Best Bollywood & Hollywood Business Movies for Entrepreneurs

There's no dearth of inspiring movies if one considers cinematic contributions across the globe each year. Movies like “The wolf of wall street” have given rise to a new genre: entrepreneurial cinema. India is second to none when it comes to producing movies promoting entrepreneurship and the startup culture. Bollywood & Hollywood Business movies can teach various lessons on how to start and run a business. Baazaar and other Bollywood films are changing the Indian population's mindset towards the world of business. Whereas Hollywood business movies such as The Pursuit of Happiness & The Godfather have no match!

If you’re an entrepreneur or someone who wants to build a career of his own, there comes a time in life when everything goes downhill, leaving you helpless and underconfident. Motivation is a factor everyone needs on a timely basis to keep going. Even the most successful entrepreneurs need motivation and inspiration from time to time. Watching inspirational movies is one of the proven ways to get motivated.

Whether you enjoy reading books, binge web series or like to watch movies, we've got you all covered! If you are a Movie person, go ahead and read this article to find the list of some amazing inspirational movies for entrepreneurs. A booklover can read this - Books by Top Entrepreneurs. Click here to get the List of Motivational Web-series for Entrepreneurs.

We have listed some of the best Bollywood and Hollywood business-related movies for entrepreneurs. Even if you aren't remotely associated with entrepreneurship, these movies will still benefit you with great insights and learnings. Have fun watching these Hindi & English business movies!

Bollywood Business Movies for Entrepreneurs:

• Guru
• Baazaar
• Rocket Singh - Salesman of the Year
• Band Baaja Baarat
• Badmaash Company
• Corporate
• 3 idiots
• Wake Up Sid
• Hindi Medium
• Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
• Raajneeti
• Special 26
• Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai
• Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
• Lakshya
• Manthan

Hollywood Business & Entrepreneur-related Movies:

• The Godfather
• GoodFellas
• Fight Club
• The Godfather Trilogy
• The Wolf of Wall Street
• The Pursuit of Happiness
• Jobs (2013)
• The Social Network
• Glengarry Glen Ross
• Citizen Kane
• Catch Me If You Can
• Cocktail (1988)
• Moneyball
• Two for the Money
• The Big Short
• Margin Call
• Barbarians at the Gate
• Boiler Room
• Rogue Trader

Other Inspirational Movies for Entrepreneurs

Bollywood Business Movies for Entrepreneurs

Bollywood is now churning out quality films every other day. The Bollywood Business movies in the list are some noteworthy attempts at making high-standard films that ooze out inspiration and motivation. Every film out there, be it Bollywood or Hollywood, has a thing or two to teach. Here is the list of Hindi movies related to business and entrepreneurship:

1. Guru

IMDB Rating: 7.8/10

Release date: 12 January 2007

Guru is undoubtedly Abhishek Bachchan's most popular movie. The movie is a brilliant reflection of the life of the man who started the Reliance empire, Dhirubhai Ambani. Although the makers of the movie never openly claimed that the cinematic venture was Dhirubhai's story, the audience and critics who saw the film could scrutinize Dhirubhai Ambani's rise being portrayed on the silver screen.

Mani Ratnam's directorial ingenuity makes the movie appealing especially if you're an innovative soul seeking to start your own venture. You will get some insight into what entrepreneurship meant in the 1950s! Guru is one of the best Bollywood movies on business and a must-watch. The most important lesson it has for young entrepreneurs is self-confidence. Do what you want to and not what others want you to. Which is one of the key principles of any business. Being confident in your decisions and taking charge is what entrepreneurship is all about.

2. Baazaar

IMDB Rating: 6.7/10

Release date: 26 October 2018

Baazaar didn't generate much buzz but it was warmly welcomed by the audience and the critics alike. Saif Ali Khan starrer Bazaar is based on how Dalal Street works and what happens behind the closed curtains. To add some masala, the director has included a fictitious storyline. Although the plot may seem to be predictable, aspiring entrepreneurs would still love this Bollywood movie since it shows what a businessman's life is all about.

