29 Best Startup Movies and Web Series

Starting a business is tough—one moment you’re pumped, the next you’re staring at a blank screen, questioning everything. Entrepreneurs must maintain their drive to get things done. Whether you’re building a startup from home, brainstorming growth strategies or pitching to investors, stories of entrepreneurs who’ve been there can spark new energy. From Hollywood dramas to Indian originals, here’s my take on the ones that hit deepest.

Best Startup Movies for Entrepreneurs

1. The Social Network

The Social Network, directed by David Fincher, tells the story of Mark Zuckerberg, played by a sharp Jesse Eisenberg, who creates Facebook. Zuckerberg’s a college kid at Harvard, smart but awkward, always thinking fast. One night, after a bad breakup, he builds a website to rank classmates. It spreads like crazy, and he realizes he’s onto something big. With his friend Eduardo Saverin, he starts Facebook, a site to connect people online.

The movie shows how thrilling it is to build something new. Zuckerberg codes for hours, chasing an idea that feels unstoppable. But the film also shows the messy side. Zuckerberg and Eduardo start fighting. Eduardo wants to make money slowly, keep things steady. Zuckerberg wants to grow fast, take risks, and make Facebook the biggest thing ever. They argue over plans, then trust breaks. A new guy, Sean Parker, played by Justin Timberlake, pushes Zuckerberg to think bigger. Sean’s flashy, full of ideas, but he drives a wedge between the friends.

One scene hurts to watch: Eduardo finds out Zuckerberg cut him out of Facebook’s future. They’re in a meeting, and Eduardo’s face just falls—he trusted his friend and got betrayed. It’s a moment anyone starting a business can feel. Partnerships are everything, but if you don’t share the same goals, they fall apart. Zuckerberg picks his vision over his friend, and it costs him.

Watching on Netflix, I was amazed by Zuckerberg’s brain—he saw a way to connect people when no one else did. But I felt sad watching him win at such a cost. He builds Facebook, connects millions, but ends up alone, staring at his laptop, hoping for a message from someone he hurt. It’s a reminder: chase your dream, but don’t lose the people who matter or the reason you started.

2. The Founder

The Founder, directed by John Lee Hancock, tells the story of Ray Kroc. The role was played by Michael Keaton, who took the McDonald brothers’ small burger stand and made it a global giant.

Kroc, a struggling salesman, stops at a little place in California run by Dick and Mac McDonald. It’s nothing fancy—just a counter with burgers, fries, and shakes—but it’s packed. People line up, get their food fast, and leave happy. The brothers have a system: simple menu, quick service, families first. Kroc’s eyes light up. He sees huge potential.

The movie pulls you into Kroc’s excitement. He talks the brothers into letting him open more McDonald’s, and soon, new restaurants are popping up across the country. You feel how thrilling it is when an idea starts working—people love it, money comes in, your dream feels real. But the film doesn’t shy away from the messy stuff. The brothers and Kroc start fighting. Dick and Mac want every restaurant to feel like their first one—same quality, same care. Kroc wants to grow fast and cut corners if needed.

Kroc sits with the brothers, trying to explain why growth matters. They’re shouting, not listening. The brothers want their vision untouched; Kroc thinks they’re holding back. It’s a fight anyone starting a business knows—when partners don’t want the same thing, trust crumbles. He pushes the brothers out, builds a massive company, and gets rich. But he leaves them with almost nothing, breaking their trust.

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Another big lesson comes from a guy named Harry Sonneborn, played by B.J. Novak. He tells Kroc to stop focusing on burgers and start buying land for restaurants. That idea—owning the property—makes McDonald’s a fortune. It shows why you need people who think differently. A partner who sees what you don’t can change everything, like finding a new way to make money.

Watching on Netflix, I was hooked by Kroc’s big dreams. He took a tiny idea and made it global. But it’s hard to cheer when you see what he did to the brothers. He forgot their values—good food, fast service, happy families—and cared only about winning. It’s a wake-up call: success is awesome, but if you hurt people or lose why you started, what’s the point? The movie made me want to work hard, keep my partners close, and remember what matters to me, no matter how big things get.

