10 Summer Movies That Teach You How to Build a Business

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-28

Looking for inspiration and entertainment while you're traveling or unwinding during your summer holidays? We've put together a list of movies that offer an engaging look at entrepreneurship, innovation, ambition, and the realities of building a business. From dramatized true stories and corporate rivalries to fictional accounts of founders and industry disruptors, these titles combine entertainment with useful lessons about leadership, negotiation, resilience, and decision-making. So, put your feet up, get the popcorn ready, and settle in. Here is our latest watchlist for startup enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the people and ideas behind the business world. ### Air (2023) Air follows Nike executive Sonny Vaccaro as he pushes the company to sign a then-rookie basketball player named Michael Jordan to an unprecedented endorsement deal. Despite Nike trailing Adidas and Converse in basketball, Vaccaro convinces the company's leadership, and Jordan's family, that betting everything on one athlete could redefine sports marketing. The film centers on persuasion and strategic decision-making rather than basketball itself. It offers an excellent look at negotiation, conviction, and calculated risk-taking. The film shows how identifying a unique opportunity and structuring a win-win partnership can create enormous long-term value, making it especially relevant for entrepreneurs, marketers, and business leaders. ### The Apprentice (2024) The Apprentice chronicles the early business career of Donald Trump in 1970s and 1980s New York, focusing on his mentorship under influential and notorious lawyer Roy Cohn. As Trump builds his real estate empire, he learns the tactics of negotiation, branding, media manipulation, and aggressive deal-making that come to define his public persona. The film provides an insightful look at personal branding, negotiation, reputation management, and the power of perception in business. It also serves as a cautionary tale, showing how ambition and relentless competitiveness can fuel success while raising difficult questions about ethics and leadership. ### Flamin' Hot (2023) Flamin' Hot tells the disputed story of Richard Montañez, a Frito-Lay factory worker who rises through the company after developing an idea inspired by Mexican-American flavors and pitching it to senior executives. The film follows his efforts to overcome professional barriers, gain recognition, and turn a product concept into a commercial opportunity. The film explores innovation from within a large organization, entrepreneurial thinking, workplace ambition, and the importance of understanding underserved consumers. It also highlights how personal experience can shape product development, while offering a broader lesson in persistence, internal advocacy, and communicating an idea effectively. ### Bank of Dave (2023) Based on a true story, Bank of Dave follows UK businessman Dave Fishwick as he attempts to establish a community-focused bank designed to support local residents and small businesses. His plan brings him into conflict with established financial institutions and regulators, forcing him to navigate a system that appears resistant to new entrants. The film examines social entrepreneurship, access to finance, regulatory barriers, and the role of trust in banking. It presents business as a tool for community development, while showing how purpose-driven leadership and local knowledge can challenge conventional industry models. ### Dumb Money (2023) Based on true events, Dumb Money follows Keith Gill and thousands of everyday investors who rallied behind GameStop stock after believing it was massively undervalued. Their collective buying triggered one of the biggest short squeezes in history, challenging hedge funds and exposing tensions between retail investors, Wall Street, and trading platforms. Beyond the headlines, the film illustrates the power of communities, social media, and collective action in financial markets. It's a modern story about how ordinary people can challenge established power structures when they organize effectively. ### What These Films Teach Us Each of these movies offers a unique perspective on business. Here's a quick summary of the key takeaways: - **Air** shows the power of conviction and strategic negotiation - **The Apprentice** explores personal branding and the ethics of ambition - **Flamin' Hot** demonstrates innovation from the bottom up - **Bank of Dave** highlights social entrepreneurship and regulatory challenges - **Dumb Money** illustrates the strength of community-driven movements These films aren't just entertainment; they're case studies in how business really works. Whether you're a founder, an investor, or just curious about how companies are built, you'll find something valuable in each story. So grab your snacks, find a comfortable spot, and let these movies inspire your next big idea. After all, the best business lessons often come from the most unexpected places.