The world of big business, with its intricate web of power dynamics, high-stakes decision-making, and the pursuit of success, has long been a subject of fascination for filmmakers. Over the decades, Hollywood and global cinema have produced numerous films that explore the corporate world, delving into the lives of CEOs, ambitious executives, and the ethical quandaries that often accompany the quest for profit. These movies not only provide a thrilling glimpse into the boardrooms of powerful corporations but also offer commentary on the broader societal impact of business practices and in our exploration of the best movies about business, we will journey through a variety of films that have captured the essence of corporate life, from the ruthless ambition of Wall Street traders to the moral dilemmas faced by business leaders.
Wall Street (1987): The Quintessential Business Film
When discussing movies about business, Oliver Stone's Wall Street is often the first to come to mind. Released in 1987, this film has become synonymous with the excesses of corporate greed and the moral compromises that come with the pursuit of wealth. The story centers around Bud Fox, a young and ambitious stockbroker played by Charlie Sheen, who becomes entangled in the world of insider trading under the mentorship of the ruthless corporate raider Gordon Gekko, portrayed by Michael Douglas in an Oscar-winning performance.
Wall Street is more than just a film about finance; it is a character study of greed and its corrupting influence. The famous line "Greed is good," delivered by Gekko, encapsulates the film's critique of the 1980s corporate culture, where profit was often prioritized over ethics. Through its portrayal of the cutthroat world of Wall Street, the film serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the moral compromises that can accompany the quest for financial success.
The Social Network (2010): The Rise of Tech Giants
The rise of technology companies has reshaped the global economy, and few films capture this transformation better than David Fincher's The Social Network. Released in 2010, the film tells the story of the creation of Facebook, one of the most influential tech companies in the world. Based on the book "The Accidental Billionaires" by Ben Mezrich, the film focuses on Mark Zuckerberg, played by Jesse Eisenberg, and the legal battles that ensued as Facebook grew from a Harvard dorm room project to a global social media powerhouse.
The Social Network is a fascinating exploration of ambition, innovation, and the often-complicated relationships that arise in the world of startups. While the film is centered on Zuckerberg, it also delves into the lives of those around him, including Eduardo Saverin, played by Andrew Garfield, and Sean Parker, portrayed by Justin Timberlake. The film's portrayal of Zuckerberg as a complex and often conflicted character adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the personal sacrifices and ethical dilemmas that come with building a business empire. Through its sharp screenplay and compelling performances, The Social Network offers a window into the world of tech entrepreneurship and the far-reaching impact of social media on modern society.
Glengarry Glen Ross (1992): The High-Stakes World of Real Estate
Glengarry Glen Ross, directed by James Foley and based on David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, is a gripping portrayal of the cutthroat world of real estate sales. Released in 1992, the film features an ensemble cast that includes Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, and Ed Harris. Set in a small real estate office, the story revolves around a group of salesmen who are under immense pressure to close deals or risk losing their jobs.
The film is a searing critique of the ruthless tactics employed in the pursuit of success in the business world. Baldwin's iconic "Always Be Closing" speech, delivered with intimidating intensity, sets the tone for the film's exploration of the desperation and moral decay that can accompany the drive for financial gain. The characters in Glengarry Glen Ross are not just competing for commissions; they are fighting for survival in a system that values profit above all else. The film's portrayal of the high-pressure environment and the psychological toll it takes on the characters offers a bleak but powerful commentary on the darker side of big business.
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013): Excess and Ambition Run Amok
Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street is a wild and unapologetic portrayal of the excesses of corporate greed in the 1990s. Released in 2013, the film is based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who engaged in widespread securities fraud and corruption on Wall Street. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Belfort, delivering a performance that captures the character's charisma, ambition, and moral ambiguity.
The film chronicles Belfort's rise to wealth and power, fueled by a relentless pursuit of money and a lifestyle of hedonistic excess. Scorsese's direction, combined with Terence Winter's sharp screenplay, paints a vivid picture of the decadence and recklessness that defined the era. The Wolf of Wall Street is both a dark comedy and a cautionary tale, illustrating the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of a life driven solely by the pursuit of wealth. While the film is often humorous and entertaining, it also serves as a stark reminder of the ethical pitfalls that can accompany success in the business world.
Boiler Room (2000): The Lure of Easy Money
Released in 2000, Boiler Room, directed by Ben Younger, is a film that delves into the world of stock trading and the allure of easy money. The story follows Seth Davis, played by Giovanni Ribisi, a college dropout who becomes involved in an unscrupulous brokerage firm that specializes in pump-and-dump schemes. As Seth becomes more entangled in the firm's illegal activities, he must confront the moral and legal consequences of his actions.
Boiler Room is a film that explores the seductive power of wealth and the lengths to which people will go to achieve financial success. The film's portrayal of the high-pressure sales environment and the ethical dilemmas faced by its characters offers a compelling commentary on the darker side of capitalism. With strong performances from its cast, including Vin Diesel, Nia Long, and Ben Affleck, Boiler Room is a gripping tale of ambition, greed, and the consequences of chasing easy money.
The Big Short (2015): The Financial Crisis Unveiled
In the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, The Big Short emerged as one of the most incisive and engaging films to tackle the complex world of finance. Directed by Adam McKay and based on the book by Michael Lewis, the film tells the story of a group of investors who foresaw the collapse of the housing market and bet against it, ultimately profiting from the economic downturn.
