Movies About Success

From Sergio Leone, starring Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, Treat Williams
Rated R

"Once Upon a Time in America" is a crime epic set in the early 20th century, directed by Sergio Leone. The movie follows the lives of three Jewish-American gangsters, Noodles, Max, and Patsy, from childhood to old age as they attempt to climb the ladder of organized crime in New York City. The movie is divided into two parts, the first focusing on their childhood in the early 1900s, and the second on their lives in the late 1960s. Along the way, the three gangsters face rival gangs, the police, and the corruption of the American Dream. Ultimately, the film is a story of love, loyalty, and the power of friendship.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Ryan O'Neal, Marisa Berenson, Patrick Magee, Hardy Krüger
Rated PG

Barry Lyndon is a 1975 British-American period drama film written, produced, and directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on the 1844 novel The Luck of Barry Lyndon by William Makepeace Thackeray. The film follows the life of an Irish adventurer named Redmond Barry (Ryan O'Neal), who uses cunning and luck to make his way through 18th century Europe. Along his journey, Barry competes for the hand of a wealthy woman, cheats in a card game, and joins the British army for a time before finally securing an aristocratic title. Throughout his struggles, his motivation remains the same—to rise from poverty and gain wealth, power, and status. With stunning cinematography as well as a meticulous attention to detail and period accuracy, Barry Lyndon is a classic of epic filmmaking and stands as one of Kubrick's greatest works.

From Gregory La Cava, starring William Powell, Carole Lombard, Alice Brady, Gail Patrick
Rated Approved

My Man Godfrey is a classic screwball comedy from 1936 directed by Gregory La Cava. The film stars William Powell and Carole Lombard as a wealthy young couple who hire a down-on-his-luck “forgotten man” (Godfrey) as their new butler. Godfrey quickly proves himself to be a witty, kind, and loyal employee, and ultimately helps the couple to reconcile their differences and realize the value of family. In the end, Godfrey also discovers that he is the long-lost son of a wealthy couple. Along the way, the film has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, as well as a romantic subplot between Godfrey and the daughter of his employers, making it a delightful watch.

From Alexander Mackendrick, starring Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis, Susan Harrison, Martin Milner
Rated Approved

Sweet Smell of Success is a 1957 American film noir directed by Alexander Mackendrick and starring Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis. The screenplay was written by Clifford Odets and Ernest Lehman, based on Lehman's story of the same name. The film tells the story of an influential, egotistical Broadway columnist, J.J. Hunsecker, who uses his connections to ruin his sister's relationship with a man he deems unworthy of her. Hunsecker's machinations are opposed by his confidant, press agent Sidney Falco, who hopes to use Hunsecker's power to advance his own career. The film is renowned for its sharp dialogue and menacing atmosphere. Lancaster won a Golden Globe for his performance as Hunsecker. The film's cinematography, editing, and score are all considered to be exemplary, and Sweet Smell of Success is frequently listed among the greatest films of all time.

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

The Man Who Would Be King is a 1975 adventure drama film directed by John Huston and starring Sean Connery and Michael Caine. Set in 19th century British India, the story follows two former British Army sergeants, Daniel Dravot and Peachy Carnehan, who set off on an ambitious mission to become rulers of a distant land. With the help of an enigmatic local priest, they try to build an empire and establish themselves as kings. Along the way, they face betrayal, dark secrets, and the dangers of a harsh and unfamiliar land. In the end, their efforts are met with both success and tragedy.

From Andrew Niccol, starring Nicolas Cage, Ethan Hawke, Jared Leto, Bridget Moynahan
Rated R

Lord of War follows the story of Yuri Orlov (Nicolas Cage), an American gunrunner who becomes one of the most successful arms dealers of all time. He rises to power in the lucrative arms trade by selling weapons to the highest bidder regardless of the consequences. The film examines the international arms trade, showing how politicians, private companies, and criminals are connected in the buying and selling of weapons, and the destruction that it causes. Along the way, Yuri struggles with his conscience and his growing notoriety. With the help of a corrupt government official (Ethan Hawke), Yuri is able to stay one step ahead of the law and continue his business, but at a steep moral cost.

From Matthew Vaughn, starring Charlie Cox, Claire Danes, Sienna Miller, Ian McKellen
Rated PG-13

Stardust is a romantic fantasy adventure film directed by Matthew Vaughn and based on the novel of the same name by Neil Gaiman. It follows the story of Tristan Thorn, a young man from the fictional town of Wall who, in a bid to win the heart of his beloved, sets out on a quest to retrieve a fallen star. Along the way, he encounters a range of characters, both human and magical, and discovers that the star is actually a beautiful woman named Yvaine. Together, they must evade a number of villains who wish to possess the star's power and make their way back to Wall. Ultimately, Tristan and Yvaine are able to find true love despite their differences, and he learns some important lessons about life and love.

