Not many genres have earned appreciation of ambition. Since the 1970’s, stories of ambitious individuals have made for engaging movies. Whether it’s stockbrokers, social network founders or jazz drummers, the genre has created several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about ambition that deserve to be celebrated.
1. A Beautiful Mind
Schizophrenia is a dark disorder that fascinated my teacher. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a teacher that was fascinated with Schizophrenia. In high school, I formed relationships with a psychology professor interested in a disorder proving cruel. He often sought to educate students about illness causing vulnerable people to deteriorate. Fascinated with a disorder affecting the mind, my teacher was determined to leave a lasting legacy behind. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how the mental disorder can impact the minds of ambitious people as powerfully as “A Beautiful Mind”. Ever since its release in 2001, Ron Howard’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about ambition. With the greatest film of his career, Howard used innovative cinematic techniques to capture the turmoil of a real-life mathematician that faced despair. Howard has always had an aptitude for making great movies about the lives of geniuses with an intelligent nature, and “A Beautiful Mind” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which John Nash experiences a nervous breakdown when he realizes that his roommate Charles Herman is a figment of his imagination causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Russell Crowe, who embodies a mathematician that faced sorrow years ago. Ultimately, what makes “A Beautiful Mind” my favourite film about ambition of all-time is its universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with John Nash’s commemorated theories to appreciate it. Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about a brilliant mathematician with a beautiful mind, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a one-of-a-kind genre that has manufactured movies about ambition leaving a lasting legacy behind.
2. Jerry Maguire
Ambition is a characteristic needed to succeed in the sales profession. I remember a friend in school that sought to become a successful sales agent with commitment. An ambitious person, he was determined to overcome obstacles in a profession that was dangerous. He has always had great ambition of becoming a sales agent in a competitive profession. As someone treasuring fond memories of an ambitious friend I grew up to admire, I appreciated “Jerry Maguire”. Released in 1996, Cameron Crowe’s movie depicted ambitious sales agents facing adversity. Crowe has often excelled at making movies about ambition putting lives in danger, and “Jerry Maguire” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Crowe used captivating dramatic monologues capturing an ambitious sales agent seeking success. For instance, the scene in which Jerry has an enthusiastic phone call with Rod about football causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Tom Cruise, who portrayed a sales agent facing issues. Ultimately, what makes “Jerry Maguire” a classic is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies about sales agents, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about motivation which would resonate with everyone. As precious as phones used by Jerry Maguire, it’s a riveting reminder of a great genre that has made bold movies about the power of ambition audiences admire.
3. The Pursuit of Happiness
Unemployment is a tense situation that can affect parents’ abilities to be ambitious. Several years ago, my friend’s father lose his job at BlackBerry causing sorrow. Left without a profession, he struggled to take care of his children. As someone recalling a father that struggled to ensure his children’s pursuit of happiness, I adored “The Pursuit of Happiness”. Released in 2006, Gabriele Muccino’s movie honoured the true story of a father struggling raising his family. Muccino uses voice-over narration to capture a father struggling to provide for his son in a dire economic situation. For instance, the final scene in which Chris is hired by the stockbroker company resolving his life dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance from Will Smith, who portrayed a father struggling to ensure his son’s happiness. Ultimately, what makes “The Pursuit of Happiness” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about stockbrokers, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about sacrifices fathers make for children which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Chris’ pursuit of happiness, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced great movies contributing towards greater awareness of sacrifices made by parents that experience sadness.
4. The Personal History of David Copperfield
Charles Dickens is a legendary author whose literature impressed my mother. I remember a mother that adored the author’s literature. She had great expectations from an author she grew up to appreciate. Ambition has always been a crucial theme in books published by the legendary author. In 2019, Armando Iannucci honoured the author whose stories have appealed in his movie “The Personal History of David Copperfield”. Iannucci used captivating montages capturing hardships an ambitious orphan seeking to escape poverty is facing. For instance, the scene in which David Copperfield has a tense argument with Uriah causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Dev Patel, who portrayed an ambitious orphan that’s successful. Ultimately, what makes “The Personal History of David Copperfield” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Charles Dickens adaptations, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Charles Dickens’ literature to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about importance of finding one’s identity which would resonate with everyone. As strong as David Copperfield’s desire to become an author, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made movies audiences treasure.
