Not many characters attract audiences to theatres like entrepreneurs. Since the 1970’s, the genre has produced memorable movies. Whether it’s Wall Street stockbrokers, gangsters or social network founders, the genre has made several strong characters. Given the sheer number of films in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best business movies which deserve to be celebrated.
1. The Social Network
Facebook is a legendary social networking company my cousin always loved dearly. I remember with nostalgia a passionate cousin acknowledging companies transforming social media. A fan of Facebook, he would appreciate ambitious founders of companies transforming his outlook. He would yearn to see the social media company depicted in Cinema. Entrepreneurs have played crucial roles in formations of the famous social networking company. Few films I’ve seen have captured struggles faced by entrepreneurs forming social network companies as powerfully as “The Social Network”. Ever since its release in 2010, David Fincher’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about entrepreneurs. With the greatest film of his career, Fincher used innovative cinematic techniques to capture entrepreneurs that created a social media company with great care. 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 commemorated founder of a social network. Ultimately, what makes “The Social Network” my favourite film about entrepreneurs of all-time is its commemorated appeal. Viewers don’t need to be Facebook users to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about friendship which would resonate with everyone. Nearly a decade following the release of a groundbreaking film about a social networking company that transformed communication throughout the modern era, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre manufacturing movies attracting audiences towards Cinema.
2. The Wolf of Wall Street
Wall Street stockbrokers fascinated my father. At an early age, I formed bonds with a father admiring stockbrokers causing damage. He admired the way stockbrokers got away with crimes without a price to pay. As someone treasuring a father fascinated with stockbrokers on Wall Street, I adored “The Wolf of Wall Street”. Released in 2013, Martin Scorsese’s movie depicted the lives of drug-addicted stockbrokers on Wall Street. Scorsese effectively used voice-over narration to capture the life of a Wall Street stockbroker with severe drug addiction. For instance, the scene in which Jordan Belfort faced the high of quaaludes for the first time wrecking his car causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who embodies a stockbroker that abused dangerous drugs years ago. Ultimately, what makes “The Wolf of Wall Street” a great movie about entrepreneurs is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies set on Wall Street, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a cautionary message about dangers of excessive drug use which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Jordan Belfort’s desire to become a stockbroker on Wall Street, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making memorable movies audiences consider a treat.
3. The White Tiger
India is a misunderstood country that’s rarely depicted accurately in movies. At an early age, I formed bonds with a friend that criticized movies giving India a bad image. Born in Mumbai slums, he was critical of movies depicting his country. He believed movies were an art that couldn’t honour a country holding a special place in his heart. As someone treasuring fond memories of a friend that regarded India as treasure, I adored “The White Tiger”. Released in 2021, Ramin Bahrani’s movie captured ambitious entrepreneurs in the country. Bahrani used captivating voice-over narration to capture an impoverished Indian housekeeper becoming an entrepreneur achieving recognition. For instance, the scene in which Balram stands up against his employers causing a dilemma in India is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Adarsh Gourav, who embodied an ambitious Indian entrepreneur. Ultimately, what makes “The White Tiger” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with Indian culture to appreciate it. The film delivers a meaningful message about social class which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Balram’s desire to be a millionaire, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has made movies about which audiences care.
4. The Pursuit of Happiness
Fathers shape children’s futures. As far as I remember, I have always shared bonds with my father. A role model, he motivated me to achieve dreams that I am pursuing. I appreciate sacrifices he has made in business in order to ensure my pursuit of happiness. As someone treasuring fond memories of a father in the pursuit of happiness, I adored “The Pursuit of Happiness”. Released in 2006, Gabriele Muccino’s movie captured dedicated fathers. Muccino uses captivating montages to capture a father working hard in business to ensure his son’s happiness. For instance, the final scene in which Chris receives the joyous news that he has been hired for his job by a renowned company in media is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Will Smith, who embodied a father seeking to ensure his son’s bright future. Ultimately, what makes “The Pursuit of Happiness” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about homeless families, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about fatherhood which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Chris’ pursuit of happiness, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced commemorated movies contributing towards awareness of sacrifices made by parents in modern business.
