Professional Drama backdrop

Professional Drama movies

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

Joy

1. Joy

Drama Comedy Professional Drama
6.6
20152h 4min

Overview

A story based on the life of a struggling Long Island single mom who became one of the country's most successful entrepreneurs.

Themes

Gendered expectations, Financial precarity, Patent deception, Social mobility pressure, Family obligations versus ambition, Entrepreneurial perseverance

Available on

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

Concussion

2. Concussion

Drama Professional Drama
7.1
20152h 3min

Overview

A dramatic thriller based on the incredible true David vs. Goliath story of American immigrant Dr. Bennet Omalu, the brilliant forensic neuropathologist who made the first discovery of CTE, a football-related brain trauma, in a pro player and fought for the truth to be known. Omalu's emotional quest puts him at dangerous odds with one of the most powerful institutions in the world.

Themes

Institutional pressure against findings, Scientific evidence vs sport, Brain trauma awareness, Public health vs entertainment, Legal and political scrutiny, Advocacy under threat

Available on

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

Burnt

3. Burnt

Drama Professional Drama
6.6
20151h 40min

Overview

Adam Jones is a Chef who destroyed his career with drugs and diva behavior. He cleans up and returns to London, determined to redeem himself by spearheading a top restaurant that can gain three Michelin stars.

Themes

Mentor influence, Public scrutiny, Ethics under pressure, Professional reinvention, Team dynamics under pressure, Rival sabotage

Available on

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

The End of the Tour

4. The End of the Tour

Drama Professional Drama
7.2
20151h 46min

Overview

The story of the five-day interview between Rolling Stone reporter David Lipsky and acclaimed novelist David Foster Wallace, which took place right after the 1996 publication of Wallace's groundbreaking epic novel, 'Infinite Jest.'

Themes

Artistic integrity vs exposure, Loneliness in dialogue, Fame under scrutiny, Rumors and denial, Alcoholism and stigma, Interview ethics

Available on

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

The Measure of a Man

5. The Measure of a Man

Drama Professional Drama
6.8
20151h 33min

Overview

At the age of 51 and after 20 months on unemployment, Thierry starts a new job that soon brings him face to face with a moral dilemma. How much is he willing to accept to keep his job?

Themes

Security guard dynamics, Co-workers surveillance tension, Unemployment risk, Supermarket setting, Boss pressure ethics, Unemployment resilience

Available on

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

Foxcatcher

6. Foxcatcher

Drama Thriller Professional Drama
7.0
20142h 14min

Overview

The greatest Olympic Wrestling Champion brother team joins Team Foxcatcher led by multimillionaire sponsor John E. du Pont as they train for the 1988 games in Seoul - a union that leads to unlikely circumstances.

Themes

Loyalty under pressure, Wealth and influence, Power and control dynamics, Family estrangement, Performance pressure, Mentor exploitation

Available on

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

Whiplash

7. Whiplash

Drama Music Professional Drama Backstage & Showbiz Music
8.5
20141h 47min

Overview

Under the direction of a ruthless instructor, a talented young drummer begins to pursue perfection at any cost, even his humanity.

Themes

Obsessive perfectionism, Performance under pressure, Competitive culture, Abusive mentorship, Discipline vs humanity, Romance under ambition

Available on

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

Two Days, One Night

8. Two Days, One Night

Drama Professional Drama
7.3
20141h 35min

Overview

Sandra is a young woman who has only one weekend to convince her colleagues they must give up their bonuses in order for her to keep her job — not an easy task in this economy.

Themes

Unemployment precarity, Immigrant vulnerability, Family affairs, Injustice in the workplace, Depression stigma, Economic crisis, Employer employee relationship

Available on

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

Draft Day

9. Draft Day

Drama Professional Drama
6.8
20141h 50min

Overview

At the NFL Draft, general manager Sonny Weaver has the opportunity to rebuild his team when he trades for the number one pick. He must decide what he's willing to sacrifice on a life-changing day for a few hundred young men with NFL dreams.

Themes

Family obligation vs ambition, Owner pressure to make a splash, Trade negotiations under public spotlight, Trust and doubt in talent evaluation, Rumors and scrutiny in talent evaluation, Leadership conflict within the front office

Available on

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

Still Life

10. Still Life

Drama Professional Drama
7.4
20131h 32min

Overview

A council case worker looks for the relatives of those found dead and alone.

Themes

Bureaucratic detachment, Loneliness and care, Compassion through ritual, Memory versus oblivion, Funeral ritual under strain, Absent kinship networks

Available on

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