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3. Rocket Singh - Salesman of the Year

IMDB Rating: 7.5/10

Release date: 11 December 2009

Rocket Singh is based on a man (having the same name as the movie title) who is employed as a salesperson. He goes on to launch his own company in the same segment that too while doing his day job. Rocket Singh uses his employer's resources for setting up his own venture without letting his boss know about it.

The movie had an excellent storyline and characterization which weren't utilized to the fullest. As a result, Rocket Singh didn't deliver the impact it was capable of. People starting their own ventures ought to watch this movie for some cues and tricks.

4. Band Baaja Baarat

IMDB Rating: 7.2/10

Release date: 10 December 2010

Band Baaja Baaraat is based on the escapades of a girl and a boy. The girl, Shruti, is determined to do something big in life. On the other hand, the boy, Bitoo, is nonchalant just going with the flow. He finds solace in chilling out with his friends at the Delhi University. The clichéd Bollywood formula ensures the two end up meeting each other.

But hold on, here's the entrepreneurial stuff—they decide to start a wedding planning venture. The only rule they need to follow is not to love each other. Though this is a work of fiction, you do learn tidbits about a wedding planner's job and the Indian way of doing business.

5. Badmaash Company

IMDB rating: 6/10

Release date: 7 May 2010

Shahid Kapoor-starrer Badmaash Company was ahead of its time and was a hit. Badmaash Company is about four friends who do the wrong things in the right way to make hoards of cash.

You will enjoy Badmaash Company because of the idea it depicts. Some things may feel out of place (illogical?) but then what's Bollywood without some hard-to-explain scenes? Young individuals would love the film because of the bling shown.

6. Corporate

IMDB Rating: 6.5/10

Release date: 7 July 2006

The Bipasha Basu starrer movie is the only movie that strongly depicts the negative traits of corporate life. Corporate, true to its name, ruminates on how the corporate industry works.

You get to see the ethics and the culture of a workplace. The film provides insights into how huge industries function and what employees do to cope with professional issues.

7. 3 idiots

IMDB Rating: 8.4/10

Release date: 25 December 2009

3 Idiots is the perfect combination of inspiration, comedy, emotion, and last but not least, love. It is the story of 3 college friends with a varying outlook on education. 3 Idiots propagates the message of formal degrees and certificates not necessarily being a testament to one's knowledge.

The movie compels the audience to think beyond the established norms in order to live a fulfilling life. An excellent movie that broke many box office records.

8. Wake Up Sid

IMDB Rating: 7.6/10

Release date: 2 October 2009

Though it may not promote startups or entrepreneurship directly, the movie shows why it's important to be familiar with the struggles of life. This movie projects the life of a rich kid, Sid.

If not below average, he is okayish in his studies and is interested in only hanging around with friends. It is when he leaves his house due to some father-son arguments does he realize the challenges of a middle-class family.

9. Hindi Medium

IMDB Rating: 7.8/10

Release date: 19 May 2017

Hindi Medium is about a self-made businessman struggling to get his daughter admitted to a reputed school. The institution demands the parents be literate. As a result, he decides to get her admitted through a quota reserved. The family shifts to a below-average place of living and quits the comforts it was used to.

The movie simultaneously depicts the challenges faced by the poor and the rich. You will enjoy the subject and the humor depicted. Spoiler alert but the lesson is that education from a big school does not always result in success. Every entrepreneur will enjoy this Bollywood movie.

10. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

IMDB Rating: 8.1/10

Release date: 15 July 2011

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara teaches us to live life to its fullest and enjoy the roller-coaster ride of ups and downs. The characters are plagued by personal problems and have lost the charm of living.

A three-week group vacation makes them realize that it's not worth being stressed out and hesitant all the time. With an amazing direction and a plot full of twists, you'll definitely love the film.

