"Put those work emails aside for a moment, and let’s watch the drama, ambition, and bittersweet comedy that truly happens behind the office cubicle."
If you are looking for weekend entertainment that is not only enjoyable but also gives you a fresh shot of inspiration, movies with a working-world theme are the perfect choice. These films offer a profound reflection on career realities—from the struggles of building a giant business and dealing with terrifying bosses, to the dilemma of finding life balance.
Get your popcorn ready, and let's dive into 5 movies that will give you a new perspective on professional life:
1. The Social Network (2010)
Social Network. Sumber foto: http://www.imdb.com
Who would have thought that the giant social media platform we use every day originated from the heartbreak and anger of a Harvard student named Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg)? The film takes us back to 2003, showing how a simple idea, born out of emotional distress, turned into an obsession and eventually gave birth to Facebook. The story is packed with intrigue, broken friendships, and the legal battles that accompanied the rapid growth of his global business.
Video source: YouTube (Sony Pictures Entertainment)
The film illustrates the power of an idea, the speed of innovation in the digital world, and the high price that must be paid for revolutionary ambition.
2. The Intern (2015)
The Intern. Sumber foto: http://www.imdb.com.
This is a story that proves age is just a number in the professional world. Ben Whittaker (Robert De Niro), a 70-year-old retired widower, decides to fill his emptiness by becoming a senior intern at an online fashion startup owned by Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway). Amidst a dynamic and predominantly young work environment, Ben not only learns new things but also unexpectedly becomes a wise mentor to the workaholic Jules. The film delivers a heartwarming blend of situational comedy and cross-generational learning.
Video source: YouTube (Warner Bros.)
The film teaches the importance of valuing senior experience, flexibility in learning at any age, and how wisdom can be the best stabilizer in the chaos of the startup world.
3. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
The Devil Wears Prada. Sumber Foto: http-//www.coztume.com
Join Andrea "Andy" Sachs (Anne Hathaway) in her "stunning" experience as an assistant editor at the most prestigious fashion magazine, Runway. All eyes are on Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), the chief editor known for being cold, demanding, and merciless. Andy, who initially looked down upon the world of fashion, must struggle under relentless pressure, adapt to an unfamiliar glamorous lifestyle, and question how far she is willing to compromise her principles to reach the top of her career.
Video source: YouTube (Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers)
The film narrates the brutal reality of highly competitive industries, the art of negotiating with a difficult boss, and the importance of defining what "success" truly means for yourself.
4. Office Space (1999)
Office Space. Sumber foto: http-//ecx.images-amazon.com.
This satirical comedy is a laugh-therapy session for anyone who has ever felt burnt out at the office. Peter Gibbons (Ron Livingston) is a software employee who suffers from chronic boredom and perpetual frustration due to a monotonous routine and his extremely annoying boss. After an unexpected turning point, Peter decides to live his life with indifference and bravery, which, ironically, leads to hilarious problems and a witty revenge plot alongside his miserable colleagues.
Video source: YouTube (Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers)
The film teaches how to face workplace boredom with humor and a moment of reflection on what truly makes you happy, beyond just a monthly paycheck.
5. Up in the Air (2009)
Up In The Air. Sumber foto: http-//www.alumniroundup.com.
Meet Ryan Bingham (George Clooney), a specialized professional with an unpleasant task: firing employees for other companies. Ryan enjoys his nomadic lifestyle, spending most of his time in the air, detached from personal commitments. However, his routine falters when he has to train a new employee who wants to replace face-to-face layoffs with video calls. The appearance of a woman in the same profession, along with family matters, forces Ryan, who has always avoided commitment, to face reality.
Video source: YouTube (Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers)
The film reminds us of the importance of work-life balance, the dangers of isolation in the pursuit of a career, and that human connection is far more valuable than elite status at the airport.
