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POPCORN LEADERSHIP - The Greatest Leadership Movies of All Time


"Popcorn leadership is easy—just find a great movie on leadership at the theatre, buy some popcorn for twelve dollars or whatever it costs these days, and sit down and learn. Or rent one of the greatest leadership movies of all time, microwave some popcorn and learn (while being entertained of course.)..." Click here for more

Click below to comment or to submit an addition to the list--your favorite leadership movies that isn't shown here.

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65 Comments:

Blogger David Drury said...

Thanks to Dennis Jackson, Dan Ward, Peter Yoshonis & my Dad, Keith, for submitting several movies before I had completed the article. Great ideas, guys!

I hope others will join in as we build this list.

-David

05 November, 2006  
Blogger David Drury said...

FYI - I've noted those that submitted movies on the master list.

I'll be gone all week on a cruise, so I'll check back to see what suggestions are here when I return.

05 November, 2006  
Blogger Matt Guthrie said...

Here's one - Star Wars Episodes 1 thru 3. Even though Palpatine is the bad guy, it's clear as the story unfolds that he had vision AND patience to see is accomplished. There is the implication that perhaps he was involved with the immaculate conception of Anakin. He was somehow involved in the ordering of the Clone Army. He manipulated both sides of the conflict to create a win-win for himself. And he was willing to wait 20+ years for his vision to pass. Putting aside the evil intentions and results, I learned the necessity of vision and perseverance over a really long haul if it something you believe in.

Now, if he could have only gotten saved, he could have led the greatest church planting movement in the galaxy. ;-)

07 November, 2006  
Blogger Keith Drury said...

I'll add one for the following reasons:

1. How "the people" fill the box labeled "leader" with their own dreams, vision and desires, while expecting the leader to "pay the price" for them.

2. How when such a leader "becomes authentic" and falls to be an ordinary person these same followers reject the leader.

3. How an institution (even the church) works to line up the fringe person to behave average.

4. And how a leader can be trapped by their own image--finally leading to their own demise.

The movie: Cool Hand Luke.
(Musical version the ENTERTAINER by Billy Joel)

11 November, 2006  
Blogger Derek said...

The Matrix.

While teaching Neo about the Matrix during a training simulation Morpheous tells Neo, "I can only show you the door, you have to walk through it."

Later on Morpheous takes Neo to see the Oracle and says to him just outside the door to the Oracles apartment, "remember; I can only show you the door, you have to walk through it."

I think this is a great analogy for sharing your faith with others. We can only show others Jesus through our words and our actions... they have to choose to follow Him.

Derek

13 November, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm surprised you don't list "Hoosiers" under sports movies. This seems to be the standard movie for cheesy leadership training seminars. I have twice (in differnet venues) sat through the same chopped up "condensed" version that only shows Gene Hackman running drills with the guys and eliminates all vestige of a story-line. ...So, I'm not necessarily advocating the movie--excpet by virtue of common pracice. It does seem to be part of the general training lexicon.

14 November, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

One of my favorite leadership movies of all time is "Mr. Holland's Opus" -- the story of a man who spends his life investing in others but doesn't realize until the end of his career the impact he has made. The lesson: while we're "doing" leadership, the most profound influence we have may be deeper than anything we can possibly measure.

15 November, 2006  
Blogger David Drury said...

Hey there, posters. Thanks for your engagement here in adding a few great movies to the list. You're right... those are omissions and I'll add them ASAP.

Matt -- yes that Emperor/Anakin dynamic was a facinating one in Star Wars Episodes 1-3 (Submitted by Matt Guthrie)

Dad/Keith -- Cool Hand Luke should definately be there for the reasons you cite (Submitted by Keith Drury)

Derek -- The Matrix makes the list for sure... yes... (Submitted by Derek Bethay)

Dennis -- I forgot completely about Mr H.O. Good catch. Yes... Mr. Holland's Opus (Submitted by Dennis King)

Dewing -- (is this Randy Dewing???) I agree that Hoosiers is used a ton, and because of your unenthusiastic suggestion and it's overuse... I'm NOT going to post it. :-) (Not submitted by Dewing)

I'm thinking of adding Finding Forrester myself too. :-)

EVERYONE = keep adding to the list... what other movies should make the list for leaders to watch? Why?

15 November, 2006  
Blogger David Drury said...

Okay, all...

I posted up the additions you put here. Keep adding to the list.

