7 Movies Every Startup Entrepreneur Should See
Work isn't everything (even for founders and entrepreneurs). When finding some personal time to rest and unwind, what could be better than watching a relaxing movie that can also help inspire and motivate?
To get you started, check out these highly engaging films and TV shows which are sure to get your creative juices flowing.
1. Startup.com
Checking out the acclaimed documentary, Startup.com, is a must. Shot in 2001, the film follows the story of the website, GovWorks.com (which provides communication between citizens and government authorities). Two childhood friends, Kaleil Isaza Tuzman and Tom Herman, made $60 million in their first year, hired hundreds of staff, and even met the president of the United States, Bill Clinton. After taking the company public, the duo dealt with many unforeseen business pitfalls. Much of the story focuses on the challenges and stressful business issues the partner’s endured; strains that ultimately put their friendship to the test.
2. Pirates of Silicon Valley
This biographical drama portrays the series of events surrounding the legendary tech geniuses, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. The story details how these two brilliant minds opened the door of modern technology to everyday people around the globe. The film is brilliantly realized by the visionary director, Martyn Burke.
3. Silicon Valley
The Silicon Valley comedy series follows the misadventures of introverted computer programmer Richard and his brainy friends as they attempt to strike it rich in a high-tech gold rush. Living together in a Bay Area startup incubator, the team works to develop a powerful search algorithm, and quickly finds themselves caught in the middle of a bidding war between deep-pocketed venture capitalists.
4. Why him?
The Silicon Valley comedy series follows the misadventures of introverted computer programmer Richard and his brainy friends as they attempt to strike it rich in a high-tech gold rush. Living together in a Bay Area startup incubator, the team works to develop a powerful search algorithm, and quickly finds themselves caught in the middle of a bidding war between deep-pocketed venture capitalists.
5. The Aviator
This classic film features a number of A-list stars. The movie follows the life of aviation pioneer Howard Hughes (Leonardo DiCaprio), a man of many talents who innovated several major industries. Directed by Martin Scorcese, The Aviator offers a candid look into the life of a renaissance man who was a true American legend.
6. The Pursuit of Happyness
If inspiration is what you're looking for, look no further than The Pursuit of Happiness starring Will Smith. The movie depicts the life of Will's character, Chris Gardner, who's desperately trying to provide for his family. After a series of distressing events, Chris's wife leaves him, leaving Chris to handle the situation by taking an internship at a prestigious brokerage firm. Will's character, Chris, must work for free and sleep in homeless shelters just to get by. Despite all his adversities, he eventually creates a better life for his family.
7. Boiler Room
In Boiler Room, 19-year-old Seth (Giovanni Ribisi) drops out of university to start his own business: an illegal casino in his house. This news doesn't bode well with his father, a federal judge. When one of the casino's patrons tells Seth about a job at the J.T. Marlin brokerage firm, he doesn't hesitate to take advantage of the opportunity. Seth hopes to achieve two goals: regaining his father's respect while making millions in the process.