26 movies that every entrepreneur should watch
Whether a story of adventure, comedy or even a documentary, the following tapes can inspire any business owner.
Nobody said that being an entrepreneur is easy. A million may be obstacles in your way every day. Pessimists and budgetary problems can be sufficient for an average person to lift the white flag. But you’re not an average person: Are you an entrepreneur . That means that even when times are tough, you’re going to move forward.
Still, all this to start a business becomes too overwhelming; take a break and look more motivated. And what better to find inspiration watching movies? Whether a heart-warming adventure, irreverent comedy or a documentary that makes you think a film can inspire and motivate to own a business. With that in mind, here are eleven films that every entrepreneur has to do:
1. The Social Network
It was no surprise that this film was a box office hit when it came out in 2010. After all, everyone wanted to see how Mark Zuckerberg went from being a Harvard student a young man capable of launching the most popular social network in the world.
Why see it? Not take into account that was overly dramatized. The film gives viewers a better understanding of how to make a startup succeed to exhibit some qualities to be flexible and resilient. Every time I see this film motivates me to be a better entrepreneur.
2. Glengarry Glen Ross
Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning play Davil Mamet, this film explores the cut throat world of real estate in Chicago. Look closer lies and betrayals that supports only people to succeed in business.
Why see it? Unfortunately, the business world can be brutal, something you learn even if you are a seller. This 1992 film illustrates how vicious may be the world.
3. Pirates of Silicon Valley
This film was made for television and released in 1999. It covers the early days the main center of US technology and the subsequent lifting of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. This film, documentary style, gives us a vision of the founders of interesting Microsoft and Apple.
Why see it? Entrepreneurs are still looking for inspiration for these two iconic “pirate”. Definitely brings important points to learn and consider.
4. Citizen Kane
Even if you are an entrepreneur, you gotta see this masterpiece of Orson Wells , 1941. The film touches the life of a fictional character, Charles Foster Kane a newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst based and his search for fortune and power. In the end, Kane understand what is truly important in life.
Why see it? Although launch a successful business is the goal of every entrepreneur is not the only goal in life.
5. The Pursuit of Happyness
Based on the true story of Chris Gardner, the film Will Smith is one of the most encouraging and motivating for entrepreneurs. If you do not cause anything to see Chris and his son struggle to achieve your dreams, then you’re probably not ready to fight for your dreams.
Why see it? Although he became homeless and struggled to provide your child, Chris never gave up to get what he wanted. That passion and sacrifice is something every entrepreneur must be willing to give.
6. Moneyball: The game of fortune ( Moneyball)
do not have to be a baseball fan to enjoy the role of Brad Pitt as Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics. Because the team did not have the funding to spend on players, Beane had to find a unique way to compete.
Why see it? Beane had to be innovative . That is one of the most popular qualities of entrepreneurs: realize how to do something better. Beane never ignored them pessimists nor abandoned his vision.
7. Rocky
This is another film that everyone should see at least once. Sylvester Stallone wrote and starred in this story of Rocky Balboa, a man who fights against Apollo Creed to be the heavyweight champion.
Why see it? Though the world tells you that you will never have the opportunity to be successful, still struggling. That competitive spirit can take you very far. I challenge you to hear the classic soundtrack of Bill Conti and not motivate you.
8. Wall Street
In 1987, director Oliver Stone made Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) one of the most infamous characters in film history with his phrase “Greed is good”. The film focuses on illegal and unethical decisions made by Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen) to become a rich man as Gekko, a corporate invader.
Why see it? Do not sell just about money. Remember, being an entrepreneur is not just about get rich and famous.
9. Jerry Maguire, love and defiance ( Jerry Maguire)
The protagonist Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise) had it all: a great career, many friends and a beautiful fiancée. One day, I had an epiphany: The sports agents should not be looking for more money but a way to take better care of their customers. Jerry loses everything and ventures on a journey to recover what they lost.
Why see it? When you follow a dream , everything else will fit perfectly both professionally and personally. Jerry Maguire eventually learn this valuable lesson.
Also see:
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Increase your chances of getting hired
10. Office Space (Office Space)
This 1999 comedy Mike Judge, focuses on Peter Gibbons (Ron Livingston), who eventually realizes he hates sitting in a cubicle and take orders from their terrible boss Bill Lumbergh (Gary Cole).
Why see it? Every entrepreneur hate working for someone else and can sometimes go to extremes to be fired: I’m not telling you to do something, you could go to jail.
11. Startup.com
2001 This documentary follows the rise and fall of a promising startup called GoveWorks. Although there was much noise and financing for the company, the founders had to deal with internal disputes and excessive growth.
Why see it? There are many things you can draw from this tape. First of all, illustrates how damaging it can be when the partners are not on the same page. Another lesson is how to manage the budget once made sure investment.
12. Flash of Genius
Greg Kinnear portrays Bob Kearns, inventor of windshield wipers. Although Detroit auto makers accept the idea, Kearns never gets credit for it. The rest of the film tells his battle against corporate.
