Real-Life Inspirations
Discover how these documentaries, movies, and TV series can provide insights and inspiration for your entrepreneurial journey.
Actually, I had started writing this post to list movies I'd recommend entrepreneurs to watch. However, I suddenly realized that the list I had put together had turned into a list of documentaries, films, and series based on true stories that I've loved so far. I had aimed to list ten films, but the point where I could stop myself was twenty. While creating this list, I noticed that many of the movies I watched were based on real stories.
Jiro Dreams of Sushi (7.8) This documentary narrates the life and career of legendary sushi chef Jiro Ono, who's 90 years old and has 3 Michelin stars. In my opinion, entrepreneurs must watch it.
My Octopus Teacher (8.1) This documentary tells the extraordinary friendship between a diver and an octopus in South Africa. I didn't watch it for a long time since it had won an Oscar, I kept postponing it, but once I started, it drew me in and I watched it in one sitting.
Forks Over Knives (7.7) This documentary investigates the health benefits of vegetarian and vegan diets. It's a must-watch for everyone.
Question: How do you know someone's vegan?
Answer: Wait and, they'll tell you.Watership Down (7.2) This animated movie, adapted from a book, narrates the story of a group of rabbits and is for adults. You can also watch the 1978 cartoon.
Genius - Einstein (Season 1) (8.2) This series consists of three seasons, and I especially liked the first one, which describes Albert Einstein's life and work. (You can also watch Season 2 which is about Picasso)
The Founder (7.2) This movie narrates the story of the McDonald's fast-food chain, established by Ray Kroc, played by Michael Keaton, somewhere on the gray boundaries of a ruthless and capitalist world. I must share my favorite quote from the movie.
Ray Kroc: "Now, I know what you're thinkin'. How the heck does a 52-year-old, over-the-hill milkshake-machine salesman... build a fast-food empire with 16,000 restaurants, in 50 states, in 5 foreign countries... with an annual revenue of in the neighborhood of $700,000,000.00... One word... PERSISTENCE. Nothing in this world can take the place of good old persistence. Talent won't. Nothing's more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius won't. Unrecognized genius is practically a cliche. Education won't. Why the world is full of educated fools. Persistence and determination alone are all powerful."
What the Health (7.2) This documentary explores the negative effects of animal foods on human health. Yes, another vegan documentary. Watch it. I couldn't make a third recommendation, but if you want, you can watch the more polished documentary “The Game Changers” (7.8).
The Last Dance (9.1) This documentary, which I think I really love, tells about Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls' 1997-98 NBA championship season. You're likely to feel pumped after watching.
The Big Short (7.8) This movie, also based on real stories, tells the story of Michael Burry and a group of investors who predicted the 2008 financial crisis in advance.
Something Ventured (7.0) A must-watch documentary for entrepreneurs and investors. It narrates the story of the founding fathers of Silicon Valley.
Cosmos (9.0) This magnificent series, adapted from Carl Sagan's book, discusses the universe, life, and the place of humanity. I could watch this series, hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson, over and over again.
Jerry Seinsfeld (I am telling you for the last time) (7.8) As a Seinsfeld fan, I would recommend not only this standup but all of them, but I'm only listing this one. You can find other stand-ups of Jerry Seinsfeld on Netflix. I watch all the seasons again whenever I forget Seinsfeld.
Air (7.5) I had shared a special post for this movie. Rather than telling the whole story of Nike, it shares with us a very important period. It's a movie that tells how the general outlook of sports marketing has been permanently changed. If you notice, this is also based on real stories.
In the movie, a quote said by Michael Jordan's mother, Deloris Jordan, during a conversation when Nike's talent scout Sonny, played by Matt Damon, arrives at Jordan's house without any notice, stays in mind.
“I believe the saying that if you say what you want, that's fine and good, but doing something about it that's what really counts.. —Deloris Jordan”
The Pursuit of Happyness (8.0) This film tells the story of Chris Gardner, played by Will Smith, raising his son under challenging circumstances and struggling with life. The film has the power to motivate all entrepreneurs.
The Big Blue (7.5) This 1988 film directed by Luc Besson is partly based on a true story, but it is not a faithful biography of real divers. It's inspired by the lives and accomplishments of famous free divers Jacques Mayol and Enzo Maiorca.
Icarus (7.9) It exposes the corruption and danger of the sports and political world. It's a documentary where the director Bryan Fogel, while experimenting with doping to increase his cycling performance, uncovered a major Russian doping scandal with the help of Grigory Rodchenkov.
Moneyball (7.6) Another film based on a true story. A film based on Michael Lewis's book, it tells the story of Billy Beane, the legendary general manager of the Oakland Athletics, played by Brad Pitt. It describes the story of creating a successful baseball team on a low budget using statistical analysis and unconventional methods.
Ford v Ferrari (8.1) Another film based on a true story. A film that tells about the Ford Motor Company's challenge to Ferrari at the Le Mans 24 Hour race in 1966. The movie tells the adventure of car designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale), who build a revolutionary race car called Ford GT40, overcoming corporate interference, personal conflicts, and engineering challenges.
The Trial of the Chicago 7 (7.7) A 2020 historical legal drama film written and directed by Aaron Sorkin. The film is based on the true story of a group of anti-Vietnam War protesters, known as the Chicago Seven, who were accused of trying to incite a riot at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in 1968 and put on trial.
King Richard (7.5) Another film featuring Will Smith, and once again, it's based on a true story. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and written by Zach Baylin, this 2021 biographical sports drama movie centers on the life of Richard Williams, the father and coach of world-renowned tennis players Venus and Serena Williams. I believe it's a must-watch for entrepreneurs.
+Bonus: Comedy TV Shows I like
The Simpsons, The IT Crowd, The Big bang Theory, Seinsfeld, Coupling, Yes Minister - Yes Prime Minister, How I Met Your Mother, Frasier, The Golden Girls, Cheers, Taxi, Two and a Half Men, Friends, The Office, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Modern Family, Will & Grace, Silicon Valley, Futurama, Rick and Morty, Scrubs, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Sex and the City, Everybody Loves Raymond, SpongeBob SquarePants, Malcolm in the Middle, South Park
I'm open to recommendations for movies, TV shows, and documentaries. Feel free to write your comments
i am working