As entrepreneurs, it’s always great to be inspired, but where do you find that source of inspiration? Movies can be a great starting point, as they have the power to leave you feeling inspired. The struggles of entrepreneurship are real and these movies perfectly show these stories. We count down some of the most inspiring movies for entrepreneurs, leaders, and change-makers.
1. The Greatest Showman
This movie really captures the whole essence of entrepreneurship. The main character goes through hell to build a successful show business. That’s right a show business! From recruiting a partner to negotiate equity, team and juggling marriage and kids this movie has it all. The quote of movie that stuck with me was:
“No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else.”
In this scene called “We’re going to the other side!”, we see the co-founder recruiting at its best. This is one of the best movies for entrepreneurs out there. Be sure to check it out.
2. The New Hustle
This is a great documentary of three Australian startups that went onto to do incredible things. I previously wrote a whole post covering this, see it here. The New Hustle covers the early days of Canva, which is an incredible story on its own because Canva goes onto become a Unicorn company. Check it the full movie for free on Youtube Here.
3. Walt Before Mickey
This is a master piece. It covers the story behind how Walt Disney Studio came about. Most people see the ending but don’t know how it got started. It really shows the struggle of being an entrepreneur. The best quote of movie is this one:
“Always finish what you start. Anything worth doing is worth doing well.”
4. The Social Network
This one is about the story behind Facebook. It’s fascinating to see how Facebook came about. Although this movie had mix review in terms of facts and fiction, all in all is definitely worth the watch.
5. The Intern
This is a really compelling story as it’s a female founded startup company. Her company is hitting a growth trajectory and an intern brings it all together.
“The key is to keep moving.”
6. Ford Vs. Ferrari
This one is the great combination of innovation at a bigger company but starting at a small scale. Startups are really like war! Build your team first and product and go for it.
“Go to war!”
7. Jobs
The story behind Steve Jobs on how apple got started.
8. Any Given Sunday
This is class one. Life is a game of inches so are startups! One project at a time. One customers at a time! Keep it going.
“Because we know when add up all those inches, that’s gonna make the fucking difference between winning and losing! Between living and dying! I’ll tell you this, in any fight it’s the guy whose willing to die whose gonna win that inch.”
9. Moneyball
How do you build a winning team with no budget and limited resources? This totally sounds like a startup.
10. Jerry Maguire
Down but not out. Jerry Maguire is set to make a come back from getting fired and pursue his dreams. He build success from zero.
11. Joy
Sales solves all problems at a startup. Check out Joy as it brings out those lessons in entrepreneurship!
12. Two for the Money
Risking it all to win? Risk taking is at the core of entrepeneurship. Check out Two for the Money.
13. The Devil Wears Prada
Working under a crazy founder? The Devils Wear shows what it takes to build a successful business.
14. Pursuit Of Happyness
The best quote from this movie is this one:
“Don’t ever let someone tell you, you can’t do something. Not even me. You got a dream, you got to protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they want to tell you you can’t do it.
15. Korean Drama: Startup-up
This by far by one of the best series that depicts what’s it like to actually build a startup. The romance between the co-founders and drama is easily a five out five rating. This is available on Netflix.
16. Startup Netflix
This series seems to be packed with action. You have crypto, Miami, and lots of money! This might just be your thing.
17. WeCrashed
We all heard the story about WeWork. The rapid rise and fall of WeWork is beyond crazy. It started with a great mission, raised billions and crashed. This series covers it all.
18. Blackberry
Remember those days of Blackberry cell phones? You can type on the cell phone. This movie is dedicated towards the story behind Canada’s once tech darling.
19. The Founder
Ever wonder how McDonald’s got started? This movie reveals the story behind how this fastest became one of the most iconic brands out there.
Know any exceptional movies for entrepreneurs? Let us know right here.