Starting and running a business isn’t easy, and every entrepreneur faces challenges that test their determination. Sometimes, a little inspiration can make all the difference. Movies have a way of telling stories that connect with us, teach powerful lessons, and ignite fresh ideas. Whether it’s about building something from scratch, overcoming failure, or thinking outside the box, certain films can leave a lasting impact on business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs alike. This list highlights ten must-watch movies that every entrepreneur can learn from, gain motivation, and perhaps even spark their next big idea.
Key Takeaways
- Movies can inspire entrepreneurs with lessons on resilience, leadership, strategy, ethics, and balancing ambition with personal values.
- Persistence matters: Stay focused on your goals despite setbacks, as seen in The Pursuit of Happyness and Forrest Gump.
- Challenge norms: Films like Moneyball and The Social Network highlight how innovation and questioning the status quo lead to success.
- Leadership is key: Build trust and motivate your team, as shown in Hidden Figures and Invictus.
- Integrity pays off: Movies like Wall Street and Jerry Maguire emphasize the importance of values in long-term success.
- Strategic thinking wins: The Big Short and The Founder showcase the importance of smart decisions and scalability.
- Balance ambition with relationships: Citizen Kane and It’s a Wonderful Life are reminders of maintaining personal fulfillment alongside professional goals.
- Watch with purpose: Reflect on lessons and apply them to challenges in your entrepreneurial journey.
Motivational Movies That Inspire Entrepreneurs
Sometimes, the right movie can do more than entertain — it can spark ideas, ignite ambition, and remind you why you started your journey as an entrepreneur. Some films show the highs and lows of building businesses, while others highlight the grit it takes to achieve success. Let’s dive into three incredible stories that pack inspiration, lessons, and motivation.
The Social Network (2010)
The Social Network” isn’t just about Mark Zuckerberg and the creation of Facebook; it’s a masterclass in perseverance, innovation, and navigating complex relationships while building something groundbreaking. The film shows how a college project can turn into a billion-dollar empire with the right mix of vision, hard work, and timing.
What stands out most is how the movie captures the struggle to build something unique in the face of criticism, doubt, and even personal conflicts. It also doesn’t shy away from the darker side of entrepreneurship, like legal battles and fractured friendships. For entrepreneurs, it’s a reminder that creating something revolutionary often means learning to thrive under pressure. You’ll walk away asking: Am I ready to fight for my idea even when the odds are stacked against me?
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Based on a true story, “The Pursuit of Happyness” is one of the most powerful portrayals of resilience and determination you’ll ever see. The movie follows Chris Gardner, played by Will Smith, as he struggles with homelessness, raising his son, and pursuing his dream job in finance.
This isn’t just a movie about success; it’s a deep dive into what it means to bet on yourself, even when everything around you is falling apart. Gardner’s journey proves that setbacks are often setups for comebacks. Each rejection and sleepless night prepares him for the opportunities he’s chasing. If you’ve ever felt like giving up, this film will remind you that persistence can turn impossible circumstances into triumphs. How far are you willing to go to chase your happiness?
Joy (2015)
The story of Joy Mangano is one that many small business owners and dreamers can relate to. “Joy” tells the story of a single mother who refuses to let personal struggles or professional obstacles hold her back as she invents the Miracle Mop and builds a business empire.
The film captures the relentless optimism and out-of-the-box problem-solving required to succeed. From dealing with doubters to navigating the cutthroat world of product pitching, Joy’s journey is a showcase of grit and creativity. It’s also a lesson on the importance of believing in your ideas when no one else does. Watching her rise against all odds will make you think: Do I have enough faith in my vision to keep pushing forward?
Movies like these don’t just entertain; they light a fire under anyone with a goal or dream. These stories remind us that the entrepreneurial path is rarely easy, but it’s always worth it.
Movies That Teach Business Strategies and Ethics
Great movies don’t just entertain us; they can teach invaluable lessons about business, strategy, and doing the right thing under pressure. Whether it’s about disrupting the status quo, understanding financial systems, or the ethical dilemmas that come with ambition, these films dive deep into what it takes to navigate the business world. Let’s take a closer look at how three iconic movies offer lessons every entrepreneur can learn from.
Moneyball (2011)
“Moneyball” is a masterclass in how data can redefine an industry. The movie follows Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics, as he uses a data-driven approach to build a competitive baseball team on a limited budget. Instead of relying on traditional scouting, Billy employs sabermetrics — a strategy that focuses on advanced statistics to identify undervalued players.
