Professional Drama backdrop

Professional Drama movies

Work-driven drama about responsibility, ethics, hierarchy, and high-stakes decisions that reshape lives and careers.

The Social Network

1. The Social Network

Drama Professional Drama
7.8
20102h 1min

Overview

In 2003, Harvard undergrad and computer programmer Mark Zuckerberg begins work on a new concept that eventually turns into the global social network known as Facebook. Six years later, Mark is one of the youngest billionaires ever, but his unprecedented success leads to both personal and legal complications when he ends up on the receiving end of two lawsuits, one involving his former friend.

Themes

Elite network competition, Ownership dilution, Partnership betrayal, Governance conflict, Legal proceedings, Techno entrepreneur ambition

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Julie & Julia

2. Julie & Julia

Romance Drama Romantic Comedy Professional Drama
7.0
20092h 3min

Overview

Julia Child and Julie Powell – both of whom wrote memoirs – find their lives intertwined. Though separated by time and space, both women are at loose ends... until they discover that with the right combination of passion, fearlessness and butter, anything is possible.

Themes

Cookbook publishing pressure, French cuisine tradition, Blog influence on ambition, Cooking as professional identity, 9/11 context shaping careers, Celebrity chef visibility

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Hulu
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Front of the Class

3. Front of the Class

Drama Professional Drama
8.1
20081h 35min

Overview

A boy with Tourette's syndrome overcomes criticism and discrimination to achieve his dream of becoming a teacher.

Themes

Inclusion vs discrimination, Disability and vocation, Neurodiversity stigma, Prejudice in hiring, Family context shaping resilience, Education as purpose

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
fuboTV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Synecdoche, New York

4. Synecdoche, New York

Drama Professional Drama
7.5
20082h 4min

Overview

A theater director struggles with his work, and the women in his life, as he attempts to create a life-size replica of New York inside a warehouse as part of his new play.

Themes

Work-life boundary, Reality vs performance, Existential alienation, Obsessive artistic creation, Surreal domesticity, Fragile relationships

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Hurt Locker

5. The Hurt Locker

Drama Thriller War Modern Conflicts Political Thriller
7.5
20082h 11min

Overview

During the Iraq War, a Sergeant recently assigned to an army bomb squad is put at odds with his squad mates due to his maverick way of handling his work.

Themes

Loyalty under strain, Duty under pressure, Survivor guilt, Combat trauma, Trust vs control, Risk and restraint

Available on

Netflix
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Estômago: A Gastronomic Story

6. Estômago: A Gastronomic Story

Drama Comedy Mystery Crime Dark Comedy
7.8
20071h 53min

Overview

In a dog-eat-dog world, Raimundo Nonato has found an alternative way to move ahead: he cooks. No matter what social strata this deceptively innocent young man inhabits, he hones his skills and sharpens his knives—and then he falls in love. Jorge's nimble comic fable provides a smartly constructed gastronomic allegory for ambition and survival.

Themes

Class inequality through aspiration, Power through mastery, Survival through craft, Institutional hierarchy and loyalty, Deception as social tool, Mobilization via skill


99 Francs

7. 99 Francs

Drama Comedy Professional Drama Satire
7.1
20071h 45min

Overview

Paris, France, 2001. Octave Parango, a young advertiser working at the Ross & Witchcraft advertising agency, lives a suicidal existence, ruled by cynicism, irresponsibility and debauchery. The obstacles he will encounter in developing a campaign for a new yogurt brand will force him to face the meaning of his work and the way he manages his relationship with those who orbit around his egotistic lifestyle.

Themes

Alienation in modern work, Advertising industry critique, Drug use and decadence, Corporate dehumanization under marketing, Rebellion against corporate norms, Ambition vs meaning of work

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days

8. 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days

Drama Professional Drama
7.9
20071h 54min

Overview

Two college roommates have 24 hours to make the ultimate choice as they finalize arrangements for a black market abortion.

Themes

Economic precarity, Gendered coercion, Female solidarity, Bureaucratic pressure, Reproductive control

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Pursuit of Happyness

9. The Pursuit of Happyness

Drama Professional Drama
8.0
20061h 57min

Overview

A struggling salesman takes custody of his son as he's poised to begin a life-changing professional career.

Themes

Economic precarity, Homelessness hardship, Mentorship opportunity, Single parent resilience, Social mobility barriers, Perseverance under pressure

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Take the Lead

10. Take the Lead

Drama Music Professional Drama Dance-Centered Music Film
6.6
20061h 58min

Overview

A former professional dancer volunteers to teach dance in the New York public school system and, while his background first clashes with his students' tastes, together they create a completely new style of dance. Based on the story of ballroom dancer, Pierre Dulane.

Themes

Youth mentorship in adversity, Education under pressure, Dance as social mobility, Trust and teamwork, Discipline through art, Resource constraints in schools

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.