Why see it? It will help you see how important it is that a product or service improves the lives of others, despite not receive fame and fortune. Emphasizes the idea and protect intellectual property.
13. Gosford Park
This thriller by Robert Altman may not be the most obvious choice, but it’s entertaining enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. But most importantly ….
Why see it? Making people happy by giving them great service is important in any business. The character of Helen Mirren says it perfectly: “What gift do you think separates a good servant of others? It is the anticipation. I am a good servant, I am better than good, I’m the best, I’m the perfect servant. I know when will hunger and food ready. I know when they are tired and the bed ready. I’ll know before they know it “.
14. Steve Jobs: One last thing
PBS American public television, this documentary took shortly after Jobs died in 2001. It captures the ups and downs of one of the most influential entrepreneurs there existed.
Why see it? You can never learn enough of the life and career of this great entrepreneur.
15. The Godfather
Here is another film that everyone should see at least once in their life. This masterpiece of Francis Ford Coppola, 1972 is one of the best films in cinema history.
Why see it? For a moment, forget the fact that it is a tape of organized crime. Instead, learn how Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) took a small part of the family business and transformed it into one of the most powerful and influential families in the country. The Godfather illustrates perfectly what it takes to reach the top and how to stay there.
16. Risky Business
In 1983, Tom Cruise became a pop culture icon after slipping on the floor with a pair of socks and shirt buttons. While he was enjoying himself when he had the house to himself, things get out of control after crashing his dad’s Porsche.
Why see it? Cruise’s character, Joel, has to think quickly how to raise money to repair the car. Sometimes the best ideas come when we are desperate.
17. Beer Wars
This 2009 documentary follows a group of friends trying to overcome all the big breweries launching its own brewery.
Why see it? It is challenging to succeed when you enter an established market. However, the lesson we draw from this is to let the audience that your product will be much better than the competition.
18. Love nonstop (Up in the Air)
George Clooney and Anna Kendrick were terrific in this movie. The story centers on Ryan Bingham, who is hired to travel the US and fire people. Kendrick plays Natalie Keener, the person who is trying to change this tactic through technology.
Why see it? Clooney’s character is efficient and is carried away by the idea of not destroy people. However, the most important lesson (learning Kendrick’s character) is that it is sometimes better understand the business model before playing with him.
19. Session 9
In this film of horror / mystery of 2009, an entrepreneur in the business of asbestos removal work takes a questionable in an abandoned hospital, even though that’s where the people are faced with various terrifying and frightening situations.
Why see it? Sometimes, although the pay is very good, you should not accept certain offers.
20. The Call of the Entrepreneur (Call of the Entrepreneur)
This inspiring documentary follows three drivers 2007, a banker, a dairy farmer and a refugee from China.
Why see it? Nothing gets better than seeing these three men from different parts of the world risk everything to pursue their dreams. If they can, why not you?
21. Cocktail
Another film of Tom Cruise. This is a guilty pleasure of 1988 in which we follow Brian Flanagan on his journey to open his own bar, despite all obstacles in the way.
Why see it? To begin, it’s fun. But, as an entrepreneur, there are many things that you are going to love this film. Flanagan tries to follow what the books say, take business classes and read guides on how to start a successful business. But when you really learn something is when he gets behind the bar and discover what customers want to be the best bartender in town. It also has a mentor who is not afraid to show you the tricks of the trade and the difficulties he will face.
22. October Sky
Homer Hickman, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, and his friends have the goal to build your own rocket after the successful launch of Sputnik. Unfortunately, it has the support of the local people because young people are expected to become miners. With passion and help of his teacher (Laura Dern) reach the stars.
Why see it? You should always follow your dreams, no matter what they tell you. You’ll never go wrong with a mentor to give you a boost.
23. Tommy Boy
After losing his father, Tommy Callahan (Chris Farley) and an employee (David Spade) leave journey to save the family business.
Why see it? Tommy never gives up, no matter how hard things get. Although it seems you lost all hope, Tommy meets his inner seller and realizes how to save the day. As an entrepreneur, you’re going to want to pay all the time. Do not, keep going!
24. Something Ventured
This is a documentary that shows the perspective of a venture capitalist in Silicon Valley.
Why see it? Understand the thought process of these capitalists can be a useful tool when searching for funding letter.
25. The New American Dream (Boiler Room)
can say that this is an updated version power and greed (Wall Street), which means showing the extremes to which people can come to have a fortune, especially when it is the stock market. At the end of the tape, however, Seth Davis discovers that having lots of money at the expense of the hard work of others is not a way of life.
Why see it? Again, money is not important and this film proves that financial success is not final end. It also illustrates that you can unleash your inner seller when you have a goal.
26. The Wolf of Wall Street
This film directed by Martin Scorsese and tells the story of a New York agent bag, Jordan Belfort , is perhaps the best example of what greed and excesses they can do with a successful person.
Why see it? It is remarkable passion Belfort and safety in himself and in his work. There are countless reasons why this film is perfect for entrepreneurs, teaches us to sell, to have security as leaders and, among other things, to recognize the talent of the people you meet.