11. Raajneeti

IMDB Rating: 7.1/10

Release date: 4 June 2010

As the name suggests, Raajneeti is based on political vendetta and vengeance. The political backdrop, the tussle for power, and a formidable cast teach you the challenges and situations one's going to face in a competitive environment.

12. Special 26

IMDB rating: 8/10

Release date: 8 February 2013

Movie buffs and entrepreneurs should watch Special 26 to see the wonders of creative thinking and execution. Special 26 takes place in the eighties. A group of tricksters carries out one of the biggest heists in India. Just to let you know, this is based on a real-life event.

13. Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai

IMDB rating:7.4/10

Release date: 30 July 2010

The film speaks volumes about illegal businesses and trades. The under-the-table transactions, the tussle for power, backstabbing, etc. are relevant to the corporate culture of today. Entrepreneurs could use this movie as a guide for identifying unethical practices and not go astray.

14. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

IMDB Rating: 8.2/10

Release date: 11 July 2013

This Bollywood movie is a massive source of inspiration for many of us. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag goes beyond being a biography and teaches a few lessons on dealing with unforeseen hardships.

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15. Lakshya

IMDB Rating: 7.9/10

Release date: 18 June 2004

Lakshya is another inspirational movie dealing with life in general. Its song “Lakshya” often graces music playlists when one seeks motivation. The movie dawns on the realization that fear of failure is the only obstacle one may face in achieving his or her goals and aspirations.

16. Manthan

IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
Release year: 1976

This movie first came in 1976 and it has a setting in rural India. The complications faced by the veterinary Dr. Rao in setting up a milk cooperative for the villagers which disturbs the socio-economic condition of the village are shown.

The Hindi feature film becomes a great and earliest example of entrepreneurship in India. Depictions of gender problems, caste discrimination, and lack of support are evident in this 1976's movie, Manthan starring Girish Karnad and Smitha Patil.

Hollywood Business & Entrepreneur-related Movies

Bollywood & Hollywood Business movies can teach various lessons on how to start a business, grow the business & other entrepreneurial lessons. Here is the list of the best entrepreneurial movies of all time. These business-related movies will surely inspire you. Have a look -

1. The Godfather

IMDB Rating: 9.2/10

Release date: 14 March 1972

Successful business in one sentence. This movie is an inspiration to all future leaders. It has not just one message but a number of them all which will directly move you. It focuses on the importance of relationships with family, friends, and even enemies.

The movie makes the young generation understand ethical as well as unethical means to deal with situations that today or maybe tomorrow will definitely come in their way and they've to face them.

"I'll make him an offer he can't refuse"

2. GoodFellas

IMDB Rating: 8.7/10

Release date: 12 September 1990

The 1990 drama-crime film discusses the mob life in New York and gives you a number of lessons too. Through the dirty drug business, the average life it gives you. Some important lesson includes not running away from work, and the value of words, promises and money.

Also, it highlights the need for humour as a must requirement in order to live the good life. Laughing on mistakes, and on situations makes them easier to deal with, and if not at least you had a good laugh.

If You're Part Of A Crew, Nobody Ever Tells You That They're Going To Kill You"

3. Fight Club

IMDB Rating: 8.8/10

Release date: 21 September 1999

This movie may not teach you any business lesson, but an important life lesson. The movie was a total flop at the time of its release. However, people later realized the art of this movie. The movie depicts the life of a person who has everything, a good job, apartment, money, etc. But still struggles to be happy.

He is going through many mental problems. Later, he meets a man who teaches him how to live life. This movie tells us how mafia groups are born and what can happen if you are not happy with your life. The movie takes an interesting turn at the end. It is full of mystery, you just don't realize it till the end.

We buy things we don't need with the money we don't have to impress people we don't like.

4. The Godfather Trilogy

IMDB Rating: 9.2/10
Release date: 14 March 1972

The Godfather Trilogy is possible the all-time best masterpiece of cinema for entrepreneurs. The movie highlights why relationships and building networks matter, why helping people lends itself to a good business and why understanding competition is very crucial.

