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The 25 Best Business Movies Entrepreneurs Should Watch

  • Post author By Andrew Chornyy
  • Post date Feb 08, 2021
  • 6 Comments on The 25 Best Business Movies Entrepreneurs Should Watch

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The selection of artistic, cinematic masterpieces and documentaries presented in this article will be interesting and useful for startups and highly experienced business sharks, those who are seeking self-development and actively climbing the career ladder. These amazing, unpredictable, and inspirational movies will be sure to catch your interest. Emotional and accurate, they convey the specifics of the trading and advertising business, reveal the secrets of successful sales and the mysteries of famous entrepreneurs. They tell the stories of billionaires and their lifestyles. How did each of them begin their journey? What obstacles did they have to overcome? What did they sacrifice to achieve their dreams? You can also follow the link “ 26 Best Business Books “.

Some films can push you to original thoughts and conclusions, others will help you come up with fresh and exciting ideas, or even help you make a real breakthrough.

The best films about business

The wolf of wall street.

Top 25 Films for Entrepreneurs 2

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

Top 25 Films for Entrepreneurs 3

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

Top 25 Films for Entrepreneurs 4

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

Top 25 Films for Entrepreneurs 5

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

Top 25 Films for Entrepreneurs 6

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

Top 25 Films for Entrepreneurs 7

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

Top 25 Films for Entrepreneurs 8

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

Top 25 Films for Entrepreneurs 9

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.

Top 25 Films for Entrepreneurs 10

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

Top 25 Films for Entrepreneurs 12

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.

Top 25 Films for Entrepreneurs 13

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

Top 25 Films for Entrepreneurs 14

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.

Top 25 Films for Entrepreneurs 15

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

Top 25 Films for Entrepreneurs 16

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

Top 25 Films for Entrepreneurs 17

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.

Top 25 Films for Entrepreneurs 18

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

Top 25 Films for Entrepreneurs 19

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 

Top 25 Films for Entrepreneurs 21

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.

Top 25 Films for Entrepreneurs 22

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.

Top 25 Films for Entrepreneurs 23

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.

Top 25 Films for Entrepreneurs 24

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

Top 25 Films for Entrepreneurs 25

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

Top 25 Films for Entrepreneurs 26

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?

Top 25 Films for Entrepreneurs 27

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

Top 25 Films for Entrepreneurs 28

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.

Andrew Chornyy - 001

CEO Plerdy — expert in SEO&CRO with over 11 years of experience.

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The 25 Best Movies About Business and Where to Watch Them

The business and entertainment worlds combine to offer us some of the most captivating movies ever made. 

From riveting dramas to inspiring biographies, movies about business offer more than just entertainment–they provide insightful glimpses into success, failure and risk-taking. 

Many of these movies are based on real events, and some are documentaries taking a close look at the corporate world and financial mishaps. 

In this post, you’ll get the 25 best movies about business, plus where you can watch them online. 

1. “The Wolf of Wall Street”

2. “the pursuit of happyness”, 3. “inside job”, 4. “the big short”, 5. “the social network”, 6. “the corporation”, 7. “the new corporation: the unfortunately necessary sequel” , 8. “moneyball”, 9. “office space”, 10. “thank you for smoking”, 11. “the aviator”, 12. “air”, 13. “up in the air”, 14. “jerry maguire”, 15. “wall street”, 16. “too big to fail”, 17. “steve jobs”, 18. “jobs”, 19. “the founder” , 20. “the intern”, 21. “margin call” , 22. “boiler room”, 23. “a good year”, 24. “the company men”, 25. “joy”.

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Year:  2013

Genre:  Biographical drama/comedy

IMDb rating : 8.2

“The Wolf of Wall Street” is a gripping film directed by Martin Scorsese, based on the true story of Jordan Belfort. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, it depicts the rise and fall of a stockbroker who becomes embroiled in a world of excessive wealth, greed and corruption. The movie showcases Belfort’s extravagant lifestyle, unscrupulous dealings and the pursuit of the American Dream gone awry, all set against the backdrop of 1990s Wall Street.

Where to watch: Prime Video | Paramount+ | Apple TV | Google Play | YouTube

Genre:  Biographical drama

IMDb rating :  8.0

“The Pursuit of Happyness” is a moving drama based on the true story of Chris Gardner, portrayed by Will Smith. Struggling with homelessness and single fatherhood, Gardner battles against all odds to secure a future for his son. He works hard to gain success in corporate America while having to hide the reality of his situation. Their emotional journey showcases perseverance and the indomitable spirit of the human will in the face of adversity.

Where to watch: Prime Video | Hulu | Apple TV | Google Play | YouTube

Genre:  Documentary 

Directed by Charles Ferguson, “Inside Job” dissects the 2008 financial crisis. With rigorous investigation and expert interviews, it exposes the intricate web of corruption, regulatory failures and unethical practices that led to the global economic meltdown. Through an engaging narrative, the film sheds light on the collusion between financial institutions, policymakers and academics, offering a sobering critique of the financial system and its devastating impact on society.

Where to watch: Prime Video | Max | Apple TV | Google Play | YouTube

Year:  2015

IMDb rating :  7.8

“The Big Short” is a gripping film directed by Adam McKay, based on the true events of the 2008 financial crisis. Starring Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and Brad Pitt, the movie follows a group of individuals who predicted the collapse of the housing market and bet against the system. With a blend of humor and drama, it exposes the complexities and consequences of the global financial meltdown.

Where to watch: Netflix | Prime Video | Apple TV | Google Play | YouTube

Directed by David Fincher, “The Social Network” is a somewhat loose biography based on the early days of Facebook. The film traces the complex relationships and legal battles that arise between its co-founders, notably Mark Zuckerberg (played by Jesse Eisenberg), and three other college students. As Zuckerberg’s ambition drives the creation of a social media empire, the movie delves into themes of friendship, betrayal and the modern tech revolution.

Where to watch: Prime Video | Apple TV | Google Play | YouTube

Year:  2003

Genre:  Documentary

IMDb rating : 8.0

“The Corporation” is an eye-opening documentary directed by Mark Achbar and Jennifer Abbott. Examining the behavior and impact of corporations, the film presents a critical exploration of their power, influence and ethical implications. Drawing on interviews with industry insiders and experts, the documentary raises thought-provoking questions about corporate responsibility, environmental concerns and their effects on society and democracy.

Where to watch: Prime Video | Apple TV

IMDb rating :  7.0

“The New Corporation” is a follow-up to “The Corporation,” delving into how corporations have evolved in the 21st century. Through analysis and interviews, it exposes issues such as climate change, social justice and technological impact, inviting viewers to reevaluate the role and impact of corporate entities in our world today. Watch these two documentaries to get a good understanding of the not-so-great side of the business world over the years. 

Where to watch: Prime Video | Peacock | Apple TV | Google Play | YouTube

Year:  2011

Genre: Biographical sports drama

IMDb rating : 7.6

Starring Brad Pitt, “Moneyball” tells the true story of Billy Beane, the Oakland Athletics’ general manager. Faced with limited resources, Beane challenges traditional baseball strategies by relying on data analytics and statistics to assemble a competitive team. The movie explores innovation, risk-taking and the transformation of sports management. It’s a good watch if you’re an entrepreneur or hoping to become one. 

Where to watch: Prime Video | Max | Hulu | Apple TV | Google Play | YouTube

Year:  1999

Genre:  Comedy

IMDb rating :  7.6

Directed by Mike Judge, “Office Space” is a hilarious comedy that satirizes the corporate world. The film follows the monotonous life of an office worker named Peter Gibbons, played by Ron Livingston, as he rebels against his soul-sucking job and unappreciative boss. With a blend of wit and absurdity, the movie delves into workplace frustrations, culminating in a plot to embezzle money and escape the daily grind.

Where to watch: Prime Video | Max |  Hulu | Apple TV | Google Play | YouTube

Year:  2005

Genre: Comedy/drama

IMDb rating : 7.5

“Thank You for Smoking” is a satirical comedy directed by Jason Reitman that follows the life of Nick Naylor, a charismatic spokesperson for the tobacco industry. Starring Aaron Eckhart, the film navigates his efforts to manipulate public opinion while juggling fatherhood and his own morals. Through humor and wit, the movie offers a clever critique of spin, ethics and media manipulation.

Genre: Biographical drama

IMDb rating :  7.5

Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, “The Aviator” depicts the life of Howard Hughes, a pioneering aviator, filmmaker and industrialist. The movie offers a captivating journey through Hughes’ successes in aviation and filmmaking, as well as the challenges that came with his fame and obsessions. The film received 5 Oscars and is sure to interest anyone looking to learn about the historically well-known figures of the business world. 

Where to watch: Prime Video | Hulu | Paramount+ | Apple TV | Google Play

IMDb rating :  7.4

Directed by Ben Affleck, “Air” depicts the origin story of the iconic Air Jordan basketball shoeline, as a Nike employee seeks to strike a deal with rookie player Michael Jordan. Featuring a star-studded cast including Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman and Viola Davis, the movie explores the transformative partnership that led to the creation of this legendary footwear brand amidst challenges and negotiations. 

Where to watch: Prime Video

Year:  2009

Genre: Romantic comedy/drama

IMDb rating : 7.4

“Up in the Air” is a thought-provoking drama directed by Jason Reitman. The film follows Ryan Bingham (played by George Clooney), a frequent flyer who specializes in corporate downsizing—basically, his job is to fire people. He travels across the U.S. navigating airports and hotel rooms while doing this emotionally taxing job. However, his solitary life is challenged when he forms unexpected connections. 

Where to watch: Prime Video | Paramount+ |  Apple TV | Google Pla y | YouTube

IMDd rating : 7.3

“Jerry Maguire” is a cult classic and a must-watch for people who like business-related films or 90s romance. The film follows sports agent Jerry Maguire, played by Tom Cruise, who has a moral epiphany and writes a mission statement advocating for better treatment of clients. Fired from his job, he starts his own agency with the help of a single mother, played by Renée Zellweger, leading him to love and a new outlook.

Where to watch: Prime Video | Apple TV | Peacock  |  Google Play | YouTube

Genre: Drama/crime

IMDb rating : 7.3

IMDb rating :  7.3

Based on Andrew Ross Sorkin’s book, “Too Big to Fail” offers a gripping account of the 2008 financial crisis. With a star-studded cast including William Hurt and Paul Giamatti, it explores the efforts of key figures from government and finance to prevent a collapse of the global economy. Through tense negotiations and high-stakes decisions, the movie unravels the complex web of financial institutions and their impact on society.

IMDb rating : 7.2

“Steve Jobs,” directed by Danny Boyle, provides a unique look at the life of the Apple co-founder. Starring Michael Fassbender, the film is set backstage before three iconic product launches, showcasing Jobs’ complex personality, relationships and his relentless pursuit of innovation. With a focus on his professional challenges and personal dynamics, the movie offers a gripping portrayal of a visionary mind and the impact of his creations on the world.

Where to watch: Prime Video | Starz |  Apple TV | Google Play | YouTube

IMDb rating :  6.0

If the story of Steve Jobs interests you, here’s another film portraying his life and journey to success. In this one, Ashton Kutcher plays Jobs as he goes from a college dropout to the co-founder of Apple Inc. From his early days in a garage to revolutionizing technology, the movie delves into Jobs’ visionary leadership, creative genius and tumultuous journey in building one of the world’s most influential companies. 

Year:  2016

IMDb rating :  7.2

Starring Michael Keaton, “The Founder” recounts the rise of Ray Kroc, who turned a small burger joint into the global fast-food empire McDonald’s. The film explores Kroc’s cunning business tactics, his partnership with the McDonald brothers and the ethical complexities of his success. It’s another captivating portrayal of entrepreneurship and its consequences, touching on themes of ambition, corporate expansion and the cost of achievement.

IMDb rating : 7.1

“The Intern” is a heartwarming comedy directed by Nancy Meyers. Starring Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway, the film revolves around a retired widower who lands an internship at an online fashion retailer. As he bridges generational gaps and becomes an unexpected mentor, the movie explores the importance of connection, learning and finding purpose later in life. It will give you an inside look at the corporate world with plenty of humor and emotion. 

Genre: Drama/thriller

IMDb rating :  7.1

“Margin Call” is a gripping financial thriller directed by J.C. Chandor and inspired by real events. Set in the early days of the 2008 financial crisis, the film follows employees of an investment bank as they uncover a disastrous risk exposure. Over a tense 24 hours, the characters grapple with moral dilemmas, ethical choices and the consequences of unchecked corporate greed. The movie offers a sobering exploration of the financial industry’s impact on society.

Year:  2000

“Boiler Room” is a compelling drama directed by Ben Younger that delves into the world of high-stakes stock trading. Starring Giovanni Ribisi and Vin Diesel, the film follows a young college dropout who enters the shady world of a pump-and-dump brokerage firm. As he climbs the ranks, ethical dilemmas arise, leading to a collision of ambition, morality and the allure of quick wealth.

Year:  2006

IMDb rating :  6.9

Starring Russell Crowe, “A Good Year” follows a high-powered London investment banker who inherits a vineyard in France. This major shift from the fast-paced business world to the idyllic countryside reflects the banker’s realization that life’s true riches lie beyond material success. The film reminds us of the importance of finding harmony between work and life by balancing business achievements with personal connections and meaningful experiences.

Year:  2010

Genre:  Drama

IMDb rating :  6.7

“The Company Men” is a poignant drama directed by John Wells. Starring Ben Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones and Chris Cooper, the film depicts the impact of corporate downsizing on three men and their families. The men must reevaluate their priorities as they grapple with job loss, identity crisis and financial turmoil. The film follows their search for meaning beyond the confines of a career and delves into themes of resilience and camaraderie.

Where to watch: Prime Video | Max | Apple TV

IMDb rating :  6.6

Jennifer Lawrence stars as Joy Mangano, a determined woman who transforms her life by inventing the Miracle Mop. The film follows Joy’s journey from a struggling single mother to a successful entrepreneur, navigating the challenges of business, family dynamics and personal growth. With a blend of heartwarming moments and empowering themes, “Joy” celebrates one woman’s tenacity and innovation in the face of adversity.

This list of the best movies about business should keep you entertained for a while. 

And hopefully, they’ll teach you a thing or two about the business world and what to do (or not to do) to be successful! 

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The 50+ Best Movies About Business

Ranker Film

The entrepreneurial spirit has long captured the imaginations of filmmakers and audiences alike, resulting in some truly exceptional films about business.  From captivating tales of financial success to cautionary chronicles of corporate collapses, the best movies about business intrigue audiences with their compelling plots and complex characters. 

As viewers engage in these thought-provoking stories, it becomes clear that the best business movies offer more than mere entertainment. These films reveal the intricate workings of various enterprises and industries, highlighting the challenges and triumphs experienced by entrepreneurs and executives alike. These movies about business invite audiences to reflect on their own aspirations and the broader implications of corporate decision-making. 

Powerful entrepreneur movies often focus on determination, hard work, and the challenges encountered on the road to success. Some standout examples include The Wolf of Wall Street, which offers an electrifying portrayal of a stockbroker's meteoric rise to wealth and subsequent downfall. Similarly, The Big Short provides a gripping account of the 2008 financial crisis, shedding light on the complex web of events that led to a global economic collapse. In contrast, The Social Network tells the origin story of Facebook, exploring the tensions and ambitions that drove its founders to create one of the world's most popular platforms. 

The lasting impact of these powerful business movies lies in their ability to illuminate the intricate nature of business while provoking thought and reflection. These films demonstrate the power of cinema to not only entertain but also enlighten audiences, ultimately enriching our collective appreciation for the complexities of the world of business. 

The Wolf of Wall Street

The Wolf of Wall Street

Martin Scorsese's electrifying film dives deep into the world of Wall Street excess, showcasing the wild and reckless life of stockbroker Jordan Belfort. With its unapologetic depiction of greed and ambition, this movie is well-regarded as a pinnacle of business cinema that presents an engaging cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked power. Ultimately, The Wolf of Wall Street's captivating storyline, outstanding acting, and memorable moments have cemented its place as one of the best movies about business ever produced.

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The Founder

The Founder

Chronicling the origin story of fast-food giant McDonald's, The Founder tells the gripping tale of Ray Kroc, a struggling salesman who discovers and eventually takes over the innovative McDonald brothers' burger operation. By showcasing both the ingenuity and ruthlessness necessary to succeed in the competitive world of business, this captivating biographical drama serves as an enthralling exploration of corporate ambition and innovation. Michael Keaton's powerful performance, combined with the film's engaging narrative, makes The Founder an unforgettable addition to the pantheon of great business movies.

The Big Short

The Big Short

Adapted from Michael Lewis' acclaimed non-fiction book, The Big Short explores the complex world of financial markets and the 2008 housing bubble collapse. With its star-studded ensemble cast and distinctive storytelling style, this movie provides a fascinating and informative glimpse into the high-stakes environment of Wall Street, resonating with audiences eager to understand the driving forces behind financial crises. The Big Short's unique blend of drama and dark humor, alongside its insightful examination of the world of finance, ultimately make it a highly regarded classic in the realm of business-themed cinema.

  • # 178 of 233 on The 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
  • # 35 of 58 on The Best Movies Based on Non-Fiction Books
  • # 3 of 65 on The Greatest Movies About Making Money

Wall Street

Wall Street

Oliver Stone's iconic film Wall Street delves into the cutthroat world of New York finance, presenting a high-stakes tale of ambition and corruption as ambitious young stockbroker Bud Fox becomes entangled with ruthless corporate raider Gordon Gekko. With its memorable characters and engrossing storyline, this movie enthralls and educates audiences on the intricacies of Wall Street's power dynamics, making it a timeless classic in business cinema. Wall Street's enduring impact and continued relevance to contemporary conversations about economic ethics firmly establish it as a standout entry in the genre of business films.

  • # 177 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
  • # 19 of 89 on The Best Movies Of 1987, Ranked
  • # 6 of 65 on The Greatest Movies About Making Money

The Social Network

The Social Network

David Fincher's critically acclaimed drama chronicles the meteoric rise of Facebook, detailing the intense legal battles and personal conflicts faced by founder Mark Zuckerberg. By providing an intriguing inside look at the development of a digital empire, The Social Network offers a fresh take on business-focused storytelling that captivated audiences worldwide. Its engaging blend of technological innovation, ambition, and betrayal has earned The Social Network a well-deserved reputation as one of the most insightful movies about business ever made.

  • # 10 of 14 on The Best Movies and TV Shows Written By Aaron Sorkin
  • # 254 of 358 on The Best Movies Based On Books
  • # 100 of 233 on The 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story

The Godfather

The Godfather

Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece might be an epic crime drama, but it also offers viewers a deep and compelling exploration of the complex dynamics within a powerful family business. As the Corleone family navigates shifting alliances and treacherous power plays, The Godfather showcases the intricate relationship between wealth, power, and loyalty that is central to any successful enterprise. This iconic film's enduring influence and universal acclaim make it an undeniable classic among movies about business.

  • Dig Deeper... Small Details About 'The Godfather' Films That Demand A Rewatch
  • And Deeper... Movies That Won Best Picture at the Oscars and Golden Globes
  • # 110 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies

Moneyball

Based on the true story of Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane, Moneyball explores the innovative and controversial strategy he employed to transform his underfunded baseball team into a competitive force. This engrossing sports drama highlights the importance of challenging conventional wisdom and utilizing data-driven strategies within the world of business. With its compelling narrative and stellar acting from Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill, Moneyball stands out as a unique and memorable addition to the genre of business-centric films.

  • # 4 of 14 on The Best Movies and TV Shows Written By Aaron Sorkin
  • # 229 of 358 on The Best Movies Based On Books
  • # 59 of 233 on The 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story

The Pursuit of Happyness

The Pursuit of Happyness

Starring Will Smith as a struggling salesman and single father, The Pursuit of Happyness is an inspiring story of resilience and determination in the face of financial adversity. This heartwarming film highlights the universal struggle for success and the sacrifices that must be made while pursuing one's dreams. With its powerful acting and uplifting message, The Pursuit of Happyness has cemented its place among the best movies about business and personal triumph.

  • Dig Deeper... The Sad Tale Of Chris Gardner, The Man From The Pursuit of Happyness
  • # 42 of 233 on The 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
  • # 47 of 126 on The 100+ Grossest Movies Ever

There Will Be Blood

There Will Be Blood

Paul Thomas Anderson's masterpiece chronicles the ruthless ambition of oil tycoon Daniel Plainview, as he navigates the cutthroat world of early 20th-century American capitalism. With its stark portrayal of greed and ambition, There Will Be Blood is a gripping study of the lengths to which individuals are willing to go in order to amass wealth and power. The film's stunning visuals, captivating storyline, and unforgettable lead performance by Daniel Day-Lewis make it an essential addition to any list of the best movies about business.

  • # 202 of 358 on The Best Movies Based On Books
  • # 68 of 324 on The Best Movies Of The 2000s
  • # 3 of 139 on The Best Movies Of 2007

Trading Places

Trading Places

This beloved 1980s comedy features Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy as an upper-class investor and a homeless hustler, respectively, who find their lives unexpectedly swapped thanks to a cruel social experiment. With its biting satire of class divisions and the cutthroat nature of Wall Street, Trading Places remains a popular and insightful exploration of the world of finance and commodities trading. The film's enduring humor and memorable acting ensure its status as a classic within the genre of business cinema.

  • # 29 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
  • # 183 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
  • # 3 of 696 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films

Margin Call

Margin Call

This tense financial thriller offers a gripping glimpse into the high-pressure world of investment banking during the 2008 financial crisis. Featuring an outstanding ensemble cast, Margin Call delves into the moral complexities and ethical dilemmas faced by those on the front lines of Wall Street. Its chilling portrayal of corporate greed and systemic risk make it a vital and enthralling contribution to the genre of business movies.

Catch Me If You Can

Catch Me If You Can

Steven Spielberg's fast-paced caper film tells the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., a teenage con artist who successfully perpetrates a series of high-stakes frauds while posing as various professionals. The film's engaging portrayal of Abagnale's audacious schemes and the relentless pursuit by FBI agent Carl Hanratty showcases the thrilling world of white-collar crime and corporate intrigue. With its charming acting, entertaining plot, and enduring appeal, Catch Me If You Can is considered one of the best business-related movies ever made.

  • Dig Deeper... Behind-The-Scenes Stories From 'Catch Me If You Can'
  • And Deeper... Don't Miss These 15 Movies Like 'Catch Me if You Can'
  • # 205 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies

Goodfellas

Martin Scorsese's iconic gangster film may be rooted in the world of organized crime, but its themes of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal resonate strongly within the broader context of business culture. The film's visceral depiction of the criminal underworld and the dynamics at play among its characters offer valuable insights into the darker side of wealth and power. Goodfellas' lasting impact and critical acclaim make it an indisputable classic among films that explore the intersection of business and crime.

  • Dig Deeper... Who Would Star In 'Goodfellas' If It Were Cast Today?
  • # 82 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
  • # 44 of 279 on 'Old' Movies Every Young Person Needs To Watch In Their Lifetime

War Dogs

Based on a true story, War Dogs follows two young men who exploit a government initiative to profit from the Iraq War by supplying weapons to America's allies. This darkly comedic drama explores the dangerous world of international arms dealing and the moral ambiguities that can arise in the world of business. With its compelling narrative and engaging acting, War Dogs is an entertaining and thought-provoking addition to the pantheon of business-themed movies.

