Movies About Leadership And Teamwork

From Frank Darabont, starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler
Rated R

The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 American drama film written and directed by Frank Darabont, based on the 1982 Stephen King novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. The film stars Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne, a banker who is sentenced to life in Shawshank State Penitentiary for the murder of his wife and her lover, despite his claims of innocence. Over the following two decades, he befriends a fellow prisoner, Ellis "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman), and finds himself protected by the guards after the warden begins using him in his money-laundering operation. With the help of his friends and a mysterious new inmate, Andy makes a daring escape to freedom. The film is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time, and has since been adapted into an opera and a stage play.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley, Caroline Goodall
Rated R

Schindler's List is a 1993 American epic historical drama film directed and co-produced by Steven Spielberg. It is based on the novel Schindler's Ark by Australian novelist Thomas Keneally. The film follows Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), a German businessman, who saved the lives of more than a thousand mostly Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. It stars Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes, and Liam Neeson in the leading roles, with a supporting cast including Caroline Goodall, Jonathan Sagall, Embeth Davidtz, and many others. The film takes place in World War II-era Kraków, Poland, and chronicles Schindler's transformation from a greedy businessman to a concerned humanitarian as he witnesses the horrific conditions of the Jews in the ghettos. Schindler risks his own life and fortune to rescue them, and in the process, creates a factory and employment oportunities where none previously existed. The film ends with a powerful scene of Schindler's Jewish workers standing together in tribute to him. Schindler's List won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted

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

12 Angry Men is a classic courtroom drama directed by Sidney Lumet in 1957. The film follows a jury of twelve men as they deliberate over a case involving a teenage boy accused of murdering his father. Initially, all the jurors appear to be convinced of the boy's guilt. However, as the film progresses, one juror, identified only as "Juror 8" (Henry Fonda) slowly begins to doubt the verdict and seeks to reexamine the facts of the case. Through a process of rigorous debate and discussion, the jurors gradually come to the realization that the boy is not guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. In the end, the jury unanimously acquits the young defendant. 12 Angry Men is a powerful statement about the importance of critical thinking and the ability of people to come together for the greater good.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Mackenzie Foy
Rated PG-13

Interstellar tells the story of a team of explorers who travel through a wormhole in search of a new home for humanity. The team is led by ex-NASA pilot Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) and includes scientist Amelia Brand (Anne Hathaway) and robot TARS (voiced by Bill Irwin). The exploration leads them to a mysterious world where time and space have different properties than on Earth. As they venture further, they must battle a variety of obstacles, including a hostile alien species, in order to find a way to save the human race. Along the way, they discover secrets about the universe and the power of love. The film is an exploration of the relationship between time, space and humanity, as well as a thrilling adventure story.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Kirk Douglas, Ralph Meeker, Adolphe Menjou, George Macready
Rated Approved

Paths of Glory is a 1957 black-and-white anti-war film co-written and directed by Stanley Kubrick. It stars Kirk Douglas as Colonel Dax, a French army officer who is assigned to defend his men against a military tribunal. The story is set during World War I and centers on the injustice of the execution of three soldiers who were accused of cowardice during a failed attack. Through the course of the film, Colonel Dax works to prove their innocence while struggling with the military bureaucracy. The film also depicts the futility and insanity of war, as well as the casualties of war on both sides of the conflict. It received a number of awards and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium.

From David Lean, starring Peter O'Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins
Rated Approved

Lawrence of Arabia is a 1962 British epic historical drama film based on the life of T. E. Lawrence. It was directed by David Lean and produced by Sam Spiegel through his British company, Horizon Pictures, and distributed by Columbia Pictures. The film stars Peter O'Toole in the title role, with Alec Guinness and Anthony Quinn playing supporting roles. The storyline follows Lawrence's experiences in the Arabian Peninsula during World War I, in particular his attacks on Aqaba and Damascus and his involvement in the Arab National Council. Lawrence's remarkable journey takes him from the depths of despair and self-doubt to the heights of heroism as he leads a daring Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire. Throughout, Lawrence is torn between his sense of duty to the British and his growing understanding of, and sympathy for, the Arabs. Lawrence of Arabia was a critical and commercial success, winning seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, and Best Film Editing.

