Movies About Business Success

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Diane Keaton
Rated R

"The Godfather" is an iconic and critically acclaimed crime drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola, released in 1972. It tells the story of the Corleone family, a powerful Mafia family led by patriarch Vito Corleone, who attempts to maintain his family's criminal empire while dealing with the family's internal rivalries and external pressures. His son Michael, initially uninvolved in the family business, becomes more embroiled in it as the movie progresses, eventually taking over as head of the family. The movie is full of memorable characters and iconic scenes, and follows the Corleones as they navigate the complicated world of organized crime. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather Part II is a crime drama sequel to the 1972 movie The Godfather. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, and Robert De Niro, the film centers on the Corleone family and their patriarch, Don Vito Corleone. The story moves between two timelines: one in the past, featuring Vito's early life and the events leading up to the first movie; and one in the present, following his son, Michael Corleone, as he expands the family business and deals with the fallout of his criminal past. Through these two storylines, the movie explores themes of family and loyalty, power and greed, and the consequences of violence.

From Sidney Lumet, starring Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Martin Balsam, John Fiedler
Rated Approved

12 Angry Men is an iconic courtroom drama directed by Sidney Lumet in 1957. The story follows a jury of twelve men as they deliberate to decide the fate of a young defendant who is accused of murdering his father. During the course of their deliberation, the men become divided on whether the evidence is enough to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The film follows the men as they confront their own prejudices, preconceived notions, and personal biases while debating the evidence presented. Ultimately, the jury finds the defendant not guilty and the film ends on a note of hope and understanding.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field
Rated PG-13

Forrest Gump is a 1994 comedy-drama directed by Robert Zemeckis, based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom. The film stars Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump, a simple-minded man from Alabama who witnesses, and in some cases influences, some of the most defining events in American history from the late 1950s to the early 1980s. Along the way, he tries to reunite with his childhood sweetheart and childhood friend, Jenny (played by Robin Wright). Throughout the film, Forrest narrates his life story, often providing insight into how his outlook on life and his moral beliefs have shaped the course of his life. In the end, Forrest learns that life is about enjoying the moments and cherishing the people who touch our lives.

From Frank Capra, starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell
Rated PG

It's a Wonderful Life is a classic holiday movie directed by Frank Capra. The film follows the journey of George Bailey, a small-town man who has always put others before himself. On the brink of suicide, George is visited by an angel who shows him what life would have been like had he never been born. Through this journey, George realizes the true value of his life and the impact he has had on others. Ultimately, he finds the courage to face his troubles and is rewarded with redemption and joy. This timeless film celebrates the spirit of Christmas and reminds us all of the importance of life and friendship.

From Michael Curtiz, starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains
Rated PG

Casablanca is a classic, award-winning romantic drama set in the French-occupied city of Casablanca during World War II. It follows the story of Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), a cynical American ex-patriate who owns a popular nightclub in the city. Blaine soon finds himself embroiled in a love triangle between Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman), a former lover of his, and Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid), a Czech Resistance leader who is desperately trying to escape the country. With the help of the club’s patrons, Rick ultimately helps Laszlo and Ilsa to escape and reunites with his former lover. The film is noted for its iconic lines, memorable characters and engaging story.

From Charles Chaplin, starring Charles Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, Henry Bergman, Tiny Sandford
Rated G

Modern Times is a 1936 silent comedy film written, directed, produced, and starring Charles Chaplin, in which he plays the role of The Tramp. The film follows The Tramp as he struggles to live in modern industrial society with the help of a young homeless woman. The film is a satire of the industrialization of the world, with Chaplin's Little Tramp character struggling to survive in an increasingly automated and impersonal world. The Tramp is thrown into a number of ridiculous situations, including being caught in the gears of an assembly line, being thrown in jail, and trying to survive on a ship full of hungry penguins. Throughout these struggles, The Tramp remains determined and hopeful, eventually finding love and companionship with the young woman.

