10 Movies That Will Teach You How to Run a Business

03.08.2024 10:20
Updated: 28.09.2024 01:32

Business is not only mountains of money and unlimited opportunities.

Every entrepreneur will confirm that there are many difficulties to overcome along the way.

So what is most important for a successful business? And most importantly, where can you find examples for inspiration? Here is a selection of films whose heroes will teach you how to do business correctly and never give up.

Startup.com, 2001

A documentary film that describes all aspects of running a successful business.

The authors talk about their personal experience of developing their business: from the birth of an idea to its implementation. The topic of personal and business relationships is also touched upon.

Photo: Pixabay

12 Angry Men, 1957

An ageless classic. At first glance, this movie has nothing to do with entrepreneurship. However, business is also psychology – the psychology of leadership or tactical concession. The movie perfectly shows how to become a leader when you are literally alone against everyone, and there are no ways to retreat.

Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, 2005

Another documentary. A film about the work of corporations and the factors that can bring any, even the most successful company, to collapse.

How to Succeed in Advertising, 1989

A light comedy about why advertising is the engine of trade and what to do to keep this engine running at full speed. The main character puzzles over an advertisement for a cosmetic product against acne.

Suddenly, a huge pimple appears on his head and starts talking to him. Other people don't notice.

99 francs, 2007

A screen adaptation of Frederic Beigbeder's novel, the film clearly demonstrates the role of advertising not only in business, but also in the everyday lives of ordinary people.

The plot centers on a successful employee of the advertising agency Octave. He is talented, cynical and rich. However, over time, the hero begins to be tormented by doubts. Several important events force the man to completely reconsider his life.

Impressed by the discoveries made, the hero challenges the system and tries to disrupt his own advertising campaign.

The Godfather, 1972

Another film adaptation from the category of "classics for centuries". At first, the book "The Godfather" by Mario Puzo became a bestseller. Later, the trilogy by Francis Ford Coppola, based on the work, was recognized as brilliant.

Business comes in many forms. This film shows the basics of running a family business that is closely connected to the criminal world.

Cold calculation, the ability to foresee a situation several moves ahead, strategic decisions, as well as spectacular scenes of criminal showdowns and amazing performances by renowned actors - everything for which viewers love this timeless classic of the genre.

The Devil Wears Prada, 2006

A film about the role of information in doing business. How to make even failures be perceived by the public with enthusiasm? How to wage an information war and win it? Attentive viewers will find answers to these and other questions in this film.

Young journalist Andy gets acquainted with the world of publishing business when she gets a job as a junior assistant to the editor-in-chief at a popular fashion magazine.

Her boss, Miranda Priestly, turns out to be a real tyrant, driving the young employee crazy with constant nagging and comments.

Andy changes his style, trying to fit in with the environment, and eventually wins Miranda's favor. However, the cynicism and arrogance of people belonging to this world force the heroine to change her views.

Andy returns to his old life, trading the glitter of glossy pages for the opportunity to write about real and serious things.

Smoking allowed here, 2005

Another film on the topic of "Psychology and Business". Anyone who has ever argued about anything knows how easy it is to defend a point of view that the vast majority agrees with. It is morally easier when you feel support behind you.

But what to do when work requires you to be on the side of the minority? How to argue your position then? All this is shown in detail in the film.

The main character, Nick Naylor, is not only smart, eloquent and charming, but also fanatically passionate about his work, namely defending the interests of tobacco companies.

To increase sales, the man comes up with a clever strategy and goes to Los Angeles to implement it, taking his son Joey with him. On this trip, a series of incidents occur that completely change the hero's worldview.

Glengarry Glen Ross (The Americans), 1992

A relevant film, if only because it tells in detail about sales techniques. The events center on real estate agents, to whose office a motivational trainer comes.

He sets a number of tasks for the employees and assigns a reward for the best results. The worst will be fired. A competition begins, and each hero needs to win at any cost.

Erin Brockovich, 2000

A film about business and social responsibility, where money and principles are closely intertwined. Although these concepts are on different scales. How to go through fire, water and copper pipes without losing face?

A young single mother with three children fights for a place in the sun in every way possible.

Luck smiled on the woman for just a moment in the form of work in a small law firm. But this was enough to start a grandiose business that made her famous all over the world. The film is based on a true story. This is a real manifesto of persistence, determination and the fight for the truth.

Running a business involves working with documents, psychology, the ability to forecast, and planning several steps ahead.

Thanks to the accumulated experience, we have the opportunity to learn from the mistakes of others, analyzing the tools, mistakes and failures of world-famous businessmen. And also to be inspired by examples of their successful work, including drawing information from films. Enjoy watching!

Earlier I talked about how to avoid failure in business.

Author: Vitaly Kisterny Editor-in-Chief

Content
  1. Startup.com, 2001
  2. 12 Angry Men, 1957
  3. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, 2005
  4. How to Succeed in Advertising, 1989
  5. 99 francs, 2007
  6. The Godfather, 1972
  7. The Devil Wears Prada, 2006
  8. Smoking allowed here, 2005
  9. Glengarry Glen Ross (The Americans), 1992
  10. Erin Brockovich, 2000