3. Joy

Joy’s a single mom in a messy house, taking care of everyone—her kids, her dad, even her ex-husband living in the basement. Life’s tough, with bills piling up and no time for herself. But she’s always been creative, sketching ideas since she was a kid. One day, cleaning up a spill, she cuts her hands on a mop and gets an idea: a better mop that wrings itself. That spark changes everything.

The movie shows how exciting it is to believe in your idea. Joy stays up late, drawing designs, pouring her heart into this mop. She makes a prototype, but selling it is harder. She pitches to stores, gets rejected, and feels stuck. Then she meets a TV salesman, Morris, played by Bradley Cooper, who gets her on QVC, a shopping channel. Watching Joy pitch her mop live, nervous but fierce, you cheer when it starts selling.

But the film doesn’t hide the hard parts. Joy faces one problem after another. Her family doubts her—her dad says she’s dreaming too big, her half-sister mocks her. Suppliers cheat her, raising prices to squeeze her out. Even her first QVC pitch flops because someone else can’t sell her mop right. These fights hit close to home for anyone starting a business. I learned you need grit to keep going when everyone says quit. Joy doesn’t give up. She learns the business, fights for her patent, and takes control, proving you have to understand every detail of your work to win.

One scene breaks your heart: Joy sits in a hotel room, broke, after a deal falls apart. She cuts her hair, ready to give up, but then stands up, stronger. It’s a moment that shows entrepreneurship isn’t just about ideas—it’s about getting back up.

Watching on Netflix, I was pulled in by Joy’s courage. She starts with nothing—no money, no connections—just a good idea and a lot of heart. She builds a company, becomes a success, and helps other inventors. But the movie shows what it costs: sleepless nights, family fights, betrayals. Joy wins because she stays true to herself, even when it’s hard. It’s a reminder: your idea matters, but so does believing in yourself and picking the right people to trust. Joy made me want to keep pushing for my goals, learn my business inside out, and never let doubters—or setbacks—stop me.

4. Moneyball

Moneyball, directed by Bennett Miller, tells how Billy Beane, played by a focused Brad Pitt, changes baseball with a small-budget team. Billy runs the Oakland A’s in 2002, a club with little money, unable to match big teams like the Yankees. After losing key players, he’s stuck using old scouting tricks that fail. Then he meets Peter Brand, a shy data expert played by Jonah Hill, who picks players by numbers, not fame. Billy tries this new way to build a winning team.

The film shows the excitement of a fresh idea. Billy and Peter choose overlooked players who cost less but perform well. The A’s start winning, surprising everyone. It’s the thrill of seeing a plan work against odds. But it’s not easy. Coaches and scouts fight back, tied to old-school ways, judging players by looks. Fans and media laugh when games go bad early. Pushing new ideas takes grit when others doubt.

A quiet scene hits hard: Billy listens to a game alone, tension high, as his job hangs in the balance. His daughter’s voice on the phone lifts him. It shows how belief from others fuels the fight. Peter’s role matters too—his numbers open Billy’s eyes, proving a partner with different skills can unlock new paths.

The movie also reveals the struggle to shift an industry. Billy’s success makes other teams use data, but he still battles for respect. He stays with the A’s, chasing the challenge over a big paycheck. Success isn’t just cash—it’s proving a new way works.

On Netflix, Moneyball grabs you with Billy’s courage to rethink the game. He turns a broke team into a contender with smarts, not money. Yet the A’s don’t win it all, and Billy carries the losses alone. It’s a reminder: breaking molds needs bold ideas, steady partners, and toughness to keep going, even when the world pushes back. The story inspires finding clever solutions and building a team to face the fight.

5. Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs, directed by Danny Boyle, shows Steve Jobs, played by a fierce Michael Fassbender, building Apple and changing tech. The story unfolds in three big moments—1984, 1988, and 1998—each tied to a product launch. Steve Jobs is a genius with big ideas, obsessed with making computers simple and beautiful. At the 1984 Macintosh launch, he pushes his team to perfection, even when the machine won’t say “hello.” Years later, after Apple fires him, he fights to prove himself with a new company, NeXT. By 1998, he’s back at Apple, launching the iMac, saving the company.

The film captures the rush of creating something new. Steve dreams up products that feel like magic, like the iMac’s colorful design. His vision pulls people in, but his harsh style pushes them away. He argues with his friend Steve Wozniak, played by Seth Rogen, who wants credit for the team’s work. Their fights show how a single-minded focus can break trust. Leading a startup needs passion, but balancing it with teamwork keeps everyone moving forward.

A tough scene stands out: Jobs faces his daughter Lisa backstage, denying her at first, then slowly connecting. It reveals the cost of chasing a dream—personal bonds suffer when work comes first. Another lesson comes from Joanna Hoffman, played by Kate Winslet, Jobs’ loyal marketing chief. She challenges him to be better, showing a strong partner can ground a leader’s flaws.

The movie also highlights the risk of bold bets. Jobs gambles on NeXT, burning cash to build a computer, hoping Apple will buy it. His comeback proves a clear vision can turn failure into triumph, but only with persistence.

On Netflix, Steve Jobs hooks you with Jobs’ drive to reshape the world. He makes Apple a legend, but his stubbornness hurts those closest to him. It’s a reminder: a great idea needs a team that trusts each other, a leader who listens, and a heart that doesn’t lose sight of what matters. The story pushes entrepreneurs to dream big, stay focused, and value the people behind the vision.

6. The Wolf of Wall Street

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), directed by Martin Scorsese and led by a magnetic Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort, is a high-octane dive into the intoxicating world of wealth, ambition, and excess.

This true-story-inspired film follows Belfort’s journey from a scrappy stockbroker to the mastermind of a multimillion-dollar empire built on relentless hustle, slick sales tactics, and dubious ethics. For startup entrepreneurs, Belfort’s story is a masterclass in audacity—his ability to charm clients, inspire a loyal team, and seize opportunities mirrors the grit needed to launch a venture. The film’s frenetic energy and sharp humor capture the thrill of chasing big dreams, making it a must-watch for founders navigating the highs of startup life.

However, The Wolf of Wall Street is equally a cautionary tale, exposing the dark side of unchecked ambition. Belfort’s empire crumbles under the weight of greed, fraud, and excess, offering a stark reminder of the consequences of prioritizing profit over principle. Entrepreneurs will find valuable lessons in balancing bold vision with ethical decision-making, ensuring their hustle doesn’t lead to self-destruction. With unforgettable performances and Scorsese’s masterful storytelling, the film is both an adrenaline rush and a sobering reflection on the fine line between success and scandal.

You can stream The Wolf of Wall Street on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV, depending on regional availability (check your local listings).

7. Jerry Maguire

Jerry Maguire (1996), directed by Cameron Crowe and starring Tom Cruise in a career-defining role, is a heartfelt and inspiring tale of reinvention, integrity, and human connection that resonates deeply with startup entrepreneurs.

The film follows Jerry, a slick sports agent who, after a crisis of conscience, writes a bold mission statement urging his agency to prioritize relationships over revenue. Fired for his honesty, Jerry embarks on a risky journey to build his own agency, armed with one loyal client, Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr.), and a single ally, Dorothy (Renée Zellweger).

For founders, Jerry’s story mirrors the entrepreneurial gamble—taking a stand for your values, betting on yourself, and forging authentic connections to succeed.

Beyond its infectious energy and quotable dialogue, Jerry Maguire offers a powerful lesson in balancing ambition with empathy. Jerry’s journey teaches entrepreneurs the value of loyalty, perseverance, and staying true to a vision, even when the odds are stacked against you. His relationship with Rod underscores the importance of trust and mutual respect in business, while his romance with Dorothy highlights the personal sacrifices and rewards of chasing a dream.