For entrepreneurs, the lessons are clear: challenging conventional wisdom can create opportunities others overlook. The film underscores the importance of innovation and resourcefulness when working with constraints. Just like Billy focused on overlooked players with potential, businesses can find success by identifying niche markets or adopting unconventional strategies. It raises the question: Are you using data and creativity to outthink your competition?
But it’s not just about numbers. “Moneyball” also tackles the resistance that comes with changing the status quo. It pushes viewers to consider how they’ll handle pushback when introducing bold, new ideas in their industries. After all, disruption isn’t just about ideas — it’s about execution, persistence, and proving the doubters wrong.
The Big Short (2015)
“The Big Short” is more than a film about the 2008 financial crisis; it’s a sharp and sometimes shocking look at the systems that underpin our economy. At its core, it shows how a group of individuals foresaw the collapse of the housing market and took advantage of it. But along the way, it raises critical questions about ethics, responsibility, and how greed can blind even the smartest players.
Entrepreneurs can pull multiple lessons from this film. First, understanding what’s beneath the surface matters. The film emphasizes the value of research and a willingness to question widely accepted truths. Those who spotted the looming disaster paid attention to the details others ignored. The takeaway? Trust but verify. Never accept assumptions without digging deeper, whether it’s about market trends, competitor strategies, or customer needs.
Still, the ethical dilemmas of “The Big Short” stand out. While the protagonists profited by betting against the housing market, millions of people lost their homes and savings. This duality reminds entrepreneurs to ask: At what cost am I achieving success? The decisions you make don’t just affect your bottom line—they impact others, from your customers to your community.
Wall Street (1987)
Few movies capture the drive for ambition (and its fallout) like “Wall Street.” The film tells the story of Bud Fox, an up-and-coming stockbroker who becomes entangled with the ruthless corporate raider Gordon Gekko. Gekko’s famous mantra, “Greed is good,” symbolizes the allure of wealth and power, but his actions come at a heavy price.
For entrepreneurs, this movie highlights the constant tug-of-war between ambition and ethics. Bud’s rise in the financial world is fueled by his willingness to compromise his values, but his downfall serves as a stark reminder that short-term gains often lead to long-term consequences. Building a business requires making tough decisions, but compromising integrity can erode trust — the foundation of any successful brand.
Perhaps the biggest lesson from “Wall Street” is the importance of playing the long game. Gekko’s character shows what happens when ambition spirals into greed, while Bud’s journey is a reminder that ethics and success aren’t mutually exclusive. As an entrepreneur, ask yourself: Are your decisions today setting you up for sustainable success tomorrow?
These films go beyond entertainment, offering powerful lessons in strategy, resilience, and values. Whether you’re navigating a competitive market, analyzing trends, or figuring out how to lead with integrity, these stories show both the rewards and risks of pursuing success. Each one captures the complexities of entrepreneurship and serves as a reminder to balance ambition with responsibility.
Movies Showcasing Leadership and Vision
Not all leaders wear a suit or command attention from behind a corporate desk. Some of the most inspiring examples of visionary leadership and determination appear on the silver screen. These movies not only tell powerful stories but are filled with lessons that entrepreneurs can take to heart. They showcase what it means to lead with purpose, break through barriers, and bring people together to achieve incredible goals. Here are three standout films that capture the essence of leadership and vision.
Steve Jobs (2015): Explore how the movie captures visionary leadership and the challenges of innovation.
Steve Jobs,” directed by Danny Boyle, is a fascinating look at the mind of one of the world’s most iconic innovators. This film isn’t a traditional biopic — instead, it hones in on three key product launches in Jobs’ career. These pivotal moments reveal the intensity, determination, and sometimes harsh realities of being a visionary leader.
One of the movie’s strengths is how it captures the duality of Steve Jobs. His relentless commitment to excellence pushed boundaries and demanded results, yet it also strained personal and professional relationships. Entrepreneurs can glean valuable insights here: leading with vision isn’t always easy, and not everyone will understand the scope of your ambition.
The film also highlights the challenges that come with driving innovation. Jobs wasn’t just building products; he was reimagining how people interact with technology. But to do that, he had to push against resistance from his team, investors, and competitors. The lesson? To pioneer new ideas, you’ll need to balance conviction with collaboration. As Jobs says in the film, “Artists lead, and hacks ask for a show of hands.” It’s a bold reminder to stay confident in your vision, even when the road gets rough.
Hidden Figures (2016): Focus on how teamwork, leadership, and breaking barriers can lead to extraordinary results.