From Orson Welles, starring Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Dorothy Comingore, Agnes Moorehead
Rated PG

Citizen Kane is a 1941 American drama film directed, co-written, produced and starring Orson Welles. The film follows the story of the powerful but controversial publishing magnate Charles Foster Kane, the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death, and the effects of his life on those around him. The film begins with newsreel footage of Kane's life and death, intermixed with flashbacks of his childhood and adulthood. After his death, a reporter attempts to uncover the meaning of Kane's last word, "Rosebud". As he investigates, he interviews Kane's friends and associates and pieces together a portrait of Kane's life and legacy. The film was nominated for nine Academy Awards and won one, for Best Original Screenplay. Citizen Kane is frequently cited as one of the greatest films ever made.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, James Woods
Rated R

Casino is a 1995 American crime film directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci. The film is based on the non-fiction book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas by Nicholas Pileggi, who also co-wrote the screenplay for the film with Scorsese. The story follows the rise and fall of Sam "Ace" Rothstein (De Niro), a Jewish American gambling handicapper who is called by the mob to oversee the operations at the Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas. Ace is a smooth operator and quickly gains a reputation as the man to make the Tangiers an extremely profitable casino. However, Ace's success is not without turmoil, as the mob boss behind the Tangiers, Nicky Santoro (Pesci), begins to sink into a spiral of drugs and violence. Ace eventually finds himself in conflict with both the mob and the Nevada State Gaming Commission. With the mob wanting revenge, and Ace unable to get the cash needed to pay off the mob, he finds himself in a dangerous and deadly situation.

From Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano, Ciarán Hinds, Martin Stringer
Rated R

"There Will Be Blood" is a dark and intense period drama about the rise and fall of an ambitious oilman, Daniel Plainview, played by Daniel Day-Lewis. Set in 1898, the film follows Plainview's ruthless pursuit of wealth and influence in the booming oil industry. Despite having a young son, Plainview is willing to sacrifice anything and everything to get what he wants. As his wealth and power grow, Plainview's relationships with his son and a young preacher (Paul Dano) become strained and ultimately end in tragedy. The film features stunning visuals, intense performances, and a powerful score, making it a classic of contemporary cinema.

From Charles Ferguson, starring Matt Damon, Gylfi Zoega, Andri Snær Magnason, Sigridur Benediktsdottir
Rated PG-13

Inside Job is a 2010 documentary film which examines the 2008 global financial crisis and the events leading up to it. It is directed by Charles Ferguson, who also wrote and produced it. The film features interviews with key financial insiders, government officials, and journalists, and it also includes archival footage and news coverage. The film examines the role of Wall Street, the banks, private equity firms, and other financial institutions in the crisis, and the role of government in allowing the crisis to happen. It argues that the crisis was caused by a systemic and widespread fraud by financial institutions, and that the government's failure to regulate the industry was a key factor in its creation. The film also looks at the culture of corruption and greed that allowed the crisis to occur, and the impact of the crisis on ordinary citizens.

From Sidney Lumet, starring Faye Dunaway, William Holden, Peter Finch, Robert Duvall
Rated R

Network is a 1976 satirical drama film directed by Sidney Lumet and written by Paddy Chayefsky. The film stars Faye Dunaway, Peter Finch, and Robert Duvall and follows a TV network anchor's mental breakdown as he vents his frustrations on the air and his subsequent transformation into a prophet-like figure. Howard Beale (Finch) is an aging news anchor who, after years of declining ratings, is about to be fired. As a last-ditch effort to save his job, he goes on a rant on the air and calls for an "end to 'the bull****'" of modern life. His rant catches the attention of the network's executives, who decide to use it to their advantage by marketing Beale as a prophet of sorts, leading to immense ratings success. However, the media circus soon spirals out of control and Beale's mental state continues to deteriorate. In the end, Beale's message is seen as a call to arms against the media and the moral bankruptcy of society. Network is a powerful and thought-provoking film that serves as a stark commentary on the power of corporate influence in the media industry.