Thanks for contributing!

21 November, 2006  
Blogger Speak up! said...

David

Don't forget the best leadership movie of all time - We Were Soldiers - Lt Colonel Hal Moore is a stud!

Takas

22 November, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

School of Rock

Bug's Life

24 November, 2006  
Blogger David Drury said...

Takas - great to see you at the Jo Anne Lyons lunch. Good to catch up. We Were Soldiers makes the list... I've heard about it but haven't seen it yet.

Hey Anon - why School of Rock and Bug's Life? I've seen both but need more reason why they'd make the list for leaders.

P.S.: Best line in School of Rock: "We've been studying classical composers such as Bethooven, Bach... and... Enya."

26 November, 2006  
Blogger David Drury said...

(Added on 27 Nov 2006: We Were Soldiers, Schindler’s List)

I can't believe I left Schindler's List off the first time. Just thought of it this morning.

-DD

27 November, 2006  
Blogger theajthomas said...

I would happily support the move to include School of Rock. it's all about team building, helping people find their proper place in the organization, proper motivation as a leader, being willing to give leadership and credit away, and taking risks.

I am frankly shocked and appalled that Braveheart isn’t on this list. That movie is a master class on vision casting and about 30 other things.

04 December, 2006  
Blogger David Drury said...

For sure, Braveheart should be on it. I'm not a Braveheart junkie like many are... but it definately belongs on the list.

Thanks for your support of School of Rock too... good to get a rationale.

06 December, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Keith Drury and I might be the only two people in the world that actually saw "Conspiracy." Good choice. A dry movie for anyone that enjoys more than two scenes but I enjoyed it tremendously, if just for the character study.

What about the Godfather? For Michael Corleone, it was all about development of a leader.

- Justin J. Nierer

07 December, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

War Movie - The Great Escape

How can we forget about one of the greatest war movies of all time? The whole thing is about leadership, sacrifice, relationship building, goal setting, anymore illustrations and John Maxwell would have sued for copyright infringement.

- Justin J. Nierer

07 December, 2006  
Blogger David Drury said...

Yes... Godfather should likely make the list... even for the dark side of leadership.

And the Great Escape is a glaring omission. I'll add both on the next update.

-David

19 December, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sports movie: Bull Durham -- on moving from doing oneself to teaching others --Dvd Avins

24 December, 2006  
Blogger JohnLDrury said...

Not a movie, but the West Wing series has endless lessons in 360 leadership, esp. via Bartlett, Leo and Josh. Political situations are ripe with insight on how to lead by influence (since you can't make other people's decisions for them).

08 January, 2007  
Blogger David Drury said...

Hey everyone... I added up several of the submissions here today (2 Feb 07).

Thanks for the contributions...

FYI - John, I didn't put up West Wing as I'm trying to limit this to movies for now. Perhaps a "Leadership Television" list needs to start? There's a lot of material there.

02 February, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What about Glory? The Matthew Broderick character shows some leadership skills such as doing what is right even though unpopular in commanding the black soldiers.

08 March, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Another couple of war movies are about famous American generals - Patton and MacArthur. Obviously these men were great leaders in times of war in our country's history.

08 March, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was looking at your list of leadership movies for a program I'm running at a middle school, but I recently watched an amazing documentary about leadership that is entertaining and an amazing story. It's called The Endurance, and it's about Ernest Shackelton, who attempted to cross Antarctica with a crew of about 25 men in the 1910s. He ran into a couple of major disasters, but the lengths he went to in order to get his crew back home safely are astounding. In any case, it's not a well-known movie, but it's definitely worth having on your list.

11 March, 2007  
Blogger David Drury said...

Glory and "The Endurance" should both make the list.

I'll add to the next update.

dd

19 March, 2007  
Blogger doug messer said...

Don't know if many have seen it, but if not, you should: TO END ALL WARS. Great movie, based on the incredible story of the prisoners who built the bridge over the Kwai River in WWII. Their true freedom coming as they are willing to forgive their enemies, and sacrifice for one another. Based on the true story of Earnest Gordon. Remarkable story and also a book. Oh and Kiefer Sutherland is in it...somewhat un-Jack Bauer like though. Screenplay was written by a guy named Brian Godawa...Who also has a book called "Hollywood Worldviews: Watching Films with Wisdom and Discernment."(IVP) Good book, if a couple years dated in terms of movies analyzed. Great resource if you like doing movie discussion stuff.(P.S. Sorry for the overly long and wordy response)

28 March, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

wow... i love these movies. part of my leadership degree was watching some of these movies! it was fun watching them for leadership qualities. here are some that i can think of:

Crimson Tide : two different forms of leadership going on with Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman.

