Mahaveer Sanglikar
Must Watch Most Inspiring American Business Movies
Discover the top ten MUST-WATCH and most inspiring American business movies that will motivate you to dream big and aspire to become a successful entrepreneur. Easily find these movies online by searching on Amazon Prime, Netflix, YouTube, or other video-sharing platforms.
1. Money Ball
Adapted from Michael Lewis’ 2003 work, Moneyball recounts the real-life journey of Billy Beane, transitioning from a former baseball player to the general manager of the Oakland Athletics baseball team.
Faced with the challenge of constructing a winning team within financial constraints, Beane, in collaboration with his assistant Peter Brand, embarked on a unique strategy. Instead of pursuing high-profile, expensive players, they focused on identifying undervalued, talented individuals who could contribute significantly to the team’s success.
This unconventional approach proved to be a game-changer, leading to the creation of a competitive and triumphant baseball squad.
Moneyball not only provides a captivating sports narrative but also serves as a compelling source of inspiration for aspiring business managers. The tale underscores the importance of innovative thinking, strategic decision-making, and resourcefulness in achieving success, making it a valuable lesson for individuals navigating the challenging terrain of management and leadership.
Director: Bennett Miller
Starring: Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, and Philip Seymour Hoffman
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Business Genres: Team Management, Business Management, Sports
2. The Social Network
The Social Network is a biographical movie that chronicles Mark Zuckerberg’s establishment of Facebook through innovation, hard work, and achievement. While at Harvard, he developed Facemash, a campus website that gained popularity and sparked the idea of social networking. With $1000 in seed money from his friend Eduardo Saverin, Zuckerberg expanded his vision.
As Facebook, initially named “The Facebook,” gained immense success, it expanded from American universities to European ones. Zuckerberg encountered numerous legal battles with competitors and faced challenges throughout his entrepreneurial journey.
The film received 8 Academy Award nominations and secured victories in the categories of Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Film Editing. Over the years, critics have consistently praised it as one of the standout films of the 21st century.”
Director: David Fincher
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Armie Hammer
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Business Genres: Innovation, Start-Up, Internet, Business Ventures, Business Competition
3. The Aviator (2004)
The Aviator” is a captivating biographical film that tells the extraordinary life and career of the iconic billionaire Howard Hughes (1905–1976). This cinematic masterpiece provides a compelling narrative that unfolds against the backdrop of Hughes’ remarkable contributions to both the aviation and film industries.
Hughes, an American aerospace engineer, innovative businessman, acclaimed film producer, and skilled pilot, emerged as a dominant force in a bygone era.
At the pinnacle of his success, Howard Hughes was recognized as one of the wealthiest individuals on the global stage. The film meticulously chronicles his groundbreaking adventures, revolutionary innovations, and unparalleled triumphs in aviation, showcasing how he not only conquered the skies but also left an indelible mark on the film industry.
As a pioneer in aviation, Hughes embarked on ambitious projects with the Army Air Forces, pushing the boundaries of aeronautical engineering and technology. His endeavors were marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, shaping the trajectory of aviation history and solidifying his legacy as an aviation visionary.
Beyond his professional achievements, “The Aviator” delves into the intricate web of Howard Hughes’ personal life, exploring his relationships with two iconic actresses of the time, Katharine Hepburn and Ava Gardner.
The film’s cinematic brilliance is underscored by its recognition at the Academy Awards, where it garnered nominations in an impressive 11 categories. This includes recognition for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor, showcasing the film’s excellence in storytelling, direction, and performance.
Director: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Business Genres: Business, Aviation, Film Industry, Billionaires, Lawsuits
Most Inspiring American Business Movies
4. The Intern (2015)
“The Intern” follows the story of Ben Whittaker, a retired senior citizen portrayed by Robert De Niro, seeking purpose in his post-retirement life.
Bored with the mundane, he applies for the Senior Intern position at an e-commerce fashion startup, where he collaborates with the initially indifferent CEO, Jules Austin, played by Anne Hathaway.