Scarface

Brian De Palma's controversial crime drama provides a brutal look at the rise and fall of Cuban immigrant-turned-drug kingpin Tony Montana, whose ruthless ambition and quest for power ultimately bring about his downfall. With its unflinching portrayal of the violent consequences of unchecked greed, Scarface serves as a compelling cautionary tale within the realm of business cinema. This iconic film's enduring legacy as a gritty, ambitious exploration of the dark side of the American Dream ensures its place among the best movies about business.

  • Dig Deeper... The Real-Life People, Places, And Events That Inspired 'Scarface'
  • # 72 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
  • # 51 of 149 on Movies That Should Never Be Remade

Boiler Room

Boiler Room

This intense drama delves into the cutthroat world of illegal stock trading, as a young college dropout joins a brokerage firm and finds himself drawn into a dangerous scheme. Boiler Room presents a harrowing look at the consequences of corruption and greed within the world of financial markets, offering audiences an unforgettable glimpse into the darker side of the American Dream. With its compelling acting and thought-provoking themes, this film stands out as a powerful exploration of the ethics and dynamics underlying the business world.

  • # 32 of 62 on The Best Movies with Rich People Spending Big
  • # 13 of 15 on Deleted Scenes That Would’ve Totally Changed A Movie's Main Character
  • # 19 of 65 on The Greatest Movies About Making Money

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

This gripping sequel to Oliver Stone's classic Wall Street revisits the high-stakes world of New York finance, following young trader Jake Moore as he becomes entangled in the ruthless dealings of his idol, Gordon Gekko. Featuring updated examinations of the ethical dilemmas and challenges that characterize the world of high finance, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps continues to offer audiences valuable insights into the complex dynamics of power and wealth. With its strong acting and topical relevance, this engaging follow-up proves itself a worthy addition to the canon of great business-themed films.

Other People's Money

Other People's Money

This dark comedy stars Danny DeVito as a ruthless corporate raider who sets out to take over a struggling family-owned company. As the battle between the raider and the company's determined CEO unfolds, Other People's Money presents a fascinating look at the complexities of corporate takeovers and the often-unseen human costs of unfettered capitalism. With its memorable characters, funny moments, and thought-provoking themes, this film offers an intriguing and entertaining addition to the genre of business movies.

  • # 36 of 64 on The Greatest Movies About Making Money
  • # 52 of 52 on The Best Gregory Peck Movies, Ranked
  • # 21 of 48 on The 40+ Best Piper Laurie Movies

Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room

Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room

This powerful documentary delves into one of the most notorious corporate scandals in modern history, offering viewers an in-depth look at the machinations and deceptions that led to Enron's spectacular collapse. By illuminating the failures of oversight, regulation, and corporate governance that enabled Enron's rise and fall, this film serves as a cautionary tale for audiences seeking to understand the potential consequences of unchecked greed and corruption within the world of business. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room's revealing and sobering examination of corporate malfeasance makes it a must-watch for fans of business-themed cinema.

  • # 120 of 143 on The Best Movies of 2005
  • # 24 of 265 on The Greatest Documentaries of All Time
  • # 94 of 163 on The Best Political Films Of All Time

The Secret of My Success

The Secret of My Success

Michael J. Fox stars in this lighthearted comedy about a young college graduate who, through a series of accidents and subterfuge, rises from the mailroom to an executive position within a large corporation. The Secret of My Success showcases the value of ambition and perseverance in the face of adversity while providing plenty of laughs along the way. With its engaging plot and charismatic acting, this enjoyable film has earned a place among the best business-themed comedies of all time .

  • # 183 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
  • # 330 of 696 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
  • # 88 of 234 on The Best '80s Comedy Movies, Ranked

Office Space

Office Space

Mike Judge's cult classic comedy provides a hilariously satirical look at the mundane realities of white-collar office life. Filled with memorable characters and quotable lines, Office Space resonates with audiences who have experienced the frustrations and absurdities of working in a corporate environment. With its sharp wit and timeless humor, Office Space remains a beloved and enduring favorite among business-themed films.

  • # 14 of 49 on The 45+ Very Best Movies About Hackers
  • # 192 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
  • # 105 of 279 on 'Old' Movies Every Young Person Needs To Watch In Their Lifetime

Joy

Inspired by the life of self-made entrepreneur Joy Mangano, this biographical drama tells the story of a single mother who overcomes adversity to become a successful businesswoman. With its powerful acting and uplifting narrative, Joy celebrates the tenacity, creativity, and determination necessary to succeed in the world of business. This inspiring film stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and ingenuity in the pursuit of success.

  • # 54 of 99 on The Best Movies Of 2015
  • # 60 of 97 on The Best Period Movies Set in the '80s
  • # 48 of 52 on The Best Movies Released Christmas Day

Glengarry Glen Ross

Glengarry Glen Ross

Adapted from David Mamet's acclaimed play, Glengarry Glen Ross delivers a gripping drama about desperate real estate salesmen who are pushed to their limits during a high-stress sales contest. The film's intense acting and memorable dialogue create a vivid portrayal of cutthroat competition and the ruthless realities faced by those in high-pressure sales environments. Its unflinching examination of ambition, desperation, and the moral compromises inherent within the world of business makes Glengarry Glen Ross an indisputable classic among movies about business.

  • # 220 of 379 on The Best Movies Of The 1990s
  • # 14 of 120 on The Best Movies Based On Plays
  • # 23 of 65 on The Greatest Movies About Making Money

Too Big to Fail

Too Big to Fail

Based on Andrew Ross Sorkin's best-selling book, Too Big to Fail offers a dramatic account of the 2008 financial crisis and the government's efforts to prevent a devastating economic collapse. This insightful film showcases the high-stakes negotiations and political maneuvering that occurred behind closed doors, providing viewers with a compelling look at the complex interplay of government, finance, and power. With its stellar cast and expertly-crafted narrative, Too Big to Fail stands as an essential film for those looking to understand the intricacies of the financial crisis and its lasting impact on the business world.

  • # 26 of 38 on The Best HBO Original Movies Since 2010
  • # 23 of 33 on The 30+ Best Billy Crudup Movies
  • # 6 of 21 on The Best Movies About Wall Street

Lord of War

Lord of War

Directed by Andrew Niccol, Lord of War tells the story of an ambitious arms dealer who navigates the treacherous world of international conflict and corruption to achieve personal success. This gripping drama provides a stark examination of the moral complexities and ethical dilemmas inherent within the high-stakes world of the arms trade, offering audiences an engrossing glimpse into the darker side of global commerce. With its masterful storytelling and captivating acting, Lord of War stands out as an important cinematic exploration of the darker aspects of business and power.

  • # 45 of 143 on The Best Movies of 2005
  • # 39 of 98 on The Best Period Movies Set in the '80s
  • # 13 of 65 on The Greatest Movies About Making Money

The Banker

Based on the true story of two African American entrepreneurs who secretly hire a white man to pose as their company's head in order to break down racial barriers in the 1960s banking industry, The Banker explores themes of social justice and determination in the face of adversity. With strong acting from its lead cast and an engaging plot that sheds light on a little-known part of history, this biographical drama offers a fascinating look at the challenges faced by minority business figures and serves as a timely reminder of the importance of representation in the corporate world.

  • # 211 of 233 on The 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
  • # 60 of 89 on The Greatest African American Biopics
  • # 83 of 106 on Great Movies That Take Place In The '60s

The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby

Baz Luhrmann's lavish adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel presents a stunning portrait of the opulence, excess, and ambition that characterized the Roaring Twenties. At its core, The Great Gatsby is a cautionary tale about the pursuit of wealth and the corrupting influence of money, making it an engaging exploration of the darker side of the American Dream. With its mesmerizing visuals, poignant storytelling, and powerful acting, this adaptation of The Great Gatsby serves as a cinematic testament to the allure and danger of unchecked ambition in the world of business.

  • # 95 of 358 on The Best Movies Based On Books
  • # 372 of 460 on The 400+ Best Chick Flicks Ever
  • # 45 of 111 on The Greatest Movie Remakes Of All Time

Working Girl

Working Girl

This empowering romantic comedy examines the challenges faced by a young secretary as she navigates the competitive world of corporate America, ultimately proving her worth in a male-dominated industry. With its biting wit, engaging storyline, and inspiring themes, Working Girl resonates with audiences and provides a refreshing look at the often-overlooked perspectives of women in business. This popular film remains a beloved and enduring classic within the genre of business cinema.

  • Dig Deeper... Movies That Won Best Picture at the Oscars and Golden Globes
  • # 245 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
  • # 254 of 279 on 'Old' Movies Every Young Person Needs To Watch In Their Lifetime

High Flying Bird

High Flying Bird

Directed by Steven Soderbergh, High Flying Bird follows a sports agent who pitches a controversial business opportunity during an NBA lockout, challenging the established power structures within the world of professional basketball. This innovative film takes a fresh approach to business-focused storytelling, offering audiences a glimpse into the high-stakes world of sports management and the intricate negotiations that transpire behind the scenes. With its captivating narrative and thought-provoking themes, High Flying Bird earns its place among the best movies about business.

  • # 34 of 200 on The Best Sports Movies Ever Made
  • # 77 of 460 on The Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
  • # 46 of 68 on The Greatest Sports Drama Movies of All Time

Nightcrawler

Nightcrawler

Jake Gyllenhaal delivers a chilling performance as an ambitious freelance crime journalist who becomes increasingly ruthless in his pursuit of success. As the protagonist manipulates and exploits the horrific events he captures on video, Nightcrawler serves as a stark examination of the dark side of ambition and the moral compromises that can arise in the quest for wealth and power. This gripping thriller offers a unique perspective on the ethics and dynamics of the modern media landscape, making it a memorable addition to the canon of business-themed films.

  • # 75 of 250 on The 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
  • # 12 of 63 on The Greatest Directorial Debuts Of All Time
  • # 8 of 45 on Great Movies with a Neon Aesthetic
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Look: There are hundred of thousands of movies out there for you to watch. All we're saying is that these are the ones you should put at the top of your list.

What to Watch Again and Again

20 Best Startup Movies for Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2024

Woman watching tv.

  • Startup Resources
  • Movies for Entrepreneurs

Last Updated: December 22, 2023 By TRUiC Team

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 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!

Best Business Movies

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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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 • 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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15 Inspiring Movies for Entrepreneurs

Sean McPheat

Updated: February 20, 2020

Published: November 15, 2018

Entrepreneurs and successful salespeople have almost unlimited chances to enhance their skills and abilities. With so much innovative thought and fresh research available, the opportunities to learn and improve are greater than ever.

movies-for-entrepreneurs

But one source of inspiration can be surprising: movies. A great film can turn a visit to the cinema into more than just an excuse to relax. It can stimulate your mind and help bring imagination, originality, vision, and flair to your role.

I've pulled together a few of my favorite films below. They go beyond entertainment, set high standards, warn against greed, and exhibit the ethics you need for true and lasting success. I've also highlighted those films that feature the stories of real-life entrepreneurs so you can learn more about their stories off-screen.

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Inspiring Movies for Entrepreneurs

  • Wall Street
  • The Social Network
  • Margin Call
  • Wolf of Wall Street
  • Jerry Maguire
  • Glengarry Glen Ross
  • Boiler Room
  • Two for the Money
  • The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard
  • Erin Brockovich
  • Any Given Sunday
  • The Founder
  • The Devil Wears Prada

Entrepreneur: Joy Mangano

My favorite quote from this movie? " We got here from hard work, patience, and humility. Don't think the world owes you anything because the world owes you nothing." 

This movie is all about real-life entrepreneur Joy Mangano, inventor of the Miracle Mop and Huggable Hangers, who overcomes immense personal struggle to go on to patent more than 100 inventions and make millions as a successful seller on Home Shopping Network's QVC.

Beyond the business success Mangano enjoys, this movie also tells the story of the power of a supportive family, the struggles women in business have to overcome, and the success a product that meets a need can achieve.

