plan.

Known as “A Time for Choosing,” Reagan’s speech avoided the most inflammatory rhetoric and policy ideas Goldwater previously touted. The far-right-leaning candidate had advocated for the use of tactical nuclear weapons during the Vietnam War and argued Social Security should become voluntary. Instead, Reagan took a more straightforward tone as he criticized big government and pitched a better future to Republican voters.

“We will keep in mind and remember that Barry Goldwater has faith in us. He has faith that you and I have the ability and the dignity and the right to make our own decisions and determine our own destiny,” Reagan concluded .

According to National Review , the Reagans watched the speech at the home of friends. Despite their positive reaction, Ronald was in no mood for celebrating as he went to bed later that night. “I was hoping I hadn’t let Barry down,” he later wrote in his autobiography.

In reality, the speech launched Reagan’s political career

ronald reagan smiling and holding his hands in the air as he stands behind a podium speaking

According to The Washington Post , the speech quickly raised more than $1 million for Goldwater’s campaign, then a “staggering” sum equivalent to more than $10 million today. Unfortunately, it did nothing to help him at the ballot box. Goldwater carried only six states and lost to LBJ in one of the biggest electoral college landslides ever.

Reagan, meanwhile, became an overnight political sensation. Journalist David Broder lauded the address as “the most successful political debut since William Jennings Bryan” and his 1896 “Cross of Gold” speech at the Democratic Convention.

For Republicans—who, according to former journalist and biographer Louis Cannon, had a dismal performance in the election beyond Goldwater’s rout—Reagan’s emergence was a chance for the party to start over. “We are now in 1965, and there aren’t any Republican leaders left in office,” Cannon said during a 2014 panel discussion . “If there had been a lot of Republicans in office still, I don’t know that everybody would have turned to Reagan. But they did.”

Within months of the speech, Reagan performed an exploratory speaking tour throughout California while eyeing a possible gubernatorial campaign. In 1966, he ran and easily defeated Democratic incumbent Pat Brown, whose crude comparison of Reagan to assassin John Wilkes Booth (both actors) during the campaign greatly backfired.

Reagan held the office until January 1975, which put him on a path to the presidency with his 1980 victory over incumbent Jimmy Carter . However, none of that might have happened without the successful appeal of “A Time for Choosing.”

“I didn’t know it then, but that speech was one of the most important milestones of my life,” Reagan later wrote .

See Reagan in Theaters August 30

Dennis Quaid—who has now played a U.S. president three times, including Bill Clinton in the made-for-TV movie The Special Relationship and the fictional Joseph Staton in the 2006 satire American Dreamz —said he was initially hesitant to portray Reagan because the role took him out of his comfort zone.

“I had a tinge of fear grow up my spine,” the 70-year-old actor told The Hollywood Reporter . “Fear is really very valuable. But I didn’t say yes right away because I wanted to make sure I could feel him as a person instead of doing an impersonation. I went to the Reagan ranch and I could feel him up there. It was really quite something.”

See how well Quaid emulates the former president’s oratory skills when Reagan reaches theaters on Friday. The movie also stars Penelope Ann Miller, Nick Searcy, and Jon Voight .

Get Tickets

Tyler Piccotti first joined the Biography.com staff as an Associate News Editor in February 2023, and before that worked almost eight years as a newspaper reporter and copy editor. He is a graduate of Syracuse University. When he's not writing and researching his next story, you can find him at the nearest amusement park, catching the latest movie, or cheering on his favorite sports teams.

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9 Most Valuable VHS Tapes You Should Have Treated Better

These rare VCR tapes worth money prove that you should always be kind and rewind.

Megan's contributed both writing and research to a myriad of associations including academic publications, cultural institutions, non-fiction works, and experimental collaborative projects.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

LazerDisc and Betamax might have won a few battles, but VHS won the war over the home video market. If you remembered to be kind and rewind, your old VCR tapes might be worth some serious money. From 1980s classics to Disney phenoms, these are the most valuable VHS tapes to hit the auction block.

9 Most Expensive VHS Tapes Worth Money

It’s hard to believe that vintage VHS tapes are worth anything, let alone thousands of dollars when two decades ago I was violently rewinding mine with a half-chewed pencil dug into its grooves. While none of my grubby childhood VCR tapes (which I frequently opened the lids of and stuck my fingers to the slightly sticky Mylar) would draw an auction crowd, these wildly expensive VHS tapes totally did.

VHS Tape	Sales Price
	$75,000
	$50,000
	$37,777.77
	$37,500
	$32,500
	$32,500
	$27,500
	$23,750
	$17,500

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Back to the Future (1986) VHS Tape: $75,000

We’re taking things back to the past with this 1986 Back to the Future VHS tape. One of the earliest VHS tapes you can find, this copy with a double-stamped MCATM tape and wraparound MCA Home Video watermark came from Tom Wilson’s (the actor who played antagonist Biff Tannen) personal collection.

This behind-the-scenes connection catapulted the VHS movie into the auction stratosphere where it sold for $75,000 in 2022.

The Goonies (1986) VHS Tape: $50,000

VHS tapes from the 1980s are notoriously difficult to find because of how expensive the home video market was at the time. A near-mint 1986 VHS tape of The Goonies came up for sale in 2022, and performed as well as is expected for these rare tapes. One collector snatched it up for $50,000.