The movie is intensely entertaining and packed with thrilling, thought-provoking scenes that will surely leave you better prepared to handle your business challenges. The movie addresses issues about competitive strategies, corporate take-overs, alliances, corporate succession, and diversification that will result in the success of your firm.

“I have learned more in the streets than in any class room.”

5. The Wolf of Wall Street

IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
Release date: 3 January 2014

The Wolf of Wall Street is based on the true story of Jordan Belfort who was a millionaire stockbroker during his time. It follows through his rise and fall as an entrepreneur and showcases how his firm Stratton Oakmont was engaged in penny stock trading and became unexceptionally successful which drew the attention of the FBI as they suspected securities scams.

Jordan Belfort is an example of what an entrepreneur should not be. He was swayed by greed, driven by unethical practices, had little or no empathy towards people around him, and spent too much time on drugs and alcohol – which eventually led to his downfall. There is also a scene in the movie which features Matthew McConaughey where he describes what it takes to be a stockbroker which is one of the best scenes in the movie.

Work until your bank account looks like a phone number."

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6. The Pursuit of Happiness

IMDB rating: 8/10
Release date: 15 December 2006

"Don't let anyone tell you, that you can't do something"

This movie is very close to reality. It inspires you and tells you that if you want to be "rags to riches" in real you have to go and get whatever you want. It shows struggles in ordinary life that a common man has to face from bad luck to rejection to hard work that goes in vain, it has all.

The honesty of this movie will make you realize the importance of struggle and the need for patience on your way to success.

7. Jobs (2013)

IMDB Rating: 7.2/10
Release date: 16 October 2015

Michael Fassbender starring Steve Jobs is based on the life of Apple co-founder – Steve Jobs. The movie is a biopic with three sequences – all depicting a pivotal point in Steve’s life. He faces many problems in his personal and professional life while trying to launch three products in the market.

It takes us behind the scenes of the digital revolution to paint an intimate portrait of the brilliantly talented man as its epicentre. It is a great movie that is inspirational in its very essence – it shows how great ideas are not born through compromise but through vision and determination.

"I’m not dismissing the value of higher education; I’m simply saying it comes at the expense of experience."

8. The Social Network

IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
Release date: 12 November 2010

The movie is based on Mark Zuckerberg - the founder of Facebook. It shows an 18 yr old old boy learning real business. He learns about the darker side of the business when his idea is stolen.

Protecting your ideas in the corporate world and planning for the worst is what an entrepreneur must always be ready for. Also, Ideas have no value, what matters is applying them in the real world.

"Ideas have no value"

9. Glengarry Glen Ross

IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
Release date: 2 October 1992

Glengarry Glen Ross is based on an award-winning play by David Mamet which shows the plight of real estate salespeople during a disruptive and turbulent sales season. The motivational speech given by Baldwin to the sales team is a moving scene in the film.

The movie shows how it is like to function and operate in a high-pressure sales atmosphere and how you need to use your wits in order to survive and thrive. It takes a closer look at the betrayals and lies people endure just to succeed in their field of business, and illustrates how vicious the business world can be.

"If everyone thinks one thing, then I say bet the other way."

10. Citizen Kane

IMDB Rating: 8.3/10
Release date: 1 May 1941

Citizen Kane is a movie that even if you are not an entrepreneur, or an aspirant too, you should watch regardless as it is one of the masterpieces of cinema. The movie revolves around the life of Charles Foster Kane who is a newspaper tycoon, loosely based on William Randolph Hearst, and his quest for fortune, fame, and power.

But in the end, Kane comes to a realization and understands what is really important in life. It teaches one that while aspiring to be a successful businessman is a goal of every entrepreneur, it is not the only goal in life.

There is only one person in the world who is going to decide what I'm going to do and that's me."

11. Catch Me If You Can

IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
Release date: 25 December 2002

Catch Me If You Can is based on a true story about the successful con artist Frank Abagnale who charms everyone with his skill mastery. The movie is a classic film that exemplifies the entrepreneurial journey. It covers important themes like creative problem solving, turning something good out of a bad situation, and good old hustle to reach the top, to reach the success one desires.