2. Wall Street

"It's all about the bucks, kid. The rest is conversation."

For Gekko, money is just another way to keep score. Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen) counters his feelings towards the underhanded machinations of Wall Street stockbrokers, and changes his future forever. And we can't forget about Michael Douglas' turn as the iconic Gekko whose hard-ball attitude and never-give-up philosophy drive his determination to succeed, no matter what.

3. The Social Network

Entrepreneur: mark zuckerberg.

This film tells the story of Facebook -- or as it was called way back in 2004, "Thefacebook." It flashes between Zuckerberg and his friends-turned-partners developing the platform and present-day litigation between Zuckerberg and Eduardo Saverin, his friend who he partnered with to found the site who eventually sued him for diluting his Facebook shares and removing his name from the company masthead.

Love Facebook or hate it, viewers can't deny the power of Zuckerberg's story. He doesn't emerge from the movie looking like a hero, but in real life, he's the world's youngest self-made billionaire, and Facebook boasts an impressive 2.27 billion global users.

4. Margin Call

This film follows the goings on of an investment bank over a 24-hour period. The stage is set at the beginning of the 2008 financial crisis. And an inspirational crew of actors, including Zachary Quinto and Jeremy Irons, show how hard work and effective planning can mitigate any circumstantial evidence that might be hidden.

5. Wolf of Wall Street

Entrepreneur: jordan belfort.

Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort , this film follows Belfort's drug-fueled, money-making ride to the top, and his crime-ridden, debauched fall back down, which ended in a prison term and a surprising second act.

The fast rise of a swindler is hardly a role-model for today's professionals. But Belfort's guile and cunning intelligence show money shouldn't be the only driver for success.

6. Jerry Maguire

Ready to root for the good guy? Jerry shows that, against all the odds, success can be driven by values and virtue. With only two people on his side, we see how the little guy can succeed when his abilities are put to the test.

7. Glengarry Glen Ross

This film examines the relationships, disagreements, and heartaches happening behind the scenes of a New York City real-estate office.

It's a harrowing expose of what can go wrong when the only sales leads you have are bad ones, and the pressure of simply earning a living overwhelms. If you only see one film about sales, it should be this one.

8. Boiler Room

What do you do when your dream job turns out to be your worst nightmare? In business, it might not be possible to achieve everything you want, but there are moral responsibilities that drive us more than money itself. "Boiler Room" sets out to prove that case.

9. Two for the Money

Set in the world of Vegas professional football, the gambling world is just one of the places you'll visit in this analysis of how change happens when things seem out of your control.

Pacino and McConaughey show changes can be made by anybody if the motivation is there. Because of that, "Two for the Money" should be high on your list if you're an aspiring hot-shot.

10. The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard

Set in a car dealership, Don ‘The Goods' Ready, played by Jeremy Piven, must sell over 200 cars in one weekend. Although deceitful and crafty, he shows his prowess in attitude and ability.

Don also shows success comes in many guises, and if he is to succeed, he needs to show skills that exceed what even he thought he had.

11. Erin Brockovich

Entrepreneur: erin brockovich.

Julia Roberts plays Brockovich , whose never-say-die attitude in the face of relentless opposition is an inspiration to any entrepreneur. Think the whole world is against you? Brockovich shows there's always a way to fight back.

12. Any Given Sunday

Al Pacino is devastating as the coach who has more than just experience on his side. His character shows motivation comes from the gut and the heart, not just the head. He leads a great cast, including Cameron Diaz, LL Cool J, and Jamie Foxx, in an engaging look into the ups and downs of motivating a sports team.

13. Moneyball

Entrepreneur: billy beane.

What would you do if you had to win the World Series with the lowest salary bill in baseball? That's Billy Beane 's (played by Brad Pitt) role, as he realizes value can be driven through hard work and smart strategy.

The film is inspirational and shows success doesn't always come from one way of measuring outcomes. Entrepreneurs can gain a lot from analyzing the data streams that drive this particular business forward.

14. The Founder

Entrepreneur: ray kroc.

This movie tells the story of two brothers, Richard and Maurice McDonald, who started a burger stand that eventually became the McDonald's fast food chain that dots almost every highway in the United States. But it didn't grow that big by chance -- it grew because Ray Kroc partnered with the brothers to open franchises, grew unsatisfied with his contract, and eventually bought out the McDonald brothers to grow the business and become a multi-millionaire.

While this movie doesn't leave you exactly rooting for its main character, it tells the story of how a simple idea  for a product sold at a fair price can explode with popularity. (It also teaches a good lesson about contract negotiating with any partners you go into business with.)

15. The Devil Wears Prada

This film, based on a memoir written by a woman who worked under  Vogue 's editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. Wintour's fictitious likeness, Miranda Priestly, is powerful, influential, and commands an entire industry at her fingertips, and she uses her experience and expertise to negotiate and consolidate her power and fight for what she believes in.

Priestly is another anti-hero, but she definitely embodies the power of hard work, knowing your industry, and speaking quietly to deliver a strong, clear message.

Need more inspiration? Check out our list of shorter motivational videos to watch next.

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best business biography movies

21 Movies Every Entrepreneur Should Watch for Inspiration

Best Movies for Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs, like most people, need inspiration from time to time. And what better way to find inspiration than to take a break and watch some thought-provoking movies.

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.

best business biography movies

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 business biography movies

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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Best Movies for Entrepreneurs

21 COMMENTS

“The Pursuit of Happyness” is a wonderful movie!!! Entrepreneur or not, it should definitely be on everyone’s list of movies to watch!

I Think Acrimony is missing, TV Shows like Suits, Billions, Silicon valley should all be added. Silicon Valley is my favorites as it shows how tech guys do strive to make it. It is not what people think. that if you are into tech you will make it ASAP

Thanks for your recommendations. I’m a big fan of Billions and Silicon Valley. Both these shows have been added to my list of recommended TV shows for entrepreneurs .

It’s crazy how you mentioned those two shows I loved them I haven’t been able to find anything like those shows…have you found any?

Joy is missing. The movie of proves that resilience triumphs over knowledge and skill. Passion can fuel you to reach your dreams against all odds!

Like A Boss should be added to this list.

I haven’t seen it yet, but I remember the reviews were bad. 21% on Rotten Tomatoes!

Thanks for this information! Don’t you think the movie ‘the rush should be included too?’

I love that movie! 🙂 Especially Daniel Brühl’s performance. His portrayal of Niki Lauda was flawless. That said, I don’t think I’d include Rush in a list of recommended movies for entrepreneurs.

These are really great suggestions, I absolutely loved the social network

I am assigning The Pursuit of Happyness to my “Marketing Action Group.” It shows what it takes to prospect successfully in the face of overwhelming odds. Both inspiring and entertaining.

Great list. Startup.com is recognizable, a reality check for many in the start up space.

Excellent list! Thank you!

Now I’m definitely going to watch “Money Ball” and “The Founder” this weekend.

Here’s another movie I think entrepreneurs can benefit from in terms of tenacity: Rocky

Anyway, thank you Sandeep. Awesome list!

Hey, You’ve listed some great movies on the list. The Social Network and The Pursuit of Happyness is a must-watch. There a few on the list which I’ve mixed I’ll watch some on the weekend. Great work on the blog and it was really something informative that I could locate in your blog. I Will be visiting soon

I would recommend the following movies to watch for inspiration: The Social Network (A movie about facebook) Moneyball (Kind of boring, but a great example of analytical thinking and success through data) Steve Jobs (Inspiring little story that has made many people rethink how they live their own lives) The Pursuit of Happyness (Story of one guy’s perseverance in pursuing what he wanted most out of life despite being faced with an enormous amount frustrations. Inspiration for those who dream and feel stuck.) Boiler Room (Very good portrayal of the reality behind some fraudulent investments–including expensive stock tips that led to jail sentences as high as 25 years).

In addition, you may also watch these to get that needed inspiration too: 1. The Social Network 2. The Pursuit of Happyness 3. Pirates of Silicon Valley 4. Wall Street 5. The Wolf of Wall Street 6. Erin Brockovich

Excellent information. I have watched some of them. Most especially ‘The Social Network’, ‘The Founder ‘, ‘Wall Street’, ‘The Corporation’… And the rest of them.

I will try and watch some of these listed here.

Thanks for this.

Thank you very much for providing these movies. Startup.com is one of my favorite movies.

Great list. I would also recommend Tucker: The Man and His Dream

Dreamer vs. Detriot in the post WWII automotive industry. And fun to watch!

The Wolf of Wall Street is my best.

I like the Blog & the recommendations, However; Gold – Mathew McConaughey remains my all time entrepreneur Movie. Not on this list though.

My categories Entrepreneur Movies 1:Gold 2: The Founder 3: BoilerRoom 4: Steve Jobs 5: Wolf of Wallstreet

PR Thank you for smoking

Entrepreneur Fantastacy 1: Social Network

Sales 1:Wallstreet 2:Wallstreet money never sleeps 3: Boiler Room

Any Given Sunday didn’t have any entrepreneurial gist to me

Pursuit for Happiness is an employee encouragement movie, Not entrepreneurial.. though the inventive aspect would apply

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Casino

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

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

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

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

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

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

Joy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two for the Money

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

August

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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20 Best Business Movies on Netflix Every Entrepreneur Should Watch

Avantika Bhardwaj

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.

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.

best business biography movies

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.

best business biography movies

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.

best business biography movies

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.

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.

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.

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.

best business biography movies

“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.

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.

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.

best business biography movies

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.

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.

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.

best business biography movies

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.

best business biography movies

"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

Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed | Best Business Movies on Netflix

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.

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.

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.

best business biography movies

"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.

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.

best business biography movies

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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Biography movies about businessmen

In the top there are new films of 2023, a plot description and trailers for films that have already been released.

best business biography movies

The true story of how Ray Kroc, a salesman from Illinois, met Mac and Dick McDonald, who were running a burger operation in 1950s Southern California. Kroc was impressed by the brothers’ speedy system of making the food and saw franchise potential. He maneuvered himself into a position to be able to pull the company from the brothers and create a billion-dollar empire.

best business biography movies

The Billionaire tells the story of Aitthipat Kulapongvanich and how he, at the age of nineteen, dropped out from university to launch a packaged fried seaweed business that is now Taokaenoi Food & Marketing and became one of Thailand's youngest (baht) billionaires

best business biography movies

This film is the semi-humorous documentary about the men who made the world of technology what it is today, their struggles during college, the founding of their companies, and the ingenious actions they took to build up the global corporate empires of Apple Computer Inc. and Microsoft Corporation.

Movies about businessmen

Neerja is a portrayal on the life of the courageous Neerja Bhanot, who sacrificed her life while protecting the lives of 359 passengers on the Pan Am flight 73 in 1986. The flight was hijacked by a terrorist organization.

best business biography movies

A thief comes across a little girl who says that he's her father. When he learns the truth about his lookalike, who's an honest cop, he decides to turn a new leaf and help get rid of the local baddie.

best business biography movies

When Patrizia Reggiani, an outsider from humble beginnings, marries into the Gucci family, her unbridled ambition begins to unravel the family legacy and triggers a reckless spiral of betrayal, decadence, revenge, and ultimately…murder.

Inspirational movies

Concerned about his wife Gayatri's menstrual hygiene, Lakshmikant Chauhan urges her to ditch the cloth and opt for sanitary napkins. Gayatri is reluctant to go for disposable pads as they are expensive. Lakshmi obsessing over a 'ladies problem' makes her cringe but he insists on bringing upon a change by addressing the taboo topic. Subjected to hostility for ruffling the religious and age-old beliefs of people around, can the man brave the resistance and get his point across?

best business biography movies

The story of how Richard Williams served as a coach to his daughters Venus and Serena, who will soon become two of the most legendary tennis players in history.

best business biography movies

American car designer Carroll Shelby and the British-born driver Ken Miles work together to battle corporate interference, the laws of physics, and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary race car for Ford Motor Company and take on the dominating race cars of Enzo Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in 1966.

