Both in real life and in fiction, movie production firms have effectively represented the hardships experienced by businesspeople and entrepreneurs, bringing such struggles to the big screen! From documentaries to fictional movies on well-known business people, there are several Top Business Movies that have depicted a multicoloured canvas of the business and corporate world. The business world is filled of amazing individuals who, through the use of innovative concepts and cutting-edge tactics, have altered our perception of how an organisation should be run.
Business films often fall into one of two categories: morality plays about dishonesty and failure, or uplifting stories about overcoming challenges. The second of the two is far more prevalent. Let’s face it: narratives about functional businesses, where management is wise and smart, employees are respected and cherished, and clients are content and devoted, don’t exactly give the drama we look for in a movie.
It doesn’t mean, though, that entrepreneurs can’t learn a lot from films; it simply means you may get more tips on what to avoid doing than what to do. After all, the purpose of going to business school is to improve your ability to make decisions. Learning what to do not do is fun. Here are our picks for the finest business films in light of that.
These business films are available on sites including YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime. It is always beneficial for company owners to watch films on business ethics and other motivational topics relating to the world of business since they can take what they learn and apply it to their own enterprises to help them succeed.
If you want to be inspired to enter the business world right away, we provide you with a thorough selection of the top business movies that have ever been produced. The following are the lists:
Jobs
“Jobs” is a biographical drama that depicts the life and career of Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple and a visionary in the technology industry. The film follows his journey from being a college dropout to becoming a successful entrepreneur and innovator, as well as his personal and professional challenges. The film stars Ashton Kutcher as Steve Jobs, and features a supporting cast of Dermot Mulroney, Josh Gad, Lukas Haas, Lesley Ann Warren, J.K. Simmons, Ahna O’Reilly, John Getz, Ron Eldard, James Woods and Matthew Modine. It is directed by Joshua Michael Stern and written by Matt Whiteley. Mark Hulme and Stern collaborated to produce the movie. It was released on August 16, 2013 and grossed $42.1 million worldwide. It received mixed reviews from critics and audiences, with a 6/10 rating on IMDB. The movie runs for 129 minutes.
The Wolf of Wall Street
“The Wolf of Wall Street” is a biographical comedy-drama that tells the story of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who becomes involved in a massive fraud scheme that leads to his downfall. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Belfort, and features a supporting cast of Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Matthew McConaughey, Kyle Chandler, Rob Reiner, Jon Favreau, Jean Dujardin and Jon Bernthal. Terence Winter wrote the screenplay, which was directed by Martin Scorsese. The film is based on Belfort’s memoir of the same name. The film was produced by Scorsese, DiCaprio, Riza Aziz, Joey McFarland and Emma Tillinger Koskoff. It was released on December 25, 2013 and grossed $392 million worldwide. It received critical acclaim from critics and audiences, with an 8.2/10 rating on IMDB. The movie runs for 180 minutes.
The Social Network
“The Social Network” is a biographical drama that depicts the creation and rise of Facebook, the world’s most popular social media platform, and the legal battles that ensue among its founders and investors. The film stars Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, and Andrew Garfield as Eduardo Saverin, his friend and business partner. The film also features Justin Timberlake as Sean Parker, the co-founder of Napster and an early advisor to Facebook, Armie Hammer as Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, the twin brothers who sue Zuckerberg for stealing their idea, and Max Minghella as Divya Narendra, their associate. David Fincher directed the movie, which was scripted by Aaron Sorkin. The Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich served as the inspiration for the movie. The film was produced by Scott Rudin, Dana Brunetti, Michael De Luca and Ceán Chaffin. It was released on October 1, 2010 and grossed $224.9 million worldwide. It received positive reviews from critics and audiences, with a 7.8/10 rating on IMDB. The movie runs for 120 minutes.
The Pursuit of Happyness
“The Pursuit of Happyness” is a biographical drama that portrays the true story of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who becomes homeless with his young son and strives to secure a better future for them. The film stars Will Smith as Chris Gardner and his real-life son Jaden Smith as his son Christopher. The film also features Thandiwe Newton as Linda, Chris’s estranged wife, Brian Howe as Jay Twistle, Chris’s boss at a brokerage firm, and James Karen as Martin Frohm, the head of the firm. Steven Conrad wrote the screenplay, while Gabriele Muccino is the director. The film is based on the memoir of the same name by Chris Gardner and Quincy Troupe. Will Smith, Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, James Lassiter, and Steve Tisch all contributed to the movie’s production. It was released on December 15, 2006 and grossed $307.1 million worldwide. It received positive reviews from critics and audiences, with an 8/10 rating on IMDB. The movie runs for 117 minutes.
