Looking to start an online empire? Productivity is key, but your next big idea might strike when you give yourself some much-needed rest. It might not be your first thought, but there are plenty of business movies on Netflix to check out.
From cautionary tales to revolutionary business ideas, these movies are sure to entertain any entrepreneur. You might also find the inspo you need to start your own brand, or learn the pitfalls to avoid when you embark on your entrepreneurial journey.
If you’re feeling stuck about where to start, watching business movies can help you understand what’s worked (and what hasn’t) for industry leaders and big-name brands.
No matter how jam-packed your schedule is, it’s important to find time to recharge. So, sit back, grab some popcorn, and check out some of the best business movies on Netflix.
Best business movies on Netflix right now
Wondering “what movie should I watch”? Don’t worry, we have you covered! We’ve scoured the leading streaming platform to find the perfect picks for budding entrepreneurs.
Insights from brands and industry leaders
Learning from others is key. That’s especially true in the business world. The films below feature insights from brands, CEOs, and leaders that have transformed their industry over the past century.
1. Untold: The Rise and Fall of AND1 (2022)
IMDB rating: 6.8/10
Director: Kevin Wilson Jr.
Ideal if… You’re fascinated by the world of sportswear and sneakers.
Hip-hop meets sports in this documentary about the rise of the basketball apparel and footwear brand, AND1.
It’s the 1990s and the brand is a global sensation, driven by its streetball mixtapes that are flashy enough to rival Nike. The secret to their success is, “insane viral marketing, in a pre-internet age”.
But with astronomical success, comes the inevitable crash-landing.
This movie is the seventh documentary in the “Untold” Netflix original film series. It’s a great business movie on Netflix for entrepreneurs with a love of sports clothing. Plus, it offers insights into how to develop iconic visual branding, whatever your industry.
2. American Factory (2019)
IMDB rating: 7.4/10
Tomatometer: 95%
Directors: Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert
Ideal if… You’re invested in global commerce and worker rights, and you’d like to see the inside workings of a factory environment - warts and all.
After the closure of a General Motors plant, a Chinese billionaire opens a factory in post-industrial Ohio. The factory promises much-needed employment for over 2000 local, blue-collar American workers.
However, the positive community impact was not without issue. The Chinese corporation has strict expectations for American workers, pushing productivity above all else.
These are the challenges a globalized economy faces, and this documentary offers invaluable cultural commentary and insights. American Factory shows the complications, not just between cultures, but between corporations and their workers.
3. Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber (2022)
IMDB rating: 7.3/10
Tomatometer: 68%
Directors: Allen Coulter, Daniel Gray Longino, John Dahl, Zetna Fuentes
Ideal if… You’re fascinated by the conflict and complexities of boardroom dynamics.
Whilst this isn’t a movie, this eight-part drama series provides unique insights into a U.S. business juggernaut.
Based on Mike Isaac’s non-fiction book, the series tracks the rapid rise and fall of Uber’s former CEO, Travis Kalanick. It reveals his shaky ethics and aggressive tactics and captures the highs and lows of Silicon Valley.
You get a look at Uber’s business model, and how it expands across the U.S. while skirting local laws. You might also start to see the broader impact of the rideshare industry in a new light.
4. Inside Bill's Brain: Decoding Bill Gates (2019)
IMDB rating: 7.8/10
Tomatometer: 43%
Director: Davis Guggenheim
Ideal if… You’d like an inside look into the outlook of Microsoft’s co-founder, including the development of the tech brand.
A three-part exploration into the inner workings of Bill Gates’ brain, as well as the experiences and influences that have shaped him.
This docuseries reflects on his journey so far, including his upbringing, education, and intense work ethic. The creation of Microsoft with co-founder, Paul Allen, is covered, as well as a look at Gates’ philanthropic work.
Gates’ problem-solving approach is applied to global issues, such as sanitation, the eradication of Polio, clean energy, and climate change. He discusses his innovative ideas, including a toilet that can function without water or a sewage system. You also get to see how his company, TerraPower, is reducing global carbon emissions through nuclear power.