From David Lean, starring William Holden, Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Sessue Hayakawa
Rated PG

The Bridge on the River Kwai is a 1957 British-American epic war film set during World War II and directed by David Lean. The film tells the story of a British colonial (Colonel Nicholson played by Alec Guinness) working with his Japanese captors to build a bridge over the River Kwai, in spite of the protests of his fellow prisoners of war. The British Colonel's stubborn adherence to the rules of military conduct, combined with the determination of the Japanese commandant (played by Sessue Hayakawa), lead to the completion of the bridge and its eventual destruction by the Allies. In the end, the bridge is destroyed, but Nicholson and the Japanese commandant, who have developed a mutual respect, both understand that the bridge was a symbol of their dedication and courage. The film earned seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and has been hailed as one of the greatest films of all time.

From John G. Avildsen, starring Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers
Rated PG

Rocky is a 1976 American sports drama film directed by John G. Avildsen and written by and starring Sylvester Stallone. The film is about Rocky Balboa, an uneducated but kind-hearted working-class Italian-American boxer from Philadelphia, who gets a shot at the world heavyweight championship. Rocky, a small-time club fighter, is chosen as the challenger to take on the reigning world heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed. Despite his lack of experience and training, Rocky must find a way to overcome his seemingly unbeatable opponent. Along the way, he finds love in the form of Adrian, the shy sister of his best friend Paulie. With the help of his tough trainer, Mickey, Rocky is able to make a valiant effort in the ring, but the fate of the match is ultimately left undecided. In the end, Rocky's determination and courage to keep fighting until the very end earns him the respect of everyone around him and his journey to become a champion is complete. The film went on to become one of the highest-grossing films of all time and was nominated for ten Academy Awards, of which it won three. It also spawned several sequels and inspired many more films about underdogs overcoming the odds.

From Rob Reiner, starring Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell
Rated R

Stand by Me is a classic coming-of-age drama directed by Rob Reiner. It tells the story of four young friends - Gordie, Chris, Teddy, and Vern - in a small Oregon town in 1959 who set off on an adventure to find the body of a missing boy. Along the way, they face their own fears, experience the thrill of adventure, and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of friendship and loyalty. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons about growing up, facing their own mortality, and the importance of standing by your friends in a crisis.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Clint Eastwood, Bee Vang, Christopher Carley, Ahney Her
Rated R

Gran Torino is a 2008 American drama film directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Eastwood in the lead role. The film follows Walt Kowalski, an elderly Korean War veteran, who grows increasingly frustrated with the behavior of his young Hmong neighbors. After a young Hmong neighbor attempts to steal his Gran Torino, Kowalski takes him under his wing and teaches him important life lessons while also confronting his own personal demons. In the process, Kowalski is able to bridge the gap between the Hmong community and his own and ultimately discovers a new sense of purpose in his life.

From Ron Howard, starring Daniel Brühl, Chris Hemsworth, Olivia Wilde, Alexandra Maria Lara
Rated R

Rush is a 2013 biographical sports drama film directed by Ron Howard and written by Peter Morgan. It tells the story of the intense rivalry between Formula 1 drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda during the 1976 Formula 1 motor-racing season. The film stars Chris Hemsworth as Hunt, and Daniel Brühl as Lauda. The film focuses on the contrasting styles and personalities of the two drivers and their competition for the 1976 world title. Hunt is a charismatic, playboy Briton and the reigning world champion, while Lauda is a hard, scientific Austrian who is a master of precision driving. The film follows their intense competition over the course of the 1976 season, and their personal and professional lives outside of the track. It culminates in their dramatic and fateful final race at the Japanese Grand Prix.

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

The King's Speech is a 2010 British historical drama film directed by Tom Hooper and written by David Seidler. The film tells the story of King George VI, played by Colin Firth, who must overcome his debilitating stammer with the help of speech therapist Lionel Logue, played by Geoffrey Rush. The film charts the relationship between the two men as they work together to overcome the King's speech impediment, ultimately enabling him to deliver a rousing speech to the nation at the start of World War II. The film was well-received by critics and won numerous awards, including four Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay.

From Billy Wilder, starring William Holden, Don Taylor, Otto Preminger, Robert Strauss
Rated Not Rated

Stalag 17 is a 1953 war comedy-drama film directed by Billy Wilder and starring William Holden, Don Taylor, Otto Preminger, Peter Graves, Robert Strauss, Harvey Lembeck, and Neville Brand. Set in a German POW camp during World War II, the film tells the story of a group of prisoners who eventually discover that one of their own is a spy. While the prisoners try to discover the identity of the spy, they must also cope with the harsh living conditions of the camp, the constant presence of the Gestapo, and their own internal conflicts. In the end, the prisoners prevail and the spy is revealed.

