Nightcrawler
A tense thriller about a desperate man, Lou Bloom, who turns to crime journalism and quickly builds his own business by hustling to sell sensational footage to TV news stations. The film exposes the dark side of ambition, reminding entrepreneurs to weigh ethical considerations even when seeking rapid success.
The Social Network
Directed by David Fincher, this film recounts Mark Zuckerberg’s creation of Facebook, focusing on major turning points like co-founder disputes, lawsuits, and the evolution from a Harvard dorm project to a tech behemoth. Essential viewing for its depiction of innovation, rivalry, and the personal costs of meteoric growth.
Pirates of Silicon Valley
This made-for-TV movie reveals the early history of the world’s tech titans, Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. It documents their youthful ambition, unconventional methods, and the radical transformations that shaped Apple and Microsoft. Entrepreneurs will appreciate lessons on strategic risk, industry disruption, and rivalry.
The Pursuit of Happyness
Based on Chris Gardner’s true story, this film tracks a struggling salesman who, through perseverance and faith, overcomes homelessness to become a successful stockbroker. A moving narrative about resilience, belief in oneself, and never giving up despite overwhelming obstacles.
The Shawshank Redemption
This drama follows Andy Dufresne, a banker wrongfully imprisoned, as he quietly and methodically builds hope and a new future behind bars. Entrepreneurs learn from Andy’s patience, resourcefulness, and refusal to surrender in adversity—success is often about steady, strategic progress.
Forrest Gump
Forrest’s unlikely journey through American history is filled with entrepreneurial undertones: accidental business ventures, serendipitous opportunity, and the rewards of kindness and loyalty. The film subtly underscores that taking chances and staying true to your values can lead to enduring success.
Moneyball
Brad Pitt stars as Billy Beane, who turns a cash-strapped baseball team into contenders using data analytics and unconventional thinking. It’s a masterclass in challenging tradition, strategic innovation, and making the most out of limited resources—crucial lessons for any entrepreneur.
The Godfather
While a crime drama at its core, The Godfather is also a profound study in leadership, succession, loyalty, negotiation, and managing family business. Entrepreneurs can draw critical lessons in navigating power, risk, and organizational legacy.
Jerry Maguire
A sports agent has a crisis of conscience and starts his own boutique agency, emphasizing relationships over profit. It celebrates the courage to lead with integrity, pivot when needed, and prioritize client loyalty and authenticity for long-term growth.
The Founder
Ray Kroc’s journey in converting McDonald’s into a global franchise empire highlights vision, ruthlessness, and relentless work ethic. Entrepreneurs gain insights into scaling, innovation, and the ethical complexities of success.
Wall Street
This cautionary tale, starring Michael Douglas as the unscrupulous Gordon Gekko, explores high-stakes trading, ambition, and moral compromise. Aspiring entrepreneurs see the tensions between drive and ethics in the pursuit of wealth.
Boiler Room
A gritty drama following college dropouts lured into the high-pressure world of stock brokerage sales. The film offers lessons on recognizing ethical gray areas, ambition, and the allure—and risks—of shortcut success.
Glengarry Glen Ross
In a cutthroat real estate office, salesmen battle for survival, revealing the harsh realities of fierce competition, pressure, and motivation. The movie teaches tenacity, adaptability, and why strong leadership and clear incentives matter.
Moneyball
Billy Beane’s unconventional approach to baseball management—embracing data and rejecting tradition—inspires entrepreneurs to innovate and make smart resource decisions.
Erin Brockovich
Julia Roberts stars as a persistent legal assistant who takes on a powerful corporation, bringing justice to a community. Entrepreneurs witness the power of persistence, conviction, and using your voice to drive real change.
Joy
Based on the true story of Joy Mangano, who fought immense skepticism to launch a multimillion-dollar business as a single mother. Perseverance, creativity, and self-belief transform her idea into reality, inspiring entrepreneurs to persist and innovate.
The Big Short
A group of financial outsiders spot flaws in the U.S. housing market and profit by betting against it, illuminating the importance of challenging consensus and taking calculated risks—cautioning entrepreneurs about industry blind spots.
Startup.com
Tracks the rise and fall of dot-com startup govWorks, capturing the excitement, stress, and lessons of building a tech business from the ground up. Offers insights into partnership dynamics and the unpredictability of startups.
Any Given Sunday
A football drama that parallels entrepreneurship: relentless effort, teamwork, and incremental wins are the keys to victory. Al Pacino’s “inches” speech embodies the perseverance needed to succeed in business.
The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley
Documents the rise and fall of Theranos and founder Elizabeth Holmes, exposing the dangers of hype, secrecy, and ignoring warning signs. Entrepreneurs learn the importance of ethics, transparency, and due diligence.
The Great Hack
A documentary revealing how data privacy and political manipulation played key roles in business and society. Entrepreneurs must recognize the impact and responsibility that comes with managing sensitive information.
Becoming Warren Buffett
Chronicles the life and philosophy of one of the world’s most successful investors. Teaches value-driven decision-making, humility, lifelong learning, and the importance of adapting to change for sustained success.
