10 Inspiring Movies that Will Motivate Your Career Goals

When you’re faced with disappointment after disappointment, pursuing your career goals can get discouraging. During these times, a good success story may be all you need to move forward. Lucky for you, there are multiple stories of victory in film form. All you have to do is kick back and relax. Grab some popcorn, and play any of these movies that will motivate your career goals.

1. Working Girl (1988)

A romantic comedy-drama film, Working Girl follows the life of Tess McGill as she struggles to climb the corporate ladder. She faces multiple problems, both in her professional and personal life. Ultimately, everything falls into place and Tess finds her success.

Working Girl was one of the revolutionary movies in the 80s that proved that women could be just as successful as men in the workforce. Starring Harrison Ford, Melanie Griffith, and Sigourney Weaver, the film was received with applause, landing in several nominations at the Academy Awards.

Power quote:“I’m not going to spend the rest of my life working my ass off and getting nowhere just because I followed rules that I had nothing to do with setting up.”

2. Office Space (1999)

While the movie actually satirizes work life, Office Space makes for a good laugh. If you’re feeling fed up with your current work, then watching this movie will make you realize that you aren’t alone. Still, Office Goals is a must-watch because it will remind you what you should be avoiding. Beneath the laughs, this movie is full of relevant career lessons that are definitely relatable to this day.

Power quote:“Human beings were not meant to sit in little cubicles staring at computer screens all day, filling out useless forms and listening to eight different bosses drone on about mission statements!”

3. Legally Blonde (2001)

Legally Blonde may just be one of the most light-hearted yet inspiring films to date. It tells the story of Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) who manages to get into Harvard Law School to win back the love of her life. Through this journey, Elle discovers that she makes a good lawyer. She eventually dumps her ex-boyfriend and continues to pursue her career in law.

Power quote:“If you’re going to let one stupid prick ruin your life, you’re not the girl I thought you were.”

4. A Good Year (2006)

Starring Russell Crowe, A Good Year revolves around the tale of a British investment broker. Upon a sudden turn of events, Max Skinner (Crowe) realizes that he is bound to inherit his uncle’s vineyard estate in Provence. He quickly travels to France in hopes of selling the property. However, Skinner meets several hurdles in his way.

Power quote:“A man should acknowledge his losses just as gracefully as he celebrates his victories.”

5. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

A truly iconic film, The Pursuit Of Happyness is widely-known to be one of the most inspiring movies in the market. Chris Gardner (Will Smith) is a struggling salesman and single father. He fights to make ends meet while continuing to lift his son up. Eventually, Chris and his son finds luck at a prestigious brokerage firm. Their lives soon change for the better.

Definitely, The Pursuit Of Happyness is the movie to watch when you’re having trouble staying positive. In this movie, Chris Gardner teaches us to keep the faith. Things will eventually turn out okay.

Power quote:“You got a dream… You gotta protect it. People can’t do somethin’ themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it. If you want somethin’, go get it. Period.”

6. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Andrea Sachs (Anne Hathaway) has big dreams. She wants to become a journalist, and she knows that landing a job in Runway would bring her places. However, her job at Runway shows to be tough. She has a terror boss (Meryl Streep) who expects nothing but perfection. Lucky for Andy, she grows in the company despite all the hurdles.

Power quote:“A million girls would kill for this job.”

7. Up in the Air (2009)

Based on the career of J Weller, Up in the Air follows the life of Ryan Bingham, a corporate downsizing expert and an avid traveller. This movie is packed with numerous business lessons that will teach its audience what to do””and more importantly, what not to do””to advance their careers.

Power quote:“How much did they pay you to give up on your dreams?”

8. In a World… (2013)

A hilarious film by Lake Bell, In a World”¦ follows the story of Carol Solomon, a vocal coach who wants to do voice-over work for film trailers. She is motivated by her father, who was a remarkable voice actor during his time. This movie is light and funny, and serves as a reminder that you can do whatever you set your mind on.

Power quote:“Speak up and let your voice be heard.”

9. Chef (2014)

The story of Chef revolves around renowned chef Carl Casper (Jon Favreau) who goes from owning a big-time restaurant to starting a food-truck business. This film features the reality of a non-linear career path. It reminds its audience that sometimes, life will get in the way of your career and you’ll have to start over. But, that doesn’t mean you should quit your passions.

Power quote:“I get to touch people’s lives with what I do and I love it and I want to share this with you.”

10. Neerja (2016)

Neerja tells the true-to-life story of the brave flight attendant, Neerja Bhanot, who sacrificed her life for the passengers of the Pan AM Flight 73. In 1986, a terrorist organization hijacked the airplane Neerja was working in. Amid her fear, she decided to dedicate her life to doing her duty as a flight attendant to keep the passengers safe. Neerja saved 359 passengers through her bravery.

Power quote:“Do your duty, come what may. Never tolerate any injustice and never compromise on self-respect.”

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