10 Movies Every
Entrepreneur Needs to Watch
No one ever said being an entrepreneur would be easy. A million
obstacles seem to stand in the way each and every day. The naysayers
and budget woes can be enough for the average person to start waving the
white flag.
But you are not an average person: You’re an entrepreneur. That means
that even when times are tough, you’re still going to march forward.
Yet when this whole entrepreneur thing becomes overwhelming, take a
break and look for some much needed motivation. And what better way to find
inspiration than watching movies?
Whether it’s a heartwarming adventure, irreverent comedy or
thought-provoking documentary, a film can inspire and motivate a weary business
owner.
With that in mind, here are 10 movies that every entrepreneur needs to
watch:
It was no surprise that The Social Network was a blockbuster
when it was released in 2010. After all, everyone wanted to see how Mark
Zuckerberg became transformed from a Harvard student to launching the most
popular social-media network in the world.
Why watch it? Never mind if this was overdramatized. The film gives
viewers a better understanding of how to make a startup succeed by exhibiting
such qualities as being flexible and resilient. Every time I watch this movie
it motivates me to be a better entrepreneur.
Based on David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, this film explores
the cutthroat world of Chicago real estate.Glengarry Glen Ross takes a closer look at the lies and
betrayals people endure just to succeed in business.
Why watch it? Unfortunately, the business world can be
brutal, something you’ll learn even as a salesperson. This 1992 film
illustrates just how vicious it can be.
This was a made-for-TV movie released in 1999 that covers the early days
of the country's leading technology hub and the eventual rise of
both Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. The documentary-style movie provides an
interesting take on the lives of the founders of Microsoft and Apple.
Why watch it? Entrepreneurs are still looking for inspiration from these
two iconic “pirates.” It definitely provides pointers to learn from.
4. Citizen Kane:
Even if you’re not an entrepreneur, watch Orson Welles’ 1941
masterpiece. The film revolves around the life of a fictitious Charles
Foster Kane, a newspaper tycoon loosely based on William Randolph Hearst and
his quest for fortune and power. In the end, however, Kane comes to understand
what’s really important in life.
Why watch it? While launching a successful business is a goal of every
entrepreneur, it’s not the only goal in life.
Based on the true story of Chris Gardner, this 2006 Will Smith vehicle
is one of the most heartwarming and motivational films for entrepreneurs. If
you’re not moved by watching Chris and his son struggle to follow a dream, then
I am truly puzzled.
Why watch it? Even though he became homeless and struggled to provide
for his son, Chris never gave up on his dream. That passion and sacrifice is
something every entrepreneur should be willing to embrace.
6. Moneyball:
You don’t have to be a baseball fan to enjoy Brad Pitt’s portrayal of
Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland A’s. Because the team didn't
have the finances to spend on players, Beane had to discover a unique way to
compete.
Why watch it? Beane had to be innovative. And that’s one of the
most-well known traits of entrepreneurs: figuring out how to make something
better. Also, Beane never listened to the naysayers and never backed down from
his vision.
7. Rocky:
This is another film that everyone has to watch at least once. Sylvester
Stallone wrote and starred in this ultimate underdog tale of Rocky Balboa going
the distance with boxing heavyweight champion Apollo Creed.
Why watch it? Even when the world tells you that you'll never have a
chance to succeed, keep fighting. That competitive spirit can take you a long
way. And I dare you to listen to the classic score from Bill Conti and not
become motivated.
8. Wall Street:
In 1987, director Oliver Stone made Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) one
of the most infamous characters in cinema history with his motto “greed is
good.” The film centers on the illegal and unethical decisions made by Bud Fox
(Charlie Sheen) to become filthy rich like Gekko, a corporate raider.
What watch it? Don’t sell yourself out just for the sake of money.
Remember, being an entrepreneur isn’t just about becoming rich and famous.
9. Jerry Maguire:
The protagonist, Jerry Maguire (Tom
Cruise), had it all: a great career, lots of friends and a beautiful fiancé.
One day, however, he has an epiphany: Sports agents shouldn’t just be looking
at the money scenes but how to take care of their clients. Jerry loses
everything and goes on journey to regain everything he’s lost.
Why watch it? When you’re following your dream, everything else will
fall into place both professionally and personally. Jerry Maguire eventually
learns this valuable lesson.
10. Office Space:
This 1999 comedy from Mike Judge focuses on Peter Gibbons (Ron
Livingston), who eventually discovers how much he hates sitting inside a
cubicle taking orders from his creepy boss Bill Lumbergh (Gary Cole).
Why watch it? Every entrepreneur hates working for someone else and will
even sometimes go to extremes to get fired: I'm not condoning that you
embezzle, though: it could result in jail time.
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