From Franklin J. Schaffner, starring George C. Scott, Karl Malden, Stephen Young, Michael Strong
Rated GP

Patton is a 1970 American epic biographical war film about U.S. General George S. Patton during World War II. It stars George C. Scott as Patton and Karl Malden as General Omar Bradley. The film follows Patton, his military career in North Africa and Europe, and culminates with the Battle of the Bulge. The film features Patton's famous "speech to the Third Army" where he inspired them to victory in the Battle of the Bulge. Patton is a highly acclaimed and award-winning film, and George C. Scott won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance. The film has often been introduced as one of the greatest films ever made.

From Boaz Yakin, starring Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris, Ryan Hurst
Rated PG

Remember the Titans tells the true story of the 1971 T.C. Williams High School Football team from Alexandria, Virginia. After a court order forces the newly integrated school to become racially balanced, the team's newly-appointed coach, Herman Boone (Denzel Washington), faces the challenge of taking a disparate group of players and coaching them into a unified team. With the help of assistant coach Bill Yoast (Will Patton), Boone strives to overcome prejudice, rivalry and fear, while leading the Titans to an undefeated season and a state championship title. Along the way, the Titans learn lessons of racial harmony, respect, and teamwork that will last them a lifetime.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Fionn Whitehead, Barry Keoghan, Mark Rylance, Tom Hardy
Rated PG-13

Dunkirk is a 2017 war film written, co-produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan. Set in May-June 1940 during World War II, the film tells the story of the Dunkirk evacuation, in which hundreds of thousands of British and Allied troops were rescued from the beaches and harbor of Dunkirk, France, after being surrounded by German forces. The film follows three perspectives: a soldier (Fionn Whitehead) attempting to escape the beach; a civilian boat captain (Mark Rylance) who joins the rescue; and two fighter pilots (Tom Hardy and Jack Lowden) providing cover from the air. Dunkirk explores the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges faced by the individuals involved in the evacuation. The film was praised by critics and audiences alike, and was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. It won the award for Best Sound Editing and was a blockbuster success, earning over $525 million worldwide.

From Christophe Barratier, starring Gérard Jugnot, François Berléand, Jean-Baptiste Maunier, Kad Merad
Rated PG-13

The Chorus (2004) is a French drama film directed by Christophe Barratier. The story follows Clément Mathieu (Gérard Jugnot), a kind-hearted music teacher who takes a job as the disciplinarian of a school for troubled boys. At first, Mathieu is met with distrust and disdain by the students, but he soon wins them over with his gentle nature and passion for music. With the help of his students, Mathieu sets out to form a boys' choir, and succeeds in teaching them the beauty of music. Through the power of music, the boys discover a newfound joy and camaraderie, and they eventually compete in a national choir competition. The Chorus is a heartwarming story of redemption and hope, and of the power of music to bring people together.

From John Frankenheimer, starring Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, Fredric March, Ava Gardner
Rated Approved

Seven Days in May is a classic political thriller directed by John Frankenheimer, released in 1964. The film follows the story of U.S. Air Force Brigadier General James Mattoon Scott (Burt Lancaster), who discovers a sinister plot to overthrow the president of the United States. Scott discovers that a powerful cabal of military officers, led by his old friend and mentor, General James Lampert (Kirk Douglas) are planning a military coup d'état in the United States. Scott must race against time to expose and stop the plotters before they can carry out their plan. The film is full of suspense, politics and intrigue as Scott and his allies struggle to prevent the coup and save democracy.

From Ron Howard, starring Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon, Gary Sinise
Rated PG

Apollo 13 is a 1995 American space docudrama film directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton, Gary Sinise, and Ed Harris. It tells the true story of the ill-fated 1970 Apollo 13 lunar mission, and the struggles of the astronauts Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise as they work to survive and get back to Earth. The mission is crippled by an onboard explosion that leaves the astronauts stranded 200,000 miles from home. Despite the many obstacles, the crew uses their ingenuity and resourcefulness to find a way to get back to Earth. The film is a testament to the courage and perseverance of the Apollo 13 mission and its heroic crew, who against all odds, managed to survive the perilous journey home.