You can stream Jerry Maguire on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or Apple TV, depending on your region (verify local availability). Its 2-hour-19-minute runtime delivers an emotional and motivational punch, perfect for entrepreneurs seeking inspiration to stay authentic while chasing success.

8. The Intern

The Intern (2015), directed by Nancy Meyers, is a charming comedy-drama that offers startup entrepreneurs valuable lessons on leadership and collaboration.

Robert De Niro stars as Ben Whittaker, a 70-year-old retiree who joins a fast-paced e-commerce startup as an intern, working under founder Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway). His old-school wisdom and steady presence contrast with the startup’s chaotic, tech-driven culture, showing how diverse perspectives can strengthen a team. For founders, the film highlights adaptability, mentorship, and the power of resilience in navigating modern business challenges.

The story also dives into the pressures of entrepreneurship through Jules, whose passion for her company is tested by investor demands and personal sacrifices. Her struggles reflect the real-world grind of scaling a startup while staying true to your vision. Ben’s role as an empathetic ally underscores the value of trust and human connection in building a successful venture.

You can stream The Intern on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV.

9. Wall Street

Wall Street (1987), directed by Oliver Stone and featuring Michael Douglas in an Oscar-winning role as Gordon Gekko, is a gripping drama that dives into the high-stakes world of finance and ambition, offering startup entrepreneurs a timeless cautionary tale.

The film follows Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen), a young stockbroker who, desperate for success, gets entangled with Gekko, a ruthless corporate raider whose mantra, “Greed is good,” defines his cutthroat approach. Bud’s journey showcases the allure of quick wins and the seductive power of charisma and bold risk-taking—qualities entrepreneurs often need to thrive. Yet, his moral compromises highlight the dangers of prioritizing profit over ethics, a lesson critical for founders navigating competitive markets.

Through its intense narrative and sharp dialogue, Wall Street explores the personal and professional costs of unchecked ambition. You can stream Wall Street on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Hulu.

10. The Big Short

The Big Short (2015), directed by Adam McKay, is a sharp dramedy about the 2008 financial crisis, following outsiders like Michael Burry (Christian Bale) and Mark Baum (Steve Carell) who predict the housing market’s collapse and bet against it. For startup entrepreneurs, it’s a lesson in spotting overlooked opportunities, challenging norms, and acting decisively in uncertain markets. The film’s clear, witty explanations of complex finance make it engaging, while its focus on greed and systemic flaws warns against ethical shortcuts.

The characters’ moral struggles highlight the tension between profit and responsibility, urging founders to question assumptions and consider their ventures’ broader impact. The Big Short is a gripping reminder to stay sharp and grounded in high-stakes environments.

Stream The Big Short on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV (check local availability). Its 2-hour-10-minute runtime is a must-watch for entrepreneurs aiming to innovate wisely.

11. The Pursuit of Happyness

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006), directed by Gabriele Muccino, is a powerful drama based on the true story of Chris Gardner (Will Smith), a struggling salesman who faces homelessness while chasing his dream of becoming a stockbroker.

For startup entrepreneurs, the film is a raw depiction of resilience, grit, and unwavering commitment to a goal despite overwhelming odds. Gardner’s relentless work ethic, ability to seize small opportunities, and refusal to give up—while caring for his young son—mirror the sacrifices and perseverance founders need to push through setbacks in competitive, uncertain environments.

The film also highlights the emotional and financial toll of pursuing a vision, showing how personal relationships and self-belief can anchor entrepreneurs during tough times. Gardner’s journey from sleeping in subway restrooms to earning a coveted job underscores the value of persistence, adaptability, and maintaining integrity under pressure.

Stream The Pursuit of Happyness on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV.

12. Tucker: The Man and His Dream

Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988), directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is a compelling drama based on the true story of Preston Tucker (Jeff Bridges), an innovative entrepreneur who challenges the auto industry’s giants with his vision for a revolutionary car in the 1940s.

