Best Business Movies & TV Shows, According To Top MBAs

Michael Scott is an MBA case study on management dysfunction. The lead character in The Office, Scott could be described as an HR nightmare, a lawsuit-waiting-to-happen. And his employees at Dunder Mifflin? Let’s just say they wouldn’t call him the “World’s Best Boss” – more likely a ‘plonker’ (if they were British).

Delusional, insensitive, annoying: that’s Michael Scott in a nutshell. Always hogging the spotlight, Scott is the personification of the Peter Principle – the boss who takes it too far, whose trail of broken promises and off-color remarks leave a trail of cringe moments and revolving staffers.

At least that’s what she said.

Among his sins, Scott dated his boss – and poached Dunder Mifflin’s clients in an ill-fated stab at entrepreneurship. Behind closed doors, he badmouthed employees and sabotaged promotions, holding fake firings for gags and divulging sensitive information for all to hear. He even hit an employee with a car (accidentally) and papered over his culpability (deliberately). Oh…and he managed to turn Diversity Day into an exercise in stereotypes…tripping every imaginable landmine in the process.

‘WHAT NOT TO DO AS A MANAGER’

Here’s the funny thing: the Scranton branch outperformed its counterparts despite Scott’s distractions.

While blind to social cues, he was a sales savant. Let’s face it: Was there anyone – before or after Scott – who achieved better results in that operation? In many ways, Michael Scott serves as an indictment of Dunder Mifflin management – and its failure to recruit, develop, evaluate, and promote talent.

No wonder the firm ended up sold and eventually liquidated.

Kai Zhao, a 2025 graduate of McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management, admits that The Office is a satire of corporate life. As an MBA who has led 70-member teams in the Canadian Armed Forces, he also recognizes the business lessons inherent to a crew recording its day-to-day operations.

“It highlights important aspects of leadership, workplace culture, and business decision-making,” Zhao explains. “From Michael Scott’s well-intentioned but often misguided leadership to the everyday challenges of sales, budgeting, and employee morale, the show captures the realities of business operations in an exaggerated yet familiar way. It serves as a reminder that leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s also about people, communication, and adapting to challenges (sometimes in the most unconventional ways). Plus, it’s a great lesson in what not to do as a manager.”

FROM THE BACHELOR TO TED LASSO …

Business principles inform many fictional characters, even in the most unconventional ways. Tony Soprano? You can’t say he doesn’t know how to delegate responsibility and hold underlings accountable. Bruce Wayne? He grounds his crime-fighting enterprise in meticulous preparation and technological innovation. At its core, business is an extension of purpose – a means to create, serve, and make the world better. And the story of business is rife with the same elements as the greatest dramas: the perils of growing too fast, trusting the wrong people, and losing sight of who you are.

Earlier this year, Poets&Quants asked the top MBA graduates from the top business schools to share their favorite business-themed movies or television shows – and the lessons business students can learn from them. So break out the popcorn and soda! From historical dramas to reality TV – and from Harvey Specter to Walter White – here are the shows and characters that MBAs say deliver unforgettable insights into leadership, strategy, and relationships.

30 Rock: “This show hilariously captures the realities of business — especially the clash between creative vision and corporate decision-making. Liz Lemon constantly balances managing a chaotic team, dealing with difficult personalities and meeting the demands of network executive Jack Donaghy. Her role highlights the challenges of leadership — adapting to change, managing egos, and keeping a company (or a TV show) running smoothly. Jack, on the other hand, represents the corporate world, showing how business strategy, branding and mentorship shape careers and organizations.

The show also satirizes real workplace issues like corporate jargon, bureaucracy and the absurdity of business trends (hello, Six Sigma). Despite its comedic exaggerations, 30 Rock offers real lessons on leadership, teamwork, and the importance of navigating office politics. It proves that whether you’re running a TV show or a corporation, success depends on balancing creativity with strategy — and knowing when to compromise.”
Simón Cormack, Rice University (Jones)

Abbott Elementary: “A show that best reflects the realities of business is Abbott Elementary. While it’s a comedy about an underfunded Philadelphia public school, the challenges the teachers face mirror those in the business world—navigating limited resources, advocating for their teams, and driving change within a complex system.

One of the most striking parallels is how Principal Ava must negotiate with the school district for additional resources. Despite her unconventional leadership style, she demonstrates a key business reality: success often requires persistence, creativity, and knowing how to advocate for what your team needs. Similarly, in business, leaders must push for the necessary tools, funding and support to help their teams succeed, even in bureaucratic and resource-constrained environments.

