In the world of business, inspiration can come from many sources. Movies, in particular, have a unique ability to tell powerful stories of ambition, strategy, ethics, and perseverance. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, corporate professional, or simply someone interested in the dynamics of business, these films offer valuable insights, while keeping you entertained. Here’s a list of the best business movies to watch in 2024, covering a wide range of industries, challenges, and success stories.
1. The Social Network (2010)
Directed by: David Fincher
While it’s not a new release, The Social Network remains a must-watch in 2024, given its continued relevance. This film chronicles the rise of Facebook (now Meta) and how a Harvard student, Mark Zuckerberg, revolutionized social media. The movie explores themes of ambition, innovation, friendship, betrayal, and the dark side of success. It’s a great reminder of how powerful ideas can reshape entire industries and the human cost that often accompanies great achievements.
2. The Founder (2016)
Directed by: John Lee Hancock
This biographical drama tells the story of Ray Kroc and how he transformed a small, family-run burger stand into the global franchise known as McDonald’s. It showcases Kroc’s ruthless ambition and keen sense of business opportunity, teaching valuable lessons about scalability, persistence, and the importance of controlling intellectual property. The Founder highlights the balance between visionary ideas and business ethics, a theme that’s as relevant as ever.
3. Moneyball (2011)
Directed by: Bennett Miller
Based on the true story of the Oakland A’s 2002 season, Moneyball is a brilliant business movie that highlights how innovation and data analytics can disrupt traditional systems. The movie follows Billy Beane (played by Brad Pitt), the general manager of the Oakland A’s, who used sabermetrics—statistical analysis to assemble a competitive baseball team on a budget. The key takeaway for business leaders is how unconventional thinking and a data-driven approach can give you a competitive edge, even when resources are limited.
4. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Love it or hate it, The Wolf of Wall Street is an intense portrayal of excess, greed, and the darker side of high finance. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who rose to fame and fortune through fraudulent schemes. While the movie doesn’t shy away from depicting the consequences of unethical behavior, it also demonstrates the incredible power of salesmanship and persuasion. It’s a cautionary tale about ambition gone wrong, but also an entertaining look at the thrills of the financial world.
5. Steve Jobs (2015)
Directed by: Danny Boyle
This biographical drama gives us an inside look at the mind of Steve Jobs, one of the most influential business figures of the 20th and 21st centuries. Unlike other movies about Jobs, this film focuses on three key moments in his career: the launch of the Macintosh, the founding of NeXT, and the release of the iMac. Jobs’ story is one of passion, vision, and an unrelenting drive to create something extraordinary. This movie is perfect for anyone interested in innovation, leadership, and the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship.
6. Joy (2015)
Directed by: David O. Russell
Joy tells the inspiring true story of Joy Mangano, the woman who invented the Miracle Mop and went on to become a self-made millionaire. The film highlights the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, from securing financing to overcoming societal expectations. Joy’s story is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and the importance of believing in your vision, even when others doubt you.
7. Wall Street (1987)
Directed by: Oliver Stone
Though it’s decades old, Wall Street remains a classic that business students, professionals, and finance enthusiasts should watch. The iconic character Gordon Gekko, played by Michael Douglas, coined the famous phrase, “Greed is good,” and has since become synonymous with the high-risk, high-reward world of stock trading in the 1980s. The film is a reminder of how easy it is to be seduced by power and wealth and serves as a warning against unethical business practices.
8. The Big Short (2015)
Directed by: Adam McKay
This critically acclaimed film dives into the 2008 financial crisis, explaining complex financial instruments like subprime mortgages and credit default swaps in an engaging way. The Big Short follows a group of investors who predicted the collapse of the housing market and made a fortune by betting against it. It’s a great movie for anyone interested in understanding the inner workings of the finance world and the systemic failures that led to the global recession. It’s also a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked greed and short-term thinking.
9. Boiler Room (2000)
Directed by: Ben Younger
Boiler Room is another movie about the world of finance, but unlike The Wolf of Wall Street, it focuses on a small-time brokerage firm engaging in shady dealings. The film offers insight into the aggressive sales tactics used by brokers and the consequences of chasing money at any cost. It’s a gripping look at ambition and the temptations of wealth, and it shows the consequences of unethical decisions in business.
10. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Directed by: David Frankel
While it’s not strictly about business, The Devil Wears Prada offers a fascinating look at the fashion industry and the dynamics between power, ambition, and sacrifice. Meryl Streep plays the tyrannical editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly, while Anne Hathaway portrays her beleaguered assistant, Andy Sachs. The movie explores the challenges of working in a competitive, high-stakes environment and how personal values often come into conflict with professional ambition.
11. Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
Directed by: James Foley
This film, based on David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, focuses on the cutthroat world of real estate sales. The movie’s iconic dialogue, particularly Alec Baldwin’s “Always Be Closing” speech, has become a touchstone in discussions about sales and business culture. Glengarry Glen Ross is a raw, powerful depiction of the pressure salespeople face and the ethical compromises they often make to stay afloat in a competitive industry.
12. Air (2023)
Directed by: Ben Affleck
One of the more recent releases, Air tells the story of how Nike’s basketball division landed its groundbreaking deal with Michael Jordan, leading to the creation of the iconic Air Jordan brand. The movie is a lesson in visionary marketing, understanding market trends, and building a personal brand. It’s especially valuable for those interested in sports marketing, branding, and entrepreneurship.
13. Startup.com (2001)
Directed by: Chris Hegedus and Jehane Noujaim
This documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at the rise and fall of the dot-com company GovWorks. It follows two childhood friends who launch an internet startup during the late 1990s tech bubble, only to see it collapse in the early 2000s. The documentary provides a raw, unfiltered look at the excitement and volatility of startup life, making it a perfect watch for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Conclusion
From thrilling financial dramas to inspiring entrepreneurial stories, these movies offer valuable lessons on success, ethics, leadership, and innovation. Whether you’re in the early stages of your business journey or a seasoned professional, watching these films can provide you with new perspectives and motivation to tackle challenges head-on. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and let these stories fuel your passion for business in 2024.