From Taylor Hackford, starring Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino, Charlize Theron, Jeffrey Jones
Rated R

The Devil's Advocate is a 1997 psychological thriller directed by Taylor Hackford, starring Al Pacino, Keanu Reeves, and Charlize Theron. Pacino plays John Milton, a mysterious and powerful lawyer who runs a high-end firm in New York City. After luring recently graduated lawyer, Kevin Lomax (Reeves) away from his small Florida hometown to work in his firm, Milton reveals his true identity as the Devil, and offers Kevin a chance to join him in his quest to corrupt humanity. Kevin's moral convictions are tested as he begins to try and make decisions that will further Milton's objectives. The Devil's Advocate is a gripping story of morality and betrayal that follows Kevin as he attempts to navigate the murky waters of temptation and evil.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale, John C. Reilly
Rated PG-13

The Aviator is a biographical drama film directed by Martin Scorsese that follows the life of aviator, film producer, and business mogul, Howard Hughes. Set in the early 20th century, the film follows Hughes from his early years as an aviation tycoon to his later years as a reclusive, eccentric millionaire. After gaining success in aviation, Hughes goes on to make numerous films (such as Hell's Angels and The Outlaw) and also begins to form a business empire that includes hotels, airlines, and real estate. Along the way, Hughes battles personal demons as well as the government and corporate interests of the day. However, his hubris, mismanagement, and mental health issues eventually lead to his downfall.

From John M. Stahl, starring Claudette Colbert, Warren William, Rochelle Hudson, Ned Sparks
Rated Approved

Imitation of Life (1934) is a powerful and moving drama directed by John M. Stahl. The film examines the struggles of a single mother (Lora Meredith, played by Claudette Colbert) who is trying to make a life for herself and her daughter (Jessie, played by Shirley Temple). Lora meets a woman named Bea Pullman (played by Louise Beavers), a black woman who is also a single mother, and the two become fast friends, despite the racial tensions in the city. The two women eventually become business partners, opening a successful pancake house. The story follows the lives of the two families and the hardships and joys that come with living in 1930s America. Lora and Bea struggle to raise their daughters, and Jessie and Bea's daughter, Sarah Jane (played by Fredi Washington), struggle with the realities of being biracial in a society that is still struggling with the consequences of slavery. As the years pass, Bea's daughter Sarah Jane finds success as a light-skinned black woman, while Jessie struggles to deal with her mother's white privilege and finds solace in her friendship with Sarah Jane. In the end, tragedy and tragedy befall both families and lessons of

From Robert Altman, starring Tim Robbins, Greta Scacchi, Fred Ward, Whoopi Goldberg
Rated R

The Player is a satirical crime black comedy written and directed by Robert Altman, and starring Tim Robbins as Griffin Mill, an arrogant film studio executive whose success is slowly unraveled by a mysterious stalker. The story follows Mill as he attempts to discover who is sending him threatening postcards, while also trying to stay one step ahead of the ever-escalating Hollywood power game. Along the way, he crosses paths with a number of eccentric characters, including a washed-up screenwriter, a shady private detective, and a disgruntled former employee. Ultimately, the film culminates in a shocking twist, which reveals the identity of the stalker and the surprising fate of Griffin Mill.

From Richard Attenborough, starring Robert Downey Jr., Geraldine Chaplin, Paul Rhys, John Thaw
Rated PG-13

Chaplin is a biographical drama about the life of the world-renowned silent film actor and director, Charlie Chaplin. It follows Chaplin’s life from childhood, through his successes as an actor and filmmaker, to his eventual exile from the United States due to accusations of communism. The film stars Robert Downey Jr. as Chaplin, and is directed by Richard Attenborough. Through his film career, Chaplin faced numerous obstacles and faced criticism for his political views, work ethic, and personal life. The film also highlights the people in his life, such as his mother, his third wife, and his sons, who had a major impact on him and his work. Despite it all, Chaplin’s legacy of laughter and joy lives on.

From Martin Provost, starring Yolande Moreau, Ulrich Tukur, Anne Bennent, Geneviève Mnich
Rated Unrated

From Barry Levinson, starring Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, Kim Basinger
Rated PG

From Milos Forman, starring Jim Carrey, Danny DeVito, Gerry Becker, Greyson Erik Pendry
Rated R

From Peter Weir, starring Harrison Ford, Kelly McGillis, Lukas Haas, Josef Sommer
Rated R

From Milos Forman, starring Woody Harrelson, Courtney Love, Edward Norton, Brett Harrelson
Rated R

From Kasi Lemmons, starring Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Bruce McFee, Mike Epps
Rated R

From Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, starring Tim Robbins, Paul Newman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Charles Durning
Rated PG

From Sydney Pollack, starring Meryl Streep, Robert Redford, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Michael Kitchen
Rated PG

From Ben Younger, starring Giovanni Ribisi, Vin Diesel, Nia Long, Nicky Katt
Rated R

From George Huang, starring Kevin Spacey, Frank Whaley, Michelle Forbes, Benicio Del Toro
Rated R

From Michael Ritchie, starring Robert Redford, Peter Boyle, Melvyn Douglas, Don Porter
Rated PG

From David Frankel, starring Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Adrian Grenier, Emily Blunt
Rated PG-13

From Paul Brickman, starring Tom Cruise, Rebecca De Mornay, Joe Pantoliano, Richard Masur
Rated R