50 TOP MOTIVATIONAL TALKS AND MOVIES

50 TOP MOTIVATIONAL TALKS AND MOVIES EVERY YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR SHOULD WATCH OR SEE

I. MOTIVATIONAL MOVIES FOR ENTREPRENEURS

1. THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS

Based on the life of Chris Gardner, this film teaches resilience, sacrifice, and never giving up despite hardship.

2. JOY

A real-life story of a woman who overcomes countless obstacles to build a business empire from a single invention.

3. THE SOCIAL NETWORK

Tells the story of how Facebook was born, filled with lessons on vision, innovation, competition, and betrayal.

4. JOBS

A biopic of Steve Jobs. It inspires creativity, attention to detail, and the entrepreneurial spirit of changing the world.

5. THE FOUNDER

The story of how McDonald's became a global brand. It challenges you to think about systems, scalability, and strategy.

6. MONEYBALL

Shows how innovation and data can disrupt traditional industries. A must-watch for data-driven entrepreneurs

7. THE WOLF OF WALL STREET

Though controversial, it teaches about ambition, risk-taking, sales mastery, and also the consequences of greed

8. CATCH ME IF YOU CAN

Portrays intelligence, adaptability, and thinking outside the box—even though the character used his skills wrongly, it still inspires innovation.

9. SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

Encourages belief in destiny, survival, and the power of past experiences to shape future success.

10. LIMITLESS

Though fictional, it pushes young minds to think about maximizing potential and breaking mental limitations.

11. THE BIG SHORT

Explains financial systems, risk analysis, and seizing opportunity when others see crisis.

12. ROCKY (Series)

Great for learning about grit, determination, and rising after every fall.

13. A BEAUTIFUL MIND

Shows the power of focus, the mind, and persistence despite internal battles.

14. WHIPLASH

Teaches the brutal cost of mastery and how far one can go to achieve greatness.

15. THE INTERN

Explores intergenerational learning, innovation in startups, and humility in leadership.

16. THE AVIATOR

Based on Howard Hughes' life. It teaches obsession with quality, risk, innovation, and mental health in entrepreneurship.

17. OCTOBER SKY

Inspires dreamers to rise above limitations of environment, background, or expectations.

18. HIDDEN FIGURES

True story of African-American women mathematicians who helped launch NASA missions. It teaches breaking barriers, focus, and teamwork.

19. THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND

True story of a Malawian boy who brought electricity to his village through sheer will and creativity.

20. CHEF

Follows a man who quits his job and builds his own food truck business. Lessons in reinvention, passion, and starting over.

21. FORREST GUMP

Packed with lessons on focus, obedience to divine timing, resilience, and taking opportunities

22. THE GREATEST SHOWMAN

Teaches branding, marketing, bold thinking, and dreaming big even from nothing.

23. RUSH

Lessons in competitiveness, branding, excellence, and mental toughness.

24. YES MAN

Encourages openness to new opportunities and breaking comfort zones.

25. CONCUSSION

Teaches boldness in standing for truth, especially when challenging big systems.

II. MOTIVATIONAL TALKS AND DOCUMENTARIES FOR ENTREPRENEURS

26. HOW GREAT LEADERS INSPIRE ACTION – SIMON SINEK (TED TALK)

Introduces the concept of the “Golden Circle” – why some brands lead while others follow.

27. STAY HUNGRY, STAY FOOLISH – STEVE JOBS (STANFORD COMMENCEMENT)

Jobs’ famous speech about following your heart, embracing failure, and staying curious.

28. YOUR BODY LANGUAGE MAY SHAPE WHO YOU ARE – AMY CUDDY (TED TALK)

Helps entrepreneurs build confidence through body posture and presence.

29. WHY DO WE FALL – MOTIVATIONAL VIDEO BY TEAM FEARLESS

A short but powerful video that emphasizes perseverance in the face of failure.

30. THE MINDSET OF HIGH ACHIEVERS – TOM BILYEU (IMPACT THEORY)

Encourages discipline, daily routine, and self-mastery.

31. NEVER GIVE UP – Denzel Washington (MOTIVATIONAL SPEECH)

Classic speech on the importance of faith, failure, and moving forward.

32. HOW TO MAKE STRESS YOUR FRIEND – KELLY MCGONIGAL (TED TALK)

Reframes stress as a necessary part of growth, not a threat.

33. BILL GATES’ 11 RULES OF LIFE – (FROM HIS SPEECHES TO STUDENTS)

Practical truths for success, rarely taught in school.

34. THE POWER OF BELIEF – EDUARDO BRICENO (TED TALK)

Teaches the growth mindset and how to unlock potential.

35. THE POWER OF VISION – LES BROWN

One of the most respected motivational speakers on having and holding on to a vision.

36. I AM NOT YOUR GURU – TONY ROBBINS (NETFLIX)

Behind-the-scenes of Tony Robbins’ seminars. Shows how belief systems can be shattered and rebuilt

37. BECOMING WARREN BUFFETT (HBO DOCUMENTARY)

Details Buffett’s life, his habits, and his approach to decision-making and investment.

38. INSIDE BILL’S BRAIN – DECODING BILL GATES (NETFLIX)

Shows how Gates solves problems and what drives him beyond business.

39. START WITH WHY – SIMON SINEK (FULL TALK)

Goes deeper into why the “Why” behind your business is more powerful than what you do.

40. MOTIVATION GRID – YOUTUBE SERIES BY MATI ILIEV

Powerful and regularly updated motivational videos from top achievers.

41. BOUNCE BACK – ERIC THOMAS

Powerful lesson on overcoming rock bottom and rising with purpose.

42. NO EXCUSES – GARY VAYNERCHUK

Raw and brutally honest advice for entrepreneurs to stop waiting and start doing.

43. LIFE LESSONS FROM 100-YEAR-OLDS – DOCUMENTARY

Lessons on patience, simplicity, focus, and long-term vision.

44. WHY I LEFT GOOGLE TO PURSUE MY DREAM – LEILA JANAH (TEDx)

Encourages leaving comfort for purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

45. DREAM – MOTIVATIONAL VIDEO BY PRINCE EA

Challenges the youth to chase dreams with full passion.

46. WHAT'S YOUR WHY? – INKY JOHNSON

Explores personal purpose, hardship, and perseverance.

47. 5 MINUTES FOR THE NEXT 50 YEARS OF YOUR LIFE – INKY JOHNSON

Ideal for moments of doubt. Packed with fire and faith-based motivation.

48. IF YOU’RE GOING THROUGH HELL, KEEP GOING – WILLIAM WINSTON (MOTIVATIONAL)

Encouragement to never settle or stop in tough seasons.

49. ACT OR ACCEPT – MEL ROBBINS

Explains how to break procrastination with the 5-second rule.

50. UNBROKEN – LOUIS ZAMPERINI (DOCUMENTARY AND MOVIE)

Story of survival, discipline, and transformation. A perfect example of the entrepreneurial journey.