10 Movies and Shows Like ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ (1967)

Description: This film shares the comedic and satirical tone of 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying', focusing on the theme of social climbing, albeit through marriage rather than business. Both films highlight the lengths people will go to achieve their version of success, wrapped in a lighthearted, humorous package.

Fact: It was one of the first films shot in CinemaScope. Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, and Lauren Bacall star as the three leads. The film was a commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of

Description: Similar to 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying', 'The Apartment' is a satirical take on corporate culture and office politics. Both films use humor to critique the cutthroat nature of climbing the corporate ladder. The protagonist in 'The Apartment' navigates the complexities of office life, much like J. Pierrepont Finch in 'How to Succeed'.

Fact: 'The Apartment' won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It was directed by Billy Wilder, who also co-wrote the screenplay. The film is considered one of the greatest comedies of all time.

Description: Like 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying', this film is a comedic exploration of corporate ambition and the absurdities of the business world. The protagonist's rapid rise through the ranks by using wit and charm mirrors Finch's journey, making it a spiritual successor in tone and theme.

Fact: Michael J. Fox stars as the ambitious young executive. The film was a box office hit, grossing over $110 million worldwide. It features a memorable scene where Fox's character impersonates a senior executive to gain access to a high-level meeting.

Description: This film shares the theme of upward mobility in the corporate world, much like 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying'. Both stories feature protagonists who use their intelligence and resourcefulness to navigate and succeed in a competitive business environment, though 'Working Girl' adds a feminist twist to the narrative.

Fact: Melanie Griffith received an Academy Award nomination for her performance. The film's soundtrack includes the hit song 'Let the River Run' by Carly Simon. It was directed by Mike Nichols, known for his sharp social commentaries.

Description: While darker in tone, this film shares 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying's' focus on the ruthless nature of sales and corporate competition. Both films highlight the pressures and moral compromises inherent in the pursuit of success, though 'Glengarry Glen Ross' takes a more cynical approach.

Fact: The film is based on David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Alec Baldwin's iconic 'Always be closing' speech was written specifically for the film. The ensemble cast includes Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, and Kevin Spacey.

Description: This film, like 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying', is a satirical look at corporate America. Both films use exaggerated characters and situations to critique the absurdities of the business world. The visual style and fast-paced dialogue in 'The Hudsucker Proxy' also echo the energetic tone of the reference film.

Fact: It was co-written and produced by the Coen Brothers. The film pays homage to the screwball comedies of the 1930s and 1940s. Despite its initial box office failure, it has since gained a cult following.

Description: Similar to 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying', this film is a comedic yet critical look at the challenges of navigating a high-pressure work environment. Both stories feature young protagonists who must adapt to the demands of their superiors while maintaining their integrity, making it a modern counterpart to the reference film.

Fact: Meryl Streep's performance as Miranda Priestly earned her an Academy Award nomination. The film is based on Lauren Weisberger's novel of the same name. It was a commercial success, grossing over $326 million worldwide.

Description: This series, like 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying', delves into the world of corporate America, focusing on the advertising industry of the 1960s. Both works explore themes of ambition, identity, and the performative aspects of professionalism, though 'Mad Men' offers a more dramatic and nuanced portrayal.

Fact: The series won 16 Emmy Awards during its run. It was created by Matthew Weiner, a former writer for 'The Sopranos'. The show is renowned for its meticulous attention to period detail.

Description: This film shares 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying's' satirical take on the excesses and moral ambiguities of corporate success. Both stories feature protagonists who rise quickly through the ranks by exploiting the system, though 'The Wolf of Wall Street' is more explicit in its depiction of corruption and hedonism.

Fact: It is based on the memoir of Jordan Belfort. Leonardo DiCaprio's performance earned him a Golden Globe Award. The film was directed by Martin Scorsese and marked his fifth collaboration with DiCaprio.

Description: This film, like 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying', explores the themes of ambition, innovation, and the cutthroat nature of business. Both stories depict protagonists who achieve rapid success through unconventional means, though 'The Social Network' offers a more dramatic and contemporary take on these themes.

Fact: The film was directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin. It won three Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay. Jesse Eisenberg's portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg received widespread acclaim.