Movies that capture the ruthless world of succession and ambition
If you're fascinated by the intricate power struggles and immense wealth depicted in Succession, these films offer similar deep dives into the worlds of business, ambition, and the pursuit of success.



The allure of stories centered around immense wealth, cutthroat business, and the relentless pursuit of ambition is undeniable. Much like the acclaimed series Succession, these narratives pull back the curtain on the lives of those who build empires, often revealing the personal cost and ethical compromises involved.
From the genesis of tech giants to the high-stakes world of finance, and even deeply personal journeys of overcoming adversity to achieve greatness, this genre explores the human condition under pressure. You'll find tales of brilliant minds, ruthless operators, and individuals driven by a singular focus on their goals. These films don't just show success; they delve into the struggle, the sacrifice, and the complex relationships that define the paths to power and fortune. Whether it's a gripping biopic or a sharp financial drama, they offer a fascinating look at the forces that drive people to the top.
9. The Intern (2015)
The Intern is a warm and gentle comedy starring Robert De Niro as Ben Whittaker, a 70-year-old widower who takes on an internship at an online fashion company founded and run by the driven Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway). This film explores generational differences in the workplace, the challenges of scaling a startup, and the value of experience and mentorship. De Niro and Hathaway have great chemistry, and the movie offers a pleasant look at finding purpose later in life and the balance between professional ambition and personal well-being. It's a feel-good story about adapting to change and the unexpected bonds that can form in a professional setting.

8. The Great Gatsby (2013)
Baz Luhrmann brings F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel to dazzling life in The Great Gatsby. Set in the roaring 1920s, the film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as the enigmatic millionaire Jay Gatsby, whose lavish parties and mysterious past captivate his neighbor Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire). While not strictly a 'business' film, it's a powerful exploration of wealth, class, social aspiration, and the illusion of the American Dream. The visual spectacle and energetic soundtrack capture the era's decadence, serving as a backdrop to a tragic story about ambition, love, and the unattainable. It's a visually rich adaptation that delves into the intoxicating allure and ultimate emptiness of immense wealth.

7. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
The Devil Wears Prada offers a sharp, witty look at the demanding world of high fashion through the eyes of an aspiring journalist, Andrea Sachs (Anne Hathaway), who lands a job as the assistant to the notoriously difficult magazine editor Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). Streep is absolutely phenomenal, creating an iconic character that embodies ruthless professional ambition. While it's a workplace comedy-drama, it's also a keen observation on power dynamics, the sacrifices made for career advancement, and the often-unseen efforts behind polished success. It's stylish, funny, and surprisingly insightful about navigating challenging professional environments.

6. Moneyball (2011)
Based on a true story, Moneyball follows Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) as he tries to build a competitive baseball team on a limited budget. His radical approach involves using statistical analysis (sabermetrics) to find undervalued players, challenging the sport's long-held traditions and the instincts of seasoned scouts. Directed by Bennett Miller and written by Aaron Sorkin and Steven Zaillian, the film is more than just a sports movie; it's a compelling narrative about innovation, fighting against the establishment, and redefining success in a business context. It’s a smart, engaging film about data, change, and the human element in decision-making.

5. The Founders (2016)
The Founder tells the captivating true story of how Ray Kroc, a struggling milkshake machine salesman, met brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald and shrewdly maneuvered his way into taking over their innovative fast-food business, turning it into the global giant we know today. Michael Keaton is exceptional as Kroc, portraying a man driven by relentless ambition, showcasing the often-uncomfortable truths about the cost of building an empire. It's a fascinating look at entrepreneurship, vision, and the ethical compromises that can arise on the path to massive success. The film offers a compelling perspective on the difference between innovation and ruthless execution in business.

4. The Big Short (2015)
Get a front-row seat to the 2008 financial crisis in The Big Short, a brilliant and darkly funny film that makes complex economic concepts accessible. Directed by Adam McKay, this movie follows a few outsiders who saw the housing market crash coming and bet against it. It stars Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt, all delivering sharp performances. What makes it stand out is its innovative approach, using celebrity cameos and direct-to-camera explanations to break down jargon like 'collateralized debt obligations.' It's an enraging yet insightful look at the flaws in the system and the people who exploited them.

3. The Aviator (2004)
Explore the life of the eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes in Martin Scorsese's epic The Aviator. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio in an Academy Award-nominated performance, this film chronicles Hughes's rise from a daring aviation pioneer and film producer to a reclusive figure battling his own demons. It's a visually stunning portrayal of ambition on an epic scale, showcasing the immense drive and vision it takes to build multiple empires, alongside the personal cost. The film beautifully captures the Golden Age of Hollywood and the dawn of the modern aviation industry, featuring stellar supporting roles from Cate Blanchett as Katharine Hepburn and Kate Beckinsale as Ava Gardner. It's a deep dive into the mind of a man who wanted to conquer the skies and the silver screen.

2. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Prepare for a wild ride into the excesses of the 1980s financial world with The Wolf of Wall Street. Martin Scorsese directs Leonardo DiCaprio in a role that earned him immense praise as Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who built an empire on manipulation and fraud. This film is a darkly comedic, high-energy portrayal of unchecked ambition, greed, and the sheer madness that can accompany immense wealth. It's relentless, audacious, and features incredible performances from Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, and a scene-stealing Matthew McConaughey. Be warned, it doesn't pull any punches in depicting the debauchery, but it's a powerful cautionary tale about the corrosive nature of absolute power and money.

1. The Social Network (2010)
Dive into the cutthroat world of tech entrepreneurship with The Social Network, a film that dissects the creation of Facebook and the ensuing legal battles. Directed by David Fincher with a razor-sharp script by Aaron Sorkin, this movie isn't just about building a website; it's a gripping drama about ambition, betrayal, and the price of success. Jesse Eisenberg delivers a captivating performance as Mark Zuckerberg, portraying him with a complex mix of genius and social awkwardness. The dialogue crackles with energy, and the non-linear structure keeps you hooked, making it a masterclass in modern storytelling. It's a fascinating look at how a simple idea escalated into a global phenomenon, leaving a trail of broken relationships in its wake.