The Founder
“The Founder” is a biographical drama that depicts the story of Ray Kroc, a salesman who transforms a small burger stand into the global fast-food empire of McDonald’s. The film stars Michael Keaton as Ray Kroc and Nick Offerman and John Carroll Lynch as Richard and Maurice McDonald, the brothers who own the original restaurant. The film also features Linda Cardellini as Joan Smith, Kroc’s third wife and business partner, and B. J. Novak as Harry Sonneborn, Kroc’s financial advisor. Robert Siegel wrote the screenplay, while John Lee Hancock is the director. The film is based on the history of McDonald’s. The film was produced by Don Handfield, Jeremy Renner and Aaron Ryder. It was released on January 20, 2017 and grossed $24.1 million worldwide. It received favorable reviews from critics and audiences, with a 7.2/10 rating on IMDB. The movie runs for 115 minutes.
The Banker
“The Banker” is a biographical drama that tells the true story of Joe Morris and Bernard Garrett, two African-American entrepreneurs who overcome racial barriers and build a real estate and banking empire in the 1950s and 1960s. The film stars Anthony Mackie as Bernard Garrett and Samuel L. Jackson as Joe Morris, who pretend as the owners of their firms using a white frontman, Matt Steiner, played by Nicholas Hoult. The film also features Nia Long as Eunice Garrett, Bernard’s wife and partner, and Jessie T. Usher as Tony Jackson, Bernard’s son. George Nolfi directed the movie, written by Niceole Levy, George Nolfi, David Lewis Smith, and Stan Younger. The film is based on the lives of Joe Morris and Bernard Garrett. Brad Feinstein, Joel Viertel, Jonathan Baker, George Nolfi, Nnamdi Asomugha, David Lewis Smith, and Anthony Mackie all contributed to the movie’s production. It was released on March 6, 2020 and grossed $11 million worldwide. It received positive reviews from critics and audiences, with a 7.3/10 rating on IMDB. The movie lasts for 121 minutes.
Jerry Maguire
“Jerry Maguire” is a romantic comedy-drama that follows the life and career of Jerry Maguire, a sports agent who loses his job and clients after having a crisis of conscience and writing a controversial memo. The film stars Tom Cruise as Jerry Maguire and Cuba Gooding Jr. as Rod Tidwell, a football player who remains loyal to Jerry and becomes his only client. The film also features Renée Zellweger as Dorothy Boyd, a single mother and former accountant who falls in love with Jerry, Kelly Preston as Avery Bishop, Jerry’s ex-fiancée, Jerry O’Connell as Frank Cushman, a quarterback who betrays Jerry, Jay Mohr as Bob Sugar, Jerry’s rival agent, and Bonnie Hunt as Laurel Boyd, Dorothy’s sister. Cameron Crowe directed and wrote the movie. The film is inspired by the real-life sports agent Leigh Steinberg. Richard Sakai, James L. Brooks, Cameron Crowe, and Laurence Mark, all contributed to the movie’s production. It was released on December 13, 1996 and grossed $273.6 million worldwide. It received favorable reviews from critics and audiences, with a 7.3/10 rating on IMDB. The movie runs for 139 minutes.
Margin Call
“Margin Call” is a thriller drama that depicts the events of a 24-hour period at a large Wall Street investment bank during the early stages of the 2007-2008 financial crisis. The film stars Kevin Spacey as Sam Rogers, the head of trading, Paul Bettany as Will Emerson, his second-in-command, Jeremy Irons as John Tuld, the CEO of the firm, Zachary Quinto as Peter Sullivan, a risk analyst who discovers a huge problem with the firm’s assets, Penn Badgley as Seth Bregman, his colleague, Simon Baker as Jared Cohen, the head of capital markets, Mary McDonnell as Mary Rogers, Sam’s ex-wife, Demi Moore as Sarah Robertson, the chief risk officer, and Stanley Tucci as Eric Dale, Peter’s former boss who is laid off. J. C. Chandor directed and wrote the film. The film is based on the real-life financial crisis of 2007-2008. Joe Jenckes, Robert Ogden Barnum, Corey Moosa, Michael Benaroya, Neal Dodson, and Zachary Quinto all served as the movie’s producers. It was released on October 21, 2011 and grossed $19.5 million worldwide. It received positive reviews from critics and audiences, with a 7.1/10 rating on IMDB. The movie runs for 107 minutes.
