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Amazing Movies of All Time for Sales Professionals

by Emma Wilson

If there were ever an industry that has benefited from its portrayal on the big screen, it would be advertising and sales. Throughout the recent history of cinema, some of the best movies about the advertising industry have impacted both aspiring and experienced sales professionals.

Some movies entertain, while others leave a lasting impression. These movies tick all the right boxes. Here are some of the thrilling movies of all time for professionals in marketing and sales.

1. The Wolf of Wall Street

First, this movie is Martin Scorsese’s highest-grossing movie globally. Also, it stars Jonah Hill and Oscar winner Leo DiCaprio. Just by looking at the cast and director, you already know you are in for a treat. In this thrilling movie, DiCaprio delivered an Oscar-nominated performance from start to finish.

Based on the true story of former Wall Street golden boy Jordan Belfort, this movie takes a deep dive into the world of stockbroking. Considering there were no internet or salesforce consulting services at that time, Jordan’s evil genius is even more impressive. The Wolf of Wall Street epitomizes the art of selling in its raw form. Indeed, many sales professionals pick selling strategies from this movie. One of the highlights includes the part where DiCaprio tells a colleague, “sell me this pen.” That part never gets old. According to the original Wolf of Wall Street, if you can sell someone a pen, you can sell anyone anything.

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2. Jerry Maguire

This movie has everything you need in an all-time favorite. It stars Hollywood’s sweethearts Tom Cruise and Renee Zellweger. The most important aspect is that it opens the public to the world of a sports agency. In this movie, Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise) is a sports agent who talks his way into multi-million dollar deals for his agents. Not only does this movie convey important sales tactics, it has evergreen catchphrases that you can not but love.

3. Wall Street

This movie is not the same as Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street that came out 26 years later. Wall Street is a classic. It takes you back to life as a salesperson in the 80’s without the help of modern sales tools or sophisticated CRM applications. This movie shows the relationship between an ambitious stockbroker, Bud Fox, and his mentor, Gordon Gekko. For aspiring salespersons, this movie reveals how attitude is vital to thriving in a sea of corporate sharks.

4. The Pursuit of Happyness

While you watch this movie, remember to hold a tissue; you have been warned. This movie portrays the life of a struggling, yet talented salesman, Chris Gardner. Chris, played by Will Smith, is also a homeless, single father who manages to secure a job in sales. It shows Will Smith’s sales masterclass, including some cold calling scenes. This movie recognizes sales professionals who are going through a difficult period. Yet, they manage to give their best at work.

5. Boiler Room

Firstly, the characters’ ethics in this movie are questionable, as they are conmen who rip people off. Yet, it is hard to deny that this movie contains some helpful sales tips. Boiler Room is a story about Stratton Oakmont, founded by Jordan Belfort (yes, the same Jordan Belfort who Leo DiCaprio played in The Wolf of Wall Street). If there were one aspect of sales this movie highlighted superbly, it would be telemarketing.

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6. Glengarry Glen Ross

When A-list Hollywood actors like Alec Baldwin and Al Pacino share the screen, expect nothing less than timeless entertainment. Glengarry Glen Ross doesn’t just entertain; it is a masterpiece for sales professionals. The story centers on sales professionals for a real estate firm in New York. The plot thickened when their bosses confirmed that the firm would only be keeping two sales professionals. At that point, it was every man for himself as they fought for their jobs. The movie reveals the extent people would go to save their jobs, including betraying each other. Besides all the backstabbing, these salesmen’s creative methods gained (and stole) leads are worth learning.

7. BASEketball

This is not the first movie sales professional would consider. BASEketball is a comedy about two friends playing a two-on-two basketball game against better opponents. Seeing that the odds were against them, they bent the rules. That was how “BASEketball” became a thing. It was a combination of basketball, baseball, and some trash-talking. Not only did they bend the rules, but they also found a promoter to make it a professional league. How two stooges sold a dumb idea that became a national league is a pure genius.

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8. The Founder

The Founder is one of the few top movies that reveal practical sales techniques. This movie depicts the true story of salesman and restaurateur Ray Kroc. It shows how Ray reinvented fast food and transformed his eatery into a global restaurant chain. The founder is a story of persistence and innovation. These are vital values sales professionals and entrepreneurs must have to reach greater heights. For salespersons in the food industry, watching this movie should be on your to-do list.

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9. The Big Kahuna

Movies like The Big Kahuna will never get old nor lose their influence on marketing and sales professionals. The Big Kahuna stars an A-list cast of Kevin Spacey, Peter Facinelli, and Danny DeVito. They play three aspiring sales professionals who work for a lubricant on the verge of losing their business. To save the company, these three would make the sales pitch of their lives to “The Big Kahuna,” a potential client.

Final Thoughts

Some of the best movies of all time reveal the realities of the sales industry and the life of a typical salesperson. These movies are not a substitute for getting a college degree and experience in sales. However, they provide industry strategies that are useful for even sales professionals with a wealth of knowledge. It is no surprise that they teach some of the techniques from these movies in sales classes. Grab your bowl of popcorn, get comfortable, and enjoy the show.