“Show me the money!” If you recognize this iconic line from Jerry Maguire, you know that the best films about business or business movies for success can teach us much about business and entrepreneurship.
Whether it’s about building an empire from scratch or analyzing and understanding the stock market, movies about business success can be both inspirational and educational. So, if you’re looking to learn some business lessons or just hear a great story, these business-related movies have got you covered.
Introduction
Great business movies for success have a unique charm—they’re not just about deals and boardrooms but also about the human spirit, the highs and lows of entrepreneurial journeys, and the sheer will to succeed.
These business-related movies about success blend entertainment with valuable business lessons, showcasing the determination, innovation, and strategic thinking required to survive the business world.
From biographical dramas that delve into the lives of iconic entrepreneurs to fictional tales that highlight the challenges and triumphs of running a business, these business-related movies offer a window into the complexities of the business landscape. These films are one of the best sources providing inspiration and education.
In this blog, I’ve curated a list of the top 30 best business movies that every entrepreneur should watch. Each movie comes with a brief description and a key business lesson that can be gleaned from it.
So… can we start?
Before that, aren’t you curious about why watching good business movies for success can make a difference?
Now, let’s dive into our list of the top 30 business movies.
Now, let’s dive into our list of the top 30 business movies.
The Social Network
The story of Facebook’s rise is nothing short of phenomenal. Mark Zuckerberg navigates lawsuits, friendships, and the drive to build the biggest social network in the world.
Business lesson
Innovation can come from unexpected places, and resilience is key.
The Wolf of Wall Street
Jordan Belfort’s wild ride through the stock market’s highs and lows is both charismatic and cautionary.
Business lesson
Ethical practices are crucial for sustainable success.
Moneyball
Billy Beane uses data and analytics to revolutionize baseball team management on a limited budget.
Business lesson
Embrace innovation and challenge traditional methods.
The Big Short
A deep dive into the 2008 financial crisis, breaking down complex financial concepts.
Business lesson
Understanding market trends and being prepared for economic shifts is vital.
Jerry Maguire
A sports agent starts his own agency after a moral awakening, emphasizing integrity and loyalty.
Business lesson
Personal values should guide business decisions.
Glengarry Glen Ross
A raw look at the cutthroat world of real estate sales and the ethical dilemmas salesmen face.
Business lesson
High-pressure tactics can lead to ethical compromises.
Wall Street
Gordon Gekko’s ruthless ambition and moral ambiguity showcase the dark side of corporate success.
Business lesson
Greed can undermine long-term success.
The Founder
Ray Kroc transforms McDonald’s from a small restaurant into a global franchise.
Business lesson
Vision and perseverance can turn small ideas into global enterprises.
Steve Jobs
An intimate look at the life of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, highlighting his drive for perfection.
Business lesson
Relentless pursuit of innovation can lead to groundbreaking success.
The Pursuit of Happyness
Chris Gardner’s journey from homelessness to successful stockbroker is a testament to resilience.
Business lesson
Never give up, even in the face of extreme adversity.
Office Space
A comedic take on the drudgery of corporate life and the quest for personal fulfillment.
Business lesson
Employee satisfaction is crucial for productivity.
Boiler Room
A look into the dark side of stock brokerage firms and the consequences of unethical practices.
Business lesson
Ethical behavior should never be compromised for profit.
Startup.com
A documentary about the rise and fall of an internet startup, highlighting the volatility of the tech industry.
Business lesson
The tech industry can be unpredictable and requires adaptability.
The Devil Wears Prada
An assistant navigates the demanding world of high fashion, balancing career ambitions with personal values.
Business lesson
Finding a balance between career ambitions and personal values is essential.
Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room
A documentary detailing the rise and fall of Enron and the consequences of corporate fraud
Business lesson
Transparency and accountability are crucial in business.
The Intern
A senior intern brings wisdom and experience to a modern startup, highlighting the value of diverse perspectives.
Business lesson
Embrace diverse perspectives and learn from experienced mentors.
Margin Call
A gripping drama about a Wall Street firm’s last 24 hours before the 2008 financial crisis hit, highlighting the moral and financial dilemmas faced by the executives.
Business lesson
Crisis management and ethical decision-making are critical in business.
Joy
The inspiring story of Joy Mangano, a single mother who becomes a successful businesswoman by inventing the Miracle Mop.
Business lesson
Perseverance through adversity and innovative thinking are crucial for business success.
Catch Me If You Can
The true story of Frank Abagnale, who successfully performed cons worth millions of dollars before his 19th birthday.
Business lesson
Adaptability and quick thinking can be powerful tools in business.
The Aviator
The biopic of Howard Hughes, a successful aviation pioneer and film producer, showcases his ambition and struggle with mental illness.
Business lesson
Visionary thinking can drive innovation, but mental health is equally important.
The Secret of My Success
A young man from Kansas moves to New York and climbs the corporate ladder through ingenuity and determination.
Business lesson
Hard work and creative problem-solving can lead to rapid career advancement.
Tucker: The Man and His Dream
The story of Preston Tucker and his attempt to produce a revolutionary car in the 1940s, battling against the Big Three automakers.
Business lesson
Disruption requires courage and the ability to overcome significant obstacles.
Pirates of Silicon Valley: The Man and His Dream
A dramatization of the early days of Apple and Microsoft, focusing on the rivalry between Steve Jobs and Bill Gates.
Business lesson
Competition can drive innovation, but ethical boundaries should be respected.
Up in the Air
A corporate downsizer travels the country firing people, learning about the human side of business in the process.
Business lesson
Human resources decisions have profound impacts on people’s lives.
Arbitrage
A hedge fund magnate’s life begins to unravel as he tries to sell his trading empire before his fraud is discovered.
Business lesson
Ethical business practices are essential for long-term sustainability.
Working Girl
A secretary seizes an opportunity to advance her career by taking over her boss’s position while she is out of the office.
Business lesson
Seize opportunities and believe in your capabilities to achieve success.
The Hudsucker Proxy
A naive business graduate is installed as president of a manufacturing company as part of a stock scam, but he surprises everyone with his innovative ideas.
Business lesson
Sometimes unconventional thinking can lead to extraordinary success.
American Gangster
The story of Frank Lucas, a heroin dealer in 1970s New York, and his rise to power.
Business lesson
While illegal, Lucas’s business acumen shows the importance of strategy and logistics in building an empire.
Barbarians at the Gate
The true story of the leveraged buyout of RJR Nabisco, highlighting the excesses of corporate America in the 1980s.
Business lesson
Strategic financial management is crucial in corporate takeovers.
The Greatest Showman
The musical drama was inspired by the story of P.T. Barnum and his creation of the Barnum & Bailey Circus. His journey from a modest background to becoming a famous showman and entrepreneur.
Business lesson
Embrace creativity and innovation, and don’t be afraid to take risks to create something unique and captivating.
Did you find a favorite on the list? Maybe a movie that resonated with your own experiences or aspirations? Whether it’s the innovative strategies in Moneyball or the resilience shown in The Pursuit of Happyness, each story brings something valuable to the table. And let’s not forget the sheer entertainment value—because who says learning can’t be fun?
Think about the key business lessons these movies impart. The importance of ethical practices, the power of innovation, and the resilience needed to overcome challenges are themes that run through these films…
So, why not grab some popcorn and dive into these movies? They’re sure to provide you with plenty of inspiration and practical lessons.
And who knows? The next big business idea or strategy might just come from something you see on screen.
Happy watching and may these films inspire your entrepreneurial journey!
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