10 Must-Watch Drama Films About Firing

Description: This comedy-drama follows a young man who, after being fired from his first job, schemes his way into a corporate job, exploring themes of ambition and job insecurity.

Fact: Michael J. Fox plays both the main character and his cousin in the film. It was one of the last films to use the Panavision 65 camera.

Description: This British comedy-drama follows a group of unemployed steelworkers who form a male striptease act to make ends meet, highlighting the desperation and camaraderie in the face of job loss.

Fact: The film won an Academy Award for Best Original Musical or Comedy Score. The title is a British slang term for "the whole thing."

Description: While not directly about firing, this film showcases the aftermath of job loss as Chris Gardner, played by Will Smith, faces homelessness while pursuing a better life for his son.

Fact: The title misspells "Happiness" as "Happyness" to reflect a real-life sign Gardner's son made. Will Smith and his son Jaden played father and son in the movie.

Description: Though primarily a comedy, this film touches on the theme of firing through the experiences of Andy Sachs, who faces the cutthroat world of fashion and the fear of losing her job.

Fact: The film was based on a novel by Lauren Weisberger, who worked as an assistant to Vogue editor Anna Wintour. Meryl Streep's performance as the ruthless magazine editor earned her a Golden Globe.

Description: While focusing on excess and corruption, the film includes scenes of employees being fired or quitting due to the toxic work environment.

Fact: The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It was based on the memoir by Jordan Belfort.

Description: This drama examines the lives of three men who are laid off from a major corporation, exploring their struggles with unemployment, identity, and the American Dream.

Fact: The film was written and directed by John Wells, known for his work on ER. It features an ensemble cast including Ben Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones, and Chris Cooper.

Description: This film, while focusing on the financial crisis, includes scenes of mass layoffs and the personal impact of the economic downturn on individuals.

Fact: The film uses unconventional methods like breaking the fourth wall to explain complex financial concepts. It won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Description: This film captures the 24 hours leading up to the financial crisis, including the decision to fire a significant portion of the workforce to save the company.

Fact: The film was shot in 17 days. It was inspired by the real events at Lehman Brothers before its collapse.

Description: While not about firing, it explores the dynamics of age discrimination and the fear of becoming obsolete in the workforce, which often leads to job loss.

Fact: Robert De Niro's character was inspired by a real-life intern at a tech company. The film was directed by Nancy Meyers, known for her romantic comedies.

Description: This film follows Ryan Bingham, a corporate downsizer who travels the country firing people. It's a poignant look at the human side of corporate layoffs and the personal impact of job loss.

Fact: The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. George Clooney's character was inspired by real-life corporate downsizers.