The film intricately unfolds the evolving dynamics between Ben and Jules. Initially ignored, Ben’s seasoned advice gradually becomes invaluable to Jules, fostering a deep connection between the two characters.
The narrative beautifully explores the transformative power of mentorship and the timeless nature of human connections.
Amidst the drama, “The Intern” masterfully balances emotional depth and lighthearted moments. It serves as a reminder of the significance of unexpected connections, personal growth, and the lasting impact individuals can have on each other’s lives.
In essence, the film is a heartwarming exploration of wisdom, resilience, and the enduring nature of human relationships that transcend generational gaps.
Director: Nancy Meyers
Starring: Robert De Niro, Anne Hathaway
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Business Genres: Internship, Fashion, Seniors, Life Coach
5. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
“The Pursuit of Happyness” is a powerful and inspirational film that captures the resilience and determination of Chris Gardner, a homeless salesman, as he faces numerous challenges in his quest for a better life for himself and his son, Chris Jr.
The movie not only provides a gripping narrative but also conveys important life lessons about perseverance, the importance of honesty, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.
Chris Gardner’s journey from homelessness to success is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Despite being faced with adversity, Gardner remains steadfast in his commitment to creating a better future for himself and his son.
The film sheds light on the harsh realities of homelessness and the daily struggles Gardner endures, emphasizing the importance of tenacity in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Honesty emerges as a central theme throughout the story. Despite his challenging circumstances, Gardner consistently upholds his integrity, refusing to compromise his principles even when tempted by unethical opportunities. This commitment to honesty not only shapes his character but also serves as a guiding principle in his interactions with others.
Will Smith’s portrayal of Chris Gardner earned him a well-deserved Best Actor Oscar nomination. Smith masterfully brings Gardner’s character to life, capturing the emotional depth and complexity of his experiences. The actor’s performance contributes significantly to the film’s impact, making it a memorable and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
Director: Gabriele Muccino
Starring: Will Smith, Jaden Smith
IMDb Rating: 8/10
Business Genres: Salesmanship, Struggle, Ethics, Honesty
Most Inspiring American Business Movies
6. Pirates of Silicon Valley (1999)
“Pirates of Silicon Valley” is a 1999 made-for-television film that dramatizes the early years of the personal computer revolution and the intense rivalry between two of its most iconic figures: Steve Jobs and Bill Gates.
The movie is based on the 1984 book “Fire in the Valley: The Making of The Personal Computer” by Paul Freiberger and Michael Swaine.
The film provides a compelling narrative of the rise of the personal computer industry and the birth of companies like Apple and Microsoft. It explores the personalities, strategies, and innovations of Steve Jobs (co-founder of Apple) and Bill Gates (co-founder of Microsoft) as they played pivotal roles in shaping the technology landscape.
“Pirates of Silicon Valley” highlights key moments in the development of personal computers, including the creation of the Apple I and II by Jobs and Steve Wozniak, as well as the development of the Microsoft operating system, which eventually became MS-DOS.
The film captures the competitive spirit between Jobs and Gates, illustrating their different approaches to business and technology.
One of the central themes of the movie is the idea that both Jobs and Gates were driven by a passion for innovation and a desire to change the world through technology.
It also delves into the ethical dilemmas and controversial tactics employed by both companies during their early years in the fiercely competitive computer industry.
Director: Martyn Burke
Starring: Noah Wyle, Anthony Michael Hall
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Business Genres: Personal Computers, Innovation, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Business Rivalry
7. Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
The film “Glengarry Glen Ross” is an adaptation of David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, delving into the sinister facets of corporate culture. A gripping thriller set in the cutthroat world of real estate, the narrative unfolds over two intense days, offering a glimpse into the tumultuous lives of four real estate salesmen.
At the heart of the plot is the compelling and commanding portrayal by Alec Baldwin as the company’s motivational trainer. In a riveting performance, Baldwin’s character unleashes a torrent of verbal threats upon the salesmen, laying bare the high-stakes nature of their profession.