For startup founders, Tucker’s story is a masterclass in bold ambition, creative problem-solving, and relentless optimism. His ability to rally a team, secure funding, and push past skepticism mirrors the hustle required to disrupt entrenched markets, while his innovative designs highlight the power of thinking differently.

However, the film also exposes the harsh realities of taking on powerful competitors. Tucker faces sabotage, legal battles, and financial pressures from industry titans determined to crush his dream, underscoring the challenges of navigating external resistance and systemic obstacles. It’s a sobering lesson in resilience and the cost of challenging the status quo, urging entrepreneurs to stay strategic and steadfast.

It’s a hidden gem for anyone facing roadblocks from bigger players, and the retro vibe’s a bonus. You can find it on Amazon Prime.

13. Boiler Room

Boiler Room is a must-see movie for startup entrepreneurs. Released in 2000, this crime drama, directed by Ben Younger, follows Seth Davis (Giovanni Ribisi), a young guy desperate to prove himself to his tough dad, a judge. Seth drops out of college and runs a small-time illegal casino before joining J.T. Marlin, a sketchy stock brokerage firm.

What makes Boiler Room resonate is its raw portrayal of a young entrepreneur’s hunger for success. Seth’s drive to make it big mirrors the startup grind—long hours, relentless pressure, and the temptation to cut corners. He’s eager to make money and impress his dad, but the firm he joins is all about shady deals.

As Seth gets deeper into the firm’s “pump and dump” scams, you see the dark side of chasing success. The brokers live large—fancy cars, wild parties—but they’re ripping off regular people. It’s a wake-up call for entrepreneurs: ambition is great, but it can lead you astray if you’re not careful. Seth’s struggle to do the right thing while wanting his dad’s approval feels real and keeps you hooked.

Boiler Room isn’t perfect—the ending feels a bit tidy. For anyone building a startup, Boiler Room is a fun, intense watch that teaches the importance of keeping your values intact while chasing your dreams.

Top Web Series That Bring the Startup Heat

14. TVF Pitchers

TVF Pitchers is a popular Indian web series created by The Viral Fever (TVF), released in 2015. It is widely regarded as one of the first Indian shows to capture the startup culture and entrepreneurial spirit, resonating with young audiences, especially in India. The series blends drama, comedy, and realism, offering an engaging narrative about ambition, friendship, and the challenges of starting a business.

The story follows four friends—Naveen Bansal, Jitendra “Jitu” Maheshwari, Yogendra “Yogi” Kumar, and Saurabh Mandal—who are disillusioned with their corporate jobs and decide to start their own company. The series begins with Naveen, frustrated by his unfulfilling job, quitting impulsively after a workplace incident. This sparks the idea of pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams. The group comes up with a startup idea called “Tu Beer Hai,” a B2B service platform, and embarks on a rollercoaster journey of pitching their idea to investors, navigating personal and professional challenges, and balancing friendships with the pressures of entrepreneurship.

Each episode showcases their struggles—whether it’s convincing skeptical investors, dealing with personal sacrifices, or facing the harsh realities of the startup ecosystem.

15. Rocket Boys

Streamed on SonyLIV, Rocket Boys chronicles the lives of Dr. Homi J. Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, two pioneers who shaped India’s nuclear and space programs during the formative years of independent India.

It humanizes Bhabha and Sarabhai, portraying their brilliance alongside their flaws, friendships, and personal lives. The series resonates with audiences for its inspiring depiction of India’s journey to become a scientific powerhouse, set against historical events like the Quit India Movement, the Chinese invasion of 1962, and the Cold War.

16. Silicon Valley

Silicon Valley is an American comedy series created by Mike Judge, John Altschuler, and Dave Krinsky, aired on HBO. It satirizes the tech industry, focusing on the misadventures of a group of young entrepreneurs trying to make it big with their startup, Pied Piper, in the competitive, absurd world of Silicon Valley. Known for its sharp humor and biting commentary on tech culture, the show blends wit with relatable underdog struggles.

