6 Inspiring Movies Budding Entrepreneurs Should Watch

by Kathy D

To be an entrepreneur requires hard work, luck, and patience. It is not a smooth ride, making it to the top in a private set-up. There are many market hurdles and obstacles to cross. You require financial support and business acumen before starting a business entity of your own.

Market dynamics are forever changing. Getting the right people and support staff is also a challenge. But you can count on meaningful cinema to inspire you in your entrepreneurial curve. Here are six mind-stimulating films to motivate you in your start-up journey. Get hold of your television remote and watch these films stimulate you to take the business world by the horns. 

1. The Big Short  

Before the COVID-19 slump in 2020, the global financial crisis of 2007-2008 was a worldwide economic crisis. Based on Michael Lewis’ book of the same title, The Big Short narrates three separate stories of individuals who predicted and profited from the United States financial disaster.

The film put up Oscar-worthy performances by Christian Bale and Steve Carell. Unconventional film techniques helped explain monetary concepts like subprime mortgages, collateralized debt obligations, and other financial instruments and practices like file dormant accounts.

Watch The Big Short film to get a closer insight into the reasons behind the 2007-2008 financial crisis. It also focuses on the significance of risk-taking in the atmosphere of mockery by the financial community. The motion picture earned the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.    

2. The Social Network

The Social Network, David Fincher-directed, is the story of a Harvard student and computer genius, Mark Zuckerberg, who created a popular social networking site Facebook. In this interesting plot, Zuckerberg got sued by the twins, who claimed he stole their idea, and his friend who got ousted from the company.

This fascinating film drops the message that big companies often have small beginnings. It is an excellent depiction of human emotions in business–of friendship, loyalty, jealousy, class, and power. Aaron Sorkin’s vivid script, a great ensemble cast, and Fincher’s perfect direction can be a reference point for aspiring social media platforms. 

3. Pirates of Silicon Valley

This 1999 American drama television film based on the novel Fire in the Valley: The Making of the Personal Computer explores the rivalry between Steve Jobs and Bill Gates between 1971 to 1997. The word Pirates in the movie title depicts the darker side of the home computer (PC) revolution. 

The Pirates of Silicon Valley chronicles the rise of two men, Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, and the two most iconic companies in the technology domain. The movie release happened when Steve Jobs began his second innings at Apple. The plot concludes with Bill Gates gaining the upper hand in business rivalry. Apple’s Steve Jobs interviewing a prospective Apple employee is the movie’s best scene.

4. Wall Street

“Greed, for lack of a better word, is good”, says Gordon Gekko (played by the charismatic Michael Douglas). Douglas won an Academy Award for his performance in the 1987 film Wall Street. This Oliver Stone-directed film tells the story of greed and ambition. Bud Fox, the main protagonist, hero-worships Gekko and gets carried away by his glitzy lifestyle, only to get tangled in the malicious trap of insider trading.    

The hit movie is a case study for young budding entrepreneurs. It drives home the message that greed and ambition can cloud your judgment and lead you down an unethical path. Gordon Gekko’s speech in the film is a crowd-puller.    

5. The Pursuit of Happyness

This 2006 film is a true story based on entrepreneur Chris Gardner played by Will Smith. The film plot shows the lead actor’s struggle to make a future for himself and his young child. He gets the job of an unpaid intern in a stockbroker firm. However, he overcomes mindboggling circumstances and the poverty stigma with his confidence and his son’s love to achieve his dreams and become a Wall Street legend.

The film is an excellent portrayal of the hardships the early-stage entrepreneurs face. It is a must-watch for aspiring sales professionals and the trying times one has to go through to succeed in life. The role got Will Smith an Oscar nomination.   

6. Becoming Warren Buffett

Down to earth and unique, Warren Buffett is the ‘Oracle of Omaha’ in the business world. He is an investment tycoon and a philanthropist. Becoming Warren Buffett is a documentary film about the life and times of Warren Buffett. The film examines the business tycoon’s expertise in managing investments and business relationship skills. It traces Buffett’s career and ideologies and how one of the world’s richest men lives a modest and frugal life in his hometown of Omaha.

The film is an absolute treat for young entrepreneurs in the making as it traces Warren Buffett, one of the world’s most influential and fascinating figures.   

The Bottom Line

Take a break from your hectic work schedule or look up business inspiration tips and role models by watching and re-watching more of these movies. It will open up your mind and prepare you ahead on your entrepreneurial journey.