You will learn many things from this movie – entrepreneurship skills, creativity and innovation, business vision, perseverance, personal sales techniques, and funding sources. That should, of course, be done with an ethical code of conduct.

Dear Dad, you always told me that an honest man has nothing to fear, so I'm trying my best not to be afraid."

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12. Cocktail (1988)

IMDB Rating: 5.9/10
Release date: 29 July 1988

The 1988 Tom Cruise starring film shows a bartender with high aspirations who reads books all the time. The story is a mix of drama and romance. It shows how valuable an idea is.

An entrepreneur is not who works only if the things come out as per him and his ideal choices but is the one who can make his idea work anywhere. Even a bartender can then become a bar owner. And even a shopkeeper is an entrepreneur because he believes in his idea and in the best way can deliver it.

"If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere"

13. Moneyball

IMDB Rating: 7.6/10
Release date: 24 February 2012

This movie is based on baseball but is entertaining to all demographics. Brad Pitt portrays Billy Beane who is the general manager of the Oakland A’s. The team is met with a deficit of finances to spend on players and Beane had to discover unique tactics to compete. He overcomes the odds stacked against his team. He decides to take the untested sabre-metric approach toward building his team to achieve incredible results in the MLB (Major Baseball League).

Billy Bean had to adapt in order to survive. He had to take risks and make tough decisions to achieve good results. These circumstances and scenarios are what most startups face when they go against stiff competition from already established ventures. The movie showcases how success can be achieved through risk-taking and inventiveness.

“Hard work may not always end up in success but it will never end up in regret.”

14. Two for the Money

IMDB Rating: 6.3/10
Release date: 7 October 2005

This movie is set in the world of Vegas Professional Football and the gambling world is just one of the places you will visit in the analysis of just how changes happen when things seem out of your control.

Two for the Money stars Al Pacino and Matthew McConaughey in a cautionary, no-holds-barred tale about the destructive, shape-shifting power of addiction. It showcases that changes can be made by anybody if the motivation is there deep down. It is a great pick for new aspiring entrepreneurs out there.

"Stats are not enough, you need a voice! These are gamblers ready to risk what they can't afford for what they can't have, you're selling the world's rarest commodity: certainty, in an uncertain world."

15. The Big Short

IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
Release date: 23 January 2016

The film is set in the mid of 2oo6- 2007 when some financial experts realise that the housing market in the US is going to collapse after they discover an unstable situation. The films have some of the biggest names in the industry like Ryan Gosling, Christian Bale and Steve Carell. It is derived from a Non-Fiction book of the same name.

The film describes how those experts with their observation find corruption and fault in the entire system. The story is based on a true event and shows how corruption has caused the housing crisis in the US.

"Everyone, deep in their hearts, is waiting for the end of the world to come."

16. Margin Call

IMDB Rating: 7.1/10
Release date: 21 October 2011

The 2011 thrilling movie tells the tale where risk management, head Eric Dale along with other employees of an investment bank got laid off from their work. The film focuses on the 2008 financial crisis and shows how a group of employees take some actions in a 24-hour time period during the great financial crisis.

The film shows how a big financial institution work and the motivation behind the people working there.

"You know, the feeling that people experience when they stand on the edge like this isn't the fear of falling - it's the fear that they might jump."

17. Barbarians at the Gate

IMDB Rating: 7.2/10
Release date: 20 March 1993

Barbarians at the Gate tells the story of F. Ross Johnson, the CEO and President of RJR Nabisco and shows his journey on how he tried to buy his own company. During that, a bidding war for the tobacco company started when other companies also started taking an interest in the tobacco company.

The film shows aggressive business tactics that need to be used in a competitive world for survival.

"It's not the company. It's the credibility. My credibility. I can't just sit on the bench and let other people play the game. Not my game. Not with their rules."