Glory : we watch this movie in class from a leadership perspective on how to build relationship through self-sacrifice - not asking those who you lead to do something you won't do yourself.

King Arthur : i'm talking about the one with Clive Owen. i love this movie for the leadership aspect of King Arthur. you see integrity, relationship, and of skills. as far as leadership is concern, this is one of my favorites!

Luther : we saw the most recent one with Joseph Finnes. this one we saw for integrity, identity, intimacy, and intensity of a leader.

i hope these are good choices also.

28 June, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Here are a few more recommendations that I haven't seen on the list, the first two of which I have already used in my regular "town hall" meetings with my IT organization (750 people):

- "Walk the Line": Story of the life of Johnny Cash. I used only one clip in this movie. It is where Johnny goes to Sun Records, meets Sam Phillips, and auditions. Sam gives him a good 2-minute monologue on "believing in yourself" - great message.

- "Flight of the Phoenix": I personally prefer the original with Jimmy Stewart, but for my younger organization, I used the remake with Dennis Quaid. Some great clips in the movie on teamwork and Quaid's development as a leader.

- "Thirteen Days": Story of the Cuban missile crisis. Ideal for addressing managers in your organization and discussing how decisions are made and decision-making styles.

Hope these help,
- TSM.

15 September, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

12 O'clock High You will learn more from this movie about leadership than in any book. It is used in several MBA programs nationwide.

12 December, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Coach Carter?

12 February, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The list is bogus without Twelve o Clock High. It is such a no brainer. It's old, it's black and white, and it's a war movie, but just focus on the behaviors demonstrated and there's nothing better!

26 February, 2008  
Blogger Unknown said...

you should add "The Dirty Dozen" to the list of war movies... Lee Marvin's conversion of 12 prisoners displays all of the principles of leadership, informal leadership, motivation, communications, etc.

24 May, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Twelve O'clock High

It marries nicely with Kouzes and Posner's "Leadership Challenge"

Model the Way
Inspire a shared Vision
Challenge the Process
Enable Others to Act
Encourage the Heart

It was voted as the most influential movie on Leadership (by managers) in a USA Today poll a few years ago.

Matthew Stalker
Management Development Specialist

01 July, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Band of Brothers
Coach Carter
Glory Road

10 July, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Crimson Tide - struggle between two leaders and their styles

18 July, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

One of my favorite leadership movies is "Drumline"! You can get the best leadership quotes from that movie!! Watch it with paper and pencil!!

14 August, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sports movies, I just recently watched Facing the Giants, I think its really amazing how the failing coach gets together whatever raw material he has, using the principles from the bible turns it into a winning team.
Rebound is also alright, comedy movie but some scenes really exhibit principles of leadership/

12 September, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I lately watched (for the second time)the movie "Men of Honor". I think it is a great integrity, persistence, and self confidence. the three main ingredients of leadership. the movie is worth your consideration to be on the list. you are doing a great job. I appreciate your efforts. God bless, tnx

john Kaninya

17 September, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

While your list is good, it is lacking one major thing: WOMEN!!!! A majority of leaders in movies do happen to be men, which can be kind of discouraging to girls and women. Please include Courage Under Fire on your list. This movie's heroine exemplifies bravery, integrity and selflessness. Throw us girls a bone!

03 November, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I feel these should be included in your list

Akheele Bee
Color Purple
Great Pretenders
Last Samari
Holiday

20 November, 2008  
Blogger rick huether said...

the last castle
gladiator
any given sunday
john q
all of the ocean movies

03 January, 2009  
Blogger Jeff McCauley said...

Get all these movies and more as clips on a DVD at LeadershipInTheMovies.com

14 May, 2009  
Anonymous Paul Lakey said...

I am looking for outstanding films (or just ONE) to use in a new course on Global Leadership. Some themes would be: thinking and acting globally, diversity, tech savvy, partnerships, vision. I am open to suggestions!

01 June, 2009  
Blogger Jeff McCauley said...

Try LeadershipInTheMovies.com for several DVD's with clips. They get you out of the copyright issues!