5. What’s Next? The Future with Bill Gates (2024)
IMDB rating: 5.8/10
Directors: Alex Braverman, Nicola Marsh, Morgan Neville, Neha Shastry, Jason Zeldes
Ideal if… You’re looking for insights into the century’s most pressing issues, from artificial intelligence to conspiracy theories.
Another look at Gates’ amazing problem-solving mind. This series focuses on Bill Gates’ vision for the future, where he tackles big issues like climate change and global health.
Gates gives a unique take on using technology to solve these problems in the long run. He believes sustainable technologies are key to fixing today’s challenges and securing a progressive future. If you’re interested in the ethical side of business and philanthropy, this is a must-watch.
Inspiring entrepreneurial stories
The movies below are the perfect inspiration for ecommerce entrepreneurs and future creatives ready to set out in business.
6. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)
IMDB rating: 7.6/10
Tomatometer: 87%
Directors: Chiwetel Ejiofor
Ideal if… You’re interested in innovators outside of the U.S. who’ve transformed their community against all odds.
A devastating drought hits William Kamkwamba’s village in Malawi. He is forced to leave the school he loves but refuses to forget his passion for science. After borrowing Physics books from the library, a ground-breaking idea comes to him. William builds a windmill to generate electricity and pump water. His ingenuity saves his hometown.
Check out this Netflix Original to see the true story of a 13-year-old boy's incredible invention. You’re sure to be moved by his resilience and innovation, and maybe even motivated to take on your challenges in business with a new outlook.
7. Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker (2020)
IMDB rating: 7.3/10
Tomatometer: 68%
Directors: DeMane Davis, Kasi Lemmons
Ideal if… Your goal is to become a game-changing, self-made businesswoman - and make a difference.
Madam C.J. Walker is recorded as the first female self-made millionaire. Yet, her journey was not an easy one. This limited series chronicles how she rose above systemic racism and sexism, self-doubt, and marital strain as her success grew.
Watching Walker overcome adversity to establish her hair care business is both motivating and uplifting. Not only was she able to build a beauty empire, but dedicated her time to helping other Black women. Her philanthropy and business sense continue to be an inspiration for businesswomen and female entrepreneurs worldwide.
8. The Playbook (2020)
IMDB rating: 7.4/10
Director(s): John Henion, Sarah Feeley, Josh Greenbaum, Alex Stapleton
Ideal if… You want to develop the mindset associated with leading athletics coaches - and maybe offer coaching sessions of your own.
Some of the world’s best coaches share their winning strategies in this Netflix series. Doc Rivers, Jill Ellis, and José Mourinho break down how leadership, adaptability, and resilience are key to their successes.
For entrepreneurs, having the mindset of an athlete is crucial. It’s all about discipline, handling pressure, and constantly pushing yourself to improve. The show dives into how these coaches deal with failure, build strong teams, and stay focused on long-term goals.
If you want to become a coach, check out our guide to lucrative coaching niches.
Cautionary tales of business mistakes
From the inspirational to the eye-opening, these movies offer lessons in what not to do.
9. Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened (2019)
IMDB rating: 7.2/10
Tomatometer: 93%
Director: Chris Smith
Ideal if… You want to learn how to prevent your business idea from becoming an organizational and PR disaster.
The goal was luxury and glamor, but what happened was a disaster. This Netflix-produced documentary showcases the infamous failed attempt to hold a music festival in the Bahamas in 2017. The footage shows what happened in the run-up to the event, as well as the chaotic conclusion.
There is a lot to learn from this movie. As event producer Andy King puts it, “Desperate people do desperate things.” You’re about to see how desperate things can get.
10. Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
IMDB rating: 7.7/10
Tomatometer: 95%
Director(s): James Foley
Ideal if… You’re facing intense competition and dealing with rejection and setbacks.
