Stories are a fundamental part of effective business communication. According to Investor’s Business Daily, storytelling can inspire action and simplify complex ideas. Movies are a modern form of storytelling. For those looking for an engaging and memorable way to learn about the business world, watching the best business movies is a great option.
A good movie can deliver powerful and timeless lessons in leadership, innovation, ethics, and resilience through engaging narratives. You’ll find some of the best picks right here in this article.
Key Takeaways
- These films reveal how vision and adaptability drive entrepreneurial growth.
- Each story illustrates the value of integrity and persistence in overcoming challenges.
Top-Rated Best Business Movies
These movies were picked because they tell great stories and also share smart business lessons. Each film gives a fresh look at what it really takes to build and run a business. The list is ordered based on their Rotten Tomatoes ratings, from highest to lowest. As you prepare the popcorn, give this a look!
1. The Social Network
The Social Network movie poster | Source: imdb.com
Rating: 96%
Released: 2010
This movie portrays Mark Zuckerberg’s journey in launching Facebook and the fast-paced journey behind building a social media empire. Beyond sharp dialogue and emotional depth, it highlights the complex interplay of vision, ambition, and legal battles within startup culture.
The story emphasizes the importance of speed and strategic alliances, making it one of the best business films you should watch for insights into tech entrepreneurship.
Also Read: How to Build a Brand Strategy: 7 Steps From Vision to Execution
2. Glengarry Glen Ross
Glengarry Glen Ross business movie poster | Source: imdb.com
Rating: 95%
Released: 1992
Set in the high-pressure world of real estate sales, this movie dives deep into the moral complexities faced by salespeople striving to meet brutal targets. The film exposes how intense competition and cutthroat environments can push individuals to compromise their integrity.
This is a powerful reminder of how a company’s leadership and incentive structures can either inspire people to do their best work or, in the worst cases, tempt them to cross ethical lines.
Besides, this movie provides a raw and unfiltered look at workplace dynamics and the human cost of relentless ambition, making it a standout among the best business movies for entrepreneurs.
3. Moneyball
Official poster of Moneyball | Source: imdb.com
Rating: 94%
Released: 2011
Based on real events, Moneyball depicts how the Oakland Athletics transformed baseball by using data-driven strategies to assemble a strong team despite a limited budget. In addition, the film explores leadership, overcoming obstacles, and the human element in decision-making.
The film serves as an inspiring watch for anyone interested in strategic thinking, ingenuity, and leveraging underused resources. Moneyball has solidified its position as one of the best business movies of all time.
4. The Big Short
The Big Short movie poster | Source: imdb.com
Rating: 89%
Released: 2015
The Big Short offers a sharp and often humorous analysis of the 2008 financial crisis, explaining complex financial instruments such as mortgage-backed securities and credit default swaps. This movie follows a sharp-minded group who saw the housing market’s collapse coming and took a risky bet that ultimately turned into huge profits.
Beyond entertainment, the film offers profound lessons in critical thinking and risk assessment. That’s what makes this movie a valuable watch for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of financial markets and systemic risk.
Also Read: 7 Key Reasons Consistency in Social Media Marketing Matters
5. Pirates of Silicon Valley
Pirates of Silicon Valley movie poster | Source: imdb.com
Rating: 89%
Released: 1999
This biographical drama dives into the early days of the personal computer revolution, focusing on the fierce rivalry between Apple and Microsoft’s founders as they battled for tech dominance. It highlights how ambition, innovation, and strategic vision drove two companies to change the world.
The movie uncovers the more human and imperfect aspects of tech pioneers, such as their shortcomings, rivalries, and bold moves. It also gives aspiring entrepreneurs a closer look at the persistence and inventive thinking needed to create groundbreaking companies. Hence, this movie is clearly one of the best business movies on Netflix that you can watch.
6. Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs movie poster | Source: imdb.com
Rating: 85%
Released: 2015
Steve Jobs takes an intimate look at the visionary Apple co-founder by focusing on three pivotal product launches. This approach reveals the high-pressure environment behind innovation and the complexities of Jobs’s leadership style, marked by charisma, intensity, and conflict.
The film delves into the importance of storytelling, presentation, and brand image in business success. It also offers a nuanced portrait of how personal dynamics influence professional achievements, making it a must-watch for marketers and innovators alike.
7. The Founder
A movie poster of The Founder | Source: imdb.com
Rating: 80%
Released: 2016
This film tracks Ray Kroc’s journey in turning McDonald’s from a local burger stand into a global franchise, highlighting his ambition, relentless drive, and the ethical dilemmas behind rapid expansion.
Therefore, the film also raises important questions about business ethics and the cost of success. This is among the best business movies that offers an intriguing study of the complex decisions involved in building a business and the blurred line between vision and opportunism.
Also Read: 8 Successful Strategies for Digital Product Marketing
8. The Wolf of Wall Street
The Wolf of Wall Street movies poster | Source: imdb.com
Rating: 79%
Released: 2013
This dynamic, fast-paced film portrays the ascent and eventual collapse of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who gained immense wealth through fraudulent schemes and a lavish lifestyle. It’s a wild ride through the temptations of greed, persuasion, and excess, highlighting the dangers of unethical behavior in pursuit of success.
Despite its controversial content, the movie offers valuable lessons on the importance of ethics, resilience, and the consequences of unchecked ambition, making it a provocative cautionary tale in the realm of sales and finance.
9. The Pursuit of Happyness
The Pursuit of Happyness movie poster | Source: imdb.com
Rating: 67%
Released: 2006
Based on a true story, this inspirational film follows Chris Gardner’s struggle with homelessness while raising his son and chasing a career in finance. It emphasizes the power of perseverance, hope, and hard work in overcoming overwhelming obstacles.
The movie serves as a heartfelt reminder that resilience and determination can lead to success even in the toughest circumstances. That’s what makes it one of the best business movies for aspiring entrepreneurs.
10. Joy
Movie poster of Joy | Source: imdb.com
Rating: 60%
Released: 2015
Joy portrays the journey of Joy Mangano, an inventor and entrepreneur who overcomes personal and professional hurdles to establish a successful business empire. The film underscores the innovation process, the challenges inherent in entrepreneurship, and the vital role of self-belief.
It portrays the rollercoaster of emotions involved in building a business from scratch and the grit needed to push through doubt and failure.
Also Read: Good Design Marketing: 7 Proofs It Boosts Business
Get the Essential Business Insights Through Movies
The best business movies listed above aren’t just stories, but also playbooks in disguise. Watching them is a form of practice in decision-making, communication, and vision. By seeing how on-screen characters handle challenges and setbacks, you gain valuable insight into real-world business dynamics.
