The world of business, and those who make a name for themselves crafting an empire, have long been an inspiration for film and TV. From the rise of Facebook in David Fincher’sThe Social Networkto theSteve Jobsbiopic by Danny Boyle, real-life entrepreneurs have caught the attention and awe of the public.
But what about the fictional entrepreneurs? Can they still inspire in the same way or at least entertain? Undeniably! We look at some of the best fictional entrepreneurs who have graced TV and film, standing out for their skill or entertainment value, ranking up to our top pick.
10Nathan Fielder in Nathan for You
Nathan Fielder is a real person, a Canadian comedian, writer, and actor. However, in the seriesNathan for You, Fielder presents himself as a savvy consultant aiming to help struggling businesses. His methods are unorthodox and almost always disastrous, whether it be ‘poop flavored’ frozen yogurt to draw in curious customers or running ahaunted houseso scary it allows participants to sue the attraction for more press, they almost always fail hilariously.
10 Best Absurdist Comedy TV Series
These selected comedy series have leaned into absurdity and surrealism to both entertain and inform.
At the same time, Nathan Fielder has seen some success in his peculiar approach, with his parody ‘Dumb Starbucks’ catching global attention and fooling the press with his viral video of a pig saving a goat to attract people to a petting zoo. Admittedly, Fielder may not be the best entrepreneur when gauging ‘success,’ but as a personality, it is hard not to root for the socially inept outsider.
9Mitch and Sam in Dirty Work
Dirty Workfollows lifelong friends Mitch (Norm MacDonald) and Sam (Artie Lange) as they start a revenge-for-hire business to raise money for heart surgery for Sam’s father. The buddy comedy, directed by Bob Saget, bombed at the box office and was meant with poor critical reception. However, the filmsaw a cult resurgence in later yearsand now has a dedicated fan base.
The business of revenge inDirty Workleads to various humorous scenarios. Still, the real draw here is the performance from the late great Norm MacDonald, who turns a lifetime of failure into a lucrative business where he gets to spend time with his best friend.
8Ivan and Josh in Tapeheads
A comedicgem of the ‘80sthat has been largely forgotten,Tapeheadsstars John Cusack and Tim Robbins as two friends who decide to pursue their dreams after losing their jobs. Both obsessed with music, the two decided to get into video music production, starting up the company “Video Aces” and working with bands. When they meet their favorite childhood band, they convince them they can revitalize their career and bring both into the global spotlight.
The comedy certainly embraces the love of ’80s music culture. Moreover, watching the two friends grow in the industry and the two iconic actors work together to craft a successful entrepreneurship-themed comedy is a blast. Robbins even contributed to some of the score with his track “Repave America,” released under the name Bob Roberts.
7Mr. Krabs from SpongeBob SquarePants
Krusty Krab restaurant in Bikini Bottom has become a staple of theSpongeBob SquarePantsseries, with the restaurant being the most famous establishment under the sea and employer of the titular SpongeBob. Run by Mr. Krabs, there is no denying the tremendous success of the business thanks to his penny-pinching ways and secret recipe for the Krabby Patty.
Mr. Krabs is arguably also the best-known cartoon entrepreneur of all time, which is an impressive feat in itself. You would have a hard time finding someone not aware ofNickelodian’s standoutSpongeBob SquarePantsand his friends with 13 seasons, three movies, and plenty of video games and merch that is recognized globally.
6Gus Fring in Breaking Bad
While Gus’s background has only been hinted at inBreaking Badand explored a bit more inBetter Call Saul, his climb to living the American dream of owning a popular restaurant chain, Los Pollos Hermanos is admirable… That is, as long as you overlook that it is a front for a methamphetamine operation.
The Best Movies About Drug Cartels
While drug cartels have become extremely popular in TV series like Ozark and Breaking Bad, there are many great movies which focus on cartels as well.
Still, the stoic businessman, played by Giancarlo Esposito, was a highlight of the latter seasons ofBreaking Bad,and his iron clutch over the restaurant and drug industries made Gus a frighteningly powerful entrepreneur.
5Jules in The Intern
The Internfocuses on the professional relationship between Jules (Anne Hathaway) and Ben (Robert De Niro), where the expected roles of each are reversed, with the 70-year-old retiree playing the titular intern. The result is a touching and insightful comedy that challenges the expected norms while simultaneously bringing together the two iconic actors.
Jules is an impressive entrepreneur, young,fashion-forward, and tuned into the pop culture, building an empire in fashion with the website “About The Fit.” Moreover, her decision to hire the older Ben and grow a friendship with him shows Jules’ ability to recognize talent and allow diverse influences to help shape her website.
4Forrest Gump
The story ofForrest Gumpis that of a remarkable life lived, influencing many and making a mark on the world in a unique way. Of all his accomplishments, one that stands out is his investment in a shrimp boat business with his friend Bubba, aptly named “Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.’s.” Oddly enough, a real-life restaurant inspired byForrest Gump’sfictional company exists, and Chris Pratt was discovered while working there, being offered his very first role in a short film.
3Jerry Maguire in Jerry Maguire
“Show me the money” may have been one of themost famous movie linesin 1996, thanks to Tom Cruise’s intense portrayal of the titular down-and-out sports agent Jerry Maguire.WhileJerry Maguiretouches on Maguire’s downfall, the real story is in the successful rebounding as a successful sports agent representing himself.
Touting the importance of personal relationships and integrity in business,Jerry Maguireis one of themost memorable films of the ’90s. While this is partly due to Crusie’s performance, along with Renée Zellweger and Cuba Gooding Jr., the film is a testament to the ability to overcome odds and succeed.
2J.C. Wiatt in Baby Boom
What happens when a career-focused businesswoman has to take care of a relative’s kid? Well, she turns it into a multi-billion dollar industry, of course! J.C. Wiatt’s (Diane Keaton) story inBaby Boomis touching and merges business savvy, romance, and motherhood.
15 Best Women-Led Comedies, Ranked
In honor of Women’s History Month, here’s a list dedicated to the funniest women-led movies.
Balancing all three comes at a challenge, but the inspired nature of Keaton’s character allows her to turn the unexpected role of motherhood into an industry when she creates the baby-food company “Country Baby.” Exploring the challenge between balancing work and family, J.C. Wiatt is one of the more impressive entrepreneurs committed to film, shouldering many responsibilities and still killing it.
1Willy Wonka from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
It is hard not to love Willy Wonka and the empire he built. Sure, the factory may be a death trap with some questionable labor practices, but the charm and sense of wonderment are off the charts — even the nightmarish ‘Wonka’s Tunnel of Hell’ has its charms.Throw in musical numbers, and the general morale around the Factory is constantly upbeat inWilly Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
Building a candy empire that sends the world into a frenzy is an easy choice for our top pick, particularly considering the film’s continued popularity decades after its initial release. Moreover, Gene Wilder acts as the definitive Willy Wonka, with an expressive performance highlighting the late great actor’s comedic brilliance and charm.