The motivational trainer issues a stark ultimatum, promising termination if the sales team fails to meet their ambitious sales targets.
The film skillfully explores the psychological toll of the relentless pressure placed on the characters, capturing the desperation and cutthroat competition that pervade the corporate environment.
Mamet’s sharp dialogue and the stellar performances of the cast create a tense atmosphere, highlighting the harsh realities and moral ambiguities inherent in the pursuit of success within the corporate realm.
Director: James Foley
Starring: Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, Ed Harris, Alan Arkin
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Business Genres: Salesmanship, corporate culture, real estate business
Most Inspiring American Business Movies
8. The Banker (2020)
This film delves into the compelling narrative of Bernard Garret (played by Mackie), a revolutionary Black American businessman and banker. The storyline unfolds as Garret collaborates with a wealthy club owner, Joe Morriss (portrayed by Jackson), to establish a real estate venture.
However, their ambitious vision encounters a formidable barrier in the pervasive racism of the mid-’50s, which starkly limits opportunities for Black entrepreneurs, especially in banking.
Recognizing the systemic challenges they face, Garret and Morriss devise a strategic solution: they enlist the assistance of Matt Steiner (played by Hoult), a White man, to act as the public face of their company. This decision is driven by a pragmatic understanding of the societal prejudices that hinder the progress of Black individuals in certain industries.
As the trio embarks on their real estate venture, navigating the intricacies of a racially divided society, they achieve remarkable success. Their collaborative efforts challenge the status quo and defy the limitations imposed by a discriminatory environment.
However, their journey takes an unexpected turn as they attract the attention of not only the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) but also grapple with the pervasive culture of segregation that casts a long shadow over their achievements.
Director: George Nolfi
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, Nicholas Hoult
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Business Genres: Real Estate, Banking, Business Partnership, Racism
9. Jobs (2013)
“Jobs” is a biographical drama film released in 2013, directed by Joshua Michael Stern and starring Ashton Kutcher as the iconic Apple co-founder, Steve Jobs. The film chronicles the life of Jobs, from his college days to the founding of Apple Inc. and the subsequent rise of the company.
Ashton Kutcher delivers a commendable performance, capturing Jobs’ mannerisms and intensity. The film attempts to portray the complex personality of Jobs, showcasing his visionary ideas, relentless pursuit of perfection, and the challenges he faced in his personal and professional life.
Despite its shortcomings, the movie does succeed in conveying the excitement and innovation of the early days of Apple. It provides a glimpse into the world of Silicon Valley during the tech boom, offering a visual treat for tech enthusiasts with scenes depicting the development of iconic products like the Macintosh and iPod.
Director: Joshua Michael Stern
Starring: Ashton Kutcher, Josh Gad, Lukas Haas
IMDb Rating: 6/10
Business Genres: Innovation, Business, Biography
10. Joy (2015)
‘Joy’ narrates the inspiring journey of Joy Mangano, a determined and resilient woman navigating the complexities of life as a divorced single mother, sharing a household with her mother, and raising two children. This captivating tale unfolds as Mongano embarks on the creation of her entrepreneurial empire, a remarkable endeavor driven by her inventive spirit.
At the heart of Joy’s story is the creation of an innovative and revolutionary mop, a product that not only transforms her life but also propels her into the realm of self-made millionaires. Amidst the challenges she faces, Joy’s ingenuity and unwavering determination become the driving forces behind her success.
Beyond her triumph, Joy extends her support to fellow inventors, exemplifying her commitment to empowering others in their entrepreneurial pursuits. Her business acumen not only shapes her destiny but also becomes a catalyst for positive change within her community.
The narrative delves into the intricacies of building an empire from the ground up, capturing the essence of entrepreneurship, resilience, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.
As Joy’s story unfolds, audiences are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions, witnessing her triumphs, setbacks, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.
The film serves as a testament to the indomitable human spirit, showcasing the transformative power of determination and innovation in the face of adversity.
Director: David O. Russell.
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Business Genres: Biography, Business, Millionaires
Most Inspiring American Business Movies
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