🍿 It’s movie time!
Here’s is our countdown of the top 20 all-time business roles in movies...
#20 – Margaret Tate, The Proposal (2009)
Margaret (Sandra Bullock) exemplifies high-calibre business acumen, effortlessly navigating the complexities of corporate strategy, and cross-border negotiations. Her razor-sharp decision-making, and capacity to forge mutually beneficial partnerships highlight her skill in sales, and business development.
By consistently translating high-stakes challenges into opportunities for growth, Margaret demonstrates that strategic vision, and decisive leadership are essential for driving success, and fostering long-term business relationships.
#19 – Chris Varick, Boiler Room (2000)
Chris Varick (Vin Diesel) has a raw, powerful energy that perfectly captures the high-stakes, fast-talking world of sales. His rapid-fire pitching, and relentless drive turn every conversation into a thrilling race against the clock. He beautifully showcases the art of persuasion in a style that’s as educational as it is entertaining.
Varick’s no-holds-barred approach demonstrates that in the heat of the sales battle, a combination of hustle, boldness, and quick thinking can make all the difference. We are reminded that success in sales is about seizing every moment, and always being ready to close the deal — even if it means taking a few wild risks along the way.
#18 – Jules Ostin, The Intern (2015)
Anne Hathaway plays Jules — the founder of a thriving e-commerce company, juggling leadership, innovation, and self-doubt with grace. Her journey from micromanager to empowered leader is both inspiring and relatable, showcasing the importance of delegation, and customer focus.
The Intern is a heartwarming comedy about finding balance, and Jules is its emotional core. Her ability to trust her team, and prioritise customer needs teaches us that empowering others is the secret to long-term success — and that it’s okay to ask for help, even from a 70-year-old intern.
#17 – Ray Kroc, The Founder (2016)
Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton) is the ultimate embodiment of persistence and innovation, turning a humble burger stand into a fast-food empire with a mix of unyielding ambition, and a dash of showmanship. His character is a whirlwind of energy, proving that the key to business development is a relentless drive to transform any opportunity into a golden chance.
Kroc’s humorous determination to convince the world that fast food could be an art form is both entertaining, and inspiring. For salespeople, his journey teaches that success comes from a combination of visionary thinking, and sheer persistence.
#16 – Margot Robbie, The Big Short (2015)
Playing herself, Robbie delivers a quirky, unexpected cameo, breaking down complex financial concepts like mortgage-backed securities with wit and clarity. Her ability to simplify jargon and make it engaging is a masterclass in communication.
The Big Short is a wild ride through the 2008 financial crisis, and Margot’s scene is a standout moment. Her knack for clear communication teaches us that making complex ideas relatable is essential for winning trust and closing deals — especially when your audience is as confused as a hedge fund manager in a recession.
#15 – Chris Gardner, The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Gardner’s journey is a masterclass in turning adversity into opportunity, all delivered with a smile and a relentless spirit. His grit in the face of hardship shows that every “no” is just another step closer to a “yes” – and his tenacity in selling his ideas is as inspiring as it is heartwarming.
Gardner teaches salespeople that resilience and optimism are the ultimate sales tools. His humorous perseverance, even when life throws him curveballs, reminds us that in sales, as in life, sometimes you’ve just got to keep pushing forward – because every pitch is a chance for a breakthrough, no matter how many times you’re knocked down.
#14 – Tess McGill, Working Girl (1988)
Tess McGill (Melanie Griffith) is the embodiment of scrappy ambition, and smart hustle, seizing a window of opportunity to turn sharp insight into a boardroom-ready deal. Equal parts prep, grit, and charm, her character is a whirlwind of initiative, proving that the key to business development is spotting unmet needs, packaging them into a crisp story, and asking for the meeting.
Tess’s witty, quietly rebellious climb - from ignored assistant to idea-seller - is both entertaining and inspiring. For salespeople, her journey teaches that success comes from selling the vision, doing the homework, building allies, and persisting until the door opens.
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