7 movies an MBA aspirant should watch

Tired of going through the usual MBA prep regime? Concepts and questions of Quant, DI and Verbal Ability seem to be monotonous? Well, it’s time for some doze of entertainment. And what can be better than the learning factor coming in with it. I as a child, always imagined what fun it would be if we were told to watch movies and clips in the classroom. Learning would be fun and we could retain things in a better way. Most people are visual learners as motion pictures have high retaining power. Visual learning being much more effective than printed words allows us to learn things in a fun way.
Movies are an integral part of our lives and we are affected by visual media. More than the words we read, movies convey messages much more effectively. I’m sure most of us are movie buffs, at least I’am. Movies have made me understand the world better and broadened my views about the issues we face in our life. Each movie I list down gives an insight into the business world and some of these are based on real life events and people. MBA aspirants can utilize this learning method and dig deep into the story, to learn ways to tackle business problems. If not the reality exactly, these movies will at least give you a glimpse of the nuances of the corporate world.
Movies are a powerful educational tool, exposing an individual to varied experiences, cultures and perspectives, helping in the overall growth and enhancing critical thinking skills. All this is essential for the future leaders and managers. Getting exposed to different business scenarios in these movies will only help you in taking better decisions and working effectively.

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What are you waiting for? Weekend’s here and I’ll give you a list of seven movies every MBA aspirant should watch. Next time anyone tells you to not waste time watching movies, tell them you’re preparing yourself for a smooth ride ahead.

The Pursuit of Happyness
This 2006 American biographical drama starring Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith, is based on entrepreneur Chris Gardner’s life and his struggles being homeless. Will Smith plays the role of Gardner, a homeless salesman who struggles each day to survive in the harsh world, along with his son Christopher, played by Jaden Smith. Lesson’s an MBA aspirant can learn from this movie will be determination, will power and hardwork. Chris Gardner never gives up and in the end turns out to be the winner. Watch the movie to know how he achieves success.
Up in the Air
This is a 2009 American comedy-drama film, starring George Clooney who plays the role of Ryan Bingham, working in a HR consultancy which specializes in termination assistance. The film is all about his travels around the country firing people until his company comes up with something that’ll pose a threat to his travels- video conferencing. You’ll have to watch the movie to know if you’re ready for the pitfalls of a job. The movie will throw some light on HR, and the personnel and psychological issues that may crop up.
The Social Network
This 2010 American biographical drama is based on the founding of social networking website Facebook. Jessie Eisenberg plays the role of Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook. Most of us might be knowing the story of Facebook, but this movie will teach you entrepreneurship skills and also how innovators think and prevail in the competitive world of business- “You don’t get to 500 million friends without making a few enemies”.
Inside Job
This is a 2010 documentary film about the late 2000s financial crisis. It explores the financial meltdown and how changes in the policy environment and banking practices helped create the financial crisis. A must watch for MBA aspirants, this movie will tell you the hidden story about the ‘modern day depression’. It talks about corruption, greed and lust for money that eventually led to this meltdown.
Guru
This is a 2007 Indian drama film that portrays the journey of Gurukant Desai ‘Guru’ to achieve his dreams to make it big someday. The film is loosely based on the life of Dhirubhai Ambani, the business magnate who came from a village and made it big in the world of business. The movie encapsulates man’s desire for ambition and success. The two sides of man- one which is about corruption and lies, and the other about hardwork and determination is artistically portrayed in the movie.
Rocket Singh- Salesman of the year
This 2009 Indian comedy drama is about a salesman who follows simple principles of life like honesty and hardwork, to create a brand out of himself. For all marketing graduates this movie will teach you that customer relationship and customer satisfaction play an important role in business. What makes Rocket Singh successful is not bribes and profits but the way he handles his customers.
Wall Street (1987)
This 1987 drama film is about the young and impatient stockbroker, Bud Fox, who is willing to do anything to get to the top, including trading on illegal inside information by getting involved with a ruthless corporate raider. Watch this movie to know the downfall power and money can bring. Also one lesson you’ll learn is that people will always be by your side when you are successful, although they will walk away when you fall.