Entrepreneurship: Fun movies about famous cases to inspire you.
The path to entrepreneurship It's a journey full of challenges, overcoming obstacles, and decisive moments in the complete formation of a manager. Films about real-life entrepreneurs can be a source of inspiration and learning, both for the business lessons they present and for the spirit of perseverance and innovation they demonstrate. If you're looking for inspiration for your own path as an entrepreneur, check out this list of films based on real-life success and failure stories – essential knowledge for anyone on the entrepreneurial journey.
1. The Social Network (2010)
The Social Network It tells the story of the creation of Facebook and the impressive rise of Mark Zuckerberg. The film addresses the difficulties faced by the platform's founder, from the initial idea to the global impact of the social network. It portrays not only the innovative and disruptive side of the business, but also the ethical and legal issues that arise when one is in charge of one of the most influential companies in the world.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, The Social Network It offers a valuable lesson on how vision, focus, and persistence can transform an idea into a global empire, as well as showing the importance of knowing how to deal with legal and social issues along the way.
2. Citizen Kane (1941)
Citizen Kane It's a classic about one of history's greatest entrepreneurs. It portrays the journey of Charles Foster Kane, a media mogul inspired by figures like William Randolph Hearst. The film, considered one of the greatest of all time, explores themes such as power, ambition, and the highs and lows of a business empire.
Kane's story is a reminder of how fleeting success can be and of the emotional and personal complexities involved in building and maintaining an empire—important themes for entrepreneurs to consider on their journey.
Read more: Essential steps to activate your entrepreneurial attitude: tips for a success mindset
3. Ford vs Ferrari (2019)
Ford vs Ferrari It's a film based on the true story of the rivalry between the Ford Motor Company and Ferrari to win the traditional Le Mans race in the 1960s. The film highlights the entrepreneurial spirit of two great figures in motorsport – Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles – minds that exceeded expectations and innovated in the world of racing.
The main lesson of the film is about the importance of innovation and persistence. Teamwork, the ability to solve unexpected problems, and the pursuit of excellence are essential aspects of entrepreneurship. Ford vs Ferrari It is a source of inspiration for those who want to transform bold ideas into great achievements.
4. The Big Short (2015)
The Big Short It portrays the 2008 financial crisis and shows investors responsible for predicting the collapse of the US housing market. Based on the book by Michael Lewis, the film follows a group of outsiders who bet against major banks, believing in an imminent crisis.
The film offers a reflection on the importance of having vision and courage to make difficult decisions, even when all the odds are against you. For entrepreneurs, it teaches the lesson of how a critical eye and a willingness to challenge the status quo can be invaluable. status quo They can create opportunities in the most adverse situations.
5. The Imitation Game (2014)
The Imitation Game It tells the story of mathematician Alan Turing, responsible for breaking the Enigma code during World War II and helping to hasten the Allied victory. Although the film deals with themes such as war and science, his story is a classic example of how innovation and out-of-the-box thinking can revolutionize a sector – in this case, cryptography and, consequently, computing.
Read more: The importance of decision-making for leaders and entrepreneurs
For entrepreneurs, the film shows the importance of technological innovation and the courage to challenge norms. Turing's work changed history and opened doors to new business models and technologies that are fundamental to this day – in addition to immortalizing him as the "father of computing".
6. Joy: The Name of Success (2015)
Joy: The Name of Success This is the true story of Joy Mangano, who invented the Miracle Mop and built an empire of innovative products, overcoming a series of obstacles in her personal and professional life. The film illustrates the perseverance of an entrepreneurial woman refusing to give up on a good idea, despite the difficulties.
The film is a clear example of how, in entrepreneurship, having a good idea isn't enough – you need to persevere, adapt, and believe in yourself to transform a small business into a great success. For those who have just begun their entrepreneurial journey, Joy's lessons in resilience are fundamental and inspiring.
7. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
The Wolf of Wall Street It is based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, a US stockbroker who built a billion-dollar company based on fraudulent schemes. Although the film focuses on the negative aspects of quick success and greed, it also provides insights into the motivations of great entrepreneurs, such as leadership, drive, and the ability to sell an idea.
Although the film presents a critical view of the business world, it is also a lesson about what... don't The road to success and how overconfidence and questionable ethics can destroy a career.
- Startup.com (2001)
Startup.com It's a documentary about the rise and fall of a technology company called GovWorks, founded by two childhood friends during the height of the dot-com bubble in the 2000s. The film offers a realistic look at the turbulent side of entrepreneurship, and addresses, in addition to the company's initial success, issues of friendship, trust, and management that are quite common when a startup begins its rapid and unexpected growth.
For those who have just begun their entrepreneurial journey, Startup.com It shows how a lack of financial planning, hasty decisions, and pressure to grow quickly can ruin a promising project. It's a lesson about the importance of having a solid foundation, a clear vision, and long-term strategies.
9. The Greatest Showman (2017)
The Greatest Showman It's a musical about P.T. Barnum, the real-life founder of a circus that became a worldwide phenomenon. The film highlights Barnum's innovative spirit, who defied norms and created a new type of popular entertainment, bringing together people of all kinds and backgrounds in a show of "curiosities." Although the story has elements of fantasy, it well illustrates the power of creating a unique, daring concept and how novelty can be the foundation for a successful business.
The lesson here is about the importance of being innovative and thinking outside the box. The Greatest Showman It teaches how a passion for vision and the ability to sell a unique idea can transform unlikely circumstances into great opportunities.
10. The Founder (2016)
Hunger for Power The film tells the story of Ray Kroc and his rise to power at the McDonald's empire. It focuses on how Kroc, initially a frustrated salesman, saw the potential of a small diner run by the McDonald brothers and transformed the business into the world's largest fast-food chain – and one of the most recognizable brands. The film also addresses the ethical and personal implications of his decisions and the conflict with his founding brothers.
The film is a clear example of how entrepreneurship often involves the ability to identify opportunities and the value of perseverance, even when it implies making difficult and controversial decisions. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Ray Kroc's story is a study of the dark side of business growth, and how vision and expansion strategy can create a global empire.
These films about entrepreneurship offer a fascinating insight into the world of business innovation and highlight important successes and failures worth knowing about. Each one provides valuable lessons on innovation, leadership, perseverance, and business ethics.
In ESEG College, part of the Etapa Group, We prepare students to understand the complexities of the business world and encourage the development of entrepreneurial skills and the formation of visionary leaders capable of learning from the examples of great entrepreneurs.
Watching these films can be an excellent way to get inspired and reflect on common challenges and opportunities on the entrepreneurial path. If you're thinking about pursuing a career in entrepreneurship, these stories are great starting points for understanding what it means to be a true leader in the business world.
