In the realm of business, success stories serve as beacons of inspiration, offering valuable insights into the strategies, innovations, and leadership that propel companies to greatness. Documentaries provide a compelling medium to delve into the triumphs and challenges faced by some of the world’s most successful companies, from humble beginnings to global dominance. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best documentaries that chronicle the remarkable journeys of companies that have achieved extraordinary success, highlighting their authors, publishers, and release years.
“The Corporation” (2003)
Author/Director: Mark Achbar, Jennifer Abbott
Publisher: Big Picture Media Corporation
A thought-provoking documentary, “The Corporation” examines the rise of corporate power and its impact on society and the environment. Through interviews with CEOs, activists, and scholars, the film explores the nature of corporations as legal entities and their pursuit of profit at any cost. Released in 2003, this critically acclaimed documentary offers a compelling critique of corporate behavior and its consequences for the world.
“Jiro Dreams of Sushi” (2011)
Author/Director: David Gelb
Publisher: Magnolia Pictures
“Jiro Dreams of Sushi” is a mesmerizing documentary that follows the life and work of Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi master and owner of Sukiyabashi Jiro, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Tokyo. Directed by David Gelb and released in 2011, the film provides a fascinating glimpse into the dedication, craftsmanship, and relentless pursuit of perfection that have made Jiro’s sushi renowned worldwide.
“The Pixar Story” (2007)
Author/Director: Leslie Iwerks
Publisher: Leslie Iwerks Productions
Directed by Leslie Iwerks, “The Pixar Story” chronicles the rise of Pixar Animation Studios from its humble beginnings as a computer graphics division of Lucasfilm to its status as a pioneering force in the animation industry. Released in 2007, the documentary offers an insider’s look at Pixar’s creative process, technological innovations, and enduring legacy in storytelling.
“The September Issue” (2009)
Author/Director: R.J. Cutler
Publisher: A&E IndieFilms
Directed by R.J. Cutler, “The September Issue” provides a behind-the-scenes look at the production of the September 2007 issue of Vogue magazine, the largest and most influential issue of the year. The documentary follows Vogue’s iconic editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, and her team as they navigate the creative process, editorial decisions, and high-pressure deadlines that shape the fashion industry. Released in 2009, the film offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of high fashion and the people behind the pages.
“Steve Jobs: The Man in the Machine” (2015)
Author/Director: Alex Gibney
Publisher: Magnolia Pictures
Directed by Alex Gibney, “Steve Jobs: The Man in the Machine” explores the life, career, and complex legacy of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. Released in 2015, the documentary delves into Jobs’ visionary leadership, relentless ambition, and controversial management style, offering a nuanced portrait of one of the most influential figures in modern technology.
“Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room” (2005)
Author/Director: Alex Gibney
Publisher: Magnolia Pictures
Another compelling documentary from director Alex Gibney, “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room” delves into the rise and fall of Enron Corporation, one of the largest corporate scandals in American history. Released in 2005, the film exposes the corporate greed, accounting fraud, and ethical lapses that led to Enron’s spectacular collapse and the devastation of employees, investors, and retirees.
“The Queen of Versailles” (2012)
Author/Director: Lauren Greenfield
Publisher: Magnolia Pictures
Directed by Lauren Greenfield, “The Queen of Versailles” offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of billionaire couple David and Jackie Siegel as they attempt to build the largest and most extravagant home in America. Released in 2012, the documentary chronicles the impact of the 2008 financial crisis on the Siegel family’s business empire and their struggle to maintain their lavish lifestyle in the face of adversity.
“Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price” (2005)
Author/Director: Robert Greenwald
Publisher: Brave New Films
Directed by Robert Greenwald, “Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price” examines the impact of retail giant Wal-Mart on communities, workers, and the global economy. Released in 2005, the documentary exposes Wal-Mart’s labor practices, environmental impact, and anti-competitive behavior, shedding light on the social and economic costs of the company’s relentless pursuit of growth and profit.
“McMillions” (2020)
Author/Director: James Lee Hernandez, Brian Lazarte
Publisher: HBO Documentary Films
“McMillions” is a six-part documentary series that unravels the bizarre true story of the McDonald’s Monopoly game scam, one of the largest frauds in American history. Directed by James Lee Hernandez and Brian Lazarte, the series explores how a network of con artists rigged the game for over a decade, defrauding McDonald’s and its customers out of millions of dollars. Released in 2020, “McMillions” offers a gripping tale of deception, greed, and justice.
“The Social Network” (2010)
Author/Director: David Fincher
Publisher: Columbia Pictures
Directed by David Fincher, “The Social Network” is a biographical drama that chronicles the founding of Facebook and the legal battles that ensued between its co-founders. Released in 2010, the film offers a compelling portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg’s meteoric rise to fame and fortune, as well as the interpersonal conflicts and lawsuits that threatened to tear the company apart.
Conclusion
From tech titans to retail giants, the best documentaries about corporate success stories offer a captivating glimpse into the triumphs, scandals, and human drama behind some of the world’s most iconic companies. Whether exploring the visionary leadership of Steve Jobs, the corporate greed of Enron, or the high-stakes world of high fashion, these documentaries shed light on the complexities of the business world and the individuals who shape it. Whether you’re a business enthusiast or simply a fan of compelling storytelling, these documentaries are sure to inform, entertain, and inspire long after the credits roll.