The series follows Richard Hendricks, a shy but brilliant programmer, who develops a revolutionary data compression algorithm and forms Pied Piper with his quirky friends: Dinesh, Gilfoyle, Jared, and Erlich. They navigate the chaotic tech ecosystem, facing challenges like eccentric investors, corporate sabotage, and their own incompetence.

The show highly appeals to tech enthusiasts, comedy fans, and anyone who loves a good satire of modern capitalism.

17. StartUp

StartUp centers on the creation of GenCoin, a revolutionary but controversial digital currency.

The story follows three main characters: Izzy Morales, a brilliant Cuban-American hacker who develops GenCoin’s code; Nick Talman, a banker desperate to hide illicit money; and Ronald Dacey, a Haitian-American gang leader seeking legitimacy. Their paths converge when Nick uses dirty money to fund Izzy’s startup, drawing the attention of Phil Rask, a corrupt FBI agent.

As they build their company, they face corporate espionage, violent gangs, and ethical dilemmas, with each season escalating the stakes— from launching GenCoin to navigating global conspiracies involving ArakNet, a dark-web platform, in later seasons. The series is a fast-paced mix of tech innovation and crime, showing the personal costs of chasing success.

StartUp is a thrilling ride for fans of crime dramas and tech stories, offering a darker, more grounded take on the startup world than Silicon Valley or TVF Pitchers.

On Amazon Prime, StartUp gripped me, urging me to keep my business’s soul intact.

18. The Dropout

The Dropout series follows Elizabeth Holmes (Amanda Seyfried), a Stanford dropout who founds Theranos with a vision to transform healthcare by developing a device that can run hundreds of blood tests from a single drop.

Holmes, with her enigmatic persona and deep voice, partners with COO Sunny Balwani (Naveen Andrews) to scale Theranos, but the technology doesn’t work as promised.

As whistleblowers, skeptical scientists, and journalists like John Carreyrou expose the company’s lies, Theranos unravels, leading to legal battles and Holmes’ downfall. The series delves into her psyche, relationships, and the ethical compromises behind one of Silicon Valley’s biggest scandals.

The show balances technical details with personal stakes, showing how Holmes’ lies affected employees, investors, and patients.

19. Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber

The series follows Travis Kalanick (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), the brash founder of Uber, as he transforms a fledgling startup, UberCab, into a global powerhouse. Starting in 2009, it traces Kalanick’s relentless drive, from securing venture capital from Bill Gurley (Kyle Chandler) to battling taxi unions, regulators, and rivals like Lyft.

Super Pumped explores ambition, betrayal, and the ethical pitfalls of Silicon Valley’s startup culture. It portrays Kalanick as both a visionary and a villain, driven by ego yet undeniably transformative, as noted in reviews praising its depiction of his “narcissistic monster” with glimpses of humanity. The series critiques the tech industry’s toxic “bro culture” and growth-at-any-cost mentality, with real-world parallels like Uber’s battles with regulators and its internal scandals.

On JioCinema, Super Pumped fueled my ambition but urged leading with integrity.

20. Girlboss

Set in San Francisco in 2006, Girlboss centers on Sophia Marlowe (Britt Robertson), a broke, free-spirited 23-year-old struggling with dead-end jobs and financial instability. After discovering a knack for thrifting and reselling vintage clothes on eBay, she launches Nasty Gal Vintage, an online store.

The series follows her chaotic ascent as she navigates business challenges—like sourcing inventory, handling customer complaints, and scaling operations—while clashing with her best friend Annie, love interest Shane, and traditional retail competitors.

Sophia’s bold personality and unorthodox approach drive her success but also lead to personal and professional missteps, from neglecting friendships to facing lawsuits.

Girlboss is colorfully aesthetic, punk-rock vibe, and 2000s pop culture references—like flip phones and MySpace—add nostalgic charm.

