8 Must-Watch Movies for Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurship demands resilience, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of innovation. Films can offer valuable insights into these qualities, providing both inspiration and practical lessons. Here are eight films that every entrepreneur should consider watching:

The Founder (2016) chronicles the rise of McDonald's, focusing on Ray Kroc's role in its expansion. It highlights the significance of vision, perseverance, and the complexities of business partnerships. The story gives a deep dive into the evolution of an idea into a global empire, showing both the success and the ethical challenges that arise along the way.

Joy (2015) is based on the true story of Joy Mangano, who transformed from a struggling single mother to a successful inventor and entrepreneur. The film emphasizes the importance of resilience, innovation, and perseverance in overcoming personal and professional challenges. Watching Joy navigate her way through rejection and setbacks is a powerful reminder of the determination needed to turn an idea into a thriving business.

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) tells the inspiring story of Chris Gardner, played by Will Smith, who faces homelessness while pursuing a career in stockbroking. This film is a testament to the power of determination and hard work. It highlights the struggles many entrepreneurs face when starting from nothing, yet it also shows the importance of grit and vision in ultimately achieving one’s goals.

While not a traditional business film, The Martian (2015) is an excellent example of entrepreneurial traits. The story follows an astronaut stranded on Mars, relying on his creativity, problem-solving skills, and resourcefulness to survive. Entrepreneurs can take away the valuable lesson that innovation and adaptability are essential when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Jobs (2013) delves into the life of Steve Jobs, exploring his role in founding Apple and his vision for technology. It provides valuable insights into leadership, innovation, and the challenges of building a tech empire. Jobs’ determination to push the boundaries of technology despite numerous setbacks and failures shows the importance of not giving up on your vision, even when faced with adversity.

Wall Street (1987), directed by Oliver Stone, examines the ethical dilemmas in the world of finance through the character of Gordon Gekko. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of greed and the importance of integrity in business. The film demonstrates how short-term success driven by unethical practices can lead to long-term failure, making it a crucial watch for entrepreneurs who value both success and moral responsibility.

The Social Network (2010) tells the story of the creation of Facebook, focusing on Mark Zuckerberg’s journey and the legal battles that ensued. It provides a glimpse into the complexities of startup culture, including the rapid growth of tech companies, the challenges of maintaining relationships while building a business, and the complications that arise from success. Entrepreneurs can learn from Zuckerberg's approach to scaling a business and the difficulties of balancing ambition with personal dynamics.

The Big Short (2015) is based on true events and explores the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on the individuals who foresaw the collapse of the housing market. This film teaches lessons on risk assessment, the importance of questioning prevailing market assumptions, and understanding the broader implications of financial decisions. For entrepreneurs, it highlights the significance of staying informed and being willing to challenge conventional wisdom when assessing business opportunities.

These films not only entertain but also impart valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, leadership, and the challenges of building and sustaining a business. Whether it's about innovation, persistence, ethics, or adapting to change, these films provide an opportunity to learn from the experiences of both fictional and real-life entrepreneurs. Watching them can offer both inspiration and practical insights into navigating the complex world of business.