Movies about hackers

Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, battles through one of his career-defining cases.

best business biography movies

A chronicle of the life of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner who was taken prisoner by Japanese forces during World War II.

best business biography movies

In the 1960s, two entrepreneurs hatch an ingenious business plan to fight for housing integration—and equal access to the American Dream.

Rivalry movies

The life story of Elvis Presley as seen through the complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

best business biography movies

Based on the real life story of legendary cryptanalyst Alan Turing, the film portrays the nail-biting race against time by Turing and his brilliant team of code-breakers at Britain's top-secret Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park, during the darkest days of World War II.

best business biography movies

The story of Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane's successful attempt to put together a baseball team on a budget, by employing computer-generated analysis to draft his players.

Serious movies

The story of French high-wire artist Philippe Petit's attempt to cross the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in 1974.

best business biography movies

A detainee at the U.S military's Guantanamo Bay detention center is held without charges for over a decade and seeks help from a defense attorney for his release.

best business biography movies

Tony Lip, a bouncer in 1962, is hired to drive pianist Don Shirley on a tour through the Deep South in the days when African Americans, forced to find alternate accommodations and services due to segregation laws below the Mason-Dixon Line, relied on a guide called The Negro Motorist Green Book.

Films about the hijacking of an airplane

Competitive ice skater Tonya Harding rises amongst the ranks at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, but her future in the sport is thrown into doubt when her ex-husband intervenes.

best business biography movies

An award-winning cynical journalist, Lloyd Vogel, begrudgingly accepts an assignment to write an Esquire profile piece on the beloved television icon Fred Rogers. After his encounter with Rogers, Vogel's perspective on life is transformed.

best business biography movies

In 1955 Florida, a Korean vet has a breakdown and is incarcerated in a "maximum security" mental health prison, where patients are abused.

Stressful movies

A coming of age drama following the life of Matt Hamill, the first deaf wrestler to win a National Collegiate Wrestling Championship.

best business biography movies

England, early 20th century. The future writer and philologist John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (1892-1973) and three of his schoolmates create a strong bond between them as they share the same passion for literature and art, a true fellowship that strengthens as they grow up, but the outbreak of World War I threatens to shatter it.

best business biography movies

Six actors portray six personas of music legend Bob Dylan in scenes depicting various stages of his life, chronicling his rise from unknown folksinger to international icon and revealing how Dylan constantly reinvented himself.

Movies about fashion and clothing designers

The Theory of Everything is the extraordinary story of one of the world’s greatest living minds, the renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, who falls deeply in love with fellow Cambridge student Jane Wilde.

best business biography movies

In 1987, five young men, using brutally honest rhymes and hardcore beats, put their frustration and anger about life in the most dangerous place in America into the most powerful weapon they had: their music. Taking us back to where it all began, Straight Outta Compton tells the true story of how these cultural rebels—armed only with their lyrics, swagger, bravado and raw talent—stood up to the authorities that meant to keep them down and formed the world’s most dangerous group, N.W.A. And as they spoke the truth that no one had before and exposed life in the hood, their voice ignited a social revolution that is still reverberating today.

best business biography movies

Set in 1977, back when sex was safe, pleasure was a business and business was booming, idealistic porn producer Jack Horner aspires to elevate his craft to an art form. Horner discovers Eddie Adams, a hot young talent working as a busboy in a nightclub, and welcomes him into the extended family of movie-makers, misfits and hangers-on that are always around. Adams' rise from nobody to a celebrity adult entertainer is meteoric, and soon the whole world seems to know his porn alter ego, "Dirk Diggler". Now, when disco and drugs are in vogue, fashion is in flux and the party never seems to stop, Adams' dreams of turning sex into stardom are about to collide with cold, hard reality.

Survival Movies

In 1966, Texas Western coach Don Haskins led the first all-black starting line-up for a college basketball team to the NCAA national championship.

best business biography movies

A film about the life and career of the early rock and roll star.

best business biography movies

Singer Freddie Mercury, guitarist Brian May, drummer Roger Taylor and bass guitarist John Deacon take the music world by storm when they form the rock 'n' roll band Queen in 1970. Hit songs become instant classics. When Mercury's increasingly wild lifestyle starts to spiral out of control, Queen soon faces its greatest challenge yet – finding a way to keep the band together amid the success and excess.

best business biography movies

1930s Hollywood is reevaluated through the eyes of scathing social critic and alcoholic screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz as he races to finish the screenplay of Citizen Kane.

best business biography movies

Molly Bloom, a young skier and former Olympic hopeful becomes a successful entrepreneur (and a target of an FBI investigation) when she establishes a high-stakes, international poker game.

best business biography movies

England, 15th century. Hal, a capricious prince who lives among the populace far from court, is forced by circumstances to reluctantly accept the throne and become Henry V.

best business biography movies

The life story of Brazilian football legend, Pele.

best business biography movies

Inspired by true events, Eddie the Eagle is a feel-good story about Michael "Eddie" Edwards (Taron Egerton), an unlikely but courageous British ski-jumper who never stopped believing in himself - even as an entire nation was counting him out. With the help of a rebellious and charismatic coach (played by Hugh Jackman), Eddie takes on the establishment and wins the hearts of sports fans around the world by making an improbable and historic showing at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.

best business biography movies

Saxophone player Charlie Parker comes to New York in 1940. He is quickly noticed for his remarkable way of playing. He becomes a drug addict but his loving wife Chan tries to help him.

best business biography movies

Based on a true story, in which Richmond High School head basketball coach Ken Carter made headlines in 1999 for benching his undefeated team due to poor academic results.

best business biography movies

The rise of Aretha Franklin’s career from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to her international superstardom.

best business biography movies

Joe Gideon is at the top of the heap, one of the most successful directors and choreographers in musical theater. But he can feel his world slowly collapsing around him - his obsession with work has almost destroyed his personal life, and only his bottles of pills keep him going.

best business biography movies

London, England, May 2000. The peaceful life of elderly Joan Stanley is suddenly disrupted when she is arrested by the British Intelligence Service and accused of providing information to communist Russia during the forties.

best business biography movies

WWII American Army Medic Desmond T. Doss, who served during the Battle of Okinawa, refuses to kill people and becomes the first Conscientious Objector in American history to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor.

best business biography movies

The powerful true story of Harvard-educated lawyer Bryan Stevenson, who goes to Alabama to defend the disenfranchised and wrongly condemned — including Walter McMillian, a man sentenced to death despite evidence proving his innocence. Bryan fights tirelessly for Walter with the system stacked against them.

best business biography movies

Control is the biography of Joy Division lead singer Ian Curtis, taking his story from schoolboy days of 1973 to his suicide on the eve of the band's first American tour in 1980.

best business biography movies

The story of Elton John's life, from his years as a prodigy at the Royal Academy of Music through his influential and enduring musical partnership with Bernie Taupin.

best business biography movies

Tank commander Kalashnikov is severely injured in battle in 1941. The accident leaves him incapacitated and unable to return to the front line. While recovering in the hospital he begins creating the initial sketches of what will become one of the world’s most legendary weapons. A self-taught inventor, Mikhail Kalashnikov, is only 29 when he develops the now iconic assault riffle — the AK-47.

best business biography movies

Biopic of Russian ice hockey legend Valeri Kharlamov from early childhood, rising to the pinnacle of the sport and his untimely death

best business biography movies

The extraordinary true story of eccentric British artist Louis Wain, whose playful, sometimes even psychedelic pictures helped to transform the public's perception of cats forever.

best business biography movies

Outlaw Jesse James is rumored to be the 'fastest gun in the West'. An eager recruit into James' notorious gang, Robert Ford eventually grows jealous of the famed outlaw and, when Robert and his brother sense an opportunity to kill James, their murderous action elevates their target to near mythical status.

best business biography movies

A true story based on acid attack survivor Malti's (Laxmi Agarwal) grueling and glorious journey from her medical treatment, court proceedings leading to her emotional healing.

best business biography movies

A story about the dramatic fate of the national poet of Belarus Yanka Kupala. The movie reveals the main milestones of the poet’s life and career, coinciding with the most tragic events of the 20th century.

Karate movies

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Other Biz Bios Every Guy Should See

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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18 Best Business Biographies to Read in 2024

You found our list of top business biographies .

Business biographies are narratives that tell the stories of entrepreneurs and the birth and growth of influential companies. These works deal with topics such as childhood influences, education and early career, business founding, and the evolution of entrepreneurial empires. The purpose of these books is to provide further context and insight into the personal factors that contributed to the creation of companies, and to inspire and educate current and future entrepreneurs.

These works are a subset of business books and are similar to entrepreneur books and CEO books .

This list includes:

  • autobiographies of business founders
  • biographies of business leaders
  • entrepreneur biographies
  • business biographies about women

Here we go!

List of business biographies

Here is a list of biographies of business leaders that shed light on how to launch and nurture legacies and empires.

1. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

Shoe Dog

Shoe Dog is one of the most popular autobiographies of business founders of all time. This memoir has received endorsements from the likes of Bill Gates and Warren Buffet.

In his own words, Nike founder Phil Knight recounts the journey of founding the sneaker company and its ascent into a top athletic wear brand. Knight gives a peek into his early life and influences, as well as insights into his leadership and business philosophy. Shoe Dog is a masterful illustration of tenacity, vision, and the business lifestyle.

Notable Quote: “Beating the competition is relatively easy. Beating yourself is a never-ending commitment.”

Read Shoe Dog .

2. Amazon Unbound: Jeff Bezos and the Invention of a Global Empire by Brad Stone

Amazon unbound book cover

Amazon Unbound is Brad Stone’s followup to the bestselling book, The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon. This latest biography about the founder of Amazon charts the company’s rise to global titan status and chronicles Bezos’ evolution as a leader within the past decade. The work includes the company’s development of cloud technology, Alexa, and Prime Video, as well as acquisitions of Whole Foods and The Washington Post . The book continues the narrative of the story of Amazon and its founder and lays forth the next chapter in the saga of the e-commerce giant.

Notable Quote: “Jeff is master of ‘this isn’t working today, but could work tomorrow.’ If customers like it, he’s got the cash flow to fund it.”

Read Amazon Unbound .

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3. Iacocca: An Autobiography by Lee Iacocca

Iacocca an autobiography book cover

Iacocca: An Autobiography is a firsthand account of the life of the legendary auto executive. Lee Iacocca’s life is a prime example of the American dream– raised by immigrants, he rises up the ranks in corporate America and dominates the auto world. In the course of this journey, Lee Iacocca revolutionized the automobile industry and earned icon status. The autobiography traces the highlights of Iacocca’s illustrious career, from his part in creating the Mustang and ascent to president of Ford, to saving the Chrysler brand, and defeating hurdles along the way. Iacocca: An Autobiography is a motivational read and a rallying call for resilience.

Notable Quote: “In the end, all business operations can be reduced to three words: people, product, and profits. People come first. Unless you’ve got a good team, you can’t do much with the other two.”

Read Iacocca: An Autobiography .

4. Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr. by Ron Chernow

titan the life of john d rockefeller book cover

Titan  traces the life of legendary businessman John D Rockefeller. This biography aims to examine Rockefeller through a new lens. Many other accounts either overly-glorify Rockefeller as a hero or condemn him based on The Standard Oil Company’s later scandals. Ron Chernow angles to lift the veil on and gain insight into the notoriously private Rockefeller by compiling a comprehensive account of his full life. The book follows John Rockefeller Sr from his childhood to death. In doing so, the author not only recounts the moves and deals that helped build a business and charity empire, but also shares stories and quotes that more thoroughly flesh out the figure behind the great deeds.

Notable Quote: “Rockefeller equated silence with strength: Weak men had loose tongues and blabbed to reporters, while prudent businessmen kept their own counsel.”

