Are you an entrepreneur looking for some inspiration or motivation? One way to get inspired is by watching movies about business, leadership, and success. These movies can provide valuable lessons and insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. Here are the top 5 movies that every entrepreneur should watch: 

The Founder 

 2016 ? Documentary/Thriller ? 1h 55m 

“The Founder” (2016) is a biographical drama, not a documentary/thriller, that tells the story of Ray Kroc, played by Michael Keaton, a struggling milkshake machine salesman who transforms McDonald’s from a single restaurant in San Bernardino, California, into a global fast-food empire. The movie explores themes of ambition, persistence, and the ethics of business practices, providing a nuanced portrayal of Kroc’s journey and the controversial methods he used to achieve success. 

For upcoming entrepreneurs, “The Founder” offers several key takeaways: 

• Vision and Ambition: Kroc saw potential in the McDonald brothers’ unique fast-food concept and was driven by a vision to expand it nationwide. His ambition underscores the importance of recognizing and seizing business opportunities. 
• Persistence: The film highlights Kroc’s persistence in the face of challenges. His determination to overcome obstacles and his refusal to accept defeat are pivotal in his journey from a struggling salesman to the head of a global franchise. 
• Innovation and Adaptation: Kroc’s success was partly due to his willingness to innovate and adapt. From revolutionizing fast food service to restructuring the business model, his ability to embrace change was crucial. 
• Negotiation and Strategy: Kroc’s tactics in negotiating with the McDonald brothers and his strategic moves to gain control of the company showcase the complex nature of business dealings and the importance of strategic planning. 
• Ethical Considerations: The movie also raises questions about the ethics of Kroc’s methods, including his treatment of the McDonald brothers. It serves as a reminder of the moral complexities in business and the potential consequences of ruthless ambition. 

“The Founder” is a compelling case study for entrepreneurs, offering insights into the importance of vision, persistence, innovation, strategic planning, and the ethical dimensions of business leadership. It demonstrates that while ambition can lead to extraordinary success, it also comes with significant moral and ethical challenges. 

Jobs 

 2013 ? Drama/Indie film ? 2h 8m 

“Jobs” (2013) is a biographical drama film that chronicles the life of Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc., from his college dropout days in the 1970s to his rise as a revered and visionary entrepreneur. The movie showcases the key moments and challenges in Jobs’s career, including his initial success with Apple, his subsequent ousting from the company he helped create, and his triumphant return to Apple, which led to the development of groundbreaking products like the iMac, iPod, and iPhone. 

The film dives into Jobs’s complex personality, his innovative vision, and his sometimes turbulent relationships with colleagues and family. Ashton Kutcher stars as Steve Jobs, delivering a performance that captures the intensity and drive of the tech mogul. “Jobs” illustrates the determination, persistence, and innovative thinking that propelled Jobs to transform technology and media, making a profound impact on the world. 

For entrepreneurs, “Jobs” serves as an inspirational tale that emphasizes the importance of vision, innovation, and resilience in the face of adversity. It highlights the significance of staying true to one’s convictions and persisting through challenges to achieve success. The movie also provides a cautionary note about the personal costs of such a driven and focused pursuit of professional achievements. Through the life story of Steve Jobs, the film inspires entrepreneurs to think differently and boldly in their ventures, reminding them of the potential impact they can have on the world. 

The Social Network 

 2010 ? Documentary/Drama ? 2 hours 

“The Social Network” is a 2010 drama film directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin, which portrays the founding of the social networking website Facebook and the resulting lawsuits. It is not a documentary, but rather a dramatized account based on real events. The film stars Jesse Eisenberg as Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, Andrew Garfield as Eduardo Saverin, Justin Timberlake as Sean Parker, and Armie Hammer as the Winklevoss twins. 

The story begins in 2003 with Zuckerberg, a Harvard undergraduate, creating a website called “Facemash” that allows users to rate the attractiveness of female students. The site’s popularity crashes Harvard’s network and leads to Zuckerberg’s temporary expulsion. This incident sparks the idea for what would become Facebook. 

Zuckerberg, along with his friend Eduardo Saverin, who provides the seed money, starts developing a new social network. As Facebook grows in popularity, it attracts the attention of investors, including Napster co-founder Sean Parker, who becomes involved with the company. 

