Cinema
Movies
There is something magical about learning through the art of film. Movies immerse us in engaging stories and allow us to experience the dynamics of negotiation in a unique and engaging way. That is why we have created this section devoted to films about negotiation.
Films are able to capture the nuances of human interactions, conflicts, and negotiations in ways that words alone cannot. Each film selected in this collection offers a different perspective on negotiation, presenting unforgettable characters, complex situations, and crucial decisions that inspire reflection and learning.
The section is intuitively organized to make it easy to find specific films or to allow you to discover new films you may never have considered. Each film represents a unique learning opportunity that will allow you to see how negotiation principles are put into practice in the real-life context, even if only on the big screen.
Take the time to explore this collection of films on negotiation and discover how instructive and engaging it is to learn from these unique cinematic stories. Enjoy your viewing!
Inside Man, directed by Spike Lee, Universal Pictures (2006)
This thriller features a hostage negotiation in a bank, with Denzel Washington as the detective assigned to resolve the situation. The film includes a series of intriguing twists.
The Big Short, directed by Adam McKay, Paramount Pictures (2015)
Although the film is primarily focused on the 2008 financial crisis, it includes scenes that depict the discussions and negotiations between the investors who predicted the collapse of the housing market.
Molly's Game, directed by Aaron Sorkin, STX Entertainment (2017)
Based on a true story, this film follows the life of Molly Bloom, who organized high-stakes poker games. The film includes several negotiation scenes between Molly and the players.
The Hudsucker Proxy, directed by Joel e Ethan Coen, Warner Bros. (1994)
This comedy features a negotiation between characters trying to manipulate the stock price of a major company.
The China Hustle, directed by Jed Rothstein, Magnolia Pictures (2017)
This documentary explores fraudulent negotiations and financial scams related to Chinese publicly traded companies, and features a series of interviews and discussions about deceptive trading practices.
Nightcrawler, directed by Dan Gilroy, Open Road Films (2014)
The film follows a reporter who negotiates with the police and news agencies while trying to obtain sensational stories about accidents and crimes. It highlights the negotiation tactics used in the world of sensationalist journalism.
The Negotiator, directed by F. Gary Gray, Warner Bros. (1998)
This thriller film centers around a hostage negotiator who becomes involved in a hostage situation inside a government building. The film explores negotiation tactics and the psychological game between the characters.
Margin Call, directed by J.C. Chandor, Lionsgate (2011)
This financial drama follows the events that take place in an investment bank during the 2008 financial crisis. The film highlights the intense negotiations and difficult decisions made by the main characters.
The Intern, directed by Nancy Meyers, Warner Bros. (2015)
Although it is a comedy, the film features a negotiation between an elderly intern and the founder of an e-commerce company. The negotiation dynamics and life lessons are an integral part of the plot.
The Good Liar, directed by Bill Condon, Warner Bros. (2019)
This thriller stages a psychological negotiation between an elderly con artist and his victim. The film is full of twists and mental negotiations.
12 Angry Men, directed by Sidney Lumet, United Artists (1957)
This classic film takes place almost entirely in a jury room, where the jurors must negotiate and reach a unanimous verdict in a murder trial. It is a true lesson in negotiation, persuasion, and the power of dialogue.
Glengarry Glen Ross, directed by James Foley, New Line Cinema (1992)
Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by David Mamet, this film explores the cutthroat world of real estate sales and the high-pressure negotiations that come with it.
Thank You for Smoking, directed by Jason Reitman, Fox Searchlight Pictures (2005)
This satirical comedy follows the life of a tobacco lobbyist who uses his negotiation skills to defend the tobacco industry. It provides a humorous perspective on the art of persuasion and negotiation in the world of politics and public relations.
The Social Network, directed by David Fincher, Columbia Pictures (2010)
This film tells the story of the founding of Facebook and the legal battles and negotiations that followed. It offers insights into the negotiation dynamics between ambitious entrepreneurs.
Arbitrage, directed by Nicholas Jarecki, Lionsgate (2012)
This thriller explores high-risk financial negotiations and ethical dilemmas in the world of hedge funds and Wall Street.
The Founder, directed by John Lee Hancock, The Weinstein Company (2016)
The film tells the story of Ray Kroc and the negotiations that led to the global expansion of the McDonald's fast food empire. It highlights the importance of negotiations in business partnerships and franchising.
Moneyball, directed by Bennett Miller, Columbia Pictures (2011)
Although not exclusively focused on negotiations, this film starring Brad Pitt as Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics, explores innovative negotiation tactics in the world of professional sports.
War Dogs, directed by Todd Phillips, Warner Bros. (2016)
Based on a true story, this film follows two young entrepreneurs who become international arms dealers. It examines the complex negotiations in the arms industry and the associated risks.
Il Diavolo Veste Prada, directed by David Frankel, Century Fox Home Entertainment (2006)
The film highlights the complex dynamic between the boss and the assistant, who must learn to navigate the demanding expectations of her job. The negotiation doesn't happen solely through legal contracts, but rather through communication strategies and diplomacy, showing how the ability to manage interpersonal relationships is crucial even in high-level contexts like the luxury fashion industry.
Captain Phillips, directed by Paul Greengrass, Columbia Pictures (2013)
Based on the true story of the captain of a U.S. merchant ship hijacked by Somali pirates in 2009, the film highlights the complex negotiation between Captain Phillips and the pirate leader, Muse, during a maritime crisis. The growing tension underscores the importance of negotiation under extreme pressure.