Read Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr.

5. The Man Who Solved the Market: How Jim Simons Launched the Quant Revolution by Gregory Zuckerman

The man who solved the market book cover

The Man Who Solved the Market is a bestselling book about Jim Simons, the mathematician who pioneered an algorithm-driven approach to investing that achieved unheard-of market returns. The book unpacks Simon’s backstory by tracing the codebreaker’s early adolescence, education at MIT, early career, and finally the late-life acclaim and founding of Renaissance Technologies. Gregory Zuckerman connects Simons’ story to the broader current climate and notes the influences the discovery had on the wider world. The Man Who Solved the Market also holds lessons about teamwork and professional collaboration.

Notable Quote: “Scientists and mathematicians are trained to dig below the surface of the chaotic, natural world to search for unexpected simplicity, structure, and even beauty”

Read The Man Who Solved the Market .

6. How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big: Kind of the Story of My Life by Scott Adams

How to fail at almost everything and still win big book cover

How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big is equal parts amusing and profound. In this book, Dilbert comic creator Scott Adams traces his career, paying special attention to the flops, setbacks, and disappointments. By focusing on failure, Adams explains how he was able to transform losses into lessons and eventual opportunities. The author’s signature wry sense of humor elevates the underdog narrative beyond motivational fluff and into actionable advice.

While telling his own tale, Adams drops tidbits such as:

  • Goals are for losers. Systems are for winners.
  • The most important metric is to track your personal energy.
  • Conquer shyness by being a huge phony (in a good way.)

While this book is structured more like a self-help guide than a traditional biography, it is full of personal anecdotes that provide a much more rounded picture of the famous cartoonist.

Notable Quote: “Failure always brings something valuable with it. I don’t let it leave until I extract that value.”

Read ​​ How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big .

7. The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life by Alice Schroeder

The snowball book cover

The Snowball provides a personal portrait of the Oracle of Omaha. In this exclusive biography, Warren Buffet allows Alice Schroeder and the readers intimate access into his inner life by way of years of one-on-one interviews with the author. The book reveals previously non-public details about Buffet’s childhood, career, and relationships, and sheds light on the investor’s inner-drivers, values, and areas of personal growth. The Snowball shows Warren Buffet’s human side and gives extra context to the magnate’s extraordinary accomplishments.

Notable Quote: “Intensity is the price of excellence.”

Read The Snowball .

8. Pappyland: A Story of Family, Fine Bourbon, and the Things That Last by Wright Thompson

Pappyland book cover

Pappyland is a tale of familial entrepreneurial duty and legacy preservation. The book tells the tale of Julian Van Winkle III’s battle to save his father and grandfather’s lifework and the reputation of the family whiskey business. The work chronicles Van Winkle’s early struggles to keep the business afloat in leaner years to the eventual rise to several-hundred-dollar-a-bottle prestige, and the resulting need for innovation and reinvention that stayed true to the company’s roots. Few entrepreneur biographies touch so heavily on themes of family devotion and obligation, making Pappyland a moving and relatable read as well as a practical business study.

Notable Quote: “That’s the work of adulthood. Sorting out the good and bad within.”

Read Pappyland .

9. The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company by Robert Iger

The Ride of a Lifetime book cover

The Ride of a Lifetime is a self-penned profile of Disney executive Robert Iger. The book recounts Iger’s rise from entry-level employee at ABC to head of the most powerful media company in the world. Iger reflects on the industry changes that he saw and had a hand in during his long and lucrative career, and highlights the keys to his professional success. While the book is not strictly a memoir, Iger structures this guide with personal details that give context to his business behaviors. The Ride of a Lifetime provides a direct look at the philosophies of the man behind the mouse.

Notable Quote: “Ask the questions you need to ask, admit without apology what you don’t understand, and do the work to learn what you need to learn as quickly as you can.”

Read The Ride of a Lifetime .

10. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Steve Jobs Official Biography

Walter Isaacson’s official profile on Steve Jobs ranks as one of the best biographies of business leaders. Drawing on over 40 interviews with Jobs and hundreds more with family and friends, colleagues, and rivals, Isaccson weaves a thrilling account of the icon’s life. The result is a comprehensive collection of life events that shaped the subject told from multiple perspectives. From childhood to college, inventions and product launches, collaborations and clashes, career setbacks and redemptions, and roller-coaster relationships, Steve Jobs paints an appropriately complex portrait of a larger than life figure with undeniable human flaws.

Notable Quote: “One way to remember who you are is to remember who your heroes are.”

Read Steve Jobs .

11. Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future by Ashlee Vance

Elon musk book cover

Ashlee Vance’s Elon Musk is a profile of a monumental current businessman. This biography retells Musk’s extraordinary story of overcoming childhood adversity in South Africa only to become one of the most influential figures in Silicon Valley and modern industry. The book touches on Musk’s early pursuits in PayPal, the founding of Tesla, as well as the eventual decision to set sights on space and enter the aerospace frontier. The book is an exploration of Musk’s character and vision, charting his life through his innovations and ideas.

Notable Quote: “Good ideas are always crazy until they’re not.”

Read Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future .

12. Sam Walton: Made In America by Sam Walton

Made in america book cover

Sam Walton: Made in America is the story of Walmart and the man who made Walmart the behemoth that it is today. This autobiography reveals how Walton grew a single dime store into a retail giant. The book explores how Walton built his foundations, structured his business, grew the company, bounced back from missteps, and kept control over his mission even as his empire expanded around the country and the world. Sam Walton: Made in America is a book about big business world ambition paired with small-town values, and is a distinctly American tale of commercial success and the achievement of a distinct vision.

Notable Quote: “Great ideas come from everywhere if you just listen and look for them. You never know who’s going to have a great idea.”

Read Sam Walton: Made In America .

13. Empire State of Mind: How Jay Z Went from Street Corner to Corner Office by Zack O’Malley Greenburg

Empire state of mind book cover

Empire State of Mind is a love letter to Jay Z’s business acumen. This biography recounts the rapper’s meteoric rise from ghettos to boardrooms. The book highlights some of the key points in Carter’s career, including the inception of Roc-a-Fella records, marriage to Beyoncé, birth of Roc Nation, and expansion into the streetwear, alcohol, and streaming spaces. Viewing Jay-Z as a businessman above all and hailing his hustler mindset, Empire State of Mind spins a tale of entrepreneurship, self-creation, and re-invention.

Notable Quote: “One of the main reasons for this success is Jay-Z’s ability to build and leverage his personal brand. As much as Martha Stewart or Oprah, he has turned himself into a lifestyle.”

Read Empire State of Mind .

14. Authentic: A Memoir by the Founder of Vans by Paul Van Doren

Authentic book cover

Authenti c is one of the final projects of Vans founder Paul Van Doren. The memoir tells the tale of how a high school dropout went on to helm one of the most beloved shoewear brands in the world. This autobiographical account charts Van Doren’s journey of working in a rubber factory as a teenager to creating the renowned skateboard shoe company, to preserving the legacy throughout the decades. The book examines the decisions that made the foundations of the empire and the elements that rocketed the company to fame. The story also deals with the personal and professional obstacles that threatened and informed the work. Authentic is a parable for following passions and staying true to style and vision even in the face of change.

Notable Quote: “What I’ve accomplished comes down to one thing: my knack for identifying and then solving problems. What I do better than anything else is cut out distractions. If a system isn’t working efficiently, I can see where it’s jammed, eliminate the problem, and find a way to keep everything moving forward.”

Read Authentic: A Memoir by the Founder of Vans .

15. Believe IT: How to Go from Underestimated to Unstoppable by Jamie Kern Lima

Believe It book cover

Believe IT tells the life story of Jamie Kern Lima, founder of IT Cosmetics and waitress-turned-entrepreneur who overcame the odds to build a company worth a billion dollars and to become the first female CEO of a L’Oreal brand. The book lays out defining events such as Lima learning of her adoption in early adulthood, and shows how the authors’ life hardships prepared her to face the adversity of a beauty industry that constantly told her she would not succeed. Believe IT is part manifesto and part memoir, and full-throttle motivational read.

Notable Quote: “How we react to times of uncertainty, and whether we make decisions based in love or fear, can change the course of our life. Champions aren’t made when the game is easy. In any area of life.”

Read Believe It: How to Go from Underestimated to Unstoppable .

16. The Widow Clicquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled It by Tilar J Mazzeo

The widow Clicquot book cover

The Widow Clicquot is a historical business biography, and is one of the most fascinating business biographies about women. The book tells the tale of Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, a businesswoman who gained control of her family’s business and revolutionized champagne. The biography describes how Clicquot Ponsardin turned misfortune into fortune and made a mark on the world at a time when opportunities for women were limited. The Widow Clicquot is an empowerment message and fascinating historical story wrapped into one riveting account.

Notable Quote: “Widowed at the age of twenty-seven, with no formal business training and no firsthand experience, Barbe-Nicole transformed a well-funded but struggling and small-time family wine brokerage into arguably the most important champagne house of the nineteenth century in just over a decade.”

Read The Widow Clicquot .

17. Losing My Virginity: How I’ve Survived, Had Fun, and Made a Fortune Doing Business My Way by Richard Branson

Losing my virginity book cover

Losing My Virginity is billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson’s first autobiography. The book pinpoints the most essential events and influences in Branson’s life. As most business biographies do, the work starts with the executive’s upbringing and moves through his life chronologically. Branson’s many adventures include professional forays into the music and airline industries, as well as personal exploits such as trying to circle the globe in a hot air balloon. Alongside his colorful stories, the businessman shares his personal and professional philosophies, chiefly the belief of working hard yet having passions and wins beyond work. Losing My Virginity advocates for living a full and rounded life and taking control in both personal and business spheres.

Notable Quote: “I can honestly say that I have never gone into any business purely to make money. If that is the sole motive then I believe you are better off not doing it. A business has to be involving, it has to be fun, and it has to exercise your creative instincts.”

Read Losing My Virginity .

18. Alibaba: The House That Jack Ma Built by Duncan Clark

Alibaba the house that jack ma built book cover

Alibaba: The House That Jack Ma Built is a striking profile of the founder of one of the most expansive eCommerce companies in China and the world at large. The book highlights Ma’s humble beginnings as an English teacher as well as his late start to the world of entrepreneurship, and explores how the businessman rapidly climbed from running a company out of an apartment to securing a record-setting multi-billion dollar IPO. Alibaba: The House That Jack Ma Built provides a comprehensive history of Jack Ma’s life and professional journey and Alibaba’s evolution.

Notable Quote: “Today is brutal, tomorrow is more brutal, but the day after tomorrow is beautiful. However, the majority of people will die tomorrow night.”

Read Alibaba: The House That Jack Ma Built .

Founders, CEOs, and industry leaders are so often mythologized and painted as larger-than-life, that it can be easy to forget that these figures are humans with backstories and deeply personal lives. Business biographies provide perspective and additional insight into the motivations and influences of these legends and help flesh out more fully-formed profiles of these grand personas. These memoirs also portray the history of major companies and can paint fuller portraits of organizations’ origins and growth. By reading biographies on business leaders, professionals can be more mindful and in-control of their own work aspirations.

For more reading recommendations, check out this list of books on leadership or these business books by women .

FAQ: Business biographies

Here are answers to common questions about business biographies.

What are business biographies?

Business biographies are narrative nonfiction works that follow the lives of industry leaders and chart the launch and growth of important organizations. These books often draw from interviews and mix facts and history with philosophy.

What are the best business biographies?

The best business biographies include Shoe Dog by Phil Knight, The Snowball by Alice Schroeder, and Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson.

Author avatar

Author: Angela Robinson

Marketing Coordinator at teambuilding.com. Team building content expert. Angela has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and worked as a community manager with Yelp to plan events for businesses.

