Great films about business and entrepreneurship are more than just entertainment. They offer realistic glimpses into the cutthroat world of business, showcasing unconventional geniuses, fierce confrontations, and bitter failures. Watching these films isn't just for relaxation; it's also about learning, reflecting, and rekindling your passion. Join Right Media as we explore some must-see films in this article.
Criteria for evaluating a good film about entrepreneurship.
Not every film with a business theme actually delivers value. A film considered a "guidebook" for entrepreneurs needs to meet stricter standards. Below are some factors to consider when evaluating a film on this topic:
1. Practicality and profound lessons: Does the film realistically portray the difficulties, sacrifices, and hidden aspects of business? Does it offer valuable lessons about strategy, management, and ethics, or does it simply paint a rosy picture? These are some of the criteria for evaluating a film about entrepreneurship.
2. The plot is engaging and captivating: Despite its educational purpose, the film must still be an excellent cinematic work. Therefore, instead of simply telling a dry story of entrepreneurship, audiences need films with a clear plot, dramatic moments, climaxes, and plot twists.
3. Inspirational (or cautionary) figures: Entrepreneurial characters need unique ideas or a distinctive storytelling style to capture the audience's attention. Often, a good film will feature a character with depth, whose life experiences resonate with viewers. That journey can inspire willpower and perseverance, or serve as a cautionary tale about the price of success.
4. Professional aspects explored: A good film will skillfully integrate specialized knowledge about marketing, sales, fundraising, branding, human resource management, etc., into the storyline in a natural way.
5. Impact and inspirational value: After watching it, did the film leave you with positive energy, a new perspective, or a strong motivation to take action? This is the core value that a film on this list must possess.
List of 8 great movies about entrepreneurship and starting a business.
Above are the basic criteria for evaluating a film about startup business; however, depending on your perception, the criteria may change and are not entirely rigid. We would like to introduce you to 8 classic films on this topic for your reference and to give you more ideas for your own startup film:
1. The Social Network – 2010
The film recreates the tumultuous birth of Facebook and the legal battle between Mark Zuckerberg and his co-founders and the Winklevoss brothers. This is a must-see for anyone working in the tech industry.
A costly business lesson:
- Ideas are no match for execution: Many people can come up with ideas, but the person who turns them into a product and dominates the market is the real winner.
- The complexities of co-founder relationships: A bitter lesson about trust, betrayal, and the importance of legal agreements from the outset.
- Speed is everything: Facebook's "Move fast and break things" philosophy is clearly demonstrated, emphasizing the importance of speed in the world of tech startups.
2. The Pursuit of Happyness – 2006
Based on the true story of Chris Gardner, the film is an epic tale of extraordinary willpower and perseverance. From a failed salesman, homeless, and forced to sleep in public restrooms with his son, Chris rose to become a millionaire stockbroker.
A costly business lesson:
- Extreme perseverance and persistence: The film shows the limits of human endurance and affirms that as long as you don't give up, you will find a way out.
- Sales and relationship-building skills: Chris had nothing but intelligence and excellent communication skills. He turned cold calls and brief encounters into life-changing opportunities.
- Keep the faith when there's nothing left: Chris's greatest motivation is his son and his belief in a brighter tomorrow.
3. The Wolf of Wall Street – 2013
An energetic, hilarious, yet incredibly candid film about the life of Jordan Belfort – a brilliant but unscrupulous stockbroker. The film offers a profound lesson about the power of salesmanship and the price of greed. If you're looking for a good film for business and entrepreneurship, you might want to check out The Wolf of Wall Street.
A costly business lesson:
- The art of top-level sales and persuasion: Belfort and his team mastered the skills of building sales scripts, handling objections, and creating a sense of urgency.
- The importance of team building: Belfort transformed ordinary people into formidable sales machines through training and inspiration.
- A cautionary tale about business ethics: The film is clear evidence that success built on deception and disregard for the law will never be sustainable.
4. The Founder – 2016
Did you know McDonald's wasn't founded by a man named McDonald? The film tells the story of Ray Kroc, a milk frother salesman who saw the enormous potential in the McDonald brothers' business model and transformed it into a global fast-food empire with his determination and ruthlessness.
A costly business lesson:
- The importance of vision and scalability: The McDonald brothers created a great product, but Ray Kroc was the visionary who turned it into an empire.
- Brands and real estate: A classic example is McDonald's, which isn't just selling sandwiches; it's actually a real estate business.
- Perseverance and the dark side of ambition: Ray Kroc is a role model of an entrepreneur who never gives up, but he also shows how ambition can lead people to compromise their ethical principles.
5. Steve Jobs – 2015
Unlike typical biographical films, "Steve Jobs" focuses on three key moments in the career of the Apple legend: the launch of the Macintosh, the NeXT Computer, and the iMac. The film delves into the brilliant yet complex personality of Steve Jobs.
A costly business lesson:
- The obsession with the perfect product: Jobs had no compromise with mediocrity. He demanded perfection in every minute detail, and that's what created world-changing products.
- Marketing is the art of storytelling: Jobs' "Reality Distortion Field" demonstrated his ability to transform a product launch into a mesmerizing performance.
- The price of genius: The film shows that to create great things, sometimes personal relationships have to be sacrificed.
6. Moneyball – 2011
Based on the true story of the Oakland Athletics baseball team, the film tells the story of manager Billy Beane who defied traditional rules by using statistical data analysis to build a competitive team on a tight budget. If you're looking for a film about business and entrepreneurship, this is a compelling option.
A costly business lesson:
- Breakthrough thinking and innovation: Dare to go against the crowd and believe in a new method, even if no one else recognizes it.
- The Power of Data (Data-Driven Decision): In business, decisions based on data and analysis are more effective than those based on intuition or outdated experience.
- Resource optimization: How can you achieve the best results with a limited budget? This is a challenge every startup faces.
7. The Big Short – 2015
The film recreates the 2008 financial crisis from the perspective of a few investors who saw the housing bubble before everyone else and decided to bet against the entire American economic system. It's a film with a profound message, helping viewers understand the complexities and risks involved in an economic crisis.
A costly business lesson:
- The importance of in-depth research: Don't blindly trust the system. Do your own research, analyze, and find the truth.
- Critical thinking and going against the crowd: Huge profits often come from opportunities that no one else sees or dares to seize.
- Understanding the complex risks: This lesson illustrates how complex financial instruments can conceal enormous risks to an entire economy.
8. Itaewon Class – 2020 (South Korea)
Representing Asia, this South Korean drama has created a global sensation. The series follows the arduous entrepreneurial journey of Park Sae-ro-yi, a man with a criminal past, determined to build a restaurant brand to challenge a giant food conglomerate that ruined his family.
A costly business lesson:
- The power of long-term vision: Sae-ro-yi had a 15-year plan, and he followed it step by step without wavering.
- Building a brand from people and core values: The DanBam brand is built on a belief in people, creating a work environment for those who are outcast by society.
- Smart business and marketing strategies: From site selection and branding to franchising, the film realistically portrays every step.
The world of cinema is an endless treasure trove of stories and lessons. The eight films above are just a small part, but they are some of the most representative works that every entrepreneur should watch at least once. They are not only great films about entrepreneurship, but they also reflect the complexities, glory, and bitterness of the path you have taken, are taking, and will take.
English 
Vietnamese 
