Fantasy Films Where Managers Rule

Description: This cult classic blends office satire with a touch of fantasy when the protagonist, Peter Gibbons, adopts a carefree attitude after hypnosis, leading to a fantastical transformation of his mundane office life.

Fact: The film's printer-smashing scene was inspired by director Mike Judge's own frustrations with office technology.

Description: Walter Mitty, a negative assets manager at Life magazine, embarks on a fantastical adventure to find a missing photo, blending his mundane job with a world of imagination and adventure.

Fact: The film was shot in real locations, including Iceland, to capture the surreal landscapes that mirror Walter's inner journey.

Description: Though grounded in reality, the film's portrayal of the fashion industry's cutthroat environment feels almost fantastical. The protagonist, Andy Sachs, navigates a magical world of high fashion, where her boss, Miranda Priestly, is a formidable queen.

Fact: Meryl Streep's character was loosely based on Vogue editor Anna Wintour, who reportedly loved the film.

Description: The life of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker, spirals into a world of excess and fantasy, where his management style is both charismatic and chaotic, leading to a surreal downfall.

Fact: The film was initially rated NC-17 due to its explicit content but was edited down to an R rating.

Description: This film explores the lives of corporate executives during a downsizing, where the corporate world feels like a fantasy land of power and privilege, until reality strikes.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life experiences of the writer and director, John Wells, during the economic downturn.

Description: David Norris, a politician, discovers a mysterious organization that controls human destiny, blending the mundane world of politics with a fantastical bureaucracy.

Fact: The film's concept is loosely based on a Philip K. Dick short story, adding a layer of speculative fiction to the narrative.

Description: While rooted in the real financial crisis, the film employs creative storytelling techniques, including breaking the fourth wall and celebrity cameos, to make the complex world of finance feel like a fantastical narrative.

Fact: Margot Robbie explains subprime mortgages in a bubble bath, one of the film's many unconventional educational moments.

Description: While not strictly fantasy, this film features a retired executive, Ben Whittaker, who becomes an intern at a tech startup. The magical twist comes from the generational clash and the fantastical journey of personal growth and corporate culture.

Fact: Robert De Niro was initially hesitant to take on the role, but was convinced by the script's unique take on mentorship and the modern workplace.

Description: Ryan Bingham, a corporate downsizer, lives a life in the clouds, both literally and figuratively, as he navigates the fantastical world of frequent flyer miles and transient relationships.

Fact: The film's title refers to the frequent flyer status of the protagonist, symbolizing his detachment from reality.

Description: Two salesmen, out of work, secure internships at Google, entering a world where tech innovation meets corporate culture in a fantastical setting of Silicon Valley.

Fact: The film was shot on location at Google's headquarters, providing an authentic backdrop to the story.