Starting and running a business is not easy. It requires the right skills, mindset, and knowledge. While traditional learning resources are invaluable for entrepreneurs, the power of cinematic storytelling offers unique insights into the entrepreneurial spirit.
As an entrepreneur, your journey requires you to learn far and wide using different medium ranging from movies, books, courses and mentorship which will expose you to a diverse set of skills, mindsets, and perspectives to navigate successfully.
There are diverse lessons an entrepreneur can learn from different business oriented movies. Movies helps to provide valuable lessons on starting a business, making moral business decisions, leading a team, and staying determined.
These carefully selected films provide not just entertainment, but profound lessons in leadership, innovation, resilience, and business acumen. Listed below are some must watch movies for every entrepreneur.
You’ve Got Mail (1998)
An interesting watch, directed by Nora Ephron and the screenplay was done by Nora & Delia Ephron, Music by George Fenton. You’ve Got Mail story is about a small bookstore ‘‘The Shop Around the Corner’’ competing with a big chain store ‘Fox Books’. Sound familiar? It’s like today’s small businesses competing with Amazon. It shows how small businesses can still succeed against large corporations with the right strategies.
Beyond its romantic storyline, this film shows how important it is to adapt when technology changes your industry, and how personal customer service can be your strength. It teaches entrepreneurs not to give up amid challenges and competition.
Most Engaging Scene: When Kathleen realizes that the anonymous online friend, she has been chatting with is actually Joe Fox, the man responsible for putting her out of business—highlighting the complexity of personal and business relationships.
The Founder (2016)
This must watch movie was directed by John Lee Hancock , Cinematography by John Schwartzman and Music by Carter Burwell. This biographical drama tells the true story of Ray Kroc and the rise of McDonald’s showing how Ray Kroc turned two brothers’ fast-food ideas into what McDonald’s is known to be today.
The film is a good watch for understanding how to grow a small business into something huge, and how important it is to never give up. It highlights the importance of persistence, recognizing opportunities, and scaling a business.
It shows the potential cost of success on personal relationships and how standard processes drive business success. It also shows how contracts and legal agreements must be carefully managed and how ethical business decisions can impact long-term success.
Most Engaging Scene: The moment Ray Kroc realizes that the real power of McDonald’s is not in selling burgers but in owning the land where franchises operate. This strategic insight changes the course of the company forever.
Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Catch me if you can was directed by Steven Spielberg , Screenplay by Jeff Nathanson and Music by John Williams. An inspiring movie based on the true story of Frank Abagnale, which storylines showcase creativity, resourcefulness, and quick thinking.
While the protagonist’s actions are on the wrong side of the law, his ability to think on his feet and reinvent himself provides valuable lessons in problem-solving and negotiation. The movie teaches entrepreneurs to be smart and to make sure the risks he/she takes are calculated ones.
This movie highlights important business skills such as confidence and strong presentation skills, which can open many opportunities. It also shows how adaptability is crucial in different situations and how understanding human behaviour and psychology is valuable in business.
Most Engaging Scene: Frank Abagnale Jr. successfully faking his way through a job as an airline pilot, demonstrating the power of persuasion, confidence, and understanding systems.
Pirates of Silicon Valley (1999)
Pirates of Silicon Valley was directed by Martyn Burke and Screenplay by Martyn Burke. This must watch movie tells how Apple and Microsoft got started, featuring Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. It captures the fierce competition, innovation, and vision that define the tech industry, offering valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, disruption, and staying ahead of the curve.
This film offers an intimate look at the early days of personal computing and the birth of modern tech entrepreneurship. It’s perfect for understanding how competition works in tech and why innovation matters.
Most Engaging Scene: Steve Jobs confronting Bill Gates about copying the Macintosh operating system.
The Intern (2015)
A fun movie about what happens when old-school experience meets new-school startup culture which was directed by Nancy Meyers, Screenplay by Nancy Meyers and Music by Theodore Shapiro. A heartwarming yet insightful movie about business mentorship, leadership, and adaptability. It emphasizes the importance of experience, teamwork, and staying open to learning, regardless of age or position.
It also shed light on the fact that it is so important to find the perfect balance between work, family, and social life as an entrepreneur. Great for understanding how different generations can work together.
Most Engaging Scene: Ben stepping in as a mentor for Jules, showing how experience bridges the gap between tradition and innovation.
