I thought I’d have a little fun on a Monday morning to start the week off. While they may not have taught me how to calculate the payments on a 30 year fixed mortgage, these movies taught me (a little) something about business. This list started out as only 5 movies, but then my list grew to 21! I went with the middle of the road, so in no particular order, I give you 10 of my favorite business related movies.
Wall Street
“Greed, for lack of a better word, is good.” Now there’s a mantra for the “me first” mentality of the 80’s. Good story line about a young stockbroker torn between the positive moral and ethical values he learned from his father, and the temptation of power and money from a powerful corporate raider.
The Wolf Of Wall Street
We had this movie sitting on our DVR for month because the length of the film was intimidating. After seeing it, I wished I had watched it earlier. I’m sure the story was dramatized for effect, but even if a fraction of Jordan Belfort’s story is true – wow!
Trading Places
Another good story about greed. I’m sensing a trend here. This was the first time I heard about commodities, futures, and options. And of course learned about illegal insider activity that can make you rich, and apparently something you can get away with.
The Social Network
A really good story behind the rise of Mark Zukerberg and Facebook. The movie also lends to the thought process of millennials and the rise of social media.
Risky Business
It may be an overused quote when Risky Business was popular, but it’s kind of true at times. “Sometimes you gotta say, what the $*!@!” Also shows the challenges, and dangers, of entrepreneurship.
Boiler Room
It’s all about the money, money, money. Well, and how far you can go to take it from someone else. Interesting movie about sell strategies and, well, money.
Jerry Maguire
Sure, it’s a great date movie. But Jerry Maguire also gives us a little peek into the life of a sports agent. More importantly, the movie also demonstrates how perseverance when you’re taking chances can pay off.
Clerks
Just another day at the convenience store. Clerks pokes fun at customer service and how annoying… er, entertaining, customers can be. It also raises some interesting philosophical debates such as – were there innocent people being killed on the Death Star in Return Of The Jedi? Clerks also gives a realistic view of the motivation of workers. There are some who want to move up in the world and some who are just happy with the status quo.
Jobs
While I really liked this movie, I would have liked to see it give a little bit more detailed information. I read the Walter Isaacson biography of Steve Jobs; I think the book spoiled me (as they often do) by giving more detail and information about his life which was definitely not the case with the movie Jobs. Even though I was left wanting more from the film, Ashton Kutcher’s portrayal of Steve Jobs was excellent and overall it was still a worthwhile movie to see.
Miracle
This is just an all around great movie. About the 1980 US Olympic hockey team, Miracle is an inspirational story of a team who rose to the challenge of taking on the seemingly unbeatable powerhouse of a Russian team. Another example showcasing the power of motivation.
