It is commonly said that art imitates life. In many cases, however, imitating life from art can help change one’s perspective. Entrepreneurship is not an easy venture; a thousand obstacles and cost woes can have stressful outcomes. It is why inspiration and motivation are the two pillars behind every entrepreneur’s ambition.
When any business-owner needs to overcome obstacles and march forward, taking a break and looking for motivation is much needed. What better way to do this than take inspiration from films? Ranging from heart-warming adventures to thought-provoking bio-pics, films can encourage and insinuate any enterpriser.
Because of this, we have hand-picked the top 7 films every entrepreneur must watch to inspire and motivate themselves.
1) The Social Network
It is no surprise that The Social Network was a blockbuster in 2010. Everyone wanted to watch Mark Zuckerberg’s (Jesse Eisenberg) journey that started as a Harvard student to owning and launching the most popular social networking site in the world: Facebook.
This movie uses a true story to help a viewer understand the struggles of creating a start-up and transforming it into an empire.
2) Glengarry Glen Ross
This film holds no bounds in exploring the fierce world of real estate in Chicago. Released in 1992, Glengarry Glen Ross manages to tactfully remove the cotton wool off of the audiences’ eyes and disclose the lies and betrayals people endure to succeed in the business world.
Even though the business world can sometimes be brutal, this film teaches you how to tackle these hurdles skilfully.
3) Guru
Guru (2007) is a movie that is loosely based on the life of Dhirubhai Ambani, Gurukant Desai (Abhishek Bachan) is a middle class boy who marries a rich businessman’s daughter, and uses his dowry to fulfill his ambition. He starts a cloth business in Mumbai and pursues success ruthlessly, resulting in one of the richest companies in the country.
This movie reminds all entrepreneurs that although Desai is ruthless – ambition, commitment to your dreams, and perseverance can change your life forever.
4) The Pursuit of Happyness
In 2006, Will Smith enacted this exceptionally moving Bio-pic based on the true story of Chris Gardner that moved the audience with the struggle Gardner and his son experience to follow a dream.
Despite having to face the struggles of being homeless and to provide for his son, this movie reminds us to never stop chasing our dreams. The epilogue of the film reveals that Gardner went on to create his own multimillion-dollar brokerage firm. That kind of passion and sacrifice can fuel every entrepreneur to succeed.
5) Wall Street
In 1987, Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) insinuated one of the most famous mottos in cinema history: “greed is good”. The film focuses on the unethical and illegal practices Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen) uses in order to become wealthy like Gekko, a corporate raider.
The film reminds its audience that selling out for wealth and fame does not give an entrepreneur the satisfaction they desire, as entrepreneurship is much more than that.
6) Rocket Singh: Salesman of The Year
When Harpreet Singh (Ranbir Kapoor) graduates with a mere 39% in his B Com, he is employed at AYS Computers as a salesman and is mocked on his grades. Taking these circumstances in his stride, he builds his own start-up sales company and an entrepreneur is born.
One of the most important lessons from this film is to remind an audience that success is not determined by academic excellence. Singh’s hunger for taking risks, value for his customers, and ability to take unfair remarks in a positive light is the strongest message behind the story.
7. Shawshank Redemption
This 1994 hit is listed as one of IMDB’s all-time top 10 movies. Is it no surprise that it is a must watch for business owners. Two cellmates bond over their years in prison, finding comfort and consolidation through common acts of courtesy. The protagonist Andy Duffrene (Tim Robbins) takes a false accusation in his stride (being imprisoned for a false murder), and uses perseverance and planning to achieve the impossible.
This film reminds us that with extensive planning, and using injustice in a positive manner, the impossible is possible.
8) Jerry Maguire
This 1996 classic epitomises the meaning of ‘hungry for success’. Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise) had it all: a booming career as a sports agent, a beautiful fiancé and an exciting social life. One day, his perspective changes, and he realises the importance between taking care of and understanding your clients.
Maguire loses everything and finds himself re-building his career with his revised business values. Apart from watching Cruise recite his famous dialogue “Show me the money!” Maguire’s journey allows him to pursue his dreams and learn valuable lessons along the way.
What cinematic twist will your entrepreneurial journey encounter?
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