Since the dawn of cinema, movies have used small businesses as a compelling backdrop — or even a plot device — to bring life to their stories and characters. Entrepreneurs often find these films particularly resonant, as they can relate to the ups and downs of starting and running a business. From classic films to modern hits, here are nine movies that prominently feature small businesses.
Baby Boom (1987)
"Baby Boom" tells the story of hardworking executive J.C. Wiatt (Diane Keaton) whose life is forever altered when she becomes the guardian of her long-lost relative's daughter. After a series of personal and professional challenges, J.C. decides to quit her corporate job in New York and purchase a fixer-upper farmhouse in Vermont. Along the way, she launched a gourmet baby food business called Country Baby, which became a national success after a difficult start.
Beauty Shop (2005)
A spinoff of the "Barbershop"” film series, "Beauty Shop" follows hairstylist Gina Norris (Queen Latifah) as she sets up her own shop in Atlanta — in direct competition with her former domineering boss. Gina discovers firsthand the difficulties of running a beauty salon, but she ultimately grows a loyal customer base and a devoted team.
[Read more: 5 Movies Every Entrepreneur Should Watch]
Chef (2014)
"Chef" follows Carl Casper (Jon Favreau), a chef who feels creatively stuck in his prestigious restaurant job. Following a confrontation at the restaurant that reaches viral notoriety, Carl leaves Los Angeles for Miami, reconnecting with his estranged family and launching his own Cuban food truck business. Though not without its struggles, the food truck takes off, and Carl's relationships with his family strengthen as well.
High Fidelity (2000)
The quirky comedy-drama "High Fidelity" stars John Cusack as Rob Gordon, who recounts his failed relationships after a recent breakup to better understand what went wrong. The film also showcases Rob's record store Championship Vinyl — along with his and his employees' encyclopedic knowledge of music — which provides both character development and a compelling setting to drive the plot forward.
Movies have used small businesses as a compelling backdrop — or even a plot device — to bring life to their stories and characters. Entrepreneurs often find these films particularly resonant, as they can relate to the ups and downs of starting and running a business.
It Ends With Us (2024)
An adaptation of the Colleen Hoover novel of the same name, "It Ends With Us" shares the story of Lily Bloom (Blake Lively), who moves to Boston to start a new life after a traumatic childhood. In addition to following Lily's relationships, including an abusive marriage and a reconnection with her first love, the film highlights Lily's lifelong aspiration of opening her own flower shop.
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
The timeless holiday film "It's a Wonderful Life" stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man who has put his dreams on hold to run his small-town family business, Building and Loan. After George's uncle misplaces $8,000 of Building and Loan's funds, George feels trapped and plans to take his own life — prompting the angel Clarence to show the businessman just how much of a difference he's made. At the end of the film, George returns to the real world, and the community has raised the missing $8,000.
[Read more: Timeless Business Lessons from Hallmark Christmas Movies]
La La Land (2016)
"La La Land" centers on the love story between aspiring actress Mia Dolan (Emma Stone) and struggling musician Sebastian Wilder (Ryan Gosling). The musical comedy-drama follows Mia and Sebastian through the ups and downs of their relationship and their careers in Los Angeles, including Sebastian's dream — realized by the end of the film — to open his own jazz club.
Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
In "Sweet Home Alabama," New York City socialite Melanie Carmichael (Reese Witherspoon) returns to her small Southern hometown to announce her engagement — and finalize her divorce from her husband Jake Perry (Thomas Curtis). Melanie learns that Jake initially followed her to the city but then returned to Alabama to find success for himself. This success is showcased in Jake's glassblowing skills, eventually leading him to launch a Deep South Glass shop in New York.
You've Got Mail (1998)
In the 1990s rom-com "You've Got Mail," an online romance between unwitting business rivals Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) and Joe Fox (Tom Hanks) blooms. Kathleen, who runs an independent children's bookstore in Manhattan, struggles with declining sales when a Fox Books store — owned by Joe's family — opens in the area. The two eventually learn each other's identities and share a kiss when they meet in person.
[Read more: 10 Celebrities Who Are Also Business Owners]
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