18. Boiler Room

IMDB Rating: 7/10
Release date: 18 February 2000

This Crime drama film depicts the story of a clever college dropout, Seth Davis who got successful after finding a job in a stock brokerage firm. The entire film shows how he got into the world of corruption and greed when he let success get into his head. It shows how in an order to make fast money, the protagonist gets involved in criminal activities and corruption.

"And there is no such thing as a no sale call. A sale is made on every call you make. Either you sell the client some stock or he sells you a reason he can’t. Either way a sale is made, the only question is who is gonna close? You or him? Now be relentless, that’s it, I’m done."

19. Rogue Trader

IMDB Rating: 6.4/10
Release date: 25 June 1999

Rogue Trader follows the story of an investment broker named Nick Leeson who alone cause chaos and bankrupted the oldest bank in Britain named Barings. The story is based on true events and shows how Leeson makes many risky trades in the Asian market and the collapse of the Barings Bank in 1995. The film how greed can actually destroy you slowly if it is not controlled on time.

“A futures contract is an agreement to buy or sell a specified amount of a commodity at a specified price at a future date.”

Other Inspirational Movies for Entrepreneurs

Some Old Bollywood Business-related movies

• Satyakam (released in 1969)
• Manthan (released in 1976)
• Manzil (released in 1979)
• Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (released in 1983)
• Ek Ruka Hua Faisla (released in 1986)
• Ek Doctor Ki Maut ( released in 1990)
• Pyaasa (released in 1957)

Other Hollywood Business-related movies

• The Founder
• Pirates of the Silicon Valley
• The Call of the Entrepreneur
• Forrest Gump
• The Inventor
• Rocky
• The Aviator
• Office Space
• Something Ventured
• e-Dreams
• The Startup Kids
• Joy
• Any Given Sunday
• The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard
• Margin Call
• Jerry Maguire

Conclusion

Movies can inspire you, motivate you, and can help you give a kick start to your life. Also, it can give you a boost to your career. But when you come to reality all these movies will only be emotional support and energy booster. At the end of the day, you have to work hard to get the desired result. Keep striving, keep hustling, keep going. Believe in yourself. Put effort to get the desired result. Till then, keep reading such articles to know more about such interesting topics.

FAQs

What are some of the best inspirational movies for entrepreneurs?

Here are some of the best inspirational movies for entrepreneurs:

• The Pursuit of Happiness
• Jobs
• The Social Network
• ROCKET SINGH - Salesman of the year
• Guru
• Joy
• The Founder
• The Big Short
• Moneyball

Why is a movie like Rocket Singh a must-watch?

There are so many lessons that can be learned from the movie-

• Academic excellence does not dictate success.
• Take failure and snide remarks in your stride, and let your actions do the talking.
• Leaders are born in the most unusual of circumstances.
• A humble leader who inspires his team to look ahead of the challenges -- a trait every entrepreneur must possess.

What an Entrepreneur should watch?

An entrepreneur should watch movies, other entrepreneurs and interactive lessons, seminars, interviews, and gain knowledge and act to become successful as an entrepreneur. Among the movies he/she should, Moneyball, The Wolf of Wall Street, The Social Network, Glengarry Glen Ross, Rocket Singh- Salesman of the year, Band Baaja Baarat and Guru are some of the inspirational movies.

Is the Indian movie Guru, featuring Abhishek Bachchan, based on a true story?

Guru was based on Dhirubhai Ambani’s life. Dhirubhai's life was more inspirational than the movie. Dhirubhai was no ordinary successful businessman from India. He had achieved unthinkable feats in his life. From being a young man working in a petrol pump in a foreign land and later becoming the richest Indian.

What are rag to riches movies?

The kind of movies that are based on such protagonists, who eventually become rich and successful towards the end of the movies beginning a career with nothing or close to nothing. The Pursuit of Happyness, Citizen Kane, Goodfellas, The Wolf of Wall Street, Forrest Gump, and Slumdog Millionaire are some of the best rags to riches movies.