Family businesses are often the heart of many stories, where personal relationships intertwine with professional ambitions. This curated list of 10 films delves into the drama, tension, and sometimes heartwarming moments that arise when family and business mix. From tales of legacy to struggles for control, these movies offer a rich tapestry of narratives that will resonate with anyone who has ever been part of a family business or simply enjoys a good drama.

The Godfather (1972)
Description: This iconic film explores the Corleone family's struggle to maintain their empire amidst internal and external threats, showcasing the complexities of family loyalty and business ethics in the world of organized crime.
Fact: Marlon Brando improvised the famous line "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse," and the film was initially considered too violent for mainstream audiences.


A Simple Plan (1998)
Description: This thriller revolves around three brothers who find a stash of money, leading to a plan that tests their familial bonds and moral compasses, akin to the ethical dilemmas in family businesses.
Fact: The film was adapted from a novel by Scott B. Smith, who also wrote the screenplay, and it was shot in Minnesota to capture the cold, isolated atmosphere.


The Family Man (2000)
Description: While not directly about a family business, this film explores what life could have been like if a successful businessman had chosen family over career, reflecting on the balance between personal and professional life.
Fact: The film was inspired by the 1946 film "It's a Wonderful Life," and Nicolas Cage's character's name, Jack Campbell, was chosen as a homage to the original film's protagonist, George Bailey.


The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Description: This quirky comedy-drama follows the dysfunctional Tenenbaum family, where each member has their own unique business or talent, highlighting the eccentricities and challenges of family-run enterprises.
Fact: The film was inspired by J.D. Salinger's "The Glass Family" stories, and the house used in the movie was actually a set built specifically for the film.


The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Description: While focusing on personal ambition, this film touches on the theme of family business through the lens of a father-son relationship striving for success against all odds.
Fact: The film's title misspells "happiness" on purpose, reflecting the misspelling on the mural that inspired the story.


The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Description: This film, while centered on the fashion industry, explores the dynamics of a family-like business environment, with the magazine as the 'family' and the editor-in-chief as the 'matriarch.'
Fact: Meryl Streep based her character on Vogue editor Anna Wintour, and the film was shot in New York City, adding authenticity to the setting.


The Savages (2007)
Description: Although not about a business, this film deals with siblings managing their father's care, reflecting the responsibilities and conflicts that can arise in family-run operations.
Fact: The film was shot in Buffalo, New York, to reflect the gritty, real-life setting of the story.


August: Osage County (2013)
Description: This adaptation of Tracy Letts' play delves into family secrets and dysfunctions, paralleling the complexities of managing a family business.
Fact: The film boasts an all-star cast, including Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts, and was shot in Oklahoma, where the story is set.


The Intern (2015)
Description: This film showcases an older intern's experience in a tech startup, highlighting generational differences and the importance of family-like support in business.
Fact: The film was inspired by a real-life experience of the director's husband, who was an intern at a tech company.


The Family Stone (2005)
Description: While not strictly about a business, this film captures the essence of family dynamics when an outsider tries to fit into the family's established ways, much like a new member in a family business.
Fact: The film was shot in a real house in Greenwich, Connecticut, which was used to enhance the authenticity of the family setting.
