10 More Movies You’ll Like & Share
The Social Network is a blisteringly good drama, inspired by the real-life events leading to the creation of Facebook, the world’s most popular social networking site.
If you’ve finished watching this one and are looking for similar picks, we’ve got you covered. We’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle with our top picks for alternate viewing. As usual, let us know your thoughts about our picks in the comments below!
Steve Jobs (2015)
Directed by Danny Boyle and written by Aaron Sorkin (the same writer as The Social Network), Steve Jobs is a biographical drama that focuses on the professional and personal life of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. The film is structured around three iconic product launches, along with the ups and downs Apple faced during this time.
Both films offer an in-depth look at the life and struggles of iconic figures in the technology industry. The sharp, rapid-fire dialogue, complex characters, and exploration of ambition and its consequences makes it an absolute must-watch.
Whiplash (2014)
Speaking of ambition that spirals of out control, Whiplash is a drama about a young jazz drummer called Andrew Neiman who seeks the respect of an abusive music teacher called Fletcher. The film explores the physical and emotional toll that comes from the relentless pursuit of perfection.
Similar to The Social Network, both films center on a loner that struggles to fit in, delving into the theme of ambition and the price one has to pay for greatness. They examine the impact of obsessive drive on relationships and personal well-being, along with intense, high-stakes environments (start-ups and music conservatories) that shape their central characters.
Moneyball (2011)
Directed by Bennett Miller, Moneyball is a sports drama based on the true story of the Oakland Athletics’ general manager Billy Beane’s successful attempt to put together a competitive baseball team on a minimal budget by using computer-generated analysis to acquire new players.
Both films are based on true stories that revolve around unconventional thinkers who challenge established systems, causing significant shifts in their respective fields. They share themes of innovation along with the personal sacrifices required in the pursuit of success.
Molly’s Game (2017)
Aaron Sorkin’s film, Molly’s Game, is based on the true story of Molly Bloom, a former Olympic-class skier who ran the world’s most exclusive high-stakes poker game for a decade, before being arrested in the middle of the night by 17 FBI agents.
Molly’s Game is a biographical drama that explores ambition, power, and the legal consequences of their protagonists’ actions. Much like The Social Network, the protagonist is an intelligent, driven character who operates within high-stakes, exclusive environments.
Margin Call (2011)
Directed by J.C. Chandor, Margin Call is a financial thriller that follows key people at an investment bank over a 24-hour period during the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis.
Both films delve into complex, high-stakes environments and the ethical dilemmas that arise within them. They explore the consequences of ambition, decision-making under pressure, and the personal and professional costs of success.
The Founder (2016)
Starring Michael Keaton in the lead role, The Founder is a biographical drama about the story of Ray Kroc, a struggling salesman from Illinois who met Mac and Dick McDonald and was impressed by their speedy system of making food. This eventually led to the creation of the McDonald’s fast-food empire we’ve come to know today.
Much like The Social Network, The Founder provides a behind-the-scenes look at the birth and growth of major businesses, showing how ambition and relentless drive can lead to monumental success but also at personal costs.
The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
Written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a scorching historical legal drama based on the infamous 1969 trial of seven defendants charged by the federal government with conspiracy and other charges. All of this arises from the countercultural protests in Chicago at the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
While The Trial of the Chicago 7 is very different to The Social Network in terms of subject matter, they share the same writer/director in Aaron Sorkin, whose fast-paced dialogue and complex narrative structures makes for a wholly enjoyable watch. Both films also involve court proceedings too.
Pirates of Silicon Valley (1999)
Directed by Martyn Burke, Pirates of Silicon Valley is a biographical drama that explores the rivalry between Steve Jobs (Apple Computer) and Bill Gates (Microsoft) as they developed their tech empires in the late 20th century.
Both films offer a behind-the-scenes look at how influential tech companies were built, paying homage to the competitiveness and ingenuity required to reach the pinnacle of success. They also focus on the sometimes strained relationships between business partners and the ethical dilemmas faced along the road to success.
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street is a biographical black comedy based on the memoir sporting the same name. It follows the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker in New York City, who runs a firm that engages in securities fraud and corruption on Wall Street.
This movie provides an insight into ambitious entrepreneurs who push legal and ethical boundaries in their pursuit of wealth and success. It also examines the impact of unchecked ambition on relationships and personal morality too.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
The Pursuit of Happyness is a biographical drama based on entrepreneur Chris Gardner’s nearly one-year struggle with homelessness. The film features Will Smith in one of his best roles as Gardner, a homeless salesman. Will Smith’s son Jaden also stars here too.
Both films center on ambitious individuals who overcome numerous obstacles to achieve their professional goals. They showcase the resilience and determination required for success, as well as the personal sacrifices and challenges faced along the way. However, they approach these themes from different angles: one in the world of tech startups, the other in personal sales and investment banking.
There we have it, our list of best movies that are similar to The Social Network. What do you think about our picks? Did one of your favourites make the list? Let us know in the comments below: