Not many genres have earned appreciation of competition. Since the 1970’s, stories of competitive individuals have made for bold movies. Whether it’s stockbrokers, network founders or jazz drummers, the genre has created several characters. Given the massive 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 facing rivalries that always fascinated my grandfather. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a great grandfather that was a huge fan of dark gangsters that faced damage. He was often fascinated with the grim stories of dark gangsters that had sought to become somebodies in neighbourhoods full of nobodies that shaped his identity. Through his lifelong love of gangsters, my grandfather gave me a great appreciation for grand gang figures that I have grown up to value. Few films I have ever seen have captured how dark business rivalries can destroy big gangster families as powerfully as “The Godfather”. Ever since its release in 1972, Francis Ford Coppola’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about competition. 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 brothers facing danger, and “The Godfather” showcased his strengths as a director. For instance, the scene in which Michael Corleone negotiates with his brothers seeking to prepare for his first murder causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Al Pacino, who becomes into a bold don giving his family dreams to follow. Ultimately, what makes “The Godfather” my favourite film about rivalry of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most mob movies, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about family bonds which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years after the release of a groundbreaking film about gangsters given offers they can’t refuse, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a bold genre that has earned rave reviews.
2. The Social Network
Facebook is a legendary social networking company that my cousin always loved dearly. I fondly recall with nostalgia fond memories of a cousin that was a huge fan of the company which changed social media. A huge fan of Facebook, he would always praise ambitious founders of a company that changed his outlook. Business rivalry has always been a defining characteristic of the social network company. In 2010, David Fincher honoured the rivalrous 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. A spectacular tribute to a classic company that changed social media, it’s a brilliant reminder of a genre attracting audiences towards Cinema.
3. There Will be Blood
Greed 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, greed impacted my friend’s ability to open a successful sports business. As someone haunted by a friend with greed that faced bad blood, I appreciated “There Will be Blood”. Released in 2007, Paul Thomas Anderson’s movie captured competitive businessmen facing adversity. Anderson has always had an aptitude for making movies about businessmen, and “There Will be Blood” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Anderson effectively used symbolism of oil to capture a greedy entrepreneur facing turmoil. For instance, the scene in which Daniel Plainview beats up Eli in a bowling alley causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Daniel Day-Lewis, who portrays a competitive oil prospector. Ultimately, what makes “There Will be Blood” a masterpiece is its message. Unlike most Paul Thomas Anderson movies, its themes resonate with everyone. The film delivers a bold message about consequences of greed which would resonate with everyone. As precious as oil sought by Daniel Plainview, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured commemorated movies which audiences commonly value.
4. Jerry Maguire
Competition is a characteristic needed to succeed in the sales profession. I remember a friend in school that sought to become a competitive sales agent with commitment. A competitive person, he was determined to overcome obstacles in a profession that was dangerous. He has always had ambition of becoming a sales agent in a competitive profession. As someone treasuring fond memories of a competitive 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 competition putting lives in danger, and “Jerry Maguire” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Crowe used captivating dramatic monologues capturing a competitive 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 competition audiences admire.
5. The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games is a legendary book about competition that my cousin always loved dearly. I remember forming strong bonds with a cousin that loved a book series he considered to be iconic literature. A huge fan of Katniss Everdeen, he always spoke fondly about a book series that became a pivotal part of his routine. In 2012, Gary Ross honoured the iconic book about competitive games in his movie “The Hunger Games”. Ross used captivating montages capturing hardships that a teenager living in an impoverished district of society is facing. For instance, the scene in which Katniss volunteers as tribute participating in the games causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Jennifer Lawrence, who embodied a teenage girl facing a life-threatening competition. Ultimately, what makes “The Hunger Games” a captivating classic is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the famous book series to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about government corruption which would resonate with everyone. As strong as arrows used by Katniss Everdeen, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making unforgettable movies that deserve to be seen on big-screen.
6. Whiplash
Jazz music is an intense profession that involves competition. Musicians seeking to become successful often face painful challenges in a profession that is stressful. The negative impact of rash stress on competitive jazz drummers is beautifully depicted in the movie “Whiplash”. Released in 2014, Damien Chazelle’s movie captured competitive jazz drummers facing adversity. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Whiplash” stand out is its depiction of jazz music. Chazelle uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a competitive jazz drummer is facing. Assisted by Miles Teller who is magnificent in the lead role, Chazelle created a captivating musical. As strong as Andrew’s love for music, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre manufacturing terrific movies about competition which captivate the movie-going public.
7. The White Tiger
Housekeepers with a competitive streak are often common in India. India has built an image of being a country where housekeepers have competitive desires to succeed with courage. The negative impact of competition on housekeepers in India facing 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 hardships 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 trauma in India, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies attracting audiences to the modern-day Cinema.
8. Ford v. Ferrari
Car racing is an activity that I’ve never found appealing. At an early age, I became afraid of stepping into cars with the risk of facing damage. As someone that has never taken an interest in racing cars posing risks of injury, I was surprised by how much I loved “Ford v. Ferrari”. Released in 2019, James Mangold’s movie captured the real-life racing rivalry between Ford and Ferrari. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Ford vs. Ferrari” stand out is its depiction of racing. Mangold uses captivating montages capturing the intense rivalries between two companies that designed cars. More than a film about race car driving, “Ford v. Ferrari” tackles themes of teamwork everyone would find appealing. As precious as cars engineers design crossing the finish line, it’s a strong reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to consistently shine.
9. BlackBerry
BlackBerry is a smartphone facing competition 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. 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 in a competition are as beloved as “Black Swan”. Released in 2010, Darren Aronofsky’s movie captured a competitive ballet dancer facing adversity. Aronofsky used captivating montages capturing hardships a competitive ballet dancer is facing. Assisted by Natalie Portman who is extraordinary in the lead role, Aronofsky created a captivating ballet thriller. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of competition causing ballet dancers to face 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 competition that I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.
The Film Buff 