When it comes to movies that entrepreneurs should watch, popular titles like The Social Network, The Wolf of Wall Street, and The Pursuit of Happyness often come to mind first. However, there are actually many other successful entrepreneurship movies that can inspire entrepreneurs and elevate their work motivation to the highest level. Since founding this site years ago, I’ve always considered myself a kind of “entrepreneur,” and sometimes I even see myself reflected when watching these kinds of motivational movies.
So today, I’m going to recommend some of the entrepreneurship movies I’ve watched and enjoyed. Each of the movies I’m about to suggest are excellent answers to the question: “What are the movies that entrepreneurs should watch?”
1.Founder!
In this movie, we follow the story of the founding of McDonald’s, the world’s most famous fast-food brand. The movie highlights the spark of an idea in the mind of a determined entrepreneur—a man who will stop at nothing to achieve success with his various innovative concepts—and what unfolds thereafter. I believe this is undoubtedly one of the movies that every entrepreneur should watch. Additionally, the lead role is played by Michael Keaton, whose acting I find exceptionally impressive
The Founder (2016)
Director: John Lee Hancock
Cast: Michael Keaton (Ray Kroc), Nick Offerman (Dick McDonald), John Carroll Lynch (Mac McDonald), Linda Cardellini (Joan Smith)
Release Year: 2016
Duration: 115 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Biography, Drama
Language: English
Age Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play Movies, YouTube
IMDb Rating: 7.2
Similar Movies: Steve Jobs, The Social Network, Moneyball
Trailer: The Founder Official Trailer
IMDb Link: The Founder (2016) – IMDb
2.Joy
In this recommendation, we follow the journey of a successful and ambitious woman who balances the daily challenges of family, children, and supporting her household. Despite everyone telling her, “You can’t do it,” her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for invention drive her to overcome the obstacles in her path. The movie, carried by three famous actors, may be long, but it is a highly successful portrayal of the entire process of establishing and developing a brand, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in entrepreneurship.
Joy (2015)
Director: David O. Russell
Cast: Jennifer Lawrence (Joy Mangano), Robert De Niro (Rudy), Bradley Cooper (Neil Walker), Édgar Ramírez (Tony)
Release Year: 2015
Duration: 124 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Biography, Drama
Language: English
Age Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play Movies, YouTube
IMDb Rating: 6.6
Similar Movies: Erin Brockovich, The Pursuit of Happyness, The Devil Wears Prada
Trailer: Joy Official Trailer
IMDb Link: Joy (2015) – IMDb
3.Moneyball
This movie, which captivates even those with no connection to the sports industry, features Brad Pitt’s classy performance. It tells the story of a successful man who proves to the baseball world that success is achieved not with money but with intelligence. Though it lacks action or tension, this movie is highly effective at motivating and engaging the audience.
Moneyball (2011)
Director: Bennett Miller
Cast: Brad Pitt (Billy Beane), Jonah Hill (Peter Brand), Philip Seymour Hoffman (Art Howe), Robin Wright (Sharon)
Release Year: 2011
Duration: 133 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport
Language: English
Age Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play Movies, YouTube
IMDb Rating: 7.6
Similar Movies: The Social Network, The Big Short, Draft Day
Trailer: Moneyball Official Trailer
IMDb Link: Moneyball (2011) – IMDb
4.Pad Man!
This Indian movie you’re about to watch… I know when you hear Indian movie, you might immediately think of something filled with songs and dance numbers, but this one is different. In this movie, we follow the entrepreneurial story of a man who loves his wife, has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and a kind heart. In a country with a population of over 1 billion, he notices that women can’t afford to use pads because they’re too expensive, and thus begins to craft his own entrepreneurial journey. I highly recommend not missing this one!
Pad Man (2018)
Director: R. Balki
Cast: Akshay Kumar (Lakshmikant Chauhan), Radhika Apte (Gayatri), Sonam Kapoor (Pari Walia), Jyoti Subhash (Old Woman)
Release Year: 2018
Duration: 140 minutes
Country: India
Genre: Biography, Comedy, Drama
Language: Hindi
Age Rating: Not Rated
Available Platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
IMDb Rating: 7.9
Similar Movies: Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Mission Mangal, Dangal
Trailer: Pad Man Official Trailer
IMDb Link: Pad Man (2018) – IMDb
5.Flash of Genius
The movie you are about to watch tells the story of an entrepreneur who invented the windshield wiper for vehicles and faced off against a giant company like Ford. Based on a completely true event, we follow the journey of a smart and determined inventor as he battles for justice and recognition for his creation.
Flash of Genius (2008)
Director: Marc Abraham
Cast: Greg Kinnear (Robert Kearns), Lauren Graham (Phyllis Kearns), Dermot Mulroney (Gil Previck), Alan Alda (Gregory Lawson)
Release Year: 2008
Duration: 119 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Biography, Drama
Language: English
Age Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play Movies, YouTube
IMDb Rating: 7.0
Similar Movies: Tucker: The Man and His Dream, The Social Network, The Pursuit of Happyness
Trailer: Flash of Genius Official Trailer
IMDb Link: Flash of Genius (2008) – IMDb
6.Steve Jobs
Unfortunately, many people mistake this movie for a “documentary” and set it aside… The movie focuses on the life of Steve Jobs, who passed away in 2011 and led Apple to the top. About 80% of the movie consists of dialogues, so my advice is to do a quick 10-minute research on Jobs before watching. If you haven’t seen this yet, you’ll witness the harshness of the business world, the spirit of entrepreneurship, and the importance of not giving up. I highly recommend giving it a chance.
Steve Jobs (2015)
Director: Danny Boyle
Cast: Michael Fassbender (Steve Jobs), Kate Winslet (Joanna Hoffman), Seth Rogen (Steve Wozniak), Jeff Daniels (John Sculley)
Release Year: 2015
Duration: 122 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Biography, Drama
Language: English
Age Rating: R (Restricted)
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play Movies, YouTube
IMDb Rating: 7.2
Similar Movies: The Social Network, The Imitation Game, The Theory of Everything
Trailer: Steve Jobs Official Trailer
IMDb Link: Steve Jobs (2015) – IMDb
7.Warren Buffett!
This production you’ll be watching is about the life of Warren Buffett, one of America’s most famous investors. How did Buffett make investments and become one of the richest people in the world? What is his working system, and what are his entrepreneurial experiences throughout his life? This is a production where you can gather plenty of valuable insights. Anyone looking to start a business, invest, or live a successful life should definitely explore Buffett’s life. I highly recommend adding it to your list!
Becoming Warren Buffett (2017)
Director: Peter W. Kunhardt
Cast: Warren Buffett (Self), Susan Buffett (Self), Bill Gates (Self), Aiden Linkov (Young Warren Buffett)
Release Year: 2017
Duration: 90 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Documentary, Biography
Language: English
Age Rating: TV-PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Available Platforms: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video
IMDb Rating: 7.6
Similar Movies: Inside Bill’s Brain: Decoding Bill Gates, The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley, Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room
Trailer: Becoming Warren Buffett Official Trailer
IMDb Link: Becoming Warren Buffett (2017) – IMDb