“Hidden Figures” tells the remarkable true story of three African-American women—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—who played critical roles in NASA during the Space Race. This film is a masterclass in showing how leadership isn’t just about one person; it’s about empowering others and working together toward a larger purpose.
The characters in the movie demonstrate different types of leadership. Katherine showcases intellectual courage, Dorothy leads through support and initiative, and Mary fights for the right to advance in her field. Together, they defy societal norms, push through systemic barriers, and deliver results that ultimately helped put John Glenn into orbit.
This movie also emphasizes how vital teamwork is to achieving groundbreaking goals. Each person on the NASA team had a role, and without trust and collaboration, the mission would have failed. For entrepreneurs, this is a powerful reminder that the best leaders inspire those around them, building up their team to rise above challenges together. Are you fostering an environment where everyone feels capable of contributing their unique skills to the big picture?
Invictus (2009): Discuss principles of leadership, team building, and inspiring others in the face of challenges.
Leadership isn’t just about leading a company; sometimes, it’s about changing a nation’s direction. Invictus,” starring Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela and Matt Damon as rugby captain Francois Pienaar, tells the inspiring story of how Mandela united South Africa through sports during a time of deep racial division.
At its core, this movie is a lesson in transformative leadership. Mandela didn’t just lead by authority; he led by example. He understood that the true power of leadership lies in inspiring others and uniting people around a common goal. By partnering with Pienaar, Mandela used the 1995 Rugby World Cup as a tool to bring people together and foster national pride.
For entrepreneurs, “Invictus” reinforces the importance of aligning your team’s goals with a shared vision. Mandela believed in the potential of his people to achieve something greater together. Entrepreneurs can take this to heart: whether you’re rallying a team or setting a mission for your business, leadership is about empowering others to believe in what’s possible. It’s also a lesson in resilience—some of the most significant challenges can only be overcome by staying true to your vision and inspiring others to do the same.
These films remind us that leadership and vision are often about seeing possibilities where others don’t. From driving innovation to breaking barriers and uniting people, each story offers a unique perspective on what it means to lead with purpose and determination.
Classic Movies With Timeless Lessons for Entrepreneurs
While modern movies often highlight today’s fast-paced entrepreneurial world, classic films deliver ageless lessons that resonate just as deeply. These stories may come from different eras, but their insights into ambition, integrity, and personal growth remain incredibly relevant for those building a business today. Let’s explore two classic masterpieces that every entrepreneur should watch for inspiration and guidance.
Citizen Kane (1941): Lessons on Ambition, Balance, and What Truly Matters in Life
At its heart, Citizen Kane is a story about the rise and fall of Charles Foster Kane, a man consumed by ambition and power. As he builds a media empire and amasses enormous wealth, Kane seems unstoppable — but his relentless pursuit of success leaves behind a trail of broken relationships and a deep sense of emptiness. The film’s famous theme revolves around “Rosebud,” a simple childhood sled that becomes a symbol of what Kane truly lost in his climb to the top.
For entrepreneurs, Citizen Kane is a cautionary tale about balancing ambition with personal happiness. Yes, drive and determination are necessary to achieve great things, but what’s the point of success if it comes at the cost of family, friendships, and personal fulfillment? This movie forces viewers to ask themselves: “How do I define success?”
In the rush to grow a business or reach a goal, entrepreneurs can lose sight of the things that matter most — relationships, authenticity, and peace of mind. Building wealth and power might feel exhilarating, but Kane’s story is a stark reminder: Achievements won’t keep you warm if they isolate you from the people you care about.
Take this lesson to heart as you work toward your goals. Success is only meaningful when it’s aligned with your values and priorities. After all, what’s the use of building an empire if it doesn’t make you happy?
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946): The Value of Community, Integrity, and Impact Beyond Profits
It’s a Wonderful Life is more than just a holiday classic — it’s a timeless reminder that success isn’t measured by money but by the positive impact you have on others. The story follows George Bailey, a man who sacrifices his dreams to help his small-town community through thick and thin. When financial troubles lead him to despair, an angel steps in to show him how profoundly he’s influenced those around him.
This movie underscores a crucial concept for entrepreneurs: success isn’t just about profits, but about the lives you touch. George’s small acts of kindness and integrity create a ripple effect that builds an entire community’s trust and loyalty. For business owners, this lesson couldn’t be more relevant. Are you operating with values that build trust and goodwill? Are you leaving a legacy that’s about more than just numbers on a balance sheet?