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The 50 Best Biography Movies of All Time

My 50 personal favorite biography movies of all time. Honourable Mentions: Elvis (2022) Mank (2020) Dolemite Is My Name (2019) First Man (2018) The Disaster Artist (2017) The Danish Girl (2015) Trumbo (2015) 127 Hours (2010) Hachi (2009) Hunger (2008) The Diving Bell & The Butterfly (2007) The Basketball Diaries (1995) Quiz Show (1994) Glory (1989) My Left Foot (1989) Escape From Alcatraz (1979) Midnight Express (1978) Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid (1973) Funny Girl (1968) in Cold Blood (1967) Related: The 25 Best Biography Movies of the 21st Century - https://www.imdb.com/list/ls097509937/ The 25 Best Historical Movies of All Time - https://www.imdb.com/list/ls069565244/ The 25 Best Period Piece Movies of All Time - https://www.imdb.com/list/ls046806935/

  • Movies or TV
  • IMDb Rating
  • In Theaters
  • Release Year

1. Goodfellas (1990)

R | 145 min | Biography, Crime, Drama

The story of Henry Hill and his life in the mafia, covering his relationship with his wife Karen and his mob partners Jimmy Conway and Tommy DeVito.

Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: Robert De Niro , Ray Liotta , Joe Pesci , Lorraine Bracco

Votes: 1,243,677 | Gross: $46.84M

2. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Approved | 218 min | Adventure, Biography, Drama

The story of T.E. Lawrence , the English officer who successfully united and led the diverse, often warring, Arab tribes during World War I in order to fight the Turks.

Director: David Lean | Stars: Peter O'Toole , Alec Guinness , Anthony Quinn , Jack Hawkins

Votes: 311,330 | Gross: $44.82M

3. Schindler's List (1993)

R | 195 min | Biography, Drama, History

In German-occupied Poland during World War II, industrialist Oskar Schindler gradually becomes concerned for his Jewish workforce after witnessing their persecution by the Nazis.

Director: Steven Spielberg | Stars: Liam Neeson , Ralph Fiennes , Ben Kingsley , Caroline Goodall

Votes: 1,435,937 | Gross: $96.90M

4. Raging Bull (1980)

R | 129 min | Biography, Drama, Sport

The life of boxer Jake LaMotta , whose violence and temper that led him to the top in the ring destroyed his life outside of it.

Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: Robert De Niro , Cathy Moriarty , Joe Pesci , Frank Vincent

Votes: 376,866 | Gross: $23.38M

5. Amadeus (1984)

R | 160 min | Biography, Drama, Music

The life, success and troubles of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , as told by Antonio Salieri , the contemporaneous composer who was deeply jealous of Mozart's talent and claimed to have murdered him.

Director: Milos Forman | Stars: F. Murray Abraham , Tom Hulce , Elizabeth Berridge , Roy Dotrice

Votes: 424,220 | Gross: $51.97M

6. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

R | 180 min | Biography, Comedy, Crime

Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort , from his rise to a wealthy stock-broker living the high life to his fall involving crime, corruption and the federal government.

Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio , Jonah Hill , Margot Robbie , Matthew McConaughey

Votes: 1,560,395 | Gross: $116.90M

7. The Pianist (2002)

R | 150 min | Biography, Drama, Music

During WWII, acclaimed Polish musician Wladyslaw faces various struggles as he loses contact with his family. As the situation worsens, he hides in the ruins of Warsaw in order to survive.

Director: Roman Polanski | Stars: Adrien Brody , Thomas Kretschmann , Frank Finlay , Emilia Fox

Votes: 901,521 | Gross: $32.57M

8. A Beautiful Mind (2001)

PG-13 | 135 min | Biography, Drama, Mystery

A mathematical genius, John Nash made an astonishing discovery early in his career and stood on the brink of international acclaim. But the handsome and arrogant Nash soon found himself on a harrowing journey of self-discovery.

Director: Ron Howard | Stars: Russell Crowe , Ed Harris , Jennifer Connelly , Christopher Plummer

Votes: 979,202 | Gross: $170.74M

9. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)

R | 160 min | Biography, Crime, Drama

Robert Ford, who has idolized Jesse James since childhood, tries hard to join the resurgent gang of the Missouri outlaw, but gradually becomes resentful of the bandit leader.

Director: Andrew Dominik | Stars: Brad Pitt , Casey Affleck , Sam Shepard , Mary-Louise Parker

Votes: 191,717 | Gross: $3.90M

10. Lion (2016)

PG-13 | 118 min | Biography, Drama

A five-year-old Indian boy is adopted by an Australian couple after getting lost hundreds of kilometers from home. 25 years later, he sets out to find his lost family.

Director: Garth Davis | Stars: Dev Patel , Nicole Kidman , Rooney Mara , Sunny Pawar

Votes: 249,225 | Gross: $51.74M

11. Patton (1970)

GP | 172 min | Biography, Drama, War

The World War II phase of the career of controversial American general George S. Patton .

Director: Franklin J. Schaffner | Stars: George C. Scott , Karl Malden , Stephen Young , Michael Strong

Votes: 107,329 | Gross: $61.70M

12. The Aviator (2004)

PG-13 | 170 min | Biography, Drama

A biopic depicting the early years of legendary director and aviator Howard Hughes ' career from the late 1920s to the mid 1940s.

Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio , Cate Blanchett , Kate Beckinsale , John C. Reilly

Votes: 381,745 | Gross: $102.61M

13. Ed Wood (1994)

R | 127 min | Biography, Comedy, Drama

Ambitious but troubled movie director Edward D. Wood Jr. tries his best to fulfill his dreams despite his lack of talent.

Director: Tim Burton | Stars: Johnny Depp , Martin Landau , Sarah Jessica Parker , Patricia Arquette

Votes: 183,138 | Gross: $5.89M

14. BlacKkKlansman (2018)

R | 135 min | Biography, Comedy, Crime

Ron Stallworth , an African American police officer from Colorado Springs, Colorado, successfully infiltrates the local Ku Klux Klan branch aided by a Jewish surrogate who eventually becomes its leader. Based on actual events.

Director: Spike Lee | Stars: John David Washington , Adam Driver , Laura Harrier , Topher Grace

Votes: 288,540 | Gross: $49.28M

15. The Elephant Man (1980)

PG | 124 min | Biography, Drama

A Victorian surgeon rescues a heavily disfigured man who is mistreated while scraping a living as a side-show freak. Behind his monstrous façade, there is revealed a person of kindness, intelligence and sophistication.

Director: David Lynch | Stars: Anthony Hopkins , John Hurt , Anne Bancroft , John Gielgud

Votes: 256,301

16. A Hidden Life (2019)

PG-13 | 174 min | Biography, Drama, Romance

The Austrian Franz Jägerstätter, a conscientious objector, refuses to fight for the Nazis in World War II.

Director: Terrence Malick | Stars: August Diehl , Valerie Pachner , Maria Simon , Karin Neuhäuser

Votes: 27,724

17. Dog Day Afternoon (1975)

R | 125 min | Biography, Crime, Drama

Three amateur bank robbers plan to hold up a bank. A nice simple robbery: Walk in, take the money, and run. Unfortunately, the supposedly uncomplicated heist suddenly becomes a bizarre nightmare as everything that could go wrong does.

Director: Sidney Lumet | Stars: Al Pacino , John Cazale , Penelope Allen , Sully Boyar

Votes: 271,362 | Gross: $50.00M

18. Bonnie and Clyde (1967)

R | 111 min | Action, Biography, Crime

Bored waitress Bonnie Parker falls in love with an ex-con named Clyde Barrow and together they start a violent crime spree through the country, stealing cars and robbing banks.

Director: Arthur Penn | Stars: Warren Beatty , Faye Dunaway , Michael J. Pollard , Gene Hackman

Votes: 119,813

19. Downfall (2004)

R | 156 min | Biography, Drama, History

Traudl Junge , the final secretary for Adolf Hitler , tells of the Nazi dictator's final days in his Berlin bunker at the end of WWII.

Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel | Stars: Bruno Ganz , Alexandra Maria Lara , Ulrich Matthes , Juliane Köhler

Votes: 372,513 | Gross: $5.51M

20. Memories of Murder (2003)

Not Rated | 132 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery

In a small Korean province in 1986, two detectives struggle with the case of multiple young women being found raped and murdered by an unknown culprit.

Director: Bong Joon Ho | Stars: Song Kang-ho , Kim Sang-kyung , Kim Roe-ha , Song Jae-ho

Votes: 212,059 | Gross: $0.01M

21. Fruitvale Station (2013)

R | 85 min | Biography, Crime, Drama

The story of Oscar Grant III, a 22-year-old Bay Area resident, who crosses paths with friends, enemies, family, and strangers on the last day of 2008.

Director: Ryan Coogler | Stars: Michael B. Jordan , Melonie Diaz , Octavia Spencer , Kevin Durand

Votes: 85,456 | Gross: $16.10M

22. Into the Wild (2007)

R | 148 min | Adventure, Biography, Drama

After graduating from Emory University, top student and athlete Christopher McCandless abandons his possessions, gives his entire $24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters that shape his life.

Director: Sean Penn | Stars: Emile Hirsch , Vince Vaughn , Catherine Keener , Marcia Gay Harden

Votes: 653,461 | Gross: $18.35M

23. The King's Speech (2010)

R | 118 min | Biography, Drama, History

The story of King George VI , his unexpected ascension to the throne of the British Empire in 1936, and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch overcome his stammer.

Director: Tom Hooper | Stars: Colin Firth , Geoffrey Rush , Helena Bonham Carter , Derek Jacobi

Votes: 704,498 | Gross: $138.80M

24. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)

PG | 110 min | Biography, Crime, Drama

In 1890s Wyoming, Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid lead a band of outlaws. When a train robbery goes wrong, they find themselves on the run with a posse hard on their heels. After considering their options, they escape to South America.

Director: George Roy Hill | Stars: Paul Newman , Robert Redford , Katharine Ross , Strother Martin

Votes: 225,590 | Gross: $102.31M

25. The Intouchables (2011)

R | 112 min | Comedy, Drama

After he becomes a quadriplegic from a paragliding accident, an aristocrat hires a young man from the projects to be his caregiver.

Directors: Olivier Nakache , Éric Toledano | Stars: François Cluzet , Omar Sy , Anne Le Ny , Audrey Fleurot

Votes: 918,937 | Gross: $13.18M

26. Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972)

Not Rated | 95 min | Action, Adventure, Biography

In the 16th century, the ruthless and insane Don Lope de Aguirre leads a Spanish expedition in search of El Dorado.

Director: Werner Herzog | Stars: Klaus Kinski , Ruy Guerra , Helena Rojo , Del Negro

Votes: 61,659

27. The Irishman (2019)

R | 209 min | Biography, Crime, Drama

An illustration of Frank Sheeran's life, from W.W.II veteran to hit-man for the Bufalino crime family and his alleged assassination of his close friend Jimmy Hoffa.

Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: Robert De Niro , Al Pacino , Joe Pesci , Harvey Keitel

Votes: 426,327 | Gross: $7.00M

28. Man on the Moon (1999)

R | 118 min | Biography, Comedy, Drama

The life and career of legendary comedian Andy Kaufman .

Director: Milos Forman | Stars: Jim Carrey , Danny DeVito , Gerry Becker , Greyson Erik Pendry

Votes: 136,760 | Gross: $34.58M

29. Persepolis (2007)

PG-13 | 96 min | Animation, Biography, Drama

A precocious and outspoken Iranian girl grows up during the Islamic Revolution.

Directors: Vincent Paronnaud , Marjane Satrapi | Stars: Chiara Mastroianni , Catherine Deneuve , Gena Rowlands , Danielle Darrieux

Votes: 99,491 | Gross: $4.45M

30. Green Book (2018)

PG-13 | 130 min | Biography, Comedy, Drama

A working-class Italian-American bouncer becomes the driver for an African-American classical pianist on a tour of venues through the 1960s American South.

