Films are often a depiction of a slice of life or at other times a complete escape from reality. Whatever your taste in films maybe, watching a film can be an intensely dramatic, heart-warming, comical, thought provoking or an inspiring experience.

Here are 5 Hollywood films that are a must-see for all business owners as they each teach us important entrepreneurial lessons.

1. The Social Network
   The Social Network garnered instant success when it was released in 2010. This film depicts Mark Zuckerberg’s journey from a Harvard student to a billionaire in his early twenties.
   
   Message to entrepreneurs: You are never too young or old to start a business. Apart from a great idea, passion and tenacity it is essential to collaborate with like-minded people to make your entrepreneurial journey smooth and enjoyable. Unlike Mark Zuckerberg, one can avoid ugly court battles if we work with individuals who share our vision and passion.
   
   
   
2. The Pursuit of Happyness
   The Pursuit of Happyness is an Oscar winning film based on the true story of Chris Gardner. The film chronicles Chris Gardner’s rise from an out-of-work homeless person to someone at the very top of the corporate ladder.
   
   Message to entrepreneurs: Relentless passion, earnest resolve and the never-give up spirit are prerequisites for every true blue entrepreneur. 
   
   
   
3. Jerry Maguire
   The protagonist of the film has a successful career as a sports manager until he has the epiphany that sports agents should be more caring towards their clients. Thus begins his downfall in the cutthroat world of professional spots. Eventually Jerry is left with a solitary client, but together they overcome various trials and come out victorious.
   
   Message for entrepreneurs: Business with a heart is the key to success. Blindly seeking monetary growth without caring for the welfare of the customer does not make business sense.
   
   
   
4. The Wolf of Wall Street
   The Wolf of Wall Street is based on the life of controversial businessman Jordan Belfort.  The film depicts Jordan Belfort’s meteoric rise as a stockbroker through dubious means and how he squanders away his 100 million fortune.
   
   Message for entrepreneurs: If your venture does not address the larger good of the customers, or if you follow unethical business practices, you are doomed to fail.
   
   
   
5. Big
   Big is an endearing tale about a boy of twelve who is suddenly granted his wish of becoming ‘big’ and finds himself transformed into a young adult in his twenties. The protagonist goes on to charm the owner of huge toy company and lands a plush job.
   
   Message to entrepreneurs: Retaining a childlike sense of wonder can be the formula for success in a ‘grown-up’ world. Indeed, a trait many successful entrepreneurs share is their non-jaded zest for life.

Much like the plot of a film, the path of an entrepreneur has its highs and lows. Films can be the ideal panacea when you need a boost of inspiration or a pleasant diversion. Share with us your all-time favourite films.