Movies Every Entrepreneur Should Watch

For entrepreneurs, inspiration can come from countless sources, and movies have a unique power to deliver insights and lessons engagingly and memorably.

This list includes eight films that offer powerful perspectives on ambition, resilience, and innovation, making them essential viewing for anyone looking to thrive in the world of business.

The Founder

The Founder follows Ray Kroc’s journey in transforming McDonald’s from a small family business into one of the biggest fast-food empires in the world. Michael Keaton’s portrayal of Kroc explores his relentless drive, vision, and sometimes ruthless tactics to make McDonald’s a global brand. This film is a masterclass in recognizing potential and scaling a business. Kroc’s story teaches entrepreneurs about the importance of timing, branding, and operational efficiency. Watching how he takes an existing idea and expands it exponentially can inspire entrepreneurs to see beyond current limitations and visualize what their ventures can become on a larger scale.

The Wolf of Wall Street

Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street is based on the life of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker whose meteoric rise and eventual fall exemplify the dangers of extreme ambition. The movie showcases Belfort’s success and excess, as well as the consequences of his greed-driven decisions. While it’s a cautionary tale, this film demonstrates the power of persuasion and confidence. Belfort’s skill in selling and rallying his team speaks to the value of charisma and energy in entrepreneurship. However, it also serves as a stark reminder of the need for ethical grounding.

The Big Short

This film offers a look at the 2008 financial crisis from the perspective of a few individuals who predicted the collapse of the housing market and decided to bet against it. Through the stories of these forward-thinking investors, The Big Short provides a detailed look into financial risk, market dynamics, and the power of insight. The Big Short emphasizes the importance of deep research and seeing what others overlook. For entrepreneurs, this film can inspire a sense of vigilance and an understanding of risk management. Entrepreneurs who learn to analyze markets and take calculated risks can often capitalize on overlooked opportunities.

The Social Network

Chronicling the early days of Facebook, The Social Network gives a raw portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg’s ambition, creativity, and the complex relationships that shaped the platform. Jesse Eisenberg’s performance captures Zuckerberg’s genius and the personal sacrifices behind Facebook’s meteoric rise. This movie is an excellent study of innovation, leadership, and the role of personal relationships in business. Entrepreneurs can see how a single idea can be transformed into something monumental, given the right drive and timing. It also serves as a reminder of the challenges and conflicts that can arise when pursuing a disruptive vision.

The Pursuit of Happyness

Based on a true story, this film follows Chris Gardner’s journey from homelessness to becoming a successful stockbroker. Will Smith’s portrayal of Gardner highlights the grit and resilience it takes to overcome life’s toughest challenges. The Pursuit of Happyness serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of not giving up, even when the odds are stacked against you. Entrepreneurs will be moved by Gardner’s dedication to his goals and his refusal to give up. It’s a lesson in resilience, hard work, and the belief that anything is possible if you’re willing to work for it.

Margin Call

Set during the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis, Margin Call provides a dramatic look at 24 hours in a large investment bank as employees realize they’re on the brink of collapse. The film highlights the moral and ethical decisions individuals face in times of crisis. This movie emphasizes the importance of understanding financial risks and the moral implications of business decisions. Entrepreneurs can learn from the pressures and ethical dilemmas that come with high-stakes decisions, especially in moments of crisis.

Billions

Though not a movie, Billions is a series that dives deep into the world of finance, focusing on the intense rivalry between a hedge fund manager and a U.S. attorney. The show portrays the intersection of power, ambition, and money, along with the ethical and moral conflicts these characters face. Billions offer insights into negotiation tactics, competitive spirit, and the importance of knowing your competition. It also provides a realistic portrayal of the complexities of wealth and influence in business, showing both the positives and negatives of unbridled ambition.

Steve Jobs

This biographical drama focuses on the life of Steve Jobs, portraying his journey to make Apple a household name. Michael Fassbender’s portrayal reveals Jobs’ dedication to creating ground-breaking products, despite his personal challenges and sometimes difficult personality. Steve Jobs is an inspiring look at the passion and perfectionism that go into creating products that change the world. Entrepreneurs can take lessons from Jobs’ drive, his understanding of branding, and his insistence on high-quality standards. The film also illustrates the sacrifices and complex relationships that can come with leadership.