Movies Hustlers Need to Watch

I remember sitting in a dark movie theatre as a kid, feet sticking to the floor from the sweet stuff people dropped, popcorn in hand, the previews just ending and excited for the feature to begin. I still love movies! And while we watch more of them at home now, there’s still the hot popcorn, but luckily no stuck feet!

If you’re a hustler, inspiration is something we all look for and there are a plethora of movies based on hustling in the business world. As things slow down over the holidays, this might be a great time to watch a few business classics to remind us of what’s possible. These are a few of my favorites, but you can find many more here. 

The Founder (2016) - In 1954 Ray Kroc had a vision when he called on a small burger joint in San Bernardino, CA. Kroc sold multi-mixer machines that could make five milkshakes at a time.  He was shocked to learn this restaurant, called McDonalds and owned by two brothers, had eight of these machines. Kroc imagined scores of these restaurants across the U.S., all using his machines, and offered to be their first franchisee. The rest is history and a lesson in partnerships, resentment, compromise, unbridled ambition, and hamburgers. Would you like fries with that burger?

Field of Dreams (1989):  A timeless classic with a much younger and pre-Yellowstone Kevin Costner. As hustlers, we often have dreams that seem crazy and unattainable and this movie is a reminder of the power of vision, self-belief and persistence. Listen to your inner voice, like the voice that talks with Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) telling him to pursue his dream. Follow your intuition, even as the naysayers are having a field day at your expense, and know that dreams do come true. Always believe:  If you build it, they will come!    

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) – Yes,”Happyness”.  Chris Gardner was homeless, selling medical devices no one wanted, and doing his best to raise his young son. Trying times, to be sure, and not unlike what many hustlers face as they work to achieve their dreams. This movie explores resilience, paternal love, hope, dignity, and pushing ahead despite overwhelming odds. It is a real-life story reminding us anyone, regardless of their background or current circumstances, can achieve the American dream. Best quote: “The secret to success: find something you love to do so much, you can’t wait for the sun to rise to do it all over again.”

Steve Jobs (2015):  Steve Jobs, the movie, takes us behind the scenes of the digital revolution, to paint a portrait of the man at its very epicenter. He helped create something totally unique in the world of computers while simultaneously pushing away his daughter, friends and co-workers. We get insight into this visionary who was exiled from the company he co-founded only to return a decade later. He was a perfectionist, obsessed with aesthetics, and determined to make a difference. This powerful movie will resonate with anyone who has struggled to find balance between their passion and the realities of everyday life. Best quote: “We will know soon enough if you are Leonardo da Vinci or just think you are.”

The Social Network (2010): It’s the fall of 2003 and Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg develops a social networking site, Thefacebook, that eventually becomes simply, Facebook. The story revolves around friendships, ambition, legal battles, investment, and the trials and tribulations of growing a start-up from inception. Best Quote: I’m not talking about a dating site, I’m talking about taking the entire social experience of college and putting it online.”

Glengarry Glen Ross (1992): It’s every salesman for himself in this dark drama about sales, persuasion, and manipulation. Four high end real estate salesmen have a week to be either number one or number two in sales or they’re fired. The story revolves around sales leads; hot leads, dead leads, and missing leads, unethical sales tactics, corporate hatchet men, and how morality plays out in the workplace. It’s a great primer on how not to run a business. Best quote: “First prize is a Cadillac Eldorado, second prize is a set of steak knives and third prize is…you’re fired!”

Being a hustler and an entrepreneur isn’t for the faint of heart and sometimes, inspiration is needed to keep moving forward. Stories about others who have taken the road less traveled can keep us motivated and even offer up ideas to show us what’s possible.

As Leonardo DiCaprio’s character said in “Wolf of Wall Street”, “The only thing standing between you and your goal is the story you keep telling yourself.” So take some time this holiday season to fuel your journey and remind yourself why following your passion is so important. Regardless of where you are on your career path, watching the stories of those who have succeed beyond their wildest dreams may help you do exactly the same.