As Facebook expands, disputes arise over ownership and contributions to the platform. Eduardo Saverin finds his share diluted and sues Zuckerberg, leading to a settlement. Meanwhile, the Winklevoss twins, who had hired Zuckerberg to work on a similar project, claim that he stole their idea and also sue him. The film explores the complexities of friendship, ambition, and the creation of a revolutionary social media platform, culminating in various legal battles and Zuckerberg’s complicated legacy as the youngest billionaire in history. 

“The Social Network” received critical acclaim for its direction, screenplay, acting, and score. It offers a compelling narrative about innovation, betrayal, and the legal battles that can accompany the rise of a tech startup. 

The Wolf of Wall Street 

 2013 ? Crime/Comedy ? 3 hours 

“The Wolf of Wall Street” is a riveting tale of ambition, excess, and the relentless pursuit of success that serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspirational saga for entrepreneurs. The film, directed by Martin Scorsese and based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, dives deep into the intoxicating world of stock market riches and corporate greed during the late 1980s and early 1990s. 

At its core, the story follows Belfort, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, as he transforms from a modest stockbroker to the head of Stratton Oakmont, a powerhouse brokerage firm. Through sheer determination, charisma, and a voracious appetite for success, Belfort and his team employ dubious tactics to amass enormous wealth, showcasing the dizzying highs of entrepreneurial victory. The narrative masterfully captures the exhilaration of disrupting the status quo, the innovation in sales strategies, and the magnetic allure of building an empire from scratch. 

However, the film doesn’t shy away from the dark side of unchecked ambition. It presents a stark warning about the ethical pitfalls and legal consequences that can arise when the pursuit of wealth overrides moral boundaries. The extravagant lifestyle, the spiral into corruption, and the eventual downfall of Belfort underline the importance of integrity, responsibility, and the impact of one’s actions on society and personal life. 

For entrepreneurs, “The Wolf of Wall Street” is a source of inspiration for its portrayal of resilience, innovative thinking, and leadership. It underscores the value of vision, the power of persuasion, and the critical importance of building a team that shares your drive and passion. Yet, it also serves as a reminder that true success is not just measured by the wealth you accumulate, but by the means through which you achieve it and the legacy you leave behind. 

In essence, the film encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to dream big, challenge the norms, and relentlessly pursue their goals, while also emphasizing the significance of ethical decision-making and the impact of their journey on the wider world. It’s a compelling narrative that balances the thrill of entrepreneurial success with the moral complexities of the business world, offering invaluable lessons for anyone looking to leave their mark on the industry. 

Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber 

2022 ? Drama 

“Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber” is a drama series that aired in 2022, chronicling the rise of the ride-sharing company Uber and its co-founder and former CEO, Travis Kalanick. The show delves into the tumultuous journey of Uber’s early days, highlighting the aggressive tactics and controversial business practices that fueled its ascent to becoming a global tech behemoth. 

The series portrays Travis Kalanick as a fiercely ambitious and determined entrepreneur who pushes the boundaries of legality and ethics to ensure his company’s success, often clashing with both competitors and allies. It explores the cutthroat world of Silicon Valley startups, where innovation, competition, and the quest for power and influence dominate. 

For upcoming entrepreneurs, “Super Pumped” offers a cautionary tale about the complexities of founding and scaling a startup in today’s competitive business environment. It sheds light on the importance of leadership, corporate governance, and the ethical dilemmas that can arise when pursuing rapid growth and domination in the tech industry. The series serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of prioritizing success at all costs, including the impact on personal relationships, professional reputations, and the company’s long-term health. 

Overall, “Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber” is a compelling narrative that provides insights into the challenges of entrepreneurship, the volatile nature of the tech industry, and the dark side of ambition. It’s a valuable watch for entrepreneurs seeking to understand the balance between aggressive growth strategies and ethical business practices. 

Conclusion 

These movies offer more than just entertainment; they provide valuable lessons on the complexities of starting and running a business, the importance of innovation and ethics, and the personal qualities necessary for success. Whether you’re in the early stages of your entrepreneurial journey or looking to inspire your next big venture, these films are sure to offer plenty of insights and motivation. So grab some popcorn and let the lights dim; it’s time to watch and learn from the trials and triumphs of those who’ve dared to dream big on the big screen. 

Reference:

IMDB: The Founder

IMDB: Jobs

IMDB: The Social Network

IMDB: The Wolf of Wall Street

IMDB: Super Pumped