01 June, 2009  
Anonymous Norman said...

As a great leadership movie, I would add, "Endurance" the incredible and true story of Sir Ernest Shackleton and the survival of his entire crew after a failed voyage to the Antarctic.

02 June, 2009  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I propose Mona Lisa Smile as a mentor movie. This list is sadly lacking female representation.

06 June, 2009  
Anonymous Luis Zlochevsky said...

I'd add the movie "Any Given Sunday" from AL Pacino (sports movies - football). There is a great speech about fighting for every inch in life or football and also as playing as one team).

28 July, 2009  
Blogger JEMote said...

I would add "Glengarry Glen Ross" to the list of how NOT to lead. Great movie though.

04 November, 2009  
Blogger Katie Showalter said...

You need to add "The Great Debaters"

(K. Showalter)

19 November, 2009  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I felt compeled to add some value here after reading all the comments. I Came to know about some good leadership movies thanks to all.

Please watch
Appolo 13 that portrayleadership in crisis

Spartacus: Vision, Inspiration, sincerity with the cause, Sacrifice

Lion of Desert: Anthony Quinn is really inspiring also watch his opinion why he chose to act as Omar Mukhtar.


thanks

J. Razzaq
jamshaid111@GMAIL.COM

24 November, 2009  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

women in leadership role movies (world/family/home is a dull place without them )

1. Messenger (Joan of Ark): strenghth of character
2. Million Dollar baby: Determination to realize the dream
3. Freedom Writer: strength of character,

thanks

J. Razzaq

24 November, 2009  
Anonymous Wendy said...

Hi, David,
A couple of contributions for your collection (sorry if someone already suggested them, I haven't read all the comments):
- Follow me, boys! Fred MacMurray and Kurt Russell, Disney 1966 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Follow_Me,_Boys!
- Lean on me. Morgan Freeman, 1989. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lean_on_Me_(film)
- The Principal. James Belushi and Louis Gossett, Jr., 1987. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Principal
... and a few others!
All the best!
Wendy
- Take the lead. Antonio Banderas, Alfre Woodard, 2006. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Take_the_Lead

11 August, 2010  
Blogger The Blog Prof said...

Sir,
I recommend the following films for leadership:

12'Oclock High - How to take a struggling organization and turn it around through leadership and understanding of people (Gregory Peck)

Freedom Writers - How a leader adjusts their style and vision to match the commitment and competence level of the subordinates.

Master and Commander - (Russell Crow). How natural leadership ability can rise while the style that is too friendly can cause major problems.

17 September, 2010  
Blogger DKR said...

Gettysberg and Master and Commander are great leadershipsip movies. Both show character, courage and good leadership in action as well as good leaders making mistakes.

I would also add Invictus and The Blind Side. Invictus shows courage and clarity of mission. The Blind Side shows how someone can have positive influence even when they are not in an official leaderhsip role.

16 December, 2010  
Anonymous download True Grit said...

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01 January, 2011  
Blogger The Blog Prof said...

I teach leadership at a University and have used the following films:

- Master and Commander (Russell Crowe) - Leader Member Exchange leadership. Influencing through vision, competence, and enthusiasm.

- Freedom Writers - Contingency Leadership. Leadership through understanding your subordinates and what actually motivates them.

- Hoosiers (Gene Hackman) - Skills based leadership. Excellent film on following your heart and believing in your leadership abilities.

- 12 O'Clock High (Gregory Peck) - War Film. Situational Leadership. Changing the culture of an organization to achieve more than the organization believed possible.

- Apollo 13 - Leadership in crisis.

23 February, 2011  
Blogger Jeff McCauley said...

Bruce, you might find these useful: LeadershipInTheMovies.com

There are a lot of times when A clip is more useful and effective than an entire movie. These make it easy.

23 February, 2011  
Anonymous J. Loftin said...

12 O'Clock High - Absolutely.

Also, Casualties of war - Great for showing leadership at it's worse and about an individual stepping up into a leadership role despite everyone being against him.

23 April, 2011  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Stand and Deliver

24 May, 2011  
Blogger Rachael said...

What about "Lions for Lambs" with Meryl Streep, Robert Redford & Tom Cruise?

25 May, 2011  
Anonymous Arunagiri udaiyar said...

INVICTUS - a nice movie about leadership through inspiration.

03 September, 2011  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ghandi-- an informal leader who gets a whole nation to follow his principles!!

20 November, 2014  
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