10 Movies about Marketing, Sales, Entrepreneurship that will inspire you

Inspiration and motivation can come from the most unthinkable sources.

One of these is the movies. Yes, you read that right, even the field of marketing, sales and doing business can learn valuable lessons from movies.

This should come as no surprise, since film is one of the most powerful storytelling tools, capable of effectively capturing and communicating people's emotions. But how can movies inspire or teach business? The answer is simple, through stories.

What we often don't understand about these works of art, however, is that, first and foremost, they are “virtual flight simulators,” serving us to learn how to avoid the same mistakes the protagonists make. Storytelling probably originated in the human species for this very purpose. We have only one life, and little chance of failure in our endeavors, better to learn what not to do than what to do.

What is called in philosophy and by Nassim Taleb, the “negative way.”

So happy viewing, with the most enjoyable negative way ever: movies!

Here is a list of 10 movies that every entrepreneur, marketer or salesperson should see at least once in their lifetime. These movies not only provide inspiration and motivation, but also offer valuable lessons on how to run a business, how to sell a product, or how to build a brand.

The good news? They are all streaming!

Are any of these movies similar to Wolf of Wall Street? I know many of you are asking this question. And the answer is: CERTAINLY YES. In fact, Wolf of Wall Street is the first one we will meet.

"The Wolf of Wall Street", Netflix

This very famous film provides an entertaining, yet gruesome, insight into the world of sales and manipulation. It teaches us the importance of perseverance, ambition and self-doubt in achieving goals. But it also reminds us that the means do not justify the ends, and if we do, sooner or later we will pay the price.

Curiously, many viewers did not catch the critical part in the film, and that is a pity.

https://www.netflix.com/title/70266676

"The Big Short", Netflix

The prurient relationship between risk, profit, personality. A group of outsiders saw the collapse of the system from a distance and capitalized on it. With enormous difficulties and the possibility of losing everything, first of all themselves.

To be alone and against everything, that is doing business. All too often.

https://www.netflix.com/title/80075560

"The Social Network", Netflix

It tells the story of how Facebook was created and spread. It is a masterful lesson in the transformation of an idea into a multi-billion dollar empire. And it shows a side that is often overshadowed: the "social" and relational cost of the most cynical choices made by some clean-air characters.

Are we sure it is worth it? The ending has its own thesis.

https://www.netflix.com/title/70132721

"Jobs", Amazon Prime Video

The most "crackling" biography of Steve Jobs. How an entrepreneur can change the world with his ideas and vision. Jobs is shown here with all his sides, including the most humanly disastrous ones.

Yet it is interesting to get a peek inside the brain of a genius.

https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0FWPZNVMWB0D6ZZNVRW3FDBCXF

"Moneyball", Amazon Prime Video

This film tells the story of how the Oakland A's general manager revolutionized the world of baseball. It teaches us the importance of data analysis in decision making. Today everyone fills their mouths with terms about these topics, but in truth it is largely hot air.

Perhaps more substance is needed?

https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0MRUQ2RX6HVX1K13VYGP1K9OO9

"Thank You For Smoking", Netflix (international)

A film that shows us how powerful marketing can be. It teaches us that sometimes, to be successful, you have to know how to sell not just a product, but an idea.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thank_You_for_Smoking

"Air", Amazon Prime Video

A beautiful, almost theatrical work about a small group of motivated managers, marketers and persuaders who were able to revolutionize the world of sports shoes and basketball in a very few weeks with a feat of strategy, persuasion, invention, creativity, genius, improvisation. And, all in all, ethics.

Must-see.

https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0PY4MRB9Q6WY6UKTGY4A01QC77

"Saving Mr Banks", Disney Plus

You may be Walt Disney, but to make money you need someone who has the ideas and content you need. And if that person is a grumpy, per-nearly-soft Anglo-Australian lady, you're going to need a lot of energy and to get back in touch with yourself and your childhood.

Unprecedented light on the relationship between business, childhood and psychology. Profound and moving.

https://www.disneyplus.com/it-it/movies/saving-mr-banks/46xK7HQNMAIy

"The Founder", Amazon Prime Video

It tells the story of how McDonald's was born. It shows us that to be successful, sometimes you have to make unpopular choices and believe fully in your inspiration.

Very interesting is the role of Ray Kroc, who literally risked his own house, his own career, and more and more legal battles to "bring his project to the ground."

Not a particularly positive character, but certainly a determined man to draw - partially - inspiration from.

https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0PY4MRB9Q6WY6UKTGY4A01QC77

The Dropout", Disney Plus

More and more businesses, and more and more startups, are seeking the easy way out based on audience manipulation, charismatic leaders and false but gigantic proclamations. It doesn't always work. In fact, it almost never does.

And when it doesn't work, the existential parable is first exhilarating, and then dramatic. As Elizabeth Holmes of Theranos knows well.

https://www.disneyplus.com/it-it/series/the-dropout/5C0gjGwyRTeZ