20 Best Entrepreneur Movies to Inspire your Next Move

The pandemic has us all scrambling for activities to be occupied with. Here are the best entrepreneur movies to watch, for those binging on Netflix or obsessed with streaming platforms. Get motivated with these films while your business awaits a resurrection post-COVID19. Here’s a serving of inspiration to keep you focussed during these tough times.

Our pick of Top Entrepreneur Movies

We dug into some of the classics that go back ages to the modern-day cinemas that tell stories of success and perseverance. Are you ready for some quality movie time? Let’s go!

Actually, there are plenty. It’s time to Netflix and on Chill on some of the best picks of movies that speak to entrepreneurs. These have a slice of inspiration served with a hint of drama and dark humour.

#20- Dolemite is My Name

An unconventional movie, this one is based on the life of the performer Dolemite. He is considered to be a rap pioneer and the maker of Blaxploitation films. Eddie Murphy plays Rudy Raym Moore, a hustler trying to make it big in the show biz.

Like The Full Monty, this film deals with many controversial topics. But most of all, it is a positive story about people struggling to make something of their lives. The movie is one of the best performances of Eddie Murphy. Murphy dips into character with his charm and grit and makes it his own.

The movie shows that, if you have the right team and enthusiasm on your side, you can achieve your dreams. The film was nominated for Best Motion Picture in Musical or Comedy category and Best Actor( for Murphy) at the 77th Golden Globe Awards. Catch this one on Netflix original today.

#19- Glengarry Glen Ross

Considered a cult classic, this film shows how cut-throat competitiveness within a business often turns out to be detrimental to everyone. Starring Al Pacino and Jack Lemmon, the film swirls into the dark side of corporate competition. It portrays two days in the lives of four salesmen at corporate training. They are told that in a week, only two of the best will keep their job.

What ensues after is a cautionary tale about how not to manage your team. Glengarry Glen Ross has lessons aplenty for business owners.

#18- The Aviator

One of the most memorable movies, starring the legend Leonardo di Caprio is full of glitz and glamour alongside tinsel town drama. The movie is based on Charles Higham’s book Howard Hughes: The Secret Life. The film sways between the life of Howard Hughes, who is an aviation legend as well as a flourishing filmmaker. But all doesn’t go well as his obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) gets the best of him.

The story of the remarkable life of entrepreneur Howard Hughes is an exploration of the idea of genius and madness. However, it is also a story of passion that drives a man to explore new frontiers, which entrepreneurs can
relate to.

The epic was directed by Martin Scorsese and featured the gorgeous Cate Blanchett and Kate Beckinsale alongside DiCaprio. It is truly one among the best entrepreneur movies you can watch.

#17- Rocket Singh Salesman of The Year

This humble Indian movie too makes a statement entry into this list. This Ranvir Kapoor starrer is a great movie about resourcefulness and the importance of people who actually make a business. The film is a comedy-drama; a perfect blend to portray a tough topic without boring the audience.

The movie exerts the concept of customer satisfaction for long term achievements in business. The film narrates the story of Harpreet Singh Bedi, an average graduate who joined a large corporate who wants to do things right.

Things take a wrong turn when he doesn’t play by the ruthless games of big businesses. The man goes to build his own company, the Rocket Sales Corporation. He makes business about principle and transparency and not overnight success.

The story is heartwarming, light-hearted and will put a smile on the face as you finish. It shows how important it is to serve your customers instead of just running a business. The movie has an important lesson in sustainable growth.

#16- Office Space

If you thought your office drama was the height of it, Office Space will have you thinking otherwise. A dark comedy, the movie captures the soul-sucking monotony of the corporate world like no other. In the end, Peter, the protagonist leaves the drudgery behind to start his own business. This is something that most entrepreneurs can relate to.

The movie features all the frustrations and the unusual ways in which corporate sometimes work. The film even has a rap score which makes it a laugh riot at times. It’s a movie most corporate workers can relate to and is also an inspiration to entrepreneurs.

#15- The Devil Wears Prada

A great take on the world of fashion, it is a movie about pursuing your dream and ultimately identifying what matters in life. It is a gentle takedown of the superficial nature of glamour- while being memorable and light-hearted. Featuring the legendary combo Anne Hathaway and Merryl Streep, this movie never gets old. The movie is about a young girl who tries to make it big in the highly competitive and exhausting fashion world.

The movie is glamourous, sweet and has a happy ending. It prioritizes building value instead of chasing the bright lights. It’s the perfect balance of ambition, the initial struggle and final triumph that we all are too familiar with.

#14- Manthan

Who can forget the incredible story of Amul? Manthan is one of the best entrepreneur movies from India. Directed by Shyam Benegal, Manthan literally translates to “churning”. This 1976 Hindi movie is based on the milk cooperative movement pioneered by Verghese Kurien. It takes us back to the period of the white revolution in India.

