Update: The article will be regularly updated with the new entrepreneurial movies
Watching motivational movies is the thing people love the most. Being tired after the working day, or feeling some despair through tons of questions and problems at work, uplifting movies give an opportunity to relax, switch from daily difficulties and get some energy.
Movies tell stories, help to get valuable information and learn about major business players, their practices, and the history of business development. Honestly, I watched dozens of such movies, but this time I would like to share my favorite ones. I advise every entrepreneur to watch these movies as they stimulate strong business motivation and inspiration.
Table of Contents
- 1. WeCrashed (2022)
- 2. Soul (2021)
- 3. The Banker (2020)
- 4. Ford v Ferrari (2019)
- 5. A Man In A Hurry (Un Homme Presse) (2019)
- 6. The Founder (2017)
- 7. Whiplash (2014)
- 8. House of Versace (2013)
- 9. Adidas vs Puma (2016)
- 10. Steve Jobs (2013)
- 11. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
- 12. Moneyball (2011)
- 13. Bigger (2018)
- 14. Peaceful Warrior (2006)
Here are the 14 best motivational movies for entrepreneurs:
1. WeCrashed (2022)
Apple TV+’s compelling series explores themes of ambition and downfall in the corporate world – “WeWork or We Die”.
It tells the story of the rise and fall of WeWork, focusing on its charismatic and controversial co-founder, Adam Neumann. For everyone starting a business this movie will be highly inspiring.
Here are some of the best WeCrashed quotes:
“To achieve the impossible, you have to see the invisible.”
“Big ideas start small, but they can change the world.”
“Do what you love, and the money will follow.”
“The line between genius and madness is very thin.”
“Creating a better world starts with creating a better you.”
2. Soul (2021)
Pixar’s recent animated masterpiece is intense and thought-provoking raising such important questions as to the sense of our existence in general.
“Is All This Living Really Worth Dying For?”
It tells a story about musician Joe who feels lost in his genuine desires. It reminds us of the importance of stopping and thinking about our sense of being.
Read also: 15 Best Movies For Coaches Of All Time
Here are some of the best Pixar’s Soul quotes:
“This can’t happen! I’m not dying today. Not when my life just started.”
“I just use this voice because it annoys people.”
“You know, I’m comfortable up here. I have my routine. I float in the mist. I do my Sudoku puzzles. And then like once a week, they make me come to one of these You Seminars. It’s not great, but I know what to expect.”
“You can’t crush a soul here. That’s what life on Earth is for.”
3. The Banker (2020)
‘The Banker’ is an American drama telling the story of two African American entrepreneurs who hired a white man to be the head of their business in order to grow their empire. This movie is based on a true story and gives an opportunity to dive into the actual events of the 1960s. It inspires by the goal-driven and risky actions of unstoppable entrepreneurs who never doubt their skills and remember their mission.
Here are some of the best ‘The Banker’ movie quotes:
“You can’t fake a golf game.”
“I like seeing Black men succeed. Sometimes I even invest some of my own money to back them.”
“It’s time for someone to shine a bright light for things to change.”
4. Ford v Ferrari (2019)
The movie Ford v Ferrari tells a story about American designer Carrol Shelby and a British car driver Ken Miles who combined their energy and passion to build a revolutionary vehicle for the Ford Motor Co. It is an epic movie that drives and motivates.
5. A Man In A Hurry (Un Homme Presse) (2019)
It is a light and kind movie based on a true-life story about a man who gave all his life to business and never cared about his health and relations with his family. ‘A Man In A Hurry’ is an emotional and ironic movie showing how all your plans can be ruined one day if there is no work and life balance.
6. The Founder (2017)
This film is a real must-see for everyone who starts a business or is about to quit the game because of failures, mistakes, and frustration. It is a total inspiration for entrepreneurs showing that there is only one required quality of a successful person. Persistence.
‘Think big. Act fast. Stay hungry.’
The movie is telling a true history of McDonald Corporation’s foundation and its global growth. It is an example of the statement that the impossible is nothing and shows how an ordinary and not very successful salesman managed to build a billion-dollar empire.
The story proves that there is no need to be super talented or have million-dollar investments. Just believe in yourself and move ahead regardless of the fears, difficulties, and lack of knowledge.
The movie is definitely worth seeing.
7. Whiplash (2014)
‘Whiplash’ is a psychological drama about the jazz drummer who is so passionate about the music that gives everything to achieve success. This movie is so inspiring and energetic that its main lessons can be easily understood by entrepreneurs. Never give up, follow your heart, remember your goal and be ready to work hard – all these messages are covered in Whiplash. Highly recommend watching this movie and get a dose of inspiration.