Boiler Room
“Boiler Room” is a crime drama that follows the rise and fall of Seth Davis, a college dropout who joins a shady brokerage firm that sells fraudulent stocks to unsuspecting investors. The film stars Giovanni Ribisi as Seth Davis and Vin Diesel as Chris Varick, his mentor and friend. The film also features Nia Long as Abbie Halpert, Seth’s love interest and secretary at the firm, Nicky Katt as Greg Weinstein, a senior broker who dislikes Seth, Scott Caan as Richie O’Flaherty, another broker who works with Seth, and Ben Affleck as Jim Young, the co-founder and head recruiter of the firm. Ben Younger wrote the script and directed the movie. The film is loosely based on the real-life financial crisis of 2007-2008. The film was produced by Jennifer Todd and Suzanne Todd. It was released on February 18, 2000 and grossed $28 million worldwide. It received favorable reviews from critics and audiences, with a 7/10 rating on IMDB. The movie lasts for 120 minutes.
The Aviator
“The Aviator” is a biographical drama that portrays the life and career of Howard Hughes, a renowned aviator, filmmaker and businessman who struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder and paranoia. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Howard Hughes and Cate Blanchett as Katharine Hepburn, his longtime lover and actress. The film also features Kate Beckinsale as Ava Gardner, another actress who has an affair with Hughes, John C. Reilly as Noah Dietrich, Hughes’s chief financial officer, Alec Baldwin as Juan Trippe, the founder of Pan Am and Hughes’s rival, Alan Alda as Owen Brewster, a senator who investigates Hughes’s dealings, and Jude Law as Errol Flynn, a famous actor and friend of Hughes. Martin Scorsese directed the movie, which was written by John Logan. The book Howard Hughes: The Secret Life by Charles Higham served as the inspiration for the movie. The film was produced by Michael Mann, Sandy Climan, Graham King and Charles Evans Jr. It was released on December 25, 2004 and grossed $213.7 million worldwide. It received positive reviews from critics and audiences, with a 7.5/10 rating on IMDB. The movie lasts for 169 minutes.
Moneyball
“Moneyball” is a sports drama that depicts the true story of Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics baseball team, who uses a data-driven approach to assemble a competitive roster with a low budget. The film stars Brad Pitt as Billy Beane and Jonah Hill as Peter Brand, his assistant and a Yale economics graduate. The film also features Philip Seymour Hoffman as Art Howe, the manager of the team, and Robin Wright as Sharon Beane, Billy’s ex-wife. Bennett Miller is the director, and Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin are the writers. The movie is based on Michael Lewis’s book Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game. The film was produced by Michael De Luca, Rachael Horovitz and Brad Pitt. It was released on September 23, 2011 and grossed $110.2 million worldwide. It received favorable reviews from critics and audiences, with a 7.6/10 rating on IMDB. The movie lasts for 133 minutes.
Wall Street
“Wall Street” is a crime drama that follows the rise and fall of Bud Fox, a young and ambitious stockbroker who gets involved with Gordon Gekko, a ruthless and greedy corporate raider. The film stars Charlie Sheen as Bud Fox and Michael Douglas as Gordon Gekko, who delivers the famous line “Greed is good”. The film also features Daryl Hannah as Darien Taylor, Bud’s girlfriend and interior designer, Martin Sheen as Carl Fox, Bud’s father and a union leader, Hal Holbrook as Lou Mannheim, Bud’s mentor and a senior broker, and Terence Stamp as Sir Larry Wildman, a British businessman and Gekko’s rival. The film is directed by Oliver Stone and written by Oliver Stone and Stanley Weiser. The film is inspired by the real-life experiences of Bud Fox (C. Sheen). Edward R. Pressman produced the film. It was released on December 11, 1987 and grossed $43.8 million worldwide. It received positive reviews from critics and audiences, with a 7.3/10 rating on IMDB. The movie lasts for 126 minutes.