Another powerful takeaway is the importance of a support network. George learns that he isn’t alone, as friends and neighbors rally to help him in his time of need. Entrepreneurs often feel the weight of the world on their shoulders, convinced they have to do everything solo. This film reminds you that leaning on others — your team, community, family — can make all the difference.
And here’s a question that sticks with you long after watching the movie: Would your business — or your life — have meaning if you weren’t in the picture? Think about the ways, big or small, that you’re creating value for others. The legacy you leave isn’t just your business; it’s the impact you’ve had on the people and community around you.
Both of these films show that entrepreneurship isn’t just about building businesses — it’s about building a life with purpose. By watching these timeless classics, you’ll gain unique perspectives on how ambition, ethics, and humanity intersect in the pursuit of success.
How Entrepreneurs Can Apply Lessons from These Films
Movies can do more than entertain—they can teach. For entrepreneurs, the right film offers lessons on tenacity, decision-making, and leadership. But how do you take those cinematic moments and apply them to your journey? Let’s break down two ways to turn these big-screen inspirations into tangible growth.
Identifying Themes Relevant to Your Journey
Every entrepreneur’s journey is unique, but the core principles of building a business—persistence, strategy, and leadership—are universal. The key is recognizing how these themes surface in the movies you watch and connecting them to your experiences.
Start by looking for these common threads:
- Persistence: Characters overcoming adversity or failures to achieve their goals. For example, in The Pursuit of Happyness, Chris Gardner shows relentless determination despite personal hardships. Relate this to your own setbacks—what challenges have tested your resolve, and how did you overcome them?
- Strategy: Films such as Moneyball reveal the importance of innovative thinking. Notice how characters analyze situations, identify opportunities, and adapt to restricted resources. Ask yourself: Are there areas of my business where I need to think differently or try a new approach?
- Leadership: Leadership is often a driving force in many stories, whether it’s Nelson Mandela in Invictus or Joy Mangano in Joy. Pay attention to how these characters inspire others, solve conflicts, or build a vision people believe in. Reflect on how you lead—are you empowering your team and communicating your goals effectively?
To connect the dots further, consider your stage of business and challenges. Are you in a growth phase? Battling uncertainty? Scaling an idea? Once you identify parallels, the lessons feel more personal and actionable.
Turning Inspiration into Action
It’s easy to feel pumped after watching a great movie, but how do you channel that motivation into real action? The secret is breaking down the inspiration into practical steps. Here’s how to make it happen:
- Reflect Purposefully: After you watch a movie, take 15 minutes to jot down specific moments that stood out. What moved you? What lessons felt immediately relevant? For instance, maybe you admired how a character in The Social Network navigated doubt or pitched their vision with confidence.
- Set One Actionable Goal: Turn inspiration into something measurable. If a film emphasizes persistence, think about a project you may have put off due to fear or difficulty. Commit to revisiting it this month. If it’s about leadership, focus on one thing you can do to improve team morale or communication.
- Incorporate Movie Night into Learning: Treat movies like case studies for entrepreneurship. Watch with intent: pause to discuss key decisions characters make, the challenges they confront, and how you’d handle those scenarios differently. Better yet, invite your team or entrepreneurial peers to join and brainstorm together.
- Experiment Without Fear: Sometimes a film highlights risks worth taking, like Billy Beane’s use of data in Moneyball or the bold product innovation in Steve Jobs. Let those risks remind you to step out of your comfort zone. Take a chance on a new marketing tactic, product idea, or system upgrade you’ve been considering.
- Track Progress Inspired by the Film: If a movie inspires a change, make sure to follow through. Create small benchmarks to track how this lesson contributes to your growth. For example, if teamwork in Hidden Figures resonated with you, initiate team-building exercises or strategy sessions, and evaluate their impact over the next quarter.
Movies give us the unique ability to see challenges and successes unfold from a safe distance. They can spark ideas and energize us to push forward, but the real magic happens when we take those lessons off the screen and into our businesses. So ask yourself: How will you turn the next inspiring film into a powerful tool for growth?
Bonus: The Greatest Movies of All Time That All Entrepreneurs Should Watch
Inspiration comes from many places, but there’s something about a great movie that sticks with you. It’s not just the story—it’s the lessons, the emotions, and the moments that spark new ideas. For entrepreneurs, certain films go beyond entertainment and provide a lens to reflect on your journey, your decisions, and your vision. Here’s a bonus section of must-watch movies packed with timeless lessons every entrepreneur can apply to their life and business.