5. Jerry Maguire
Entrepreneurs are often common 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 successful entrepreneur in a competitive profession. As someone treasuring fond memories of an entrepreneurial friend I grew up to admire, I appreciated “Jerry Maguire”. Released in 1996, Cameron Crowe’s movie depicted ambitious entrepreneurs facing adversity. Crowe has often excelled at making engaging movies about entrepreneurs 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.
6. There Will be Blood
Paul Thomas Anderson is a legendary filmmaker that has earned recognition. With their thought-provoking themes, strong acting and engaging storytelling, Anderson’s movies have earned a huge following. In 2007, Anderson showcased his strength for making movies about entrepreneurs with pure blood in his movie “There Will be Blood”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “There Will be Blood” stand out is its depiction of greed. Anderson uses captivating non-linear storytelling capturing the life of an entrepreneur that’s greedy. Assisted by Daniel Day-Lewis who is extraordinary in the lead role, Anderson made a compelling entrepreneur movie. As strong as oil sought by Daniel Plainview, it’s a dazzling reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies about entrepreneurs that audiences value.
7. Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs is an iconic entrepreneur that has always inspired me. Through his passion, intellect and drive, he introduced the world to technology. Following his death in 2011, Jobs’ ideas inspire individuals to this day. As someone treasuring an entrepreneur that did his jobs effectively, I adored “Steve Jobs”. Released in 2015, Danny Boyle’s movie celebrated Steve Jobs’ legacy. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Steve Jobs” stand out is its depiction of technology. Boyle used captivating montages capturing hardships a tech entrepreneur is facing. Assisted by Michael Fassbender who is amazing in the lead role, Boyle honoured Steve Jobs’ legacy. As precious as the iPhone, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured great movies about the lives of entrepreneurs that have stood in a league of their undeniable own.
8. BlackBerry
BlackBerry is a famous smartphone that fell out of popularity. Created in 1984, the BlackBerry was a phone that people would adore. However, in 2008 the phone suddenly lost its popularity following the introduction of the iPhone. In 2023, Matt Johnson captured the downfall of the famous smartphone company in his movie “BlackBerry”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “BlackBerry” stand out is its strong attention to detail. Johnson used captivating montages to capture the detailed downfall of a smartphone that lost popularity. Assisted by Glenn Howerton who is exceptional in the lead role, Johnson celebrated a smartphone that fell out of fashion. A powerful tribute to a smartphone that faced a decline, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which always shine.
9. A Beautiful Mind
When discussing the greatest mathematicians in American history, it’s worth recognizing John Nash. A brilliant entrepreneur, Nash gained recognition. His scientific theories are regarded highly today. In 2001, Ron Howard did a brilliant job depicting the life of the mathematician with a beautiful mind in his Oscar-winning biopic “A Beautiful Mind”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “A Beautiful Mind” stand out is its depiction of mental illness. Howard captured a mathematician with mental illness. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Russell Crowe, who embodies an entrepreneur that achieved fame years ago. A breathtaking tribute towards a mathematician with a beautiful mind, it’s a brilliant reminder of a commemorated genre that has made one-of-a-kind movies which have left a lasting legacy undeniably behind.
10. Air
Few footwear companies have built a history as strong as Nike. In 1984, the company formed a partnership with an athlete to create shoes people adore. In 2023, Ben Affleck honoured the foot company in his movie “Air”. Affleck used montages capturing hardships entrepreneurs seeking to create an iconic shoe were facing. Assisted by Matt Damon who is superb in the lead role, Affleck created a bold footwear movie. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of entrepreneurs in a footwear company has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As precious as shoes made by Nike, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made great movies about entrepreneurs facing adversity which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my massive dreams of film criticism into reality.
The Film Buff 