The Big Short stands out not only for its sharp and witty screenplay but also for its ability to explain complex financial concepts in an accessible and entertaining way. The film features an ensemble cast that includes Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt, each delivering memorable performances. Through its use of humor, fourth-wall-breaking asides, and real-world implications, The Big Short provides a scathing critique of the financial industry and the systemic failures that led to the crisis. It is a film that serves as both a historical document and a powerful reminder of the far-reaching consequences of corporate greed and negligence.
Erin Brockovich (2000): The Power of Persistence
While many films about big business focus on the inner workings of corporations, Erin Brockovich offers a different perspective by highlighting the impact of corporate negligence on ordinary people. Directed by Steven Soderbergh and released in 2000, the film is based on the true story of Erin Brockovich, a legal assistant who played a key role in building a case against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) for contaminating the water supply of a small town.
Julia Roberts stars as Brockovich, delivering a performance that earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. The film chronicles Brockovich's relentless pursuit of justice on behalf of the affected community, despite facing numerous obstacles and resistance from the powerful corporation. Erin Brockovich is a film that emphasizes the importance of persistence and the impact that one determined individual can have in holding big business accountable for its actions. It is a powerful reminder that the pursuit of profit should never come at the expense of public health and safety.
The Founder (2016): The Birth of a Fast Food Empire
The Founder, directed by John Lee Hancock and released in 2016, tells the story of Ray Kroc, the man who transformed McDonald's from a small, family-owned restaurant into a global fast-food empire. Michael Keaton stars as Kroc, delivering a nuanced portrayal of a man whose ambition and business acumen were matched by his ruthlessness.
The film explores Kroc's journey from a struggling milkshake machine salesman to the head of one of the most successful corporations in the world. It delves into the ethical dilemmas and business strategies that Kroc employed to achieve his vision, often at the expense of the original McDonald brothers, who founded the restaurant. The Founder is a film that raises important questions about the cost of success and the moral compromises that are often made in the pursuit of business dominance. Through its exploration of Kroc's character and the rise of McDonald's, the film offers a fascinating look at the birth of a global brand and the complex nature of entrepreneurship.
Moneyball (2011): The Business of Sports
In the world of big business, the sports industry has become a major player, and Moneyball is a film that explores the intersection of sports and business. Directed by Bennett Miller and released in 2011, the film is based on the true story of Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics, who used a data-driven approach to build a competitive baseball team on a limited budget.
Brad Pitt stars as Beane, with Jonah Hill in a supporting role as Peter Brand, a Yale economics graduate who introduces Beane to the concept of sabermetrics, a statistical analysis method used to evaluate players. Moneyball is a film that highlights the importance of innovation and the challenges of disrupting traditional business practices. It offers a unique perspective on the business side of sports, where data and analytics have become essential tools for success. The film's exploration of Beane's unorthodox approach to team-building and the resistance he faced from the baseball establishment provides a compelling narrative about the power of thinking differently in the business world.
Other People’s Money (1991): The Ethics of Corporate Takeovers
Other People’s Money, directed by Norman Jewison and released in 1991, offers a humorous yet insightful look at the world of corporate takeovers. The film stars Danny DeVito as Lawrence Garfield, a ruthless corporate raider known as "Larry the Liquidator," who specializes in buying undervalued companies and stripping them of their assets for profit.
The film's central conflict revolves around Garfield's attempt to take over a small, family-owned company, with Gregory Peck playing the role of the company's CEO who fights to save the business. Other People’s Money explores the ethical dilemmas associated with corporate takeovers, particularly the tension between profit and the preservation of jobs and community values. The film's sharp dialogue and strong performances make it a thought-provoking examination of the impact of corporate greed on small businesses and the people who depend on them.
The Corporation (2003): A Documentary Perspective
While not a traditional narrative film, The Corporation is a documentary that provides a comprehensive examination of the role of corporations in modern society. Directed by Mark Achbar and Jennifer Abbott, and released in 2003, the film explores the history, behavior, and impact of corporations, arguing that they have become the dominant institution of our time.
The Corporation uses interviews with corporate insiders, critics, and academics to paint a picture of how businesses have evolved over the years and the ethical implications of their actions. The film's critical perspective challenges viewers to consider the broader consequences of corporate power and the responsibilities that come with it. Through its in-depth analysis and compelling storytelling, The Corporation offers a sobering look at the influence of big business on every aspect of society, from the environment to politics and beyond.
The Enduring Appeal of Business-Themed Cinema
The films discussed in this article represent just a fraction of the many movies that have explored the world of big business. From the boardrooms of Wall Street to the creation of global brands, these films offer a wide range of perspectives on the complexities and challenges of the corporate world. Whether through drama, comedy, or documentary, each film provides unique insights into the ethical dilemmas, personal sacrifices, and societal impact of business practices.
What makes these films particularly compelling is their ability to humanize the often-abstract world of business, bringing to life the characters and stories behind the headlines. Through their exploration of ambition, greed, innovation, and morality, these movies not only entertain but also provoke thought and reflection on the role of business in our lives.
As the world of big business continues to evolve, so too will the stories that filmmakers choose to tell about it. The enduring appeal of business-themed cinema lies in its ability to capture the zeitgeist of the times, reflecting both the triumphs and the challenges of the corporate world. For audiences, these films offer a window into a world that is both familiar and mysterious, providing a deeper understanding of the forces that shape our economy and society. Whether viewed as cautionary tales or celebrations of entrepreneurial spirit, the best movies about big business continue to resonate with audiences, offering timeless lessons on the pursuit of success and the cost of ambition.