On Netflix, Girlboss boosted me to start small, dream big, eyes open.

21. WeCrashed

WeCrashed follows Adam Neumann (Jared Leto), a charismatic but reckless entrepreneur who transforms WeWork from a single co-working space into a global brand valued at $47 billion.

With his wife, Rebekah Neumann (Anne Hathaway), he pitches WeWork as a revolutionary “lifestyle” company, fueled by Adam’s grandiose vision and cult-like leadership. The series tracks their journey through aggressive expansion, lavish spending, and clashes with investors.

The series blends corporate drama, romance, and satire, exposing the hubris and chaos behind one of Silicon Valley’s most infamous flameouts.

22. Billions

The story centers on Bobby Axelrod (Damian Lewis), a charismatic but ruthless hedge fund manager at Axe Capital, whose aggressive tactics draw scrutiny from Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti), a driven prosecutor targeting white-collar crime. Their cat-and-mouse game unfolds across seasons, with Chuck using legal maneuvers to take down Axe, while Axe leverages his wealth and cunning to evade justice.

It’s a high-octane drama about loyalty, betrayal, and the blurred lines of morality one can’t miss.

23. Industry

Industry series centers on a diverse group of graduates—Harper Stern, Yasmin Kara-Hanani, Robert Spearing, Gus Sackey, and others—competing for permanent positions at Pierpoint & Co. after a grueling internship.

Harper, an American outsider with a questionable resume, hustles to prove herself on the trading floor, while Yasmin grapples with privilege and workplace sexism, and Robert battles class insecurities. Their personal and professional lives intertwine amid intense deals, office politics, and hedonistic after-hours excess.

It’s a must-watch for those who love complex characters and stories about ambition in a ruthless world.

24. Halt and Catch Fire

Halt and Catch show starts in 1983 in Texas at a small tech company, Cardiff Electric. Joe MacMillan, a slick-talking ex-IBM guy, convinces engineer Gordon Clark and young programmer Cameron Howe to build a new computer to rival IBM’s. They work together, but it’s risky and causes plenty of fights.

Gordon’s wife, Donna, a smart engineer, also gets involved, balancing work and family. Over four seasons, the group shifts from making computers to creating early online games, chat platforms, and even a search engine. They face tough competition, money problems, and personal struggles, like broken friendships and family stress. The story ends in 1994, showing how their work shapes the future of tech and their lives.

The 1980s–90s setting, with old-school computers and early internet, feels nostalgic and real. It’s great for people who like character-driven stories or tech history, similar to Mad Men but about computers, not advertising.

Halt and Catch Fire is a solid drama about people building the tech we use today. The cast, especially Lee Pace and Kerry Bishé, shines, and the 1980s–90s vibe is spot-on.

25. Self Made

The Self Made story follows Sarah Breedlove, later known as Madam C.J. Walker (Octavia Spencer), a washerwoman in the late 1800s who struggles with poverty and hair loss.

She starts selling hair products for Addie Monroe, a rival loosely based on Annie Malone, but after a falling-out, Sarah creates her own haircare line for Black women. With help from her daughter Lelia, husband Charles, and lawyer Freeman Ransom, she builds a business empire, opening a factory and training other women to sell her products. Along the way, she faces racism, gender bias, betrayals, and personal challenges. The series shows her determination to succeed and uplift her community, becoming a trailblazer by 1919.

The series highlights women empowerment, teamwork, and building wealth without relying on others, especially men.

The vibrant period costumes and focus on Black hair culture add a unique touch, appealing to fans of historical dramas and stories about underdogs.

26. The Playlist

The Playlist (2022) is a gripping Netflix series that every startup dreamer should watch. It tells the real-life story of how Daniel Ek, a young Swedish techie with big ideas, teamed up with Martin Lorentzon to create Spotify, the music streaming giant that changed how we listen to music. The six-episode drama pulls you into their wild ride—full of passion, risk, and relentless hustle—as they battle music industry giants, legal threats, and tech glitches to bring their vision to life.

