10 Must-Watch Drama Films About Entrepreneurs

Description: Based on the true story of Chris Gardner, this film shows his struggle as a homeless salesman striving to provide for his son while pursuing his dream of becoming a stockbroker.

Fact: Will Smith and his son Jaden played father and son in the movie, mirroring their real-life relationship. The film was shot in San Francisco, where Gardner's story took place.

Description: Based on the memoir by Jordan Belfort, this film explores the excesses of Wall Street, focusing on Belfort's rise and fall as a stockbroker. It's a wild ride through greed, excess, and the American Dream gone awry.

Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio gained 30 pounds for the role to portray Belfort's drug-fueled lifestyle. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: This film is based on the true story of Robert Kearns, who invented the intermittent windshield wiper and took on the automotive industry to protect his patent. It's a tale of perseverance against corporate giants.

Fact: Greg Kinnear, who played Kearns, did extensive research on the inventor's life, including meeting with Kearns' family. The film was shot in Canada, standing in for Detroit.

Description: This film tells the story of Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics, who uses statistical analysis to assemble a competitive baseball team on a limited budget.

Fact: Brad Pitt, who played Beane, was initially reluctant to take the role but was convinced by Steven Soderbergh. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards.

Description: This film chronicles the founding of Facebook and the legal battles that ensued. It's a deep dive into the psyche of Mark Zuckerberg, showcasing the complexities of innovation, friendship, and betrayal in the digital age.

Fact: Aaron Sorkin's script was based on the book "The Accidental Billionaires" by Ben Mezrich. The film was shot at Harvard University, where the real events took place.

Description: This film explains the 2007-2008 financial crisis through the eyes of several investors who bet against the housing market. It's both a comedy and a drama, making complex financial concepts accessible and engaging.

Fact: The film uses celebrity cameos to explain financial jargon, including Margot Robbie in a bubble bath and Selena Gomez at a blackjack table.

Description: While not strictly about entrepreneurship, this film features a senior intern at a startup, highlighting the generational clash and the value of experience in a fast-paced business environment.

Fact: Robert De Niro learned to drive a stick shift for a scene in the movie. The film was inspired by a real-life senior internship program at a tech company.

Description: Inspired by the life of Joy Mangano, this film follows her journey from a struggling single mother to a successful entrepreneur with her self-wringing mop invention. It's a story of resilience, innovation, and family dynamics.

Fact: Jennifer Lawrence won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Joy. The film was directed by David O. Russell, who previously worked with Lawrence in "Silver Linings Playbook."

Description: This biopic tells the story of Ray Kroc, who turned McDonald's from a small burger joint into a global empire. It's a study in ambition, vision, and the moral compromises often made in the pursuit of success.

Fact: Michael Keaton, who played Kroc, spent time with real McDonald's franchisees to understand the business better. The film was shot at actual McDonald's locations.

Description: A documentary that follows the rise and fall of a dot-com startup, GovWorks.com. It provides an intimate look at the entrepreneurial spirit, the highs of success, and the lows of failure.

Fact: The film was shot over two years, capturing the real-time events of the startup's lifecycle. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.