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15 Movies That Inspire Entrepreneurship

John Rampton | June 14, 2014 at 8:00 am

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1.Startup.com
This 2001 documentary follows the rise and fall of a promising startup called GoveWorks.com. Despite a lot of
buzz and funding for the company, the founders must deal with in-house bickering and getting too inflated too fast.
Why watch it? There are many takeaways from this documentary. For starters, it illustrates just how detrimental it
can be when partners arent on the same page. Another lesson learned is how to properly manage a budget after
youve secured funding.
2.Flash of Genius
Greg Kinnear portrays Bob Kearns, the inventor if intermittent windshield wipers. Despite the Detroit automakers
embracing the idea, Kearns nevers receives credit. The rest of the film chronicles his battle against these corporate
heavyweights.
Why watch it? Having an important idea that can enhance the lives of others, which Kearns accomplished, is
important enough where its not just about receiving fame and fortune, its also important to remember to protect
your idea and intellectual property.
3.Gosford Park
Robert Altmans 2001 murder mystery may not some like an obvious choice, but its an extremely entertaining film
that will keep you on the edge of your seat. But, most importantly
Why watch it? Making people happy, like having outstanding customer service, is a crucial part of any business.
Helen Mirrens Mr.s Wilson states this perfectly: What gift do you think a good servant has that separates them
from the others? Its the gift of anticipation. And Im a good servant; Im better than good, Im the best; Im the
perfect servant. I know when theyll be hungry, and the food is ready. I know when theyll be tired, and the bed is
turned down. I know it before they know it themselves.
4.Steve Jobs: One Last Thing
PBS released this documentary shortly after the passing of Steve Jobs in 2011. It captures both the highs and lows
of one of the most influential entrepreneurs ever.
Why watch it? You can never learn enough from the life and career of Steve Jobs.

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5.The Godfather
Heres another film that everyone should view at least once. Francis Ford Coppolas 1972 masterpiece is arguably
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15MoviesThatInspireEntrepreneurship

one of the greatest films in cinema history.

Why watch it? For a moment, forget the fact that this is a movie about organized crime. Instead, learn how Michael
Corleone (Al Pacino) took a small family business and transformed it into one of the most powerful and influential
families in the country.The Godfatherperfectly illustrates what it take to get the top, and how to remain there.
6.Risky Business
In 1983, Tom Cruise became a pop-culture icon after sliding across the floor in a pair of socks and button-down
shirt. While hes a good time enjoying the place to himself (literally), things get out of hand after he wrecks his
fathers Porsche.
Why watch it? Cruises character Joel has to think quickly on how to raise some cash to fix the car. Sometimes the
best ideas are formed when were desperate.
7.Beer Wars
This 2009 documentary follows a group of friends trying to take on the major breweries by launching their own
craft beer company.
Why watch it? Its challenging to succeed when jumping into an established market. However, educating your
audience on how much better your product is than the competition is a valuable lesson we learned fromBeer Wars.
8.Up in the Air
Both George Clooney and Anna Kendrick were phenomenal in 2009sUp in the Air. The film focuses on Ryan
Bingham, who is hired to travel across the country and lay people off. Kendrick plays Natalie Keener, the nob who
is trying to change this tactic through technology.
Why watch it? Clooneys character is not only efficient, he is also driven by a goal that doesnt involve giving people
the axe. However, the main lesson from Up in the Air is that sometimes its best to understand a business model
before tinkering with it, which is what Kendricks character discovers.
9.Session 9
In this 2001 horror/mystery, an entrepreneur in the asbestos removing business takes a questionable job in an
abandoned mental hospital. And, this is where the crew, led by Phil (David Caruso) run into some chilling and
frightening events.

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Why watch it? Sometimes, even if the money is good, you just cant accept certain offers.
10. Call of the Entrepreneur
This inspiring 2007 documentary follows three driver men; a merchant banker, a failing dairy farmer and a refugee
from Communist China.
Why watch it? It doesnt get any more uplifting than watching these three different men from different parts of the
world risk everything to follow their dreams. If they can do it, why cant you?

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11.Cocktail
We know.AnotherTom Cruise flick! But, what can we say? This is a guilty pleasure from 1988 that follows young
Brian Flanagan and his journey in opening up his very own bar despite all the bumps in the road.
Why watch it? For starters, its just fun. But, as an entrepreneur theres a lot to love aboutCocktail. For starters,
Flanagan tries to go by the books, taking business classes and reading guides on how-to-start a successful business.
But the real lessons that he learns is from actually getting behind the bar and learning what customers and how to
become the best bartender in town. He also has a mentor who isnt afraid to show Flanagan the tricks of the trade,
as well as how cutthroat the real world can be.
12.October Sky
Homer Hickman, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, and his friends are inspired to start building their own rockets after
the successful launch of Sputnik. Unfortunately, they dont have the support of their hometown since its expected
of the young men to become coalminers. With passion and the assistance of a teacher (Laura Dern) they reach for
the stars.

