January 7, 2016

Have You Seen These 5 Startup Inspiring Films?

Baby, it’s cold outside, and it’s the perfect time to settle in with some popcorn and find the inspiration your startup needs.
On Christmas Day movie goers around the country watched Joy, a newly released movie about a woman, a good idea and the business she creates from it. On opening day the movie had to compete with Star Wars: The Force Awakens, yet still managed to pull in $6.9 million. If that doesn’t sum up the small business spirit, nothing does.
Movies are a great source of all types of inspiration, even entrepreneurial. So we’ve compiled our top 5 favorite startup stories for your viewing pleasure. Grab some snacks, a blanket and sit back for the greatest small business stories we could find. You never know where your next great idea can be found – inspiration can be found anywhere!
#1. The Social Network (2010)
This movie follows Mark Zuckerberg as he leaves Harvard with nothing but a great idea and the struggles he faces before he succeeds as one of the most successful entrepreneurs of all time. The Social Network is proof that one great concept can change the whole world as well as overcome difficulties that any small business owner can face. Because after all, “you don’t get to 500 friends without making a few enemies.”

#2. The Aviator (2004)
Based on the life of Howard Hughes, The Aviator offers an insight into the life of one of history’s most fascinating business men. Leonardo DiCaprio performs as the eccentric Hughes, and the successes and failures he faced throughout the ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s. This story of greed and innovation can transform the meaning of success, because in the end, money isn’t everything.

#3. Pursuit of Happiness (2006)
Get out the tissues because this man’s story of passion and struggle is a tear-jerker. This story – based on real-life events – accurately describes the chances that each small business owner takes when they strike out on their own. The inspiration that can be found in this movie could drive anyone to risk it all and follow their dreams.

#4. Office Space (1999)
If you have had enough of your cubicle lifestyle, this might be the movie for you. Besides being amazingly funny, Office Space accurately describes the day-to-day boredom that many entrepreneurs are escaping as well as the spark of motivation that losing your mind can present. If you’ve had enough of the middle management lifestyle this might be your movie. If you could go ahead and watch this movie, that would be great…

#5. Jerry Maguire (1996)
There is no way we could leave out the movie that helped create the entrepreneurial dream. While we don’t recommend following Jerry’s methods, we do respect his courage and his drive. This is a must-see for anyone who owns their own business and is feeling like a small fish in a big pond.