Top 10 Career Ambition Dramas

Description: Set in a real estate office, this film showcases the ruthless competition among salesmen to sell undesirable properties. It's a raw look at the pressure cooker environment of sales, where ambition can lead to desperation and moral compromise.

Fact: The film features an all-star cast including Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, and Kevin Spacey. Baldwin's character was originally written for a one-scene appearance but was expanded due to his powerful performance.

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who takes on an unpaid internship at a brokerage firm while homeless. It's a heart-wrenching yet uplifting story of perseverance and ambition against all odds.

Fact: Will Smith's son, Jaden Smith, played his on-screen son. The film's title misspells "happiness" as it was a real-life typo on a mural that inspired the story.

Description: A young aspiring journalist, Andy Sachs, lands a job at the prestigious fashion magazine "Runway," where she learns the harsh realities of ambition under the tutelage of the infamous editor-in-chief, Miranda Priestly. This film explores the clash between personal integrity and professional success.

Fact: Meryl Streep's portrayal of Miranda Priestly was inspired by Vogue editor Anna Wintour. The film's title is a nod to the fashion industry's obsession with luxury and status.

Description: Nina, a ballerina, strives for perfection in her role as the Swan Queen, pushing her physical and mental limits. This film delves into the dark side of ambition, exploring themes of identity, obsession, and the psychological toll of artistic pursuit.

Fact: Natalie Portman trained for a year to perform her own ballet sequences. The film's director, Darren Aronofsky, is known for his intense psychological dramas.

Description: This film follows the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who becomes a symbol of excess and greed in the 1990s. It's a wild ride through the highs of Wall Street success and the lows of personal and legal consequences, showcasing the allure and dangers of unchecked ambition.

Fact: The film was based on the memoir of the same name by Jordan Belfort. Leonardo DiCaprio gained 35 pounds for his role to portray Belfort's drug-fueled lifestyle.

Description: This film chronicles the founding of Facebook and the personal and legal battles that ensued. It's a modern tale of ambition in the digital age, showing how innovation, betrayal, and ambition intertwine in the creation of a global phenomenon.

Fact: The film was written by Aaron Sorkin, known for his fast-paced dialogue. Mark Zuckerberg refused to watch the movie, stating it was "inaccurate."

Description: This film tells the story of several investors who predicted and profited from the 2008 financial crisis. It's a sharp critique of the financial industry, showcasing ambition in the form of betting against the market, with all its ethical and financial implications.

Fact: The film uses unconventional methods like celebrity cameos to explain complex financial concepts. It was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning Best Adapted Screenplay.

Description: Ben Whittaker, a 70-year-old widower, becomes a senior intern at an online fashion site. His ambition to remain relevant and contribute to the modern workforce leads to unexpected personal growth and mentorship, highlighting that ambition has no age limit.

Fact: Robert De Niro's character was inspired by real-life senior interns at companies like Google. The film was shot in New York City, reflecting the city's dynamic business environment.

Description: Andrew Neiman, a young drummer, enrolls in a cutthroat music conservatory where he encounters the ruthless instructor Terence Fletcher. The film is a tense exploration of the lengths one will go to achieve greatness, questioning the cost of ambition on one's mental and physical health.

Fact: J.K. Simmons' performance as Fletcher was so intense that he reportedly made some of the actors cry during filming. The film was shot in just 19 days.

Description: Scott Carlin, a young man with dreams of becoming a tattoo artist, must confront his lack of ambition and direction after his father's death. This semi-autobiographical film by Pete Davidson explores the struggle to find purpose and ambition in life.

Fact: The film was directed by Judd Apatow, who is known for his character-driven comedies. Pete Davidson's real-life experiences heavily influenced the character and storyline.