If you’re an entrepreneur with a Netflix account, you have the gateway to some of the best business documentaries out there. You no longer need to scroll through hours of motivational talks and lectures on business, when you have Netflix movies that give you front row seats to the best entrepreneurs. Each of them has great stories to tell, great lessons to impart, and great wisdom to share with viewers.
- Inside Bill’s Brain: Decoding Bill Gates (2019)
Our first pick is one of the best works of the Oscar-winning director David Guggenheim. The visionary behind Microsoft, Bill Gates, is the name you think of when you hear the words “richest man”. But this docuseries takes us through glimpses of Gates’s childhood and education, his aspirations in growing Microsoft, family, and social life.
The three-hour-long episodes highlight how he’s evolved from being a tech giant leader to solving the world’s most difficult crises. What makes it best for an entrepreneur to watch is understanding Bill Gate’s thought process and the attitude he carries in resolving challenges and problems.
- The Creative Brain (2019)
Our next pick is based on the book “The Runaway Species: How Human Creativity Remakes the World”. The Neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and best-selling author David Eagleman interacts with accomplished professionals of different industries and understands their creative side.
Each person has a story of inspiration that demystifies the creative process and gives the viewers a better understanding of the power of the human brain. It has an IMDb rating of 6.3/10.
- Money: Explained (2021)
Every entrepreneur needs to understand the system, be it in terms of finance, legal, sales, etc. This next pick is Vox production’s insightful take on money. The docuseries features the areas of money like retirement, credit and debit cards, student loans, etc. While it may not be directly related to entrepreneurship, it has incredible value for the audience as they learn about the ways of use of money.
The explained series has perfected the narrative of documentaries through interactive visuals, easier explanations, renowned experts’ opinions, and top-quality research. It has an IMDb rating of 6.9/10
- I am Bolt (2016)
In the entrepreneur’s life, he needs to be reminded constantly about the lessons of never giving up. This next pick will inculcate that lesson by taking the example of the greatest athlete of all time, Usain Bolt. The hero is adored by millions across the world for his Olympic accolades and powerful dedication to his team. He is the fastest runner in history and this documentary captures just that.
His story, from youth to what he is today, features interviews of family members, friends, coaches, and gives a more intimate look at his relationships, struggles, and past. The nine-time Olympic sprint gold medalist is sure to lift your spirits. The feature has an IMDb rating of 7.1/10.
- Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)
This 2011 documentary covers the life of the acclaimed sushi chef, Jiro, who runs the Michelin three-star restaurant in Tokyo. Jiro has perfected the same recipe for over a decade and his style differs in taste from the bunch. This documentary takes us through his obsessive dedication and sheer passion for the profession as his top-quality sushi wins the audience every single time.
This movie is a great example of how perfection comes from progress and constant practice leads the path to success. It has an IMDb rating of 7.9/10.
- Something Ventured
Ever wondered what the life of a Venture Capitalist (VC) looks like? Perhaps, this documentary can answer that. Every successful business has started with the support of VCs and in this documentary, the most successful and prolific VCs of the 60s, 70s, and 80s come together to share their success lessons. They share how they risked money and status to bring companies that people refused to support.
It was these VCs that established America’s startup economy as they went on to finance the everyday technology we’ve used over the past 50 years like Atari, Apple, Intel, and more. You can consider this to be a crash course in Venture Capitalists’ life. It has an IMDb rating of 7.1/10
- Print the Legend (2014)
This next pick is an award-winning Netflix Original documentary featuring the innovative roots that brought the world 3D printing. Young companies like Formlabs and MakerBot expressed their interest in bringing 3D printing to desktops and in real life. How these companies turned a desire into a dream and then into reality is commendable.
This 90-minute feature has great lessons on turning visions into action and will get you motivated to pursue the ideas people call crazy. It has an IMDb rating of 7.0/10.
- The Director: An Evolution in Three Acts (2013)
Fashion-lovers anyone? Even if you aren’t, this next pick has a lot to offer. The documentary revolves around the life of the Italian fashion designer and Gucci’s creative director, Frida Giannini. The story of his private and public life entails the process that starts from conceptualization to closets.
The complexity in producing the Spring/Summer 2013 show is powerful and a great example of product development. It has an IMDb rating of 6.2/10.
- American Factory (2019)
Who wants a feature-filled with “mind-blown” moments? If that’s you, then this award-winning documentary is a must-watch. The story takes us through the eye-opening reality of new forms of global capitalism that the working-class Americans are getting accustomed to. As the Chinese billionaire steps in to save the US manufacturing decline, the tragic story results in exposing the grim reality of the new economy.
It is a reminder to us all that automation is the future, and many jobs will disappear over time. It has an IMDb rating of 7.4/10.
- She Did That
Our last pick of the bunch looks at the world of entrepreneurship through women’s eyes. It highlights the story of four black women as they share their views on topics like funding gaps for women of color, obstacles and challenges in corporate jobs, biased opinions, and racism in business life.
It is truly an inspiring feature and highlights the women who are building legacies. It has lessons of self-care, dedication, and is truly an inspiring piece. It has an IMDb rating of 6.8/10.
Conclusion
Though documentaries provide the best possible entertainment, these picks are perfect if you are low on motivation. They can help you understand and appreciate the game changers of different industries and clear your vision to achieve success just like them!
About Carson Derrow
