Entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business—it’s about vision, resilience, leadership, and often, a bit of risk-taking. One of the best ways to fuel your entrepreneurial journey is by watching movies that inspire and challenge your thinking. These films provide valuable lessons on leadership, creativity, persistence, and innovation.
In this list, we’ll explore 15 must-watch movies for entrepreneurs—each packed with essential insights that can spark new ideas and strategies in your own business journey.
15 best movies for entrepreneurs to watch
Explore these 15 best movies for entrepreneurs that will fuel your business mindset with lessons on leadership, strategy, and resilience. Perfect for those moments when you need motivation or a fresh perspective!
1. The Social Network (2010)
Lesson: Innovation vs. ethics.
Get an inside look at how Facebook started, with themes of ambition, betrayal, and the cost of growth.
2. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Lesson: Grit and perseverance.
This real-life story of Chris Gardner reminds us that hard work and belief can change your life—even against the odds.
3. Moneyball (2011)
Lesson: Data-driven decision making.
Brad Pitt plays a baseball manager who uses analytics to build a winning team. A brilliant lesson in breaking the norm.
4. The Founder (2016)
Lesson: Scaling and franchising.
Follows the rise of McDonald’s and how Ray Kroc turned a small diner into a global franchise empire.
5. Steve Jobs (2015)
Lesson: Vision and leadership.
This deep dive into the Apple co-founder’s life shows the brilliance and challenges of being a visionary in business.
6. Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
Lesson: Sales pressure and ethics.
A gritty take on the cutthroat world of sales, highlighting the mental pressure many face in competitive business.
7. Wall Street (1987)
Lesson: Greed vs. integrity.
“Greed is good”—a famous line, but also a warning. A cautionary tale about ethics in finance.
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8. Joy (2015)
Lesson: Female entrepreneurship.
Based on a true story, this film follows a woman who builds a business empire through determination and innovation.
9. Jerry Maguire (1996)
Lesson: Personal brand and relationships.
A sports agent risks everything to build a business rooted in integrity and loyalty.
10. The Big Short (2015)
Lesson: Seeing opportunity in crisis.
Explains the 2008 financial crash and highlights how some foresaw the disaster—and profited ethically.
11. Erin Brockovich (2000)
Lesson: Persistence and impact.
A legal assistant with no formal training takes on a powerful corporation—and wins. A masterclass in fighting for what’s right.
12. Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Lesson: Adaptability and learning.
Though based on fraud, the movie shows how quick thinking and adaptation can be powerful tools (when used ethically).
13. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Lesson: Sales mastery and cautionary success.
While full of excess, the movie teaches the power—and danger—of persuasive sales tactics and greed.
14. Up in the Air (2009)
Lesson: Corporate culture and disconnection.
Explores the personal cost of professional ambition and the importance of human connection in business.
15. Lord of War (2005)
Lesson: Ethics in global business.
Though dark and controversial, this film forces reflection on where profit meets morality in international trade.
16: Margin Call
This is a bonus to the list and is is another dope movie for every business man and woman to watch
Conclusion:
Just like books and mentors, films can offer valuable insight into the business world. From real-life stories to fictional journeys, these 15 movies bring critical business lessons to life—through failure, resilience, innovation, and bold decision-making. So, the next time you’re looking to relax and still learn, pick one from this list. You just might discover a new perspective that changes how you do business.