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revolutionizing waste collection system
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Earth Hour means nothing, unless you
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Why watch it? Always chase your dreams, no matter what youre destined for. And, you can never go wrong with a
mentor you can help you give you that little push.
13.Tommy Boy
After losing his father, Tommy Callahan (Chris Farley) and a reluctant employee (David Spade) set out on a road
trip to save the family business. Of course, hijinks ensue, but theres a lot of inspiration inTommy Boyas well.
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Why
watch it? Tommy
never gives up,
no matter how
difficult
times get. Even
all hope seems
gone, he
discovers his inner salesman and figures out how to save the day. Youll find that being an Entrepreneur youll want
to give up all the time. Dont do it. Keep going!

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14.Something Ventured
Something Ventured is a 2011 documentary that is from the perspective of Silicon Valley venture capitalist.
Why watch it? Understanding the thought-process of VCs can be a useful card-up-your-sleeve when searching for
funding.
15.Boiler Room
You could say that this is an updated version ofWall Street,meaning that it shows the extremes people will go to to
make a fortune especially when it comes to the stock market. By the end of the film, however Seth Davis
(Giovanni Ribisi) discovers that making a fortune at the expense of others hard-earned money is no way to live life.
Why watch it? Again, money isnt the only thing in life, andBoiler Roomproves that succeeding financially isnt the
end-all-be-all. However,Boiler Roomalso shows how you can unleash your inner salesperson when your driver by a
goal. And, the film also displays how powerful a passionate leader can be, justwatch Ben Affleck round-up the
troops(warning NSFW).
Any other inspirational movies that should be added to this list?

John Rampton

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YourStory

Managing Editor John Rampton is an entrepreneur, full-time computer nerd, and startup expert.
President at Adogy. I enjoy helping people and am always online to chat +/@johnrampton

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35comments

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ZeeshanKhan

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FollowIIMIndore

WhataboutBarbariansattheGate,OtherPeople'sMoney,PiratesoftheSiliconValley,WolfofWallStreet,GlenGarryGlenRoss,
WallStreet&WallStreet2...Allgreatbusinessmovies.Umissedthemall
ReplyLike

1 FollowPostaboutanhourago

KetanGupta
PursuitofHappynessAperfecttruestoryofragtorichChrisGardener
ShawshankRedmeptionBestdialogueintheend"Hopeisagoodthing,maybethebestthing"
IntheWild"Thecoreofman'sspiritcomesfromnewexperiences."
BollywoodMovieUDAAN,3IDIOTS,RANGDEBASANTI
ReplyLike

8 FollowPostJune14,2014at10:43am

TejasChauhan

Follow

Bollywoodmovie:"Guru"
ReplyLike

3 FollowPostAugust3,2014at8:47pm

ZohaibJahan

Follow TopCommenterUETChakwal

great,IlikePersuitofHappyness,Guru,
gonaseeothersyoumentioned:)
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ReplyLikeFollowPostNovember1,2014at11:35am
AbhinabGhoshXavierInstituteofManagementandEntrepreneurship(XIME)
Guru,amustwatchfromBollywood.EvenThesocialnetworkandJobs
ReplyLikeFollowPostOctober26,2014at8:47pm
AmitSankhalaVeerNarmadSouthGujaratUniversity
SomeGoodHindimoviesthatinspiresme:Goal,ChakDe,Guru,RocketSingh.
ReplyLike

5 FollowPostJune14,2014at9:25am

SMRaunaqueMustafaGayacollegeGaya
AddonemoreBandBaajaandBarat
ReplyLike
AkhilMehta

1 June18,2014at3:15pm

Follow TopCommenterNewDelhi,India

1)LayerCake
2)JerryMaguire
3)KaiPoChe
4)Manzil
5)Ratatouille
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AnirvanDam

2 FollowPostJune14,2014at9:05pm
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oh,youmissedtherealimportantones..shawshankredemption,seabiscuit,lifeisbeautiful,
ReplyLike

2 FollowPostJune14,2014at12:42pm

MahendharReddy
Searchfor'TheBillionaire'Movie.Awesomeandinspiring
ReplyLikeFollowPostAugust26,2014at5:37am
ChandrashekharGampawar

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AnybodyhastheSetof15MoviesThatInspireEntrepreneurship...
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2 FollowPostJune14,2014at5:44pm
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