Glengarry Glen Ross is based on David Mamet's Pulitzer-winning play. It tells the story of four real estate salesmen under extreme pressure. With only the top two performers keeping their jobs, the competition turns ruthless. They push ethical boundaries, backstab one another, and break the law.
This is all in an attempt to live by their trainer's mantra, "Always be closing." Success above all else - failure is not an option. This award-winning flick shows that ruthlessness doesn’t always pay and that the best businesses shouldn’t get too competitive.
11. Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal and Greed (2021)
IMDB rating: 6.9/10
Tomatometer: 80%
Director(s): Joshua Rofé
Ideal if… You want to learn how businesses can face conflict after the death of an iconic figure.
You might recognize Bob Ross as the genial star of The Joy of Painting. This Netflix documentary shines a light on the darker reality of what happened after Bob’s death at the age of 52, in 1995.
The rights to the Bob Ross brand are controlled by business partners Annette and Walt Kowalski. They want to leverage his image for profit, but this does not sit well with Bob’s family. Bob’s son, Steve Ross, is especially unhappy about it.
“Art and commerce eventually will clash,” says Joshua Rofe’, director of the documentary. He adds that it is a matter of debate who has the moral high ground.
Revolutionary ideas to inspire your brand
These movies showcase the bold and the original, bringing something you’ve never seen before.
12. The Billion Dollar Code (2021)
IMDB rating: 6.8/10
Tomatometer: 98%
Director(s): Robert Thalheim
Ideal if… You’re interested in early digital innovations and smaller businesses that challenged global corporations.
This subtitled Netflix limited series is based on the true story of two German computer programmers, Carsten Schlüter and Juri Müller.
In the 1990s, they invented TerraVision, a virtual, 3D map of the Earth using satellite imagery and a networked interface. When Google launched Google Earth in the early 2000s, the pair accused the tech giant of pattern infringement. A courtroom showdown ensues, raising questions about global power and true justice.
The show alternates between the courtroom and the process of creating TerraVision, exploring how revolutionary, world-changing technology is made.
13. Eat the Rich: The GameStop Saga (2022)
IMDB rating: 6.3/10
Tomatometer: 88%
Director(s): Theo Love
Ideal if… You want to learn more about the stock market, and how the underdog can succeed in unlikely circumstances.
A deep dive into the 2021 GameStop stock short squeeze. A group of retail investors on Reddit's r/WallStreetBets takes on Wall Street hedge funds by buying up GameStop stock. This causes the stock price to soar, forcing hedge funds that bet on its fall to face huge losses.
This sudden market trend causes unexpected problems for both individual investors and the larger financial world. The entire financial system is shaken.
This docuseries considers the risks and rewards of the democratization of stock trading.
Criminal endeavors to avoid and learn from
Shortcuts, scams, and conmen. These movies are a reminder to stay sharp in business, and always keep your ethics in check.
14. Skandal! Bringing Down Wirecard (2022)
IMDB rating: 7.2/10
Tomatometer: 67%
Director: James Erskine
Ideal if… You want to learn about seemingly successful brands hiding their corruption.
You may be familiar with Wirecard, the German payment processing company. The firm was an upstart triumph that wowed the financial industry with its overnight success.
This documentary reveals the unraveling of a massive fraud scandal, amounting to billions of euros. The collaboration of journalists, whistle-blowers, and legal experts leads to the arrest of former CEO, Markus Braun.
The scale of corruption is shocking and raises questions about the responsibilities of auditors and regulatory bodies.
15. Madoff: The Monster of Wall Street (2023)
IMDB rating: 7.3/10
Tomatometer: 90%
Director: Joe Berlinger
Ideal if… You want to find out how to spot conmen - and avoid their ethical mistakes.
Despite once being the chairman of NASDAQ, and a well-respected figure on Wall Street, Madoff infamously ran one of the largest Ponzi schemes in history. He cheated high-profile investors out of billions of dollars, over several decades. Madoff deceived investors, regulators, and even his own family. He was not arrested until 2008, after an FBI investigation.