From Richard Attenborough, starring Ben Kingsley, John Gielgud, Rohini Hattangadi, Roshan Seth
Rated PG

Gandhi is an award-winning biographical drama film directed by Richard Attenborough and starring Ben Kingsley as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. The film covers Gandhi's life from his early days in South Africa to his death in India in 1948. The film focuses on Gandhi's struggle to gain independence for India from the British Empire through his philosophy of nonviolent civil disobedience. It follows Gandhi's life through his many triumphs and tragedies, including the massacre of millions of Sikhs in India and his assassination in 1948. Through it all, Gandhi's strong belief in nonviolence and his commitment to the cause of achieving independence for India is clear. The film was critically acclaimed and won several awards, including 8 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Ben Kingsley.

From Tom Hooper, starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Derek Jacobi
Rated R

The King's Speech is a historical drama film that follows the story of King George VI (Colin Firth) of England as he struggles to overcome a debilitating nervous stammer in order to lead his country through a time of great crisis. With the looming threat of World War II and his brother's unexpected abdication of the throne, King George must find a way to inspire and unite his people. To do so, he seeks out the help of an unorthodox speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). Through the course of their sessions, the two men develop a strong friendship that helps the King overcome his speech impediment and gain the confidence and courage to lead his country during a time of great need.

From Directors: Mark Achbar, Jennifer Abbott, starring Mikela Jay, Rob Beckwermert, Christopher Gora, Nina Jones
Rated Not Rated

The Corporation is an award-winning 2003 Canadian documentary film which examines the nature and power of the modern-day corporation, exploring their inner workings and how they shape society. It features interviews with 40 corporate insiders and critics, including Noam Chomsky, Milton Friedman, Naomi Klein and Michael Moore. The film examines how corporate power has grown exponentially over the last few decades, and looks at its effects on society, the environment, and the global economy. It looks at the legal and ethical issues surrounding corporations, and examines the idea that corporations have become so powerful that they can no longer be seen as solely profit-driven entities, but as entities that rival nation states in influence and power.

From Gabriele Muccino, starring Will Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Jaden Smith, Brian Howe
Rated PG-13

The Pursuit of Happyness is a 2006 American biographical drama film directed by Gabriele Muccino. The film stars Will Smith as Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who is determined to make a better life for himself and his young son. Gardner faces numerous obstacles, such as having no money, no home, and no job. He eventually lands an unpaid internship in a highly competitive stockbroker-training program, where he must compete with a group of much younger, more educated individuals for a paid position. Despite the odds, Gardner's determination and resilience enable him to triumph over the obstacles he faces. The film is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, who went from being homeless to becoming a successful stockbroker.

From Michael Curtiz, starring Joan Crawford, Jack Carson, Zachary Scott, Eve Arden
Rated Approved

Mildred Pierce (Joan Crawford) is an ambitious, resilient single mother struggling to keep her family together during the Great Depression. After her wealthy husband, Bert (Bruce Bennett), abandons her and her two young daughters, Mildred takes up a job as a waitress to support her family. She soon finds success as a businesswoman, opening her own upscale restaurant. However, Mildred’s ambition and drive soon cause a rift between her and her oldest daughter, Veda (Ann Blyth). Veda, who has grown up accustomed to money and privilege, is jealous of her mother’s success and critical of her lifestyle. The tension between them intensifies when Veda begins a relationship with a wealthy, married man. In the end, Mildred must choose between a life of financial security or the love of her daughter.

From David Fincher, starring Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Rooney Mara
Rated PG-13

The Social Network is a 2010 biographical drama film directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin. It stars Jesse Eisenberg as the founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg. The film chronicles the founding of the social media network and the ensuing lawsuits that Zuckerberg faced due to his actions. It also depicts how the web site's success affected Zuckerberg and his relationships with his former best friend Eduardo Saverin, business partner Sean Parker, and other early Facebook employees. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning numerous awards and nominations, including eight Academy Award nominations. It was the first film to win an award at the Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score and Best Film Editing.

From John Huston, starring Sean Connery, Michael Caine, Christopher Plummer, Saeed Jaffrey
Rated PG

The Man Who Would Be King is a 1975 adventure film directed by John Huston and starring Sean Connery, Michael Caine, and Saeed Jaffrey. The film follows two former British soldiers, Peachy Carnehan (Connery) and Daniel Dravot (Caine), who venture to remote Kafiristan in an attempt to become kings. Along the way, they encounter a variety of obstacles, including a hostile tribe of warriors, the dangerous terrain of the Himalayas, and the challenging political situation of the region. After managing to win the support of the local people, they declare themselves kings, only to discover the consequences of their actions. In the end, they must choose between their dream of becoming kings or protecting the people they have come to care for.