The movie shows us how a small co-operative was set up; and how it grew up to be one of India’s most beloved brands. If you ever need the inspiration to build something- watch Manthan.

The film is also a great showcase of crowdfunding with 500,000 farmers donating Rs.2 to the making of the movie.

The title song of the movie (“Mero Gaam Katha Parey”) was later the soundtrack for an Amul commercial. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi and National Film Award for Best Screenplay in 1977.

#13- Erin Brockovich

It is a movie Based on a true story starring Julia Roberts as Erin Brockovich. This movie talks about the importance of building a sustainable business. The story is the fight of Erin Brockovich against a large energy corporation, the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E).

It champions the cause of ethics and the environment but also talks about why it is important to back your team members in the face of challenges. It will especially resonate with women, who often face many issues and are expected to be “nice” instead of ambitious.

The film is one of Julia Roberts’ finest performances. It won her the Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, and various critics awards for Best Actress. No one can forget the image of Julia Roberts with a kid on her hip from the movie poster.

#12- Guru

Inspired by the story of Dhirubhai Ambani, Guru shows how passion, street-smarts and eagle-eyed focus can help you build a business. It is also a story of commitment to stakeholders, which is almost never talked about.

Aside from the phenomenal story, it has an ensemble cast of Abhishek Bachan and Aishwarya Rai, and directed by the favourite, Mani Ratnam. The music is also in a league of its own with phenomenal music by ‎A. R. Rahman.

#11- The Founder

This is the story of McDonald’s, the world-famous fast-food giant. Michael Keaton stars as Ray Croc, who ruthlessly took over the business from the original founders. It is a grim look at the reality of the world of business, but it is captivating and acts as a warning for naïve entrepreneurs.

This 2016 biographical comedy-drama portrays a glittering performance by Micheal Keaton who nailed the role of one of America’s most influential businessmen. This is one of the best entrepreneur movies for those who want to make it big in the industry.

Top 10 entrepreneur movies

Now to the crème de la crème. Don’t miss these!

#10- Jerry Maguire

No one likes it when you try to change the system. Jerry Maguire is a portrait of this ideology and how one man decides to change it all. Based on a real-life sports agent, this movie is about the passion for entrepreneurship and how to build up your dream from scratch. Jerry strikes out as an independent sports agent and represents a client deemed too risky and unpredictable.

The protagonist Jerry Maguire is played to the T by Tom Cruise. It stars Cuba Gooding Jr. and Renée Zellweger in lead roles as well. It is a fairy tale story and contains some of the most memorable movie lines of all time.

“Cuba Gooding Jr.’s “Show me the money” is one of them.

The movie is a heartwarmer and transcends ages. You could still watch it today and feel so relatable.

#9- Band Baaja Baaraat

Indian weddings are one big fat fad, and many leading movies and TV shows have made it their premise. It all started with Band Baaja Baaraat starring Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma.

Two street-smart people start a wedding planning business in Delhi. The story shows that if you can identify a demand gap in the market and take smart decisions. And there, you can achieve your dreams.

It also talks about the passion for creating something and knowing your customers. Small business owners can relate to it. One cannot forget the catchy song “Ainvayi Ainvayi” that resounds in our mind even after the movie.

#8- Baby Boom

This was the girlboss movie before “Girlboss”. Baby boom is a 1987 film. The lead JC breaks away from her unsupportive boyfriend and boss to start her own business and is immensely successful. In the end, she refuses to sell her business and instead, continues to lead it. At the same time, it shatters the stereotype that women “cannot have it all”. JC gets a good boyfriend and is happy with her adopted daughter while being a successful entrepreneur.

Working women and mothers who want to strike out on their own will find it especially inspiring. Starring Diane Keaton, the movie was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards.

It’s also a very entertaining watch, and Diane Keaton has done an exceptional job in displaying every shade of emotion the character feels.

#7- The Full Monty

We are not surprised that most of the corporate genre movies are comedy based. How else can one sell the monotony? Adding to this list is the 1997 British classic, The Full Monty.

When a steel plant closes down, the laid-off workers start a male strip teasing business. While the topic is unconventional, it looks at many aspects of business- entrepreneurship, respectability, knowing your target audience
and providing customer service.

It’s a classic movie, and a must-watch for everyone.

#6- Chef

Jon Favreau stars as the titular chef who quits his job at a restaurant to start his own food truck business. Moving away from the usual corporate set up, it is an inspiring story about following your dream, which many small business owners can relate to. Jon Favreau went back to his roots with this film after his stint with many big-budget movies.

This film is refreshing and brings out the power of social media marketing like never before. If you are feeling low and de-spirited, this movie will get you right back on your feet. It is one of the best entrepreneur movies.

