Action Films for the Aspiring Entrepreneur

Description: Bud Fox's journey from a young stockbroker to a protégé of Gordon Gekko showcases the allure and dangers of the entrepreneurial world in finance.

Fact: The phrase "Greed is good" became iconic from this film. Michael Douglas won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Gordon Gekko.

Description: A young man gets involved in a shady brokerage firm, learning the hard way about the dark side of entrepreneurship and the cutthroat world of finance.

Fact: The film features a cameo by Ben Affleck, who plays a recruiter for the firm. The script was inspired by real-life stories from Wall Street.

Description: Dom Toretto, a street racer with a knack for business, navigates the world of illegal street racing and heists. His entrepreneurial approach to racing and his team's loyalty are key themes.

Fact: The film was inspired by a Vibe magazine article about street racing in New York. The iconic Dodge Charger was actually a 1970 model, not a 1969 as depicted.

Description: A classic heist film where a young, tech-savvy Charlie Croker leads a team to steal gold from a former associate. This film embodies the entrepreneurial spirit with its clever planning and execution.

Fact: The Mini Coopers used in the film were custom-made for the movie's iconic chase scenes. The film's title is a nod to the 1969 British film of the same name.

Description: Chris Gardner's struggle to provide for his son while pursuing his dream of becoming a stockbroker is a testament to entrepreneurial spirit and resilience.

Fact: Will Smith's son, Jaden Smith, played his son in the film. The film's title misspelling is intentional, reflecting a real-life sign Gardner saw.

Description: While not a traditional action film, the relentless energy and the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort's stockbroking empire make it a thrilling watch. Belfort's entrepreneurial drive is both inspiring and cautionary.

Fact: The film was based on the memoir of the same name by Jordan Belfort. Leonardo DiCaprio improvised many of his lines, adding to the film's raw energy.

Description: This film chronicles the founding of Facebook, showcasing the entrepreneurial journey of Mark Zuckerberg. The fast-paced narrative and legal battles add an action-like intensity.

Fact: The film was shot in just 67 days. The real Mark Zuckerberg was not involved in the production but did comment on the film's accuracy.

Description: This film delves into the lives of several investors who bet against the U.S. mortgage market, showcasing their entrepreneurial foresight and the high-stakes environment of finance.

Fact: The film uses celebrity cameos to explain complex financial terms, making the narrative accessible. The book by Michael Lewis, on which the film is based, was initially turned down by several publishers.

Description: Ray Kroc's story of turning McDonald's into a global empire is filled with entrepreneurial ambition, business strategy, and the action of corporate battles.

Fact: Michael Keaton, who played Kroc, lost 20 pounds for the role to reflect Kroc's physical transformation over time. The film was shot in various locations to mimic the 1950s and 1960s.

Description: A documentary that follows the rise and fall of an internet startup, providing a real-life look at the entrepreneurial journey, complete with the drama and action of business life.

Fact: The film was shot over two years, capturing the dot-com bubble's peak and burst. It was one of the first documentaries to use digital video extensively.