5. The Social Network
Facebook is a legendary social networking company that my cousin always loved dearly. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a cousin that adored the company which changed social media. A huge fan of Facebook, he would always praise ambitious founders of a company that changed his outlook. He would often yearn to see the social media company depicted in Cinema. In 2010, David Fincher honoured the ambitious entrepreneurs that formed the social network in his movie “The Social Network”. Fincher used captivating non-linear storytelling capturing the ambitious entrepreneurs that formed a company which revolutionized social networking. For instance, the scene in which Mark is accused by the twins of stealing their idea for Facebook causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Jesse Eisenberg, who embodied the ambitious founder of a social network. Ultimately, what makes “The Social Network” a masterpiece is its appeal. Viewers don’t need to be Facebook users to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about friendship which would resonate with everyone. A spectacular tribute to a company that changed social media, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a celebrated genre manufacturing commemorated movies commonly attracting audiences towards Cinema.
6. Whiplash
Ambition is a common trait often found in musicians. Singers that compose melodies often have ambitious personalities. Musicians often have a strong ambition to succeed in a profession causing tensions. The negative impact of ambition on lives of jazz musicians facing backlash is beautifully depicted in the movie “Whiplash”. Released in 2014, Damien Chazelle’s movie captured ambitious jazz musicians. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Whiplash” stand out is its depiction of jazz music. Chazelle uses captivating montages capturing hardships ambitious jazz drummers are facing. Assisted by Miles Teller who is exceptional in the lead role, Chazelle created a captivating masterpiece. As strong as Andrew’s love for jazz music, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured iconic movies captivating public.
7. The White Tiger
Housekeepers with big ambitions are common in India. India has built an image of being a country where housekeepers often possess ambition to escape poverty causing damage. The role that ambition plays in lives of housekeepers in India that face disaster is beautifully depicted in the movie “The White Tiger”. Released in 2021, Ramin Bahrani’s movie captured housekeepers in India. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The White Tiger” stand out is its depiction of India. Bahrani uses captivating narration capturing poverty housekeepers in India are facing. Assisted by Adarsh Gourav who is amazing in the lead role, Bahrani created a portrait of India. A powerful portrait of housekeepers facing poverty in India, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre manufacturing great movies attracting audiences towards cinema.
8. Dead Poets Society
Teachers are inspiring figures with ambition that shaped my identity. I remember forming a strong bond with an English teacher that inspired me to become a famous writer. As someone treasuring a teacher that shaped my identity, I adored “Dead Poets Society”. Released in 1989, Peter Weir’s movie captured ambitious poetry professors. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Dead Poets Society” stand out is its depiction of teachers. Weir uses captivating montages capturing ambitious teachers that are inspiring. Assisted by Robin Williams who is exceptional in the lead role, Weir created a captivating movie about teachers. A powerful portrait of roles ambitious teachers play inspiring students to seize the day, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that produces memorable movies that deserve appreciation today.
9. Catch Me if You Can
When it comes to ambitious con-artists that faced jail, it’s worth discussing Frank Abagnale. During the 1960’s, Abagnale was a clever conman that engaged in felonies. Abagnale participated in criminal activities until the day that he was caught by FBI authorities. In 2002, Steven Spielberg honoured the notorious con-artist with a plan in his film “Catch Me if You Can”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Catch Me if You Can” stand out is its depiction of con-artists. Spielberg uses captivating montages capturing con-artists committing crimes that are shocking. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is amazing in the lead role, Spielberg honours a con-artist that achieved fame years ago. As strong as crimes Frank Abagnale has committed, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated genre that definitely deserves to be appreciated.
10. Black Swan
Few movies ever made about ballet dancers with ambition are as beloved as “Black Swan”. Released in 2010, Darren Aronofsky’s movie captured an ambitious ballet dancer facing adversity. Aronofsky used captivating montages capturing hardships an ambitious ballet dancer is facing. Assisted by Natalie Portman who is extraordinary in the lead role, Aronofsky created a compelling ballet thriller. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of ambition causing ballet dancers to experience tragedy has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Nina’s desire to achieve ballet victory, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made commemorated movies about ambition which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.
The Film Buff 