From Directors: Ken Annakin, Andrew Marton, Gerd Oswald, Bernhard Wicki, Darryl F. Zanuck, starring John Wayne, Robert Ryan, Richard Burton, Henry Fonda
Rated G

The Longest Day is a 1962 epic war film based on Cornelius Ryan's 1959 book of the same name which chronicles the D-Day landings at Normandy on June 6, 1944. Directed by Ken Annakin, Andrew Marton, Gerd Oswald, Bernhard Wicki, and Darryl F. Zanuck, the film features an ensemble cast including John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, Henry Fonda, Richard Burton, Sean Connery, and many other stars. The film follows both the Allied and German forces before, during, and after the invasion, and shows how the Allied forces overcame the formidable defenses of the German army to gain a foothold in Europe. The film culminates in a climactic assault on the beaches of Normandy, a pivotal moment in the war.

From Hannes Holm, starring Rolf Lassgård, Bahar Pars, Filip Berg, Ida Engvoll
Rated PG-13

A Man Called Ove is a 2015 Swedish dramedy directed by Hannes Holm. The film follows Ove (Rolf Lassgård), a grumpy, cantankerous man who has recently been forced into retirement. His strict adherence to rules and regulations has caused him to be very unpopular in his neighborhood. When a new family moves in next door, they bring a new wave of optimism and friendship that begins to change Ove's outlook on life. As his relationships with his new neighbors and his community grow, Ove finds new purpose in life and manages to find a way to fit in and be accepted. As his outlook begins to change, so too do the lives of those around him.

From Bennett Miller, starring Brad Pitt, Robin Wright, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman
Rated PG-13

Moneyball is a 2011 sports drama directed by Bennett Miller and starring Brad Pitt. The movie is based on Michael Lewis’ non-fiction book, Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game and tells the story of Oakland Athletics' general manager Billy Beane’s (Pitt) successful attempt to put together a baseball team on a budget by exploiting the untapped market of undervalued players. In order to compete with wealthy teams like the Yankees, Beane must think outside of the box and assemble a talented, yet cost efficient, roster to compete for the championship. With the help of assistant general manager Peter Brand (Jonah Hill), Beane and the Athletics face adversity and criticism but ultimately prove that data and analytics can help in the pursuit of a championship.

From Brian G. Hutton, starring Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas, Don Rickles, Carroll O'Connor
Rated GP

Kelly's Heroes is a 1970 war-comedy film starring Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas, Donald Sutherland, and Don Rickles. The film follows a group of World War II Allied soldiers who hatch a plan to steal a large cache of gold from a bank behind enemy lines. The soldiers, led by Kelly (Eastwood), must fight their way through the enemy-occupied trenches and dodge German patrols in order to complete their mission. Along the way, they enlist the help of a former German tank commander, a female French resistance fighter, and a group of eccentric British soldiers to help them in their quest. In the end, the soldiers succeed in their mission and make their way back home with the stolen gold.

From Ken Loach, starring Cillian Murphy, Pádraic Delaney, Liam Cunningham, Orla Fitzgerald
Rated Not Rated

The Wind That Shakes The Barley is a 2006 historical drama written and directed by Ken Loach. Based on a script by writer Paul Laverty, it tells the story of two brothers, Damien (Cillian Murphy) and Teddy (Pádraic Delaney), as they fight for Irish independence from the United Kingdom during the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921). After initially supporting the British in the war, Damien slowly realizes that the British are not fighting for Irish freedom, but rather for the continued oppression of the Irish people. He eventually joins the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and his brother Teddy follows suit. The brothers fight together in several battles and are eventually forced to make difficult decisions that will test their loyalty to each other and to the cause they are fighting for. The film follows both the brothers' personal journeys and the larger historical context of the war, ultimately depicting the tragedy of civil war and the triumph of the human spirit.

From John Madden, starring Jessica Chastain, Mark Strong, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Michael Stuhlbarg
Rated R

Miss Sloane is a political thriller focusing on the ruthless lobbyist Elizabeth Sloane (Jessica Chastain). Driven by her ambition and desire to win, Sloane will stop at nothing to get her way, even if it means manipulating the system and potentially sacrificing her own moral code. When she takes on the challenge of leading a high-profile gun control lobbying campaign, she finds herself up against powerful opponents and unexpected obstacles. With her career on the line and her personal life in danger, Sloane must rely on her wit and intelligence to outwit her enemies and succeed in passing the most important legislation of her career.