If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, you HAVE to watch this list of inspirational movies. Grab a notepad and pen, make some popcorn, and get ready for the ultimate entrepreneur movie marathon.
9 Inspirational Movies All Aspiring Entrepreneurs Must Watch
1. The Social Network (2010)
This movie tells the story of how the infamous social media platform Facebook came to be. It’s a good reminder that even billion-dollar companies often have humble beginnings.
2. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
This movie is worth watching for the all-star cast and director (Martin Scorsese) alone. But, it’s based on a true story, superbly acted and directed, and is the perfect example of what NOT to do as an entrepreneur. Spoiler alert: the bad guy doesn’t get away with it.
3. The Aviator (2004)
Leonardo DiCaprio stars in some excellent entrepreneurial-based movies. In “The Aviator” he plays eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes. Hughes was not only successful in the film industry, but he was also a pioneer in aviation and suffered from growing and debilitating mental illness. His resilience and success in entrepreneurship despite such obstacles makes him someone to admire and learn from.
4. Nightcrawler (2014)
“Nightcrawler” is about a man struggling to find a job, and sees a window of opportunity and decides to jump through. If you watch this movie, you will be inspired. I promise you.
5. Pirates of Silicon Valley (1999)
This movie is about the rivalry between Bill Gates and Steve Jobs during the early aughts of Silicon Valley as they each fought to establish themselves. It’s pretty interesting to see how the beginnings of Apple and Microsoft might have taken shape 40-some years ago.
6. Thank You for Smoking (2005)
“Thank You for Smoking” is the perfect movie to show you how to market and sell any product, which is fundamental to entrepreneurship.
7. Joy (2015)
Joy Mangano invented the self-wringing mop and became a self-made millionaire. This film, led by Oscar-winner Jennifer Lawrence, shows the struggles Mangano went through before she achieved success, which is important to keep in mind, because we often focus on the result, but not the hard work that it takes to get there.
8. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Chris Gardner’s story of working as an unpaid stockbroker while being homeless (with his son) is the ultimate story of giving everything for your dreams.
9. Citizen Kane (1941)
Another cinematic masterpiece, “Citizen Kane” is loosely based on tycoon William Randolph Hearst and his quest for money and power. The moral of the story is (spoiler alert) is that money and success aren’t what truly matters in the end.
Are there any inspirational movies that excite your entrepreneurial senses? Tweet me @lorenridinger.
