Netflix currently boasts an overwhelming 4,000+ movies, a number so large it could give even the most avid film buff a headache. In this ocean of content, good luck trying to find a gem focused on business and entrepreneurship—because why would anyone want to be inspired when they can binge-watch mind-numbing reality shows instead?
So, if you’re yearning for a flick that not only entertains but might just kick your entrepreneurial spirit into gear (or at least distract you from scrolling through social media), we’ve curated a list of 15 standout business and startup movies currently streaming on Netflix. From biopics that’ll make you feel like a loser for not having built your own empire, to fictionalized films that remind you that being a millionaire isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, we’ve got you covered. Remember, no pressure!
The Founder
Here’s a riveting biopic about Ray Kroc, the man who single-handedly turned McDonald’s into a global fast food titan, because apparently, all it takes to revolutionize the food industry is a questionable moral compass and some fancy marketing skills. The film begins with the McDonald brothers serving up burgers—but once Kroc arrives, it morphs into a tale of ambition where integrity takes a backseat to profits. Who needs relationships when you can have billions, right?
The Social Network
Ah, Facebook—the platform whose endless debates and cat videos make life bearable. This film chronicles its creation, alongside delightful legal battles over who actually thought of the idea first, which undoubtedly caused more drama than any season of a reality show. Jesse Eisenberg plays Mark Zuckerberg, whose genius is matched only by his complete inability to maintain friendships. Not all heroes wear capes; some sit alone in their college dorms!
Fyre – The Greatest Party That Never Happened
Ever wanted to witness a colossal failure up close? Enter the Fyre Festival, a supposed luxury music bash that turned into a survival reality show. Picture a bunch of influencers ending up with cheese sandwiches in the Bahama wilderness. Yes, this documentary explores how poor planning and a surplus of hype can turn dreams into a nightmare—an excellent reminder to save your pennies instead of splurging on influencers’ adventures.
Joy
This delightful biographical comedy-drama about Joy Mangano, inventor of the Miracle Mop, showcases just how hard it is to make a fortune out of a household cleaning device. It’s a tale of grit and glitter—an empowering story for anyone who’s ever tried to sell something that’s not a digital product. Starring Jennifer Lawrence as Joy, it’s a shiny reminder that sometimes, all you need is a mop and determination to sweep the competition away.
The Great Hack
If you’ve ever wondered how your personal data is used to influence your choices—surprise! This documentary about the Cambridge Analytica scandal provides a creepy deep dive into how your digital footprint can help shape democracy. Think of it as the tech-age horror movie that leaves you questioning your online existence. Don’t worry; it might just inspire you to delete your Facebook account—then again, where else would you share that elaborate avocado toast recipe?
The Pursuit of Happyness
Will Smith stars in this uplifting yet heartbreaking tale of Chris Gardner, a man whose journey from homelessness to Wall Street is so inspiring, it’ll put your Netflix binge-watching sessions to shame. With a backdrop of struggles, discrimination, and boundless perseverance, this film serves as both motivation to chase your dreams and a reality check about the never-ending grind that is adulthood.
Jobs
Starring Ashton Kutcher as Steve Jobs, this biopic covers his transformation from college dropout to co-founder of Apple. It’s a wild ride of tech glory mixed with personal chaos—perfect for anyone daydreaming about quitting their day job to become a multi-billionaire. Spoiler alert: it turns out that creating groundbreaking technology also involves a lot of emotional turmoil and questionable fashion choices.
The Big Short
Want to laugh while feeling existential dread over the housing crisis? “The Big Short” delivers with a combination of biting humor and sobering realities about greed in the financial sector. It’s the movie that makes finance seem as thrilling as a high-octane action flick. Plus, Christian Bale finds a way to make investing sexy—which is an accomplishment unto itself!
The Intern
This comedy-drama pairs Robert De Niro’s seasoned wisdom with Anne Hathaway’s youthful ambition. When a septuagenarian intern steps into the world of e-commerce, nostalgia meets modernity, proving that all you need to balance work and life is a wise old man with an eye for office dynamics. It’s the film equivalent of a hug, reminding us that there’s room for growth at any age—provided you watch what you say around your tech-savvy boss.
The Wolf of Wall Street
In “The Wolf of Wall Street,” Leonardo DiCaprio takes us on a wild ride through the highs and lows of financial excess. It’s a darkly comedic portrayal of wealth, corruption, and the sheer ridiculousness of Wall Street culture. If you’ve ever felt guilty about unnecessary spending, this movie reminds you that living extravagantly could lead to a shocking downfall. It’s as exhilarating as it is cautionary—don’t invest too much in your Netflix subscription while watching!
Boiler Room
Another take on the shady world of stock trading, “Boiler Room” dives into the high-pressure sales tactics of a dubious brokerage firm. It’s a cautionary tale about ethics, ambition, and how not to sell stocks—because who needs integrity when you can close a sale? Might as well take notes on what not to do in your first business meeting!
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Here’s a whimsical adventure about a daydreaming office worker who suddenly finds the guts to embark on a journey that’s as much about self-discovery as it is about chasing lost negatives. Directed by Ben Stiller, it’s heartwarming and beautifully shot—a reminder that every now and then, you should tear yourself away from your screens and embrace a little unpredictability. Life’s too short for predictable weekends, after all!
Startup.com
Tracing the rise and fall of an internet startup during the dot-com boom, “Startup.com” will make you laugh, cry, and resent your last tech investment simultaneously. The film serves as an entertaining watercolor of the glorious highs and disheartening lows of startup life, reminding you that friendship can be more fragile than your last smartphone screen. Look out, entrepreneurs—it’s all fun and games until the bubble bursts!
The Circle
This techno-thriller invites you to question how much of your life you’re willing to share online—because who needs privacy when you can have likes and shares? Starring Emma Watson, it explores the dark side of tech engagement, making it oddly both timely and terrifying. Yet the overriding lesson is simple: sometimes a little privacy is worth more than the likes.
The Hustle
Lastly, this energetic crime comedy pairs Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson as two con artists targeting a tech mogul with the finesse of a heist movie—just with far more laughs and less logic. The film is a delightful romp that reminds us: if all else fails, why not turn to a life of crime? Just kidding—don’t do that. Stick to your dreams, even if they’re less dramatic.
