Building a business is an incredible but demanding journey. Sometimes, you need a break to recharge. But who says a break can’t also be inspiring?
We asked the entrepreneurs in the HEN community to share their favorite entrepreneur movies. Not just any movies, mind you, but ones that sparked their fire, offered valuable lessons, and resonated with their journeys.
Get ready for a curated list of movies, recommended by fellow HEN members. From chasing dreams to overcoming challenges, these movies offer a powerful dose of entrepreneurial spirit.
Let’s dive into the movie magic!
This post is a celebration of the amazing women in the HEN community and a resource for all aspiring and current female entrepreneurs.
Learn from the Best: Entrepreneurs Reveal the Films That Fueled Their Fire
1. Self Made (2020) - Referred By Rashmi Sharma
“Self Made” isn’t a movie, but an inspiring miniseries on Netflix. It chronicles the incredible journey of Madam C.J. Walker, the first African American self-made millionaire.
Facing social and economic barriers, she built a haircare empire through resilience, innovation, and business savvy.
The series highlights her fight against prejudice and her rise as a beauty mogul who empowered other Black women.
Business Lesson From the Movie:
See how one woman’s determination, market savvy, and growth strategies led to success. Get inspired and gain valuable lessons applicable to your own entrepreneurial journey.
I am inspired by the life of Madam C.J. Walker.
Rashmi Sharma
Founder - Tomorrowsmith Foundation
Tomorrowsmith Foundation is committed to whole-teacher development with over 175 teachers in its network and a successful fellowship program, driving change in education.
2. The Exchange (2023) - Referred By Tanushree Nair
Having premiered in 2023 as a series, not a movie, “The Exchange” offers a thrilling dive into the world of high finance with a historical twist.
Inspired by real events, the show follows two determined women who navigate the cutthroat Kuwaiti stock market of the 1980s.
In this male-dominated environment, they break barriers and fight to make their mark, not just as investors but as agents of change within a corrupt system.
Business Lesson From the Screen:
This series is packed with lessons you can use in cutthroat business. Watch them fight for funding, overcome bias, and learn from their wins and losses. They prove that anyone can succeed with guts, grit, and a willingness to change the game.
From the OTT series, I liked 'Self-Made' and 'The Exchange'. Both are women-oriented series that delve into how gender and colour biases, along with lack of opportunities, were tackled by these women. Despite the challenges they faced, they exhibited grit and collaborative power, not only fighting biases but also showcasing their entrepreneurial acumen without letting emotions hinder their fair approach."
Tanushree Nair
Founder - The Soul Aichemy
Tanushree Nair – founder is an Energy Mindset Coach at The Soul Alchemy, Author of the book – “Bring Out that Red Lipstick”, and Speaker.
3. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) - Referred By Soniyaa Kapoor
“The Pursuit of Happyness” is a true story about Chris Gardner, a struggling struggling salesman who faces homelessness with his son. Driven by unwavering determination, Chris fights for a better future through a cutthroat stockbroker internship. This inspiring film showcases the power of resilience in chasing your dreams.
Business Lesson From the Screen:
This movie hits you hard – the financial struggle, the fear of letting down your family. But here’s why it’s worth watching: it’s a real-life lesson in the grit needed to succeed as an entrepreneur. See Chris Gardner overcome homelessness, chase his dreams even when it’s tough, and fight his way to success.
The Pursuit of Happyness will always remain one of my favorites. Not everyone goes through such extreme harshness, but a lot of us have seen times in our entrepreneurial journey when we feel like we are losing from all ends.
This movie shows the power of resilience, belief in yourself, and working towards opportunities even when you can't already see success at the other end.
Soniyaa Kapoor
Founder - Gyaanlekha Publishing
Soniyaa is a Book Publisher with 8 Years of Experience and has published 35+ books!
4. The Intern (2015) - Referred By Gunjan Pai
“The Intern” is a heartwarming story about finding purpose, connection, and proving age is just a number.Bored with retirement, 70-year-old Ben (Robert De Niro) lands an internship at a hip fashion startup run by the young and ambitious Jules (Anne Hathaway).
