Our Top 10 Business Films

10. Nine to Five (1980)

Perhaps more famous for its soundtrack than the actual film, Nine to Five should be known as “how not to treat your staff.” Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton and Lily Tomlin demonstrate what happens to the boss when the workforce loses faith. So to kick off our very own top ten list today, treat yourself to a bit of Dolly Parton…

9. The Hudsucker Proxy (1994)

The Coen brothers direct this tale of a naïve mail worker who works his way up to upper echelons of Hudsucker Industries and he soon finds out how hard it is to sell a brand new product. Although fairytale-like the film still manages to show the importance of innovation in the corporate world.

8. Ghostbusters (1984)

Cast aside thoughts of Marshmallow Men, Slimer and New York City. At its core the hugely popular 1984 comedy is about three men starting up a brand new business. From the initial business idea to advertising to finding a suitable office location, the Ghostbusters cover the lot.

7. Office Space (1999)

A cult classic and yet another glimpse at what happens when workers don’t feel the love. In a world where staff just want to hold onto their beloved stapler and remain at the same desk for a few months at a time surely keeping them happy is easy? Unfortunately not for the arrogant Mr Lumbergh.

6. Boiler Room (2000)

A college dropout (Giovanni Ribisi) becomes a broker to get on the fast track to success and starts at the bottom rung of the ladder in a suburban investment firm. However, he soon learns of illegitimate dealings by his bosses and discovers that his only way out is to sink the firm himself from within.

5. American Psycho (2000)

The excessive and superficial lifestyle of Patrick Bateman, a New York investment banking executive, takes it’s toll on his warped personality as he begins to indulge in twisted fantasies. On the face of it this movie is about that which the title suggests, but a closer look will reveal all the satirical poking at 80’s Wall Street bankers. Watch this classic scene for proof:

4. Trading Places (1983)

Oh the fickle world of business. One minute Dan Aykroyd is on top of the world living the dream as a wealthy broker and the next he’s lost it all and been replaced by a common crook. It’s tough at the top but tougher at the bottom.

3. Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)

An all-star cast delve into the murky waters of estate agents. Not the most interesting of topics you may think but the office has never seemed so chilling. Pressure reigns supreme.

2. The Godfather (1972)

Ok, the Corleone family may not be anything approaching squeaky clean but at the heart of Frances Ford Coppola’s epic is a family run business. The trilogy is rife with business deals (mostly shady) and power struggles. You certainly can’t doubt the Corleone clan’s dedication to their job.

1. Wall Street (1987)

It had to be! Gordon Gekko coined the phrase that epitomised the 80’s, “greed is good”. In an age when lunch was for wimps, Wall Street was the ultimate statement about the world’s obsession with money and business. So to finish our top ten treat yourself to one of the great movie speeches…