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
“Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps” is a crime drama that serves as a sequel to the 1987 film Wall Street. The film depicts the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis and the return of Gordon Gekko, a former corporate raider who tries to reconnect with his estranged daughter and warn the world of an impending economic collapse. The film stars Michael Douglas as Gordon Gekko and Shia LaBeouf as Jake Moore, a young and idealistic trader who is engaged to Gekko’s daughter. The film also features Josh Brolin as Bretton James, a powerful and corrupt banker who is responsible for the death of Jake’s mentor, Carey Mulligan as Winnie Gekko, Jake’s fiancée and Gekko’s daughter, Eli Wallach as Julius Steinhardt, an old and influential financier, Susan Sarandon as Sylvia Moore, Jake’s mother and a real estate agent, and Frank Langella as Louis Zabel, Jake’s mentor and the head of an investment bank. The film is directed by Oliver Stone and written by Allan Loeb and Stephen Schiff. The film is based on the characters created by Stanley Weiser and Oliver Stone. The film was produced by Edward R. Pressman and Eric Kopeloff. It was released on September 24, 2010 and grossed $134.7 million worldwide. It received mixed reviews from critics and audiences, with a 6.2/10 rating on IMDB. The movie runs for 133 minutes.
The Big Short
“The Big Short” is a comedy-drama that tells the true story of a group of outsiders who bet against the U.S. housing market and the banks that caused the 2007-2008 financial crisis. The film stars Christian Bale as Michael Burry, a hedge fund manager who discovers the instability of the mortgage-backed securities, Steve Carell as Mark Baum, a cynical investor who joins forces with Burry, Ryan Gosling as Jared Vennett, a trader who acts as the narrator of the film, and Brad Pitt as Ben Rickert, a retired banker who helps two young investors to make their bets. The film is directed by Adam McKay and written by Charles Randolph and Adam McKay. The film is based on the book The Big Short by Michael Lewis. The film was produced by Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner and Arnon Milchan. It was released on December 11, 2015 and grossed $133.4 million worldwide. It received positive reviews from critics and audiences, with a 7.8/10 rating on IMDB. The movie runs for 130 minutes.
The Social Dilemma
The Social Dilemma is a documentary-drama that explores the impact of social media on human behavior and society. The film features interviews with former employees and experts from tech companies such as Twitter, Facebook, Google and Pinterest, who reveal the hidden manipulations and dangers of the platforms. The film also includes dramatized scenes of a fictional family that struggles with the addiction and consequences of social media use. The film stars Jeff Seibert, Tristan Harris, Justin Rosenstein, Aza Raskin, Shoshana Zuboff, Anna Lembke, Kara Hayward, Skyler Gisondo, Jaron Lanier and Vincent Kartheiser. The film is directed by Jeff Orlowski and written by Davis Coombe, Vickie Curtis and Jeff Orlowski. The film is based on the research and insights of social media’s addictions and effect on human. The film was produced by Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner and Arnon Milchan. It was released on Netflix on September 9, 2020. It received favorable reviews from critics and audiences, with a 7.6/10 rating on IMDB. The movie runs for 94 minutes.
Conclusion
Many moviegoers find interest in movies about wealthy millionaires and accomplished businessmen, particularly when those stories are based on actual people and genuine events. Even while viewing a Business movie about millionaires may seem like just a fun activity to us, it’s impossible to avoid being moved by the perseverance, tenacity, obstinacy, and daring of the individuals who achieved their achievements. Films about successful people, top entrepreneur movies, and best startup movies motivate us to take action, inspire us to reflect on our strengths, and sometimes even serve as inspiration for us to launch our own businesses.
What do you think of our business movie list, then?
We made an effort to make it as thorough and comprehensive as we could. Additionally, we wanted to include something for everyone, so we made this Top Business Movie.
Being a skilled CEO is even more difficult than being a CEO in general.
You should strive to improve in whatever manner you can, and one of the simplest ways to accomplish that is to watch the best business inspirational movies and business motivation movies.