From Michael Mann, starring Russell Crowe, Al Pacino, Christopher Plummer, Diane Venora
Rated R

The Insider is a 1999 American drama-thriller film directed by Michael Mann, based on the true story of Jeffrey Wigand, a former executive at the tobacco company Brown & Williamson who blew the whistle on the corporation for its knowledge of the health hazards of their products. After being fired from the company, Wigand is eventually approached by a 60 Minutes producer in order to tell his story, but the tobacco company pressures CBS to not run the story. The film follows Wigand and producer Lowell Bergman as they try to get the story out, while struggling with the ethical implications of their actions.

From Ridley Scott, starring Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin
Rated R

American Gangster is a 2007 biographical crime thriller directed by Ridley Scott. The film follows the true story of Frank Lucas, a gangster from Harlem who smuggled heroin into the United States in the 1970s. Lucas quickly rose to power, becoming the most powerful drug kingpin in the city, while simultaneously staying under the radar of law enforcement. Meanwhile, police detective Richie Roberts is determined to bring Lucas down and avenge the death of his partner. Through gritty and gripping scenes, the story of Lucas’s crime empire and Roberts’ pursuit for justice unfolds in an unforgettable way.

From James Foley, starring Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, Alan Arkin
Rated R

Glengarry Glen Ross is a 1992 American drama film directed by James Foley and starring an ensemble cast of Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, Alan Arkin, Ed Harris, Kevin Spacey and Jonathan Pryce. The film is based on David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize-winning 1984 play of the same name, and is set in a Chicago real estate office. The main story follows a group of four desperate real estate agents who are up against each other in a sales competition. As time is running out, they must resort to increasingly desperate measures to try and get ahead of their competitors. The film also explores themes of greed, ambition, and morality, as the agents find themselves in an ever-escalating spiral of dishonesty, manipulation, and betrayal. Ultimately, the characters are forced to confront the consequences of their actions.

From Mike Judge, starring Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston, David Herman, Ajay Naidu
Rated R

Office Space is a 1999 black comedy film directed by Mike Judge and starring Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston, and Gary Cole. The movie follows Peter Gibbons (Livingston), a frustrated IT worker who, after attending a hypnotherapist, develops a complete disregard for his job and the people he works with. With the help of his friends Michael Bolton (David Herman) and Samir Nagheenanajar (Ajay Naidu), he devises a plan to embezzle money from their company. His plan is successful but not without consequences as the trio must face off against the company's consultant, Bob Slydell (Cole). In the end, they manage to keep their jobs and Peter is promoted, but they also end up becoming millionaires in the process.

From James Marsh, starring Philippe Petit, Jean François Heckel, Jean-Louis Blondeau, Annie Allix
Rated PG-13

Man on Wire is a documentary film directed by James Marsh and released in 2008. The film recounts the story of French high-wire artist Philippe Petit and his daring plan to walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in 1974. The film follows Petit as he assembles his team, tests the wire, and ultimately performs the walk, assisted by an unlikely group of supporters. The film focuses on the joy and elation of the performance, and the risks taken by Petit and his team. The film was acclaimed for its visuals, subtle storytelling, and the thrilling re-enactment of the walk itself. It won the 2008 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

From Danny Boyle, starring James Franco, Amber Tamblyn, Kate Mara, Sean Bott
Rated R

127 Hours is a 2010 biographical survival drama film directed by Danny Boyle. It stars James Franco as Aron Ralston, a canyoneer who becomes trapped in a remote slot canyon in Utah by a boulder in April 2003. Over the next five days, Ralston examines his life and survives the elements to finally discover he has the courage and the wherewithal to extricate himself by any means necessary. Through the process of self-discovery, Ralston comes to terms with his past and prepare himself for the future. In the end, through sheer determination and self-belief, he is able to free himself and is ultimately rescued by a team of volunteer search and rescue professionals.