8. House of Versace (2013)
For those who are planning to build a fashion brand, this movie is a must-see. This drama tells the story of Italian fashion designer Gianni and his sister Donatella who created and run Versace fashion. A bit depressive but true to the life story of how to live in the world of high fashion, develop and grow a fashion brand.
‘Creativity comes from a conflict of ideas.’
Depression, drug abuse, family problems, envy, and despair are strongly interwoven with hard work, the inner fight, responsibility for the family business, and a great desire to prove to yourself that you can do more and should move forward.
Read also: How to get a dose of inspiration on a daily basis
I cannot tell that the film is very much driving, it is not at all. But it shows that sometimes the harder you fall the stronger you rise. You should watch it at least once. It stimulates thinking and has a deep sense.
9. Adidas vs Puma (2016)
‘Duell der Brüder: Adidas vs Puma’ is an excited and inspiring true story of a sports empire developed by two brothers with a completely different vision of business running.
The movie is about the historical growth of two world sports brands – Puma and Adidas. It tells about a family business that was created and gained recognition due to brothers’ unity and common goal but led to mistrust and family feud.
‘Discipline is just choosing between what you want now and what you want most’
Every starting entrepreneur should watch this movie as it clearly shows how different business approaches resulted in the development of two of the most powerful sports brands in the world.
Make sure to watch this movie. A here is the link to its trailer in HD.
10. Steve Jobs (2013)
‘Steve Jobs’ is one of my favorite movies about entrepreneurship, innovations, and personal growth. A story inspired by Steve Jobs’s life is considered to be a legend and a number one inspirational source for every entrepreneur.
“You can build your own things, that other people can use.”
Steve Jobs who changed the world with innovations and influenced the flow of technology development history motivated the whole generation of young enthusiasts striving to create their garage startups, build the next big brands and run the world.
Read also: Blue Ocean Strategy
If you haven’t seen this movie yet, I would strongly recommend devoting some time to watching it.
11. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
It is an exciting movie about the rises and falls of Jordan Belfort on Wall Street with its star Leonardo DiCaprio. To my way of thinking, this role is one of the best DiCaprio’s performances. The acting is just fantastic.
‘Still, give them to me young, hungry, and stupid. And in no time, I will make them rich.’
The Wolf of Wall Street is filled with sales tactics and illegal manipulations used by Wall Street broker Jordan Belfort on the way to his goal. It is not a romantic story of how to reach success. The film demonstrates lots of scenes connected with the character’s passion for sex, drugs, status, and money, though a delightful cast and good humor did their job.
The movie drives energy and makes thinking about business approaches and personal attitude to what you are doing in life.
12. Moneyball (2011)
Someone can think that this movie is for baseball fans but it is purely about the out-of-the-box business approach and analytical thinking. This movie proves that one man can change the system that worked for years if he is really passionate, confident, and firmly believes in his strategy.
“I made one decision in my life based on money. And I swore I would never do it again.”
13. Bigger (2018)
Gigger (2018) tells the story of a person who managed to change the whole history of the sports industry. It is all about passion and dedication to what you love and believe in regardless of public opinion, lack of family support, and life difficulties. It is a true story of great bodybuilders Joe Weider and Ben Weider who did not give up on the way to their dreams.
14. Peaceful Warrior (2006)
“A Warrior Does Not Give Up What He Loves, He Finds the Love in What He Does.”
The movie follows Dan Millman, a talented gymnast whose life takes a turn after meeting a mysterious mentor named Socrates. A life-changing movie showing the path to understanding the true meaning of strength, purpose, and inner peace.
Here are some of the best “Peaceful Warrior” quotes:
“Take out the trash, Dan. The trash is anything that is keeping you from the only thing that matters. This moment. Here. Now.”
“Where are you? Here. What time is it? Now. What are you? This moment.”
“A warrior is not about perfection or victory or invulnerability. He’s about absolute vulnerability.”
“It’s the journey that brings us happiness, not the destination.”
Conclusion
I believe that watching business motivation movies based on true stories of real companies’ growth can become the number one source of inspiration in business.
So, what is your favorite motivational movie? You are welcome to share this list with your friends and fellow entrepreneurs!
Tetiana is a business coach and owner of IStartHub, a business media for ambitious female entrepreneurs and small business owners.