The Social Network (2010)
Directed by David Fincher , Screenplay by Aaron Sorkin, and Cinematography by Jeff Cronenweth. With its unique storyline, this movie unveils Facebook founding and the conflicts that arose between its creators, great for understanding startup drama and growth.
The Social Network movie teaches that building a great business requires strong partnerships, networking also play a crucial role in growing a company but miscommunication and legal issues can lead to conflicts. It shows why adapting is important, how Facebook stayed successful by changing and improving over time, value of creativity and taking advantage of opportunities at the right time.
This movie also shows how unresolved issues between founders can put the company at risk and why having a clear vision on the future of the company from the very beginning is so vital.
Most Engaging Scene: The tense legal battle between Mark Zuckerberg and Eduardo Saverin, showing how business and friendships can become complicated when money and success are involved.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
The Pursuit of Happyness movie is an emotional story of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering determination. Directed by Gabriele Muccino, Cinematography by Phedon Papamichael and Music by Andrea Guerra. This movie tells the true story of Chris Gardner, who overcame homelessness to become a successful stockbroker.
It teaches the importance of learning new skills to improve one’s chances of success, and how believing in oneself and making sacrifices can lead to a better future. Another lesson entrepreneur should learn is to never give up on your dreams, even when everything seems impossible and that no matter how hard the circumstances, determination and hard work can lead to success.
Most Engaging Scene: The emotional moment when Chris Gardner, after months of struggle, is finally offered a job. His silent tears of joy highlight the triumph of perseverance and hard work.
Wall Street (1987)
This movie explores the world of high finance and the dangers of unethical business decisions. Directed by Oliver Stone, Screenplay by Stanley Weiser & Oliver Stone and Music by Stewart Copeland.
It also portrays a “what not to do” guide in business. It shows how greed can take over, but also teaches smart lessons about how money and investing work. This classic film starring Michael Douglas as the infamous Gordon Gekko, is super successful but not exactly ethical – it’s a good reminder that making money shouldn’t mean losing your values.
It also highlights the need for thorough research before making business moves, the value of building strong professional networks for new opportunities, and the necessity of maintaining ethics and integrity rather than sacrificing them for financial gain.
Most Engaging Scene: Gordon Gekko’s famous “Greed is good” speech, where he passionately explains how greed drives capitalism and innovation, a moment that still sparks debates on business ethics.
I Am (2010)
This documentary makes you think about what success really means. It asks: “Is making money everything, or should we focus on making the world better too?” Directed byTom Shadyac, Cinematography by Roko Belic and Music by Alex Gibson.
It teaches that businesses can be both profitable and socially responsible, and that companies should consider their impact on society, not just their financial success. The film also highlights how a sustainable business model can create long-term success, and how measuring impact beyond financial metrics is crucial for modern businesses.
Most Engaging Scene: When Tom Shadyac discusses his realization that excessive wealth does not necessarily lead to happiness.
Triple Frontier (2019)
An action-packed thriller that, while unconventional, talks about teamwork, risk management, and strategic decision-making. Directed byJ.C. Chandor, Screenplay by J.C. Chandor & Mark Boal, Music by Disasterpeace.
It shows that choosing the right team members is crucial for success, and that proper risk assessment and planning can prevent major failures. Entrepreneurs will appreciate the themes of leadership, collaboration, and navigating high-stakes situations. It also serves as a cautionary tale about how greed and poor judgment can lead to bad business decisions.
Most Engaging Scene: The team struggling to transport millions of dollars over treacherous terrain, highlighting the consequences of greed and poor planning.
Quick Tips for Watching and Applying these Movies in real life:
- Take notes about ideas you can use in your business.
- Pay attention to both the good and bad decisions characters make.
- Think about how their situations might apply to your business.
- Discuss the lessons with fellow entrepreneurs or business professionals to gain new insights.
- Stay open to learning from a variety of sources, including movies, real-life experiences, and industry trends.
Conclusion
Business movies teach us real lessons about running companies and being a leader. They show us what works and what doesn’t, through stories that stick with us. While you shouldn’t copy everything you see, you can learn from both the successes and mistakes shown in these films. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or an experienced business owner, these films can help you develop strategies, avoid mistakes, and stay motivated on your journey.
The key takeaway is to watch these movies thoughtfully – think about how their lessons might help with your own business goals. Just remember to adapt what you learn to fit your specific situation. So, relax, sit back and get ready to be inspired!