Despite their age difference, Ben’s wisdom and humor win over his colleagues and forge an unlikely friendship with Jules.
Business Lesson From the Screen:
This heartwarming movie offers a fresh look at startups. You’ll see how mentorship, having people with different ideas, and finding a balance between work and life are all important for entrepreneurs to succeed.
The Intern is an all-time favourite with many valuable lessons to be learned from it. Lessons in thinking outside the box, doing the unexpected, and expanding perspectives - so much is packed into that one movie.
Gunjan Pai
Founder - Copylove
Copylove, a boutique copywriting studio built on her 20+ years of experience with leading companies, brands, and entrepreneurs.
5. Godfather Part II (1974) - Referred By Umaa Arun
The Godfather Part II tells two tales: young Vito Corleone’s ruthless rise to power, and Michael’s struggle to maintain it.
It shows how family loyalty can be a double-edged sword in business. Michael expands the Corleones beyond their roots, but success isolates him, highlighting the corrupting influence of power.
Business Lesson From the Screen:
The Godfather chronicles the Corleones’ rise from a small-time business to a mafia empire. Michael, the new leader, uses clever strategies for expansion, but the film also warns of ambition’s dark side. Watch Michael’s fall – a lesson for entrepreneurs: true success requires balance, not just power. Stay ethical, even when the climb gets steep.
The Godfather reveals new nuances after the first watch. Highlights for an entrepreneur include: the evolution from a family business to one of the most powerful organisations, the power of relationships and building networks, strategic alliances, and the how and why of diversifying business.
Umaa Arun
CoFounder - Fermata
With over 27 years of entrepreneurial experience through Fermata she offers career and business solutions.
6. Band Baaja Baaraat (2010) - Referred By Shruthi Jayaraman
Band Baaja Baarat follows Shruti, a goal-oriented college student who dreams of a wedding planning career, and Bittoo, a carefree classmate looking for his path. Despite their contrasting personalities, they join forces to launch “Shaadi Mubarak,” a wedding planning business.
Their professional journey brings them success, but also ignites a romance they must balance with their initial vow to keep things strictly business.
Business Lesson From the Screen:
This isn’t just a fun movie – it’s a business lesson bonanza! Watch Shruti’s confidence turn an idea into a thriving business. Learn about niche markets (think Shruti’s wedding focus) and the power of a diverse, skilled team. Even their struggles, like getting clients, are relatable and offer tips for overcoming obstacles.
I watch scenes from this movie whenever I doubt myself. It's a simple story about how a girl confidently starts an event management company because she believes she can do a better job. Of course, there are tons of other English movies, but somehow I feel this movie is especially relatable to Indian girls.
Shruthi Jayaraman
CoFounder - Kornayas
Kornayas is the millennial sibling’s t-shirt venture known for original designs and wearable art.
7. Rocket Singh (2009) - Referred By Kavitha Boobathy
Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year tells the story of Harpreet, a grad who enters sales but clashes with its unethical practices.
He starts his own honest business within the company, “Rocket Sales,” facing challenges and his scheming boss. The film champions integrity and building success your own way, inspiring those who feel like outsiders.
Business Lesson From the Screen:
This film follows Harpreet, who builds a business on happy customers, not shortcuts. See him navigate competition with integrity and build a winning team from scratch. It’s not just about the initial win; witness his perseverance overcome challenges. Rocket Singh is your guide to success on your terms, values intact!
Rocket singh starred by Ranbir Kapoor. The lessons I have learnt 1. Never take shortcuts in quallity when you create a product for your customers. 2. The real business starts after you sell a product to your customer. Service is important than selling. 3. Relationships matter than numbers. 4. Your team is your family and partner in business. 5. There may be ups and downs in business, it shouldn't affect the person you are. It is a movie, which inspired be about customer satisfaction and service. My funda of give 10X to your customer became strong and validated after I watched this movie.
Kavitha Boobathy
Founder - Kavitha The Coach
Kavitha The Coach is an ACC ICF Coach, Mentor, and Partner for women entrepreneurs and decision-makers
