10 Best Workplace Movies of the 2010s – MovieWeb

Work is such a huge part of our lives that more often than not, we feel consumed by the weight of it. Yet the hijinks and drama that occurs begging closed office doors is rarely discussed on the silver screen. Weve seen epic sci-fi thrillers and immersive mafia movies, romantic comedies that sweep us off our feet and slice-of-life dramas that are highly relatable. Its time workplace movies also deserve their due. These films provide an inside glimpse at, lets say, the most unpredictable moments that make a 9-to-5 slightly bearable.

The best workplace movies of the 2010s took the tried-and-true formula from the previous decades and gave it a fresh spin. In this era, there werent stuffy offices populated by buttoned-up workers. But instead, the movies portrayed diverse personalities, uptight and laidback colleagues, and the rising tensions between the two. The results are pure gold, with scenes we can relate to all too well.

In downtown Chicago, Calvins barbershop has always been the heart of the neighborhood. Guys come and cut up while getting a trim and earning some laid back time away from the everyday hustle. However, the economy is shifting and in order to survive the time, Calvin decides to merge his barbershop with Angies salon. Eddie is one of Calvins customers who often visits with his crew, and the screeching, high-pitched fever from Angies side of the salon is ruining their vibe, leading to a battle of the sexes. But what is worse is the gun violence that is erupting too close to home. Leaving their personal differences aside, these longtime friends come together to take a stand and save their neighborhood.

Barbershop: The Next Cut is a hilarious film that has its moments of seriousness. Above all, it portrays bonds that run deeper than family.

Spiraling beyond the era of Mad Men work culture, this biographical black comedy tells the story of Jordan Belfort. The movie creates a frenzied portrait of Wall Street excess with the help of its lead protagonist, who may be new to the fast-paced life of stockbroking, but it doesnt take him long to rise to the ranks and let the madness consume him. With the help of Donnie Azoff, Belfort cheats his way and earns fame and wealth, but on the way he loses his morality and every relationship he ever had.

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Director Martin Scorsese has created an atmosphere where his protagonist believes that the real American Dream was profit without a limit or repercussions. The Wolf of Wall Streetalso radiates technical flair only a Scorsese film can contain. A warning light for people who consider money as the ultimate goal, the film has the audacity to prove otherwise.

When their careers are derailed without mercy, two salesmen Billy and Nick realize that sitting behind a desk wasnt for them anyway. Hoping to land a gig in the digital era and prove just how competent they are in the modern world, they sign up for an internship at Google. However, Billy and Nick are two old-school salesmen who believe in the power of a personalized pitch. Which doesnt work as a charm on young computer whiz interns.

Under the guidance of a program manager who herself is determined to be the best in her field, all the interns work fiercely while facing several challenges. The Internship is an interesting film because it uses comedy to make observations on the ever-evolving workplace. Despite belonging to a different era, our protagonists, played by Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, possess skills that make them shine.

The Early 2000s recession was a time when cracks in the economy were starting to show. And yet few office workers were willing to believe that the US housing market could never collapse. Enter some renegade financiers who smelled blood in the water and made huge (read: risky) bets against fraudulent subprime loans. The Big Short is the biographical crime comedy-drama that covers these events in the most creative ways.

Led by Steve Carell and anchored by charismatic stars like Brad Pitt, Ryan Gosling, and Christian Bale, the movie shows how these outsiders spent years laughing in the face of skeptics only to find flaws in the system. Through crazy antics and cameo appearances from the likes of Margot Robbie and Selena Gomez, who break the fourth wall to get into some technicalities so that the puzzle falls into place, this compelling film portrays the greed that gave rise to the greatest financial crisis of all time.

As one of the most underrated workplace movies of the 2010s, In a World... takes pride in being modest and funny. Set in a male-dominated realm where all the movie trailers have one voice reigning for generations, the movie tries to defy gender norms by throwing in an up-and-coming vocal coach named Carol Solomon who possesses the kind of talent that could shake up the whole game but is unsuccessful and unrecognized.

Being called in to work with a major Hollywood production could just be her big break if only her father and protg werent being so competitive. With humor and heart, Lake Bells direction shines through in an industry that is rife with ego and sexism. The cast of quirky characters also drives the film into charming and authentic places, ultimately delivering plenty of laughs.

Directed by Steven Soderbergh, The Laundromat is based on the true story of the Panama Papers scandal that exposed rich scammers. The movie begins with Ellen Martin, an ordinary woman going on her dream vacation. But when things take a dangerously dark turn, she finds herself stuck in an astonishing fraud case concerned with two cunning lawyers in Panama. In order to get to the bottom of things, Ellen goes to great lengths, only to find that the death of her husband is actually associated with a shady offshore law firm under the name of Mossack Fonseca.

The movie also has two other stories and they both lead to the same global conspiracy. While portraying a dizzying maze of money laundering and shell companies, Soderbergh makes sure to insert some much-needed humor here and there to keep the premise light. Sharp and surprisingly fun, the film offers an insight into the world of the wealthy.

Weve all had a nightmare boss at some point in our careers. Whether theyre calling you in on the weekends or being on your nerves during office hours, these bosses have a sour vibe to them that just makes them unbearable. But for Nick, Kurt and Dale, the nightmare extends to real life. Fed up with years of micro-manages, workplace harassment, and downright ridiculous demands, this trio hatches a full-proof plan to rid them of their bosses once and for all. Of course, this plan was formulated when they were drunk, so the permanent solution wasnt without its flaws. Horrible Bosses sees these antics go hilariously out of control.

Led by Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis, the movie acts as a momentary relief to all those who conspire with their co-workers during the after hours. Being a comic genius, the film also finds that sweet spot where you realize that it's all fun and games.

At 70 years, Ben Whittaker is still young and looking for a new chapter after losing his wife. But who would hire a returned grandfather just now understanding how the modern world operates? The Intern follows Jules Ostin, the founder and heartbeat of her online fashion site. Though reluctant at first, Jules agrees to let Ben try out their new internship program as a senior intern, never once expecting his style-oblivious personality to be an ideal candidate for the role.

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However, Ben not only dazzles the office with his determined and infectiously optimistic spirit and wisdom, but he also breathes fresh life into the boss daily grind. Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway are surprisingly perfect on screen as an intergenerational duo. The movie proves to be quite hilarious and inspiring overall.

The 70s used to be groovy, but for San Diego's former top-rated newsreader, the times are changing. After finding himself a man out of time in his previous office, Roy Burgundy has returned to take control of the business. Lucky for him, New York's first 24-hour news channel hires him as the main face and now, Burgundy and his ragtag team will have to step up their game to survive this cycle. Despite having to learn new tricks, Burgundy stays at the top by using his old antics and catchphrases.

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues is a lovely sequel that tries to rival (even one-up) its predecessor by pushing the limits of political correctness. Will Ferrell reprises his role as the anchor and ultimately the film shines just as bright as the original.

Glen Powell and Zoey Deutch star in this refreshing genre-defying rom-com that is perfect for when you want a simple, cozy night in. Set It Up follows Harper and Charlie, two overworked assistants working in the same building. Knowing just how much their bosses put them through, it is impossible not to vent. And all that unwinding leads to the duo coming up with a plan to get their overbearing bosses off their backs trick them into falling in love. But in their quest to set their bosses up together, they start to develop feelings for one another.

Filled with witty banter and that familiar NYC charm, the movie showcases a winning chemistry between the leads. As matchmakers, their love was always around the corner. But it was just a matter of time before they saw it.

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10 Best Workplace Movies of the 2010s - MovieWeb