This docuseries explores his life and crimes, delving into how it was possible to mislead people on this scale. Interviews with former employees, victims, and legal experts offer unique perspectives on his manipulation tactics, and living with the consequences of his lies.
16. Trust No One: The Hunt for the Crypto King (2022)
IMDB rating: 6.3/10
Tomatometer: 33%
Director: Luke Sewell
Ideal if… You’re ready to get started in the world of cryptocurrency, and you want a primer on avoiding the scams.
In 2018, Gerald Cotten, CEO of QuadrigaCX, Canada's largest cryptocurrency exchange, allegedly died. Only he knew the passwords and encryption keys for the cold wallets of the company’s clients – totaling up to $250 million of cryptocurrency.
This documentary explores the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death, and the theories that Cotten may have taken off with the money. The lack of regulation in the world of crypto is considered, as well as common scams and pitfalls.
17. Molly’s Game (2017)
IMDB rating: 7.4/10
Tomatometer: 81%
Director: Aaron Sorkin
Ideal if… You’re fascinated by high-stakes gambling and want to get to grips with the dangers of the industry.
After an injury puts an end to her competitive skiing career, Molly Bloom ventures into underground activities. In the early 2000s, Bloom runs an exclusive, illegal poker ring. The high-stakes games attract celebrities, sports stars, powerful business figures, and even the Russian mafia.
This movie is based on her true story and follows her journey from Los Angeles to New York City, where the stakes increase. Bloom’s lavish lifestyle soon leads to drug addiction, and her illegal activities attract interception from the FBI.
18. Dirty Money (2018)
IMDB rating: 8.1/10
Tomatometer: 100%
Directors: Erin Lee Carr, Alex Gibney, Kristi Jacobson, Brian McGinn, Jesse Moss, Fisher Stevens, Margaret Brown, Daniel DiMauro, Zach Heinzerling, Dan Krauss, Stephen Maing, Kyoko Miyake, Morgan Pehme
Ideal if… You want to understand the dark side of business and develop stronger ethical practices.
Shocking corporate greed and corruption are uncovered in this docuseries. Every episode covers a different real-life scandal, such as fraud or environmental crimes.
This show exposes how powerful companies put profit over people. It exposes the dangers of unchecked ambition and ruthless ethics. If you want a real look at how businesses can go wrong, you don’t want to miss this.
Entertaining commentaries (just for fun!)
It’s not all doom and gloom! These films show the lighter side of entrepreneurship, all whilst highlighting important lessons for aspiring business owners.
19. Dumb Money (2023)
IMDB rating: 6.9/10
Tomatometer: 84%
Director: Craig Gillespie
Ideal if… You want to learn about the impact of social media on the online financial industry.
This movie is a comedic dramatization of the GameStop stock surge. It’s light-hearted while staying true to the events that occurred around January 2021.
Seth Rogen is hilarious as a hedge fund manager losing control. Paul Dano nails the role of the everyday investor rallying the masses. The movie makes it clear how social media platforms, like Reddit, played a key role in the GameStop stock saga.
It’s a sharp, social commentary on how regular people have the means to challenge institutional powers in the digital age.
20. Workin’ Moms (2017 - 2023)
IMDB rating: 7.8/10
Directors: Yael Staav, Aleysa Young, Paul Fox, Mars Horodyski, Philip Sternberg, Catherine Reitman, Joyce Wong, Jessie Gabe, Renuka Jeyapalan, Molly McGlynn, Peter Huang, Dani Kind
Ideal if… You’re passionate about following your career path - and embracing motherhood too.
This truth-telling comedy series isn’t afraid to show the messy parts of life. It features four women who navigate the ups and downs of parenting while dealing with demanding, fast-paced workplaces.
The challenges faced by ambitious Kate are relatable for any entrepreneur with family responsibilities. The show finds humor in the chaos, making it a relatable but entertaining watch.
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