Looking for startup movies?
It’s a great idea to improve your business knowledge while watching movies. You’re in luck. There are so many great startup and business movies out there.
Our list of best business movies is sure to satisfy even the most dedicated film buffs. We hope you enjoy brunchwork’s top 15 picks for the best business movies you can watch this year!
This list is a great way to start. However, if you want to build your business acumen further, consider taking an online business class.
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Startup Movies On Netflix
1) The Founder (2016), Directed by John Lee Hancock
2) Steve Jobs (2015), Directed by Danny Boyle
3) The Social Network (2010), Directed by David Fincher
The Best Business Movies To Watch
1) Moneyball (2011), Directed by Bennett Miller
2) The Big Short (2015), Directed by Adam McKay
3) Wall Street (1987), Directed by Oliver Stone
4) The Godfather (1972), Directed by Francis Ford Coppola
5) Erin Brockovich (2000), Directed by Steven Soderbergh
6) The Devil Wears Prada (2006), Directed by David Frankel
7) The Wolf of Wallstreet (2013), Directed by Martin Scorsese
8) Glengarry Glen Ross (1992), Directed by James Foley
9) Up In The Air (2009), Directed by Jason Reitman
10) American Gangster (2007), Directed by Ridley Scott
11) The Greatest Showman (2017), Directed by Michael Gracey
12) Jerry Maguire (1996), Directed by Cameron Crowe
Best Startup Movies: Descriptions
The Founder (2016) Directed by John Lee Hancock
Learn how Ray Kroc, a down-on-his-luck milkshake machine salesman, managed to take McDonalds from a modest neighborhood restaurant chain into the global behemoth we know today. Understand what Kroc did to succeed, how he managed people in the process, and how he changed the food world forever.
* On Netflix
Steve Jobs (2015), Directed by Danny Boyle
Follow Steve Jobs (Michael Fassbender) through three different product launches. First in 1984 for the launch of Macintosh, next in 1988 for the launch of the NeXT Computer, and in 1998 for the launch of the iMac. Go behind the scenes and gain a deep understanding of the relenting nature of the incredibly innovative Steve Jobs. If you’re a fan of Apple, Jobs, or the tech industry in general, this is a must see.
* On Netflix
The Social Network (2010), Directed by David Fincher
Facebook is one of the strongest social network companies in the world. However it started with just an idea and a few lines of code. Watch as David Fincher directs an all star cast following Mark Zuckerberg’s journey into the creation and development of Facebook. Learn about triumphs, betrayals, and what it takes to create products that are truly innovative.
* On Netflix
Best Business Movies: Descriptions
Moneyball (2011), Directed by Bennett Miller
If you love business and baseball, this one’s for you! Starring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill, Moneyball traces the true story of how Oakland A’s general manager, Billy Bean, changed the way professional baseball teams build their rosters. Though at an economic disadvantage due to the small-market nature of Oakland, Billy Bean turned his team around by analyzing certain factors such as cost of players compared to on-base percentage.
Learn how professional GMs work with what they have to deliver on-field success for their fans.
The Big Short (2015), Directed by Adam McKay
Based on the book of the same name, Adam Mckay directs an all star cast including: Christian Bale, Steve Carrel, Marissa Tomei, Brad Pitt, and Ryan Gosling. This out of the box comedy follows the group of maverick individuals who made billions by shorting the financial system right before the 2008 crash. Learn how they saw the crash coming before everyone else and the tough decisions they made in order to secure their financial position.
Wall Street (1987), Directed by Oliver Stone
Oliver Stone’s classic had the financial world asking, “Is greed good?”
Michael Douglass stars as the greatest financial villain, Gordon Gekko, who has undoubtedly impacted how the world looks at Wall Street titans. Learn the triumphs and mistakes of a new Wall Street analyst (Charlie Sheen), and how his connection to Gekko leads him to great highs and lows.
The Godfather (1972), Directed by Francis Ford Coppola
Considered by many to be the greatest movie of all time, The Godfather also has many business lessons. Learn from the Corleone family about reputation, relationships, succession plans, and trusted advisors.
Note: this film is violent, and should only be viewed by a mature audience.
Erin Brockovich (2000) Directed by Steven Soderbergh
Starring Julia Roberts in an Oscar-winning role, Erin Brockovich follows the true story of an unemployed, divorced mother who turns everything around. Get inspired by her non-stop determination and ability to see value where others fail.
The Devil Wears Prada (2006), Directed by David Frankel
Starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, The Devil Wears Prada is a highly entertaining comedy about what it’s like to work for a brilliant but incredibly difficult boss. Follow as a young, naive writer navigates through the difficulties of the fashion business. See how she adapts to her new industry but loses part of herself in the process. Also watch as an old boss does anything to remain relevant in an incredibly young industry. If you love fashion, or are a fan of delightful movie villains, this one’s for you!
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), Directed by Martin Scorsese
Martin Scorsese directs an outrageous comedy that follows the true story behind one of Wall Street’s most notorious salesmen, Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio). Follow along as Jordan recounts his career as a crooked stockbroker. This movie shows you what can happen when a motivated and charismatic person becomes too greedy and breaks all the rules.
Note: this movie is explicit and should be only viewed by a mature audience.
Glengarry Glen Ross (1992), Directed by James Foley
Written by David Mamet based on his hit stage play, this classic film stars Al Pocino, Ed Harris, and Alan Arkin. Follow along as four New York real estate salesmen are told that half of them will be fired by the end of the week. Look out for Alec Baldwin who gives a career-defining speech on what it takes to excel in the sales industry.
Up In The Air (2009), Directed by Jason Reitman
Follow Ryan Bingham (George Clooney), as he travels across America working for a human resources consulting firm that specializes in firing people. Set right after the market crash of 2008, watch how Bingham works through different locations in the corporate world effortlessly, but fails to see innovations that can keep him grounded. This movie is perfect for anyone who loves to travel, or who is interested in learning how disruptive innovations affect people personally.
12) American Gangster (2007), Directed by Ridley Scott
American Gangster stars Denzel Washington as Harlem’s notorious drug dealer, Frank Lucas. Watch how Lucas built a drug empire in a gritty 1970s New York. Study Lucas’s ruthless business techniques to understand what led to his rise and downfall. Learn about mentorship, running a family business, product launches, qualities of leadership, and brand dilution.
Note this film is violent, and should only be viewed by a mature audience.
The Greatest Showman (2017), Directed by Michael Gracey
Watch Hugh Jackman star as P.T. Barnum in this movie musical about the rise of Barnum’s traveling circus. Learn business lessons such as: how to fill gaps in the market, how to build a team, how to create an innovative sales pitch, and how to succeed in times of crisis. If you love movie musicals this film is for you.
Jerry Maguire (1996) Directed by Cameron Crowe
Jerry Maguire is a comedy about a sports agent who wants to change the way agents take care of their athletes. Follow along as Jerry is cast as an outsider to the industry and is forced to hustle to prove everyone wrong. Learn about client relationships and why it is important to stick to your values, even in the highly cutthroat and competitive sports industry.
These are some of the best business movies because they show that there are many ways to become successful in business. Learn from the mistakes and triumphs, and enjoy brunchwork’s picks of these highly entertaining business movies along the way.
Looking to take the next step in your business career? Check out brunchwork’s Business Intensive to learn from top business leaders, expand your network, and skill up.
Which startup movies do you want to watch? What about business movies? Are there any that we missed?
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