Inspiration can come from anywhere- be it a book, friends, a YouTube podcast or even a movie. Movies don't just entertain but they teach, inspire, and sometimes make us think differently. This article will discuss some of the best movies created on entrepreneurship. These films go beyond drama to showcase the grit, determination, and innovation required to build something great. Below is a roundup of some of the best movies for entrepreneurs and the lessons they bring to the table.
The Founder (2016)- the story of Ray Kroc and the rise of McDonald's: Ray Kroc isn't the 'Founder' of McDonald's; although what he built is what we know of McDonald's as it is today. His journey is a masterclass in persistence and vision. His relentless pursuit of turning McDonald's into a global empire shows the power of thinking beyond the obvious. His cutthroat business decisions raise questions about the balance between ambition and morality.
The movie shows that persistence often beats talent. "The most inspiring line for me was Kroc's mantra: 'Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.' It's a daily reminder to keep moving, no matter how hard it gets," Rakib Hossain, an NSU student says. "Watching Kroc make McDonald's synonymous with fast food taught me that execution, not just ideas, shapes success," says Nafis Alam, a freelance graphic designer.
Steve Jobs (2015), an intimate look at the man who revolutionised technology: This film dives deep into three pivotal moments of Steve Jobs' career, showing his brilliance and flaws. Jobs' relentless focus on perfection often led to clashes, but it also got us iconic products like the iMac, the iPod and iPhone. His approach to leadership was ruthless but he had laser sharp focus. "When Jobs told Wozniak, 'I'm not dismissing it because I'm cruel; I'm dismissing it because it's irrelevant,' It hit me hard. He was ruthless, but his clarity was unmatched," says Adib, a budding tech entrepreneur.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)— Chris Gardner's journey from homelessness to success:
Will Smith's portrayal of Chris Gardner,a famous wall street stock broker, teaches us that resilience isn't just important-it's everything. His faith and determination through countless rejections and challenges remind entrepreneurs that success often comes after enduring life's darkest times. "Gardner's belief that 'You got a dream, you gotta protect it' is something I carry with me every day," says Faiza, a young content creator.
The Social Network (2010)—the creation of Facebook and the cost of ambition: Mark Zuckerberg's rise shows how bold ideas can disrupt entire industries, but it also reveals the personal and ethical struggles behind success. Partnerships are tricky, and as the film shows, not everyone survives the climb to the top. The movie shows that innovation and moving fast are priceless.
Citizen Kane (1941)-- The classic tale of ambition, power, and its price: Charles Foster Kane's life is a cautionary tale about unchecked ambition. His relentless drive for wealth and influence comes at the expense of personal happiness, serving as a reminder to entrepreneurs to define success beyond financial gains. Key takeaway from the movie is knowing when to stop chasing and start living.
Pirates of Silicon Valley (1999)—the epic rivalry between Apple and Microsoft: This movie gives a thrilling ride through the early days of tech's biggest titans till date. It showcases the fierce competition between Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, shedding light on their innovative but sometimes ruthless tactics.
Joy (2015)-- Joy Mangano's journey of turning an idea into a household name: Jennifer Lawrence's portrayal of Joy Mangano is a testament to believing in your idea and yourself. Despite financial struggles and unsupportive family dynamics, she pursues her vision with determination, eventually creating a product empire.
The key insight from this is If you believe in your idea, fight for it, even when the odds are stacked against you. "Joy's journey showed me that persistence isn't just about enduring; it's about believing when no one else does," comments Labiba, a student of Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP).
Etrepreneurship isn't a straight road. It is a rollercoaster of challenges, triumphs, and lessons. Movies like The Founder and Steve Jobs show the rewards of bold vision, while The Pursuit of Happyness and Joy remind us that grit is non-negotiable. Citizen Kane warns against losing sight of what matters, and Pirates of Silicon Valley shows the need for innovation, competing hard and ethical choices. These films aren't just stories; they're mirrors reflecting the best and worst of the entrepreneurial journey. As Rakib from NSU says, "Movies like The Founder are like business classes-only way more entertaining."
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