The Best Films Made About Ambition Ranked

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. The Godfather

Gangsters are grand figures that have always fascinated my grandfather. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a grandfather that loved gangsters causing damage. He was fascinated with stories of gangsters seeking to become somebodies in neighbourhoods full of nobodies influencing his identity. Through his lifelong love of gangsters, my grandfather gave me appreciation for figures I have grown to value. As someone treasuring memories of a grandfather appreciating gangsters, I adored “The Godfather”. Following its release in 1972, Francis Ford Coppola’s groundbreaking movie has stood the test of time as the greatest movie ever made about ambition. In arguably the greatest gangster movie ever made in cinematic history, Coppola did an extraordinary job of adapting a book about gangsters on the big-screen. Coppola is one of those filmmakers that has always excelled at creating stunning films about criminals, and “The Godfather” showcased his strengths as a director. It isn’t simple adapting a classic book about gangsters, but Coppola succeeded tremendously. For instance, the scene in which Michael Corleone commits his first murder of Sollozzo in a local restaurant is one of the greatest moments of any gangster movie in history. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Marlon Brando, who transformed into a powerful don giving his family dreams to follow. Ultimately, what makes “The Godfather” my favourite film about ambition of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most gangster movies, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about the unbreakable bonds between families that will resonate with everyone. Unlike commemorated gangster movies, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. Nearly 50 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about gangsters seeking to make matters strictly business, it’s a riveting reminder about happiness.

2. 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.

3. The Shawshank Redemption

Hope is something I’ve always found challenging finding. Several years ago, my life hit crushing lows when I began failing classes in school causing sorrow. Unable to cope with pressure posed by high school studies, I experienced intense anxiety. As someone that witnessed a lack of hope in a tense situation without redemption, I adored “The Shawshank Redemption”. Released in 1994, Frank Darabont’s movie captured hopeful prisoners seeking to survive in a prison causing catastrophe. Darabont has always had an aptitude for demonstrating emotions through voice-over narration, and his strengths as a filmmaker are evident in “The Shawshank Redemption”. For instance, the scene in which Red narrates his harrowing memories of the time when Andy escapes the prison causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Tim Robbins, who embodied a hopeful inmate overcoming adversity. Ultimately, what makes “The Shawshank Redemption” a timeless classic is its appeal. Unlike most prison movies, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about hope which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Andy’s desire for redemption, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that deserves immense worldwide tremendous appreciation.

4. 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.

5. 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 meaningful message about friendship 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 which audiences commonly admire.

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 Wolf of Wall Street

Jordan Belfort is a wealthy stockbroker that built a lasting legacy. During the 1980’s, Belfort was a Wall Street stockbroker that engaged in criminal activities becoming wealthy. In 2013, Martin Scorsese honoured the ambitious stockbroker that ruled Wall Street in his movie “The Wolf of Wall Street”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Wolf of Wall Street” stand out is its depiction of Wall Street. Scorsese uses captivating voice-over narration to capture the life of a stockbroker on Wall Street facing tension. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is incredible in the lead role, Scorsese honoured a stockbroker that became ambitious years ago. 30 years after Jordan Belfort committed crimes on Wall Street, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies which audiences commonly consider unforgettable treat.

8. There Will be Blood

Ambition can affect abilities of businessmen to succeed. Several years ago, I witnessed a friend with greed struggle to open a sports business causing sorrow. Affecting his happiness, ambition impacted my friend’s ability to succeed. As someone haunted by a greedy friend that faced bad blood, I loved “There Will Be Blood”. Released in 2007, Paul Thomas Anderson’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a book about oil businessmen. Anderson used breathtaking visuals to demonstrate ambitious businessmen driven towards the brink of insanity. Assisted by Daniel Day-Lewis who is extraordinary in the lead role, Anderson created a powerful portrait of greedy businessmen. As precious as the oil sought by Daniel Plainview, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured timeless films which audiences commonly value.

9. BlackBerry

BlackBerry is an ambitious smartphone company that fell out of popularity. Created in 1984, the BlackBerry was a phone that people would adore. However, in 2008 the BlackBerry lost its popularity following the introduction of the iPhone. In 2023, Matt Johnson honoured the legendary smartphone in his movie “BlackBerry”. Unlike most movies in the business 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. As precious as the BlackBerry phone, it’s a brilliant reminder of a genre that has blown audiences away making timeless movies that are in a league of their undeniable own.

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 love for ballet, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre making unforgettable movies about the way ambition changes lives which I will forever treasure for inspiring me lifelong love of filmmaking today.