Today, I thought I would share with you a list of my favourite mainstream movies which can help me feel motivated as a freelancer and small business owner.  We all need to take a time out, put our feet up and unwind.  For me, watching a movie is the perfect way to relax, and if the movie inspires and motivates, well, that’s even better.

So here they are, in reverse order of recommendation, my 8 movies for freelancers and small business owners:

#8 : Empire Records
The wild card starts us off – nothing about freelancing here, but a story about a small record shop fighting against the ‘big boys’ and how people can work together.  With a good soundtrack and chocked full of stars, relax and watch Renée Zellweger get her grove on against the corporate giants.

#7 : Brazil
A very dark (and strange) film from Terry Gilliam, but the story of Sam Lourey fighting against the system (and the big corporation) is very good.  Just watch out for the ending.

#6 : Nine to Five
A movie for the ladies – yep this old classic had to be in there – Dolly (and the other ladies) fighting against the mean old boss.  Tells me why I ditched the corporate world to go it alone.

#5 : The Hudsucker Proxy
Now in this one, Tim Robbins character is used and abused by the corporation, but it all comes good in the end.   Its message – don’t allow yourself to be used.

#4 : Wall Street
The message of this 1980’s classic is clear.  Right or wrong, the message of “Greed is Good” is there, and the money games played keeps us interested till the final act.

#3 : Working Girl
Another ‘chick flick’ but I like it.  The story of Tess and how she breaks free of the system and her manipulative boss (no aliens in this one Sigourney) is inspiring.  Plus what can be better than the sight of a very young Meg Ryan doing the hovering in her underwear?

#2 : Jerry Maguire
Ohhh – this was almost my #1.  3 inspirational stories in one great movie – Jerry quitting (well fired if we’re honest) the big corporate world to go freelance, the aging football player also rejecting a full contract to go freelance, and lets not forget the goldfish – liberated from their tank to go with Jerry.  Oh, and  Renée Zellweger is in it apparently.

#1 : Secret of My Success
One of my favourite movies of all time.  It’s a fun packed, fast story of how Bradley (Michael J. Fox) climbs the corporate ladder from the outside, rejecting the traditional way of working, and wins the girl at the same time.  Cracking story, sizzling soundtrack, piles of inspiration – what’s not to love?