Top 5 Movies for Entrepreneurs

#5- The Wolf of Wall Street

One of the most anticipated movies of 2013, this one as everything, inspiration, entertainment and DiCaprio and lots of him. Leonardo DiCaprio brings to life Jordan Belfort, the Wall-Street darling turned scammer turned motivational speaker.

It is a wild story of Belfort’s rise and fall that is expertly captured in the film. For entrepreneurs, it acts as a morality tale about the dangers of indiscriminate ambitions. This biography is a wild adventure ride and got as many critics as fans.

It was nominated for several awards, including five nominations at the 86th Academy Awards ceremony. DiCaprio won Best Actor in Musical or Comedy category at the 71st Golden Globe Awards for the Wolf of Wall Street.

#4- The Pursuit of Happyness

Guns and thunder dialogues took a break when Will Smith turned a struggling father in The Pursuit of Happyness. This is the rags to riches story of Chris Gardner, who founded his own brokerage firm in 1987. It is a story of grit and perseverance, and also a beautiful portrait of a father determined to give his son a better life.

Will Smith and son Jaden Smith’s classic combo bring to life this very real-life story. This story of Chris Gardner, a homeless salesman and his struggle will definitely strike chords with you.

The film serves as an inspiration for everyone who wants to build something and provide for their families. Smith’s son Jaden Smith costars with him. The movie is inspirational with its raw and realness. It is the whole package. Impeccable writing, spot-on direction and stellar performance makes it an A-list watch.

#3- Moneyball

Brad Pitt stars as former baseball player Billy Beane who applies statistical analysis to evaluate players. It is a lesson in the importance of taking data-backed decisions, which should be a habit for any business
owner.

This movie shows you that money isn’t the end of the game. it shows that intelligence and perseverance can beat the odds.

A film that could have easily slid to a boring one, was made phenomena by Aaron Sorkin and Steve Zaillian’s out of the world scripting. The dialogues are sharp, full of life and sets the screen on fire. Be prepared for some LOL moments and some tear-jerking scenes through the two-hour movie run.

#2- Wall Street

“Greed is Good”, Michael Douglas’ Gordon Gekko famously uttered this immortal line in Wall Street. Charlie Sheen plays Bud Fox, the newbie first dazzled by money and then wracked by guilt after he becomes an accessory to Gekko’s insider trading venture.

The movie is a cautionary tale against unfettered greed and is routinely cited as one of the must-see films
on business. The movie won the Oscar for Michael Douglas for Best Actor in a Leading Role. This movie is one of the most real films and will have you going back to it over and over again.

#1- The Social Network: One of the best entrepreneur movies of All times

David Fincher and Alan Sorkin tell the story of Mark Zuckerberg and the making of Facebook, the social networking site that took the world by storm. At the same time, it takes a hard look at the questionable side of the Facebook story.

This is a must-watch for entrepreneurs. It is inspirational and acts as a reality check at the same time. The movie dips into a controversial twist when he was sued by the twins who claimed that he stole their idea.

The Social Network is well thought out, intelligent and a thrilling modern biopic. Who doesn’t like a good drama?

Do they have the best entrepreneur movies on Netflix?

Actually, there are plenty. It’s time to Netflix and on Chill on some of the best picks of movies that speak to entrepreneurs. These have a slice of inspiration served with a hint of drama and dark humour.

• The Pursuit of Happyness: Will Smith and son Jaden Smith’s classic combo bring to life this very real-life story. This story of Chris Gardner, a homeless salesman and his struggle will definitely strike chords with you.
• Yes Man: Jim Carrie is sure to tickle your funny bone as he says Yes to everything in life. Join him on this fun ride.
• Steve Jobs: Who wouldn’t want to take a ride through the mind of the Apple genius?

Best entrepreneur movies that are Biographies

Nothing inspires like a real-life story, and we have just the right picks for you. Nosedive into some of the best biopics this season

• The Wolf of Wall Street: Jordan Belfort and his famous “Sell me this pen” line is unforgettable. This one will take you through a wacky ride through the rise and fall of this Wall Street Mogul.
• The Pursuit of Happiness: Making the list again, this adorable movie cannot be missed. Based on the real-life story of Chris Gardner, we recommend you watch it ASAP.
• The Aviator: Di Caprio lights up the screen with a stellar performance in this epic picture. Get ready to ride back to the 80s glam.
• The Social Network: Mark Zuckerberg has been in the limelight since the advent of Facebook. The biopic brings out the dirty secrets that are polished off under all the glamour.
• American Gangster: In the midst of gangsters and drug deals, one has to appreciate the shrewdness of businessman Frank Lucas. The movie is one of the best gangster movies of all time, and Denzel Washington’s performance is worth the watch.

We feel like you are already setting up your playlist on Netflix or Amazon Prime for these movies. Which movie spoke to you the most? Which one represented your struggle and success as an entrepreneur? Let us know in the comments; we are eager to know.

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