25 best business movies: 21-25

Why watch it: Too many people remember Crawford for her domestic shortcomings (“No wire hangers, ever!”) than her talent as a leading lady, and that’s a shame. Lots of celebrities are given a pass for their personal faults and judged on their celluloid presence instead and Crawford should be, too.

Business takeaway: Determination and resilience are two words that come to mind when reflecting on the character of Mildred Pierce. Sometimes in life and business we’re dealt the short stick and crumble, but not Mildred, who always forges on.

Memorable scene: When daughter Veda (Blyth) and Mildred are standing in high heels on a narrow staircase and Veda slaps her mom across the face, literally knocking her off her feet. The look on actress Crawford’s face is priceless.

Memorable quote: 

Veda: With this money I can get away from you. From you and your chickens and your pies and your kitchens and everything that smells of grease. I can get away from this shack with its cheap furniture and this town and its dollar days, and its women that wear uniforms and its men that wear overalls. 

Up next: Margin Call

22. Margin Call (2011)

Starring Zachary Quinto, Stanley Tucci, Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons

Directed by J.C. Chandor

What it’s about: With the financial crisis of 2008 looming, Margin Call follows the key players in the risk management department of an investment bank who are trying to stay a step ahead of the tsunami that’s about to hit.

Why watch it: Although it’s not a documentary, and only loosely based on the reality of the market crash, it’s an engaging study of risk and how investment banks turn the knobs on the world’s financial levers. 

Business takeaway: When investing or preparing for retirement, measure the risks, do your due diligence and weigh your appetite for whatever good or bad could take place. Only then should you jump into the deep end.

Memorable scene: When the executives at the investment bank are flown into the headquarters by helicopter in the middle of the night to discuss the storm that is about to hit.

Memorable quotes: 

John Tuld: It’s just money; it’s made up — pieces of paper with pictures on it so we don’t have to kill each other just to get something to eat.

John Tuld: Maybe you could tell me what is going on. And please, speak as you might to a young child. Or a golden retriever. It wasn’t brains that brought me here; I assure you that. 

John Tuld: So, what you’re telling me, is that the music is about to stop, and we’re going to be left holding the biggest bag of odorous excrement ever assembled in the history of capitalism. 

Up next: Planes, Trains & Automobiles

21. Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)

Starring Steve Martin, John Candy

Directed by John Hughes

What it’s about: In yet another version of the odd couple buddy movie, two businessmen (Steve Martin and John Candy) meet at an airport and desperately attempt to get home over the Thanksgiving holidays, but their comedic journey is met with delays, cancellations and madcap adventures.

Why watch it: Another story of life on the road for weary businessmen and how that existence can produce loneliness and strain on familial relations.

Business takeaway: While life on the road may pay the bills, at the end of the day, there’s no place like home.

Memorable scene: If you’ve seen the movie, you know it: the scene where Neal Page (Martin) and Del Griffith (Candy) are forced to share a crummy motel room and the crummy motel room’s small bed.

Memorable quotes:

[waking up after sharing the same bed at the motel] 

Neal: Del… Why did you kiss my ear? 

Del: Why are you holding my hand? 

Neal: [frowns] Where’s your other hand? 

Del: Between two pillows… 

Neal: Those aren’t pillows! 

For the rest of the list, visit www.lifehealthpro.com/bestbusinessmovies.