Director: Peter Farrelly | Stars: Viggo Mortensen , Mahershala Ali , Linda Cardellini , Sebastian Maniscalco

Votes: 557,153 | Gross: $85.08M

31. Mirror (1975)

Not Rated | 107 min | Biography, Drama

A dying man in his forties remembers his past. His childhood, his mother, the war, personal moments and things that tell of the recent history of all the Russian nation.

Director: Andrei Tarkovsky | Stars: Margarita Terekhova , Filipp Yankovskiy , Ignat Daniltsev , Oleg Yankovskiy

Votes: 51,575 | Gross: $0.18M

32. Finding Neverland (2004)

PG | 106 min | Biography, Drama, Family

The story of Sir J.M. Barrie 's friendship with a family who inspired him to create Peter Pan.

Director: Marc Forster | Stars: Johnny Depp , Kate Winslet , Julie Christie , Radha Mitchell

Votes: 211,416 | Gross: $51.68M

33. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

PG-13 | 117 min | Biography, Drama

A struggling salesman takes custody of his son as he's poised to begin a life-changing professional career

Director: Gabriele Muccino | Stars: Will Smith , Thandiwe Newton , Jaden Smith , Brian Howe

Votes: 554,864 | Gross: $163.57M

34. Heavenly Creatures (1994)

R | 99 min | Biography, Crime, Drama

Two teenage girls share a unique bond; their parents, concerned that the friendship is too intense, separate them, and the girls take revenge.

Director: Peter Jackson | Stars: Melanie Lynskey , Kate Winslet , Sarah Peirse , Diana Kent

Votes: 67,045 | Gross: $3.05M

35. Gandhi (1982)

PG | 191 min | Biography, Drama, History

The life of the lawyer who became the famed leader of the Indian revolts against the British rule through his philosophy of nonviolent protest.

Director: Richard Attenborough | Stars: Ben Kingsley , John Gielgud , Rohini Hattangadi , Roshan Seth

Votes: 239,316 | Gross: $52.77M

36. American Gangster (2007)

R | 157 min | Biography, Crime, Drama

An outcast New York City cop is charged with bringing down Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas, whose real life inspired this partly biographical film.

Director: Ridley Scott | Stars: Denzel Washington , Russell Crowe , Chiwetel Ejiofor , Josh Brolin

Votes: 449,388 | Gross: $130.16M

37. The Social Network (2010)

PG-13 | 120 min | Biography, Drama

As Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg creates the social networking site that would become known as Facebook, he is sued by the twins who claimed he stole their idea and by the co-founder who was later squeezed out of the business.

Director: David Fincher | Stars: Jesse Eisenberg , Andrew Garfield , Justin Timberlake , Rooney Mara

Votes: 751,922 | Gross: $96.96M

38. Spotlight (I) (2015)

R | 129 min | Biography, Crime, Drama

The true story of how the Boston Globe uncovered the massive scandal of child molestation and cover-up within the local Catholic Archdiocese, shaking the entire Catholic Church to its core.

Director: Tom McCarthy | Stars: Mark Ruffalo , Michael Keaton , Rachel McAdams , Liev Schreiber

Votes: 498,220 | Gross: $45.06M

39. Hotel Rwanda (2004)

PG-13 | 121 min | Biography, Drama, History

Paul Rusesabagina , a hotel manager, houses over a thousand Tutsi refugees during their struggle against the Hutu militia in Rwanda, Africa.

Director: Terry George | Stars: Don Cheadle , Sophie Okonedo , Joaquin Phoenix , Xolani Mali

Votes: 369,956 | Gross: $23.53M

40. 12 Years a Slave (2013)

R | 134 min | Biography, Drama, History

In the antebellum United States, Solomon Northup , a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery.

Director: Steve McQueen | Stars: Chiwetel Ejiofor , Michael Kenneth Williams , Michael Fassbender , Brad Pitt

Votes: 736,140 | Gross: $56.67M

41. Malcolm X (1992)

PG-13 | 202 min | Biography, Drama, History

Biographical epic of the controversial and influential Black Nationalist leader, from his early life and career as a small-time gangster, to his ministry as a member of the Nation of Islam and his eventual assassination.

Director: Spike Lee | Stars: Denzel Washington , Angela Bassett , Delroy Lindo , Spike Lee

Votes: 101,249 | Gross: $48.17M

42. The Imitation Game (2014)

PG-13 | 114 min | Biography, Drama, Thriller

During World War II, the English mathematical genius Alan Turing tries to crack the German Enigma code with help from fellow mathematicians while attempting to come to terms with his troubled private life.

Director: Morten Tyldum | Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch , Keira Knightley , Matthew Goode , Allen Leech

Votes: 817,817 | Gross: $91.13M

43. American Sniper (2014)

R | 133 min | Action, Biography, Drama

Navy S.E.A.L. sniper Chris Kyle's pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield and turns him into a legend. Back home with his family after four tours of duty, however, Chris finds that it is the war he can't leave behind.

Director: Clint Eastwood | Stars: Bradley Cooper , Sienna Miller , Kyle Gallner , Cole Konis

Votes: 524,044 | Gross: $350.13M

44. Serpico (1973)

R | 130 min | Biography, Crime, Drama

An honest New York cop named Frank Serpico blows the whistle on rampant corruption in the force only to have his comrades turn against him.

Director: Sidney Lumet | Stars: Al Pacino , John Randolph , Jack Kehoe , Biff McGuire

Votes: 133,491 | Gross: $29.80M

45. Awakenings (1990)

PG-13 | 121 min | Biography, Drama

The victims of an encephalitis epidemic many years ago have been catatonic ever since, but now a new drug offers the prospect of reviving them.

Director: Penny Marshall | Stars: Robert De Niro , Robin Williams , Julie Kavner , Ruth Nelson

Votes: 156,801 | Gross: $52.10M

46. The Big Short (2015)

R | 130 min | Biography, Comedy, Drama

In 2006-2007 a group of investors bet against the United States mortgage market. In their research, they discover how flawed and corrupt the market is.

Director: Adam McKay | Stars: Christian Bale , Steve Carell , Ryan Gosling , Brad Pitt

Votes: 477,922 | Gross: $70.26M

47. Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

R | 139 min | Biography, Drama, History

World War II American Army Medic Desmond T. Doss , serving during the Battle of Okinawa, refuses to kill people and becomes the first man in American history to receive the Medal of Honor without firing a shot.

Director: Mel Gibson | Stars: Andrew Garfield , Sam Worthington , Luke Bracey , Teresa Palmer

Votes: 585,397 | Gross: $67.21M

48. Dallas Buyers Club (2013)

R | 117 min | Biography, Drama

In 1985 Dallas, electrician and hustler Ron Woodroof works around the system to help AIDS patients get the medication they need after he is diagnosed with the disease.

Director: Jean-Marc Vallée | Stars: Matthew McConaughey , Jennifer Garner , Jared Leto , Steve Zahn

Votes: 515,129 | Gross: $27.30M

49. In the Name of the Father (1993)

R | 133 min | Biography, Crime, Drama

An Irish man's coerced confession to an I.R.A. bombing he did not commit results in the imprisonment of his father as well. Meanwhile, a British lawyer fights to clear their names and free them.

Director: Jim Sheridan | Stars: Daniel Day-Lewis , Pete Postlethwaite , Alison Crosbie , Philip King

Votes: 185,629 | Gross: $25.01M

50. The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)

Passed | 114 min | Biography, Drama, History

In 1431, Jeanne d'Arc is placed on trial on charges of heresy. The ecclesiastical jurists attempt to force Jeanne to recant her claims of holy visions.

Director: Carl Theodor Dreyer | Stars: Maria Falconetti , Eugene Silvain , André Berley , Maurice Schutz

Votes: 59,954 | Gross: $0.02M

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    The Godfather Trilogy. Mad Men. Margin Call. 7 Best Budgeting Tips for Small Enterprises. Best business movies for entrepreneurs: Wall Street, The Wolf of Wall Street, The Founder, The Social Network, The Aviator.

  8. 7 Film Biographies to Inspire Every Entrepreneur

    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...

  9. Biographical

    1. Steve Jobs (2015) R | 122 min | Biography, Drama 7.2 Rate 82 Metascore Steve Jobs takes us behind the scenes of the digital revolution, to paint a portrait of the man at its epicenter. The story unfolds backstage at three iconic product launches, ending in 1998 with the unveiling of the iMac.

  10. 15 Inspiring Movies for Entrepreneurs

    Beyond the business success Mangano enjoys, this movie also tells the story of the power of a supportive family, the struggles women in business have to overcome, and the success a product that meets a need can achieve. 2. Wall Street. "It's all about the bucks, kid. The rest is conversation."

  11. 21 Movies Every Entrepreneur Should Watch for Inspiration

    21 Inspiring Movies for Entrepreneurs. 1. The Social Network. 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.

  12. 23 of the Best Business Movies for Entrepreneurs

    The Social Network. We simply couldn't talk about the best business movies for entrepreneurs without including this masterpiece. Directed by David Fincher and starring Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Armie Hammer and Justin Timberlake, The Social Network tells the story of how Mark Zuckerberg (played by Jesse Eisenberg) invented Facebook, from its humble origins from his Harvard dorm room ...

  13. 50 Game Changing Business Movies For Entrepreneurs 2024

    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

  14. 20 Best Business Movies on Netflix for Entrepreneurs

    Avantika Bhardwaj, Akshat Hawelia Nov 29, 2023 — 21 min read Best Business Movies for Entrepreneurs on Netflix 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?

  15. 100 best business biography movies

    List of the best biography movies about business and entrepreneurs, founders of companies selected by visitors to our site: The Founder, The Billionaire, Pirates of Silicon Valley, Neerja, Siruthai, House of Gucci, Padman, King Richard, Ford v Ferrari, Marshall.

  16. Best Business Movies and Documentaries

    Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, from his rise to a wealthy stock-broker living the high life to his fall involving crime, corruption and the federal government.. Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Matthew McConaughey Votes: 1,527,563 | Gross: $116.90M

  17. Best Business Biography Movies

    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

  18. Top 10 Entrepreneur Movies Based On True Events

    If you want see biographical stories of real life entrepreneurs you should definitely watch our picks for the best Entrepreneur Biopics.Discover the best…🍿 ...

  19. Advanced search

    1. Oppenheimer 2023 3h R 8.4 (619K) Rate 89 Metascore The story of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb. Votes 619,493 2. The Hill 2023 2h 6m PG 6.7 (3.3K) Rate 48 Metascore The remarkable true-life story of Rickey Hill's improbable journey to play Major League Baseball. Votes 3,326 3. Ferrari

  20. Best Biography Movies to Stream at Home

    Bill Bradley: Rolling Along Streaming Feb 1, 2024. Watchlist. 89%. 95%. A Million Miles Away Streaming Sep 15, 2023. Watchlist. 56%. 86%. The Greatest Showman Streaming Dec 22, 2017.

  21. 18 Best Business Biographies to Read in 2024

    10. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson. Walter Isaacson's official profile on Steve Jobs ranks as one of the best biographies of business leaders. Drawing on over 40 interviews with Jobs and hundreds more with family and friends, colleagues, and rivals, Isaccson weaves a thrilling account of the icon's life.

  22. The 50 Best Biography Movies of All Time

    My 50 personal favorite biography movies of all time. Honourable Mentions: Elvis (2022) Mank (2020) Dolemite Is My Name (2019) First Man (2018) The Disaster Artist (2017) The Danish Girl (2015) Trumbo (2015) 127 Hours (2010) Hachi (2009) Hunger (2008) The Diving Bell & The Butterfly (2007) The Basketball Diaries (1995) Quiz Show (1994) Glory (1989) My Left Foot (1989) Escape From Alcatraz ...

  23. Top 10 Entrepreneur Movies

    If you want to know how to build a company and get motivated for business you should definitely watch our picks for the best Entrepreneur movies.Discover the...