In the 1980s, Betamax and VHS tapes fought over winning the American home video market. While VHS won the battle, Beta tapes are rare commodities that do really well at auction. For example, a sealed Superman (1980) Beta tape recently sold for $40,000 .

Beauty and the Beast (1991) VHS Tape: $37,777.77

If you know anything about Disney, it’s that it’s a money-making machine. Unsurprisingly, they had huge success with the home video market, and their Black Diamond VHS tapes are frequently sought after by Disney collectors today.

One of the most expensive recent Disney VHS sales went for an eye-watering $37,777.77 on eBay. This Black Diamond copy of Beauty and the Beast was sealed — a rare feat for any ‘90s Disney tape.

Related: 10 Disney VHS Values That Might Surprise You

The Thing (1982) VHS Tape: $37,500

John Carpenter knew how to make a memorable villain, and it’s no surprise that his film The Thing is such a cult classic today. One 1982 VHS copy of The Thing is another prime example of these early, sealed VHS tapes performing well at auction. Boasting wraparound MCA watermarks (and featuring the rare ‘rainbow’ watermark), it sold for $37.500 in 2022.

Jaws (1983) VHS Tape: $32,500

Steven Spielberg’s Jaws is the film that invented the summer blockbuster. It’s no wonder that a mint condition sealed VHS tape of the movie would sell for an impressive $32,500 in 2022. Featuring the typical wraparound MCA watermarks and iconic cover art, this early VHS tape was almost guaranteed to draw quite an audience.

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983) VHS Tape: $32,500

Before Disney fans cornered the market on obsessively buying merch, Star Wars fans were picking up any and everything related to the famous franchise. Naturally, the final film in the original trilogy was released on VHS in 1983, and it’s exceedingly rare to find one at auction in the 2020s.

Yet, a drawer box 20 th Century Fox VHS copy of Return of the Jedi popped up on Heritage Auctions in 2023. This VHS is extremely rare — only two copies of this edition are known to exist — and drew quite the buzz, eventually going for $32,500 .

Related: 70s & 80s Gadgets That Made the Future Feel Just Within Reach

Rocky (1982) VHS Tape: $27,500

Though Sylvester Stallone’s Academy Award-winning film Rocky debuted in 1976, the franchise was still going strong into the 1980s. An early VHS tape of the original film would perform well at auction regardless, but this rare 20 th Century Fox Video drawer box edition was destined for five figures.

In 2023, the sealed Rocky VHS sold at auction for $27,500.

Ghostbusters (1985) VHS Tape: $23,750

Ghostbusters was a massive hit in the 1980s, with new films still being added to the franchise. An original VHS copy of Ghostbusters isn’t outrageously valuable in its own right. But just like with first edition books , first print copies can add some serious value.

Combined with the rare rear RCA Columbia Home Video watermarks, this near-mint VHS tape sold for an appropriate $23,750 at auction.

Top Gun (1987) VHS Tape: $17,500

Perhaps the most interesting VHS to grace this list is a 1987 Pepsi-promo copy of Top Gun . On the cover’s back is a front-and-center Diet Pepsi logo and the words “This cassette courtesy of” above it. The unique cover makes it particularly rare and valuable, with this sealed copy selling for $17,500 at auction.

Just Like Vinyl, VHS Is Back in Business

After perusing the most expensive VHS tapes on our list, you’re probably regretting the time you donated (or threw out) your childhood tapes. But, if you were enough of a sentimental packrat like us, then today might be your lucky day.

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The 25 Best Business Movies Entrepreneurs Should Watch

The best films about business

Boiler Room

The Billionaire

The Corporation

Pirates of Silicon Valley

The best films for entrepreneurs

Startup.com

The Aviator

The Social Network

The best movies about success

Jerry Maguire

Breaking Bad

The Pursuit of Happyness

The best movies about sales

Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year

Glengarry Glen Ross

The best movies about finance

Margin Call

Too Big to Fail

A Good Year

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20 Best Movies About Business and Entrepreneurs

1. Inside Job (2010)

2. Headhunters (2012)

3. The Kiosk (2021)

4. Margin Call (2011)

5. 99 Homes (2015)

6. Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story (2020)

7. Thank You for Smoking (2005)

8. Chef (2014)

9. Big Night (1996)

10. Tetris (2023)

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Curated by humans, not algorithms.

16 Top Business Movies Every Entrepreneur Must Watch

Top Business Movies and Their Lessons

1. Startup.com (2001)

Why It’s a Must-Watch

2. Dumb Money (2023)

3. Moola (2007)

4. House of Gucci (2021)

5. Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price (2005)

6. BlackBerry (2023)

7. Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

8. Air (2023)

9. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)

10. Tetris (2023)

11. Moneyball (2011)

12. The Startup Kids (2012)

13. Margin Call (2011)

14. Jobs (2013)

15. The Social Network (2010)

16. Too Big to Fail (2011)

Wrapping Up

How can I watch business movies?

Can watching movies make you a more successful businessperson?

About The Author

Nicole Malczan

20 Best Business Movies on Netflix Every Entrepreneur Should Watch

Avantika Bhardwaj , Akshat Hawelia

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What should we learn from the "Steve Jobs" movie?

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What should we learn from "The Social Dilemma" movie?

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What should we learn from the movie The Big Short?