The Founder (2016)
If there’s one word to describe The Founder, it’s “relentless.” The movie tells the story of Ray Kroc, the man who transformed McDonald’s into a global franchise. It’s not just about burgers and fries—it’s about recognizing an opportunity and scaling it to unimaginable heights.
Kroc’s persistence is inspiring but also a bit unsettling, which makes the film a critical lesson in ethics as well as ambition. It shows the importance of vision and knowing how to scale an idea, but it also highlights the risks of cutting corners and pushing boundaries too far. Entrepreneurs will walk away asking themselves: How far am I willing to go to achieve success? And at what cost?
One key takeaway from The Founder is the value of systems and scalability. McDonald’s wasn’t successful just because of the food—it was the consistency across locations. As an entrepreneur, this movie will get you thinking about how you can streamline processes and build something that works at scale without sacrificing quality.
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Some films are cautionary tales, and The Wolf of Wall Street is one of the boldest. Based on the story of Jordan Belfort, this movie is a wild ride through the excesses of success and the consequences of unchecked ambition. It’s flashy, chaotic, and not exactly a model of good behavior, but it’s packed with lessons.
For entrepreneurs, the key takeaway is the power of persuasion and charisma. Belfort’s ability to sell, motivate, and rally his team is undeniable, and it’s a skill every business owner can benefit from. But it also comes with a warning: ethics matter. No matter how successful you are, shortcuts and exploitation will eventually come back to haunt you.
This film pushes you to ask yourself tough questions: Are your sales tactics transparent? Are you building a sustainable brand, or are you chasing short-term wins? Success built on shaky ground will eventually crumble.
Jerry Maguire (1996)
“Show me the money!” may be the film’s most famous line, but Jerry Maguire offers much more than just a viral catchphrase. This story of a sports agent’s fall and redemption is all about integrity, relationships, and redefining success.
One of the most critical lessons for entrepreneurs is the importance of relationships over transactions. When Jerry decides to break away from his agency, he learns that building meaningful connections can be more valuable than chasing numbers. For entrepreneurs, this is a powerful reminder that customer loyalty and trust are the backbone of any successful business.
Another standout lesson is the importance of sticking to your values. Jerry’s decision to walk away from a toxic environment to create something more aligned with his principles is a relatable moment for anyone building a business. Are you staying true to what matters to you, or are you getting pulled in the wrong direction by outside pressures?
Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
Glengarry Glen Ross is one of the most iconic sales movies ever made. It dives into the cutthroat world of real estate sales, where the mantra “Always Be Closing” drives every decision. The movie’s gritty portrayal of high-pressure environments and toxic competition is both riveting and eye-opening.
For entrepreneurs, this film demonstrates both the art and danger of high-stakes selling. It’s a lesson in persuasion, negotiation, and the importance of understanding your customer. But it also reveals the pitfalls of working in an environment fueled by stress and hostility.
The biggest question entrepreneurs should take from this movie is: What kind of culture am I creating in my business? Is it one where people feel empowered to succeed, or one where pressure overrides collaboration? Choosing the former can make all the difference in your long-term success.
Forrest Gump (1994)
While not a traditional “business” movie, Forrest Gump offers lessons in perseverance, adaptability, and embracing life’s opportunities. From running a shrimp company to revolutionizing jogging, Forrest’s journey is a testament to how staying open to possibilities can lead to unimaginable success—even if you don’t follow a conventional path.
Entrepreneurs can learn a lot from Forrest’s ability to approach challenges with sincerity and determination. His story is a reminder that you don’t need to excel at everything—you just need to show up, work hard, and seize opportunities.
Another takeaway is the importance of timing and luck in business. Forrest succeeds because he stays the course, even when the odds seem stacked against him. As an entrepreneur, this movie will get you thinking: Am I sticking with my goals, even when it feels impossible?
These movies not only entertain but push you to reflect on your entrepreneurial mindset. From high-energy sales tactics to ethical dilemmas, and even unexpected lessons from a simple life, each film carries teaching moments to inspire your next move. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and let their stories spark ideas that could change the way you think about your journey.
Conclusion
Movies have a unique way of connecting to our entrepreneurial spirit, offering lessons on persistence, leadership, strategy, and ethics. Each film on this list tells a story filled with moments that mirror the challenges and triumphs of building a business.
Consider these movies not just as entertainment but as tools to spark ideas and rethink approaches. They encourage you to reflect, adapt, and grow—both personally and professionally.
So grab some time to watch, learn, and get inspired. Which movie lesson will you apply to your journey next? Share your thoughts and continue the conversation!