Entrepreneurs and triumphant individuals have nearly boundless chances to enhance their capacities and skill. With such a wealth of research accessible, the opportunities to study and develop are higher than ever.
However, there is one unexpected source of motivation, and that is movies. A remarkable film can transform a trip to the cinema into more than just a method of unwinding. It can invigorate your mind and help bring vision, creativity, conception, and bring coherence to your work.
Here, we have cataloged below some of those movies that depict the stories of actual entrepreneurs so you can explore more about them and their stories off-screen.
1) The Social Network
Main Entrepreneur: Mark Zuckerberg
This film, directed by David Fincher, The Social Network, discloses the narrative of how Mark Zuckerberg established the empire of Facebook during his studies at Harvard University and subsequently how he was sued by two brothers who alleged he stole their concept and his best friend who was ousted from the company.
This film provides a glimpse of how Facebook commenced and instructs you that large companies frequently have small beginnings. Furthermore, there is Aaron Sorkin’s thoughtful script, David Fincher’s exceptional direction, and an exceptional cast.
It’s a remarkable moment when Mark Zuckerberg encounters Sean Parker for the first time.
2) Joy
Entrepreneur: Joy Mangano
The most motivating quote we acquire from this film is “We got here from hard work, patience, and humility. Don’t think the world owes you anything because the world owes you nothing.”
This film is about the real-life entrepreneur Joy Mangano, the creator of the Miracle Mop and Huggable Hangers, who withstands immense personal struggle to go on to patent over 100 innovations and make millions as a flourishing seller on Home Shopping Network’s QVC.
Alongside the business success Mangano enjoys, this film also narrates the story of the resilience of a supportive family, the efforts women make in business to surmount, and the successful product’s ability to fulfill all needs.
3) Wolf of Wall Street
Entrepreneur: Jordan Belfort
This film is grounded on the true story of Jordan Belfort, depicting Belfort’s drug-fueled, money-making ascent to the top, and his crime-ridden, debauched descent back down, which culminated in a prison term and a surprising second act.
The rapid rise of a swindler is scarcely a role model for today’s professionals. But Belfort’s deception and cunning intellect indicate money should not be the sole measure of success.
4) Moneyball
Entrepreneur: Billy Beane
What would you do if you had to win the World Series with the lowest payroll in baseball? That’s Billy Beane’s character enacted by Brad Pitt, as he realizes value can be created through hard work and astute strategy.
The film is uplifting and demonstrates that success does not always stem from a single method of measuring outcomes. Entrepreneurs can accomplish a great deal from analyzing the data streams that drive this particular business forward.
5) Pirates of Silicon Valley
Entrepreneur: Steve Jobs and Bill Gates
This film is based on the book Fire in the Valley: The Making of the Personal Computer, Pirates of Silicon Valley highlights the rivalry between Steve Jobs and Bill Gates between 1971 – 1997. This film was released in 1999, just as Steve Jobs commenced his resurgence at Apple. The film concludes with Bill Gates gaining the upper hand in the rivalry, but we all know what transpired next.
This film provides an insight into the humble beginnings of two of the most iconic technology companies in the world and chronicles the ascension of two magnates who completely revolutionized the world of technology. The most inspirational scene of the film was Steve Jobs interviewing a prospective Apple employee.
6) Glengarry Glen Ross
A film starring Al Pacino, Kevin Spacey, Jack Lemmon, and Alec Baldwin in a scene-stealing cameo should be enough motivation alone to watch this film.
Glengarry Glen Ross is based on an award-winning play that illustrates the predicament of real estate salespeople during a tough sales season.
The film is inspiring, detailing what it’s like to work in a high-pressure sales environment and how you need to use your wit to survive and thrive. Since its release, the film has been used to teach real-life salesmen how to sell and how not to sell.
The ‘motivational’ speech by Alec Baldwin to the sales team is considered the standout scene of the film.
7) The Founder
Entrepreneur: Ray Kroc
This film unfolds the tale of two brothers, Richard and Maurice McDonald, who initiated a burger stand that ultimately evolved into the McDonald’s fast-food chain that dots nearly every highway in the United States. But it didn’t grow to that scale by chance; it expanded because Ray Kroc teamed up with the brothers to open franchises, became dissatisfied with his contract, and ultimately bought out the McDonald brothers to expand the business and become a multi-millionaire.
While this film doesn’t leave you specifically championing its main character, it illustrates the narrative of how a straightforward product sold at a fair price can surge in popularity. It also imparts a valuable lesson about negotiating contracts with any business partners you engage with.
8) Margin Call
This film depicts the happenings of an investment bank over 24 hours. The company has begun to crumble in the 2008 financial collapse. And a motivated ensemble of actors, including Zachary Quinto and Jeremy Irons, demonstrate how hard work and strategic planning can mitigate any circumstantial evidence that might be nullified.
Aside from documentary and fictional films, there are a multitude of insights to be gleaned from movies, and that is motivation. All the aforementioned films serve as a wellspring of motivation for myriad new and existing entrepreneurs.
