In a world where the hustle culture often gets glorified, these biopics delve into the lives of individuals whose relentless pursuit of their passions and careers defined their existence. These films not only entertain but also inspire, offering a glimpse into the sacrifices, triumphs, and sometimes the toll that being a workaholic can take. Whether you're looking for motivation or a cautionary tale, this collection of films about workaholics will captivate and perhaps even change your perspective on work-life balance.

The Aviator (2004)
Description: Howard Hughes, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio, was a visionary who worked tirelessly in aviation, film, and engineering, often at the expense of his personal life.
Fact: The film was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, winning 5, including Best Cinematography. The real Hughes' estate was used for some of the filming.


The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Description: Chris Gardner's journey from homelessness to becoming a successful stockbroker is a testament to the power of hard work and determination.
Fact: Will Smith's son, Jaden, plays his on-screen son. The film was shot in just 39 days, mirroring the fast-paced life of Gardner.


The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Description: Jordan Belfort's rise and fall in the stock market is a rollercoaster of excess and workaholism, showcasing the lengths one can go to achieve success, no matter the cost.
Fact: The film holds the record for the most use of the F-word in a mainstream movie, with over 500 instances. Leonardo DiCaprio improvised many of his lines, adding to the film's raw energy.


The Social Network (2010)
Description: This film chronicles the creation of Facebook, focusing on Mark Zuckerberg's intense work ethic and the personal costs of his ambition. It's a quintessential tale of a workaholic who reshaped the world.
Fact: The movie was shot in just 55 days, reflecting the fast-paced nature of the tech industry. Aaron Sorkin wrote the screenplay in just six weeks.


The Big Short (2015)
Description: This film explores the lives of several financial experts who predicted the 2008 financial crisis, showcasing their obsessive work habits and the consequences of their foresight.
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.


The Imitation Game (2014)
Description: Alan Turing's work on cracking the Enigma code during WWII is a story of intense focus and dedication, often at the expense of personal relationships.
Fact: Benedict Cumberbatch was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of Turing. The film was criticized for historical inaccuracies but praised for its emotional depth.


Jobs (2013)
Description: This biopic focuses on Steve Jobs' career at Apple, highlighting his relentless drive to innovate and his often tumultuous relationship with his work.
Fact: Ashton Kutcher lost 18 pounds to portray Jobs and even adopted his fruitarian diet. The film was not officially endorsed by Apple.


The Intern (2015)
Description: While not strictly a biopic, this film captures the essence of workaholism through the character of Jules Ostin, a CEO who lives for her work.
Fact: Robert De Niro learned to drive a stick shift for his role. The film was inspired by real-life stories of older interns in tech companies.


The Theory of Everything (2014)
Description: Stephen Hawking's life story is one of perseverance and intellectual workaholism, as he continued to make groundbreaking contributions to science despite his physical limitations.
Fact: Eddie Redmayne won an Oscar for his portrayal of Hawking. The film was based on Jane Hawking's memoir, providing an intimate look at their relationship.


The Founder (2016)
Description: Ray Kroc's story of turning McDonald's into a global empire is a study in relentless ambition and the work ethic required to build a business empire.
Fact: Michael Keaton gained 30 pounds for the role to better resemble Kroc. The film was shot in the actual McDonald's restaurant where Kroc first met the McDonald brothers.