You’ll feel the tension as Daniel and his team fight to convince a resistant industry that free, legal music streaming is the future.

What makes The Playlist a must-watch for entrepreneurs is its raw look at the startup grind—taking bold risks, navigating betrayal, and pushing through failure. It shows that building something revolutionary isn’t glamorous; it’s a rollercoaster of doubt and defiance. While the show tweaks some facts for drama, its 7.4/10 IMDb rating reflects its ability to hook you with a story of innovation against all odds. For anyone dreaming of launching their own venture, The Playlist is a reminder: big ideas come with bigger battles, but the fight is worth it.

27. Succession

Succession (2018–2023) is a must-watch series for startup entrepreneurs, blending dark comedy and intense drama to explore ambition, power, and betrayal.

The series centers on Logan’s four children—Kendall, Siobhan, Roman, and Connor—each vying for control of the company as their father’s health falters. It’s less about media and more about the raw struggle for power, loyalty, and self-worth.

For entrepreneurs, Succession is a masterclass in navigating egos, betrayal, and strategic maneuvering. It shows how personal flaws and relationships can make or break a business. The Roys’ relentless scheming mirrors the high-pressure world of startups, where trust is scarce and every move counts. With 20 Emmy wins, including Outstanding Drama Series, it’s both entertaining and a gut-punch lesson in leadership’s darker side.

28. Betas

Betas is about four young, nerdy friends—Trey, Nash, Hobbes, and Mitchell—trying to make their dating app, BRB, a hit in Silicon Valley. With an 85% Rotten Tomatoes score, this 11-episode comedy shows the crazy ups and downs of starting a tech company.

The story follows the guys as they hustle to get money from investors, fix tech glitches, and keep their team together. Trey (Joe Dinicol) is the big-dreamer leader, while Nash (Karan Soni) is the shy, brainy coder. They face stuff like awkward pitch meetings, a major app hack, and wild parties to network with big shots. There’s even a quirky investor (Ed Begley Jr.) who shakes things up. The show’s humor and heart make you root for these underdogs as they chase their startup dream, even when things go wrong.

Laughing through startup flops, I’ve felt Betas’ vibe. Pivoting after a demo tanks was my team’s scrambles. How do you keep spirits high when plans crash? Can a small crew build something great? On Amazon Prime, Betas gave me a chill push to hustle with a smile.

29. Shark Tank

Shark Tank (2009–present) is an exciting ABC reality show that every startup dreamer should watch. It throws entrepreneurs into a high-stakes pitch fest, presenting their ideas to tough investors like Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, and Kevin O’Leary, known as the “Sharks.” With a 7.6/10 IMDb rating and five Emmys, this show is all about big dreams and real pressure.

Each episode shows founders pitching their businesses—think cool gadgets, clever apps, or tasty snacks—hoping for a cash deal in exchange for a piece of their company. The Sharks ask hard questions about sales, plans, and passion, sometimes sparking arguments or wild bidding wars.

For startup folks, Shark Tank is a fun way to learn how to pitch, value your business, and handle tough feedback. It shows the grit it takes to face rejection and the thrill of winning a deal. The Sharks’ straight talk—like Kevin O’Leary’s “I’m here for money, not friends”—hits home with real-world lessons on risk and hustle. Stream it on ABC or Hulu to get fired up about turning your ideas into reality.

Takeaways for Your Startup Grind

These stories are like a late-night chat with a mentor, packed with gems for the road:

• Keep Going: The Social Network and TVF Pitchers show failure’s just a pitstop. Tweak and push on.
• Find Your Crew: Rocket Boys and Halt and Catch Fire prove teams make the dream work. Pick believers.
• Stay Honest: The Dropout and Wall Street warn against shady moves. Trust is your currency.
• Solve Real Needs: Self Made and The Playlist win by fixing problems. Know your customers cold.