Another important lesson from Abbott Elementary is that leadership isn’t just about authority—it’s about influence, collaboration, and working toward a shared mission. Whether in education or business, the most effective leaders are those who listen, adapt, and find innovative ways to create impact, even when the odds aren’t in their favor.”
Uriah Ford, University of North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler)

The Bachelor: “When my friends ask, I tell them the MBA experience is like The Bachelor— speed-dating a lineup of companies, hoping to find “the one” before time runs out. With all the intense recruitment, dramatic decisions, and occasional heartbreak, all that’s missing is the rose ceremony. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s to stay in my lane, tune out the drama, and keep pushing forward. Recruiting is chaotic, but focusing on my own goals—and not getting caught up in everyone else’s—has made all the difference.”
Douglas Scandrett, Cornell University (Johnson)

The Big Short: “The Big Short is my pick for a movie that brilliantly mirrors the raw realities of business. Its witty, incisive take on the 2008 financial crisis exposes the dark underbelly of unchecked risk-taking and the perilous consequences of following the herd without a critical eye. What resonated with me was its unapologetic reminder that in the business world, questioning the status quo isn’t just smart—it’s essential. The film taught me that when everyone else is busy riding a wave of conventional wisdom, it pays to be the one who dares to ask, “But what if this bubble bursts?” Maintaining ethical integrity, even when it means swimming against the tide, emerges as a crucial lesson. It’s a cinematic wake-up call: in business, blind conformity can lead to disaster, while informed skepticism is the safeguard against systemic collapse.”
Bidisha Sarkar, University of Toronto (Rotman)

“I loved The Big Short because it reflects the harsh realities of the world we live in—where even the greatest companies and institutions can crumble if they lose sight of fundamental economic principles. The movie highlights how a failure in oversight and accountability can lead to catastrophic consequences, affecting the global economy.

It also underscores an important lesson: those who are often underestimated or overlooked in their workplaces can sometimes see what others miss. The outsiders in the film—who predicted the financial crisis—were dismissed until it was too late, showing the value of independent thinking, questioning the status quo, and having the courage to stand by your convictions even when the majority disagrees.”
Surayyah Ahmad, University of Oxford (Saïd)

“Growing up, I often heard about the 2008 financial crisis, but never fully understood its impact. The Big Short is one movie that not only reflects the realities of business, but also breaks down the crisis in an accessible and engaging way. It illustrates how the U.S. housing market was built on subprime mortgages and financial mismanagement, ultimately leading to the collapse of major institutions, mass unemployment, and a global recession. The film highlights how unchecked risk-taking and lack of oversight can have devastating consequences, reinforcing the importance of critical thinking, skepticism, and ethical decision-making in finance.

A key lesson from the film is the importance of pattern recognition in identifying financial risks before they escalate. Mark Baum (played by Steve Carell) and other investors who bet against the housing market didn’t simply rely on market sentiment. They dug into mortgage-backed securities, analyzed underlying loan structures, and recognized the hidden risks that others ignored. This highlights a crucial skill in business and finance: the ability to spot early warning signs, question mainstream narratives, and act decisively based on data.

Additionally, The Big Short offers a lesson in ethical leadership, particularly through Mark Baum’s character. Unlike many on Wall Street, Baum struggles with the morality of profiting from a system that he knows will fail millions of people. His frustration with the industry’s greed and dishonesty reflects the need for leaders who prioritize integrity and accountability over blind profit-seeking. While he takes advantage of the market inefficiencies, his ethical concerns set him apart, reminding us that strong leadership isn’t just about making the right financial moves, it’s about balancing profitability with responsibility.

Baum’s leadership serves as an inspiration, showing that success in business should not come at the expense of ethical responsibility. His commitment to truth and justice aligns with Fordham’s ethos of ethical leadership and business with a purpose, emphasizing that financial expertise must be paired with integrity to create a more just and sustainable economy.”
David Kwame Dumorgah, Fordham University (Gabelli)

Blackberry: “I really enjoyed the film Blackberry, about the rise and fall of the Canadian smartphone company. It highlights how innovation, timing, and risk-taking are crucial in business, but also underscores the dangers of mismanagement, overconfidence, and failing to adapt to market changes. The movie teaches that while technical brilliance and bold ideas can create groundbreaking products, neglecting key aspects like leadership, competition, and company culture can lead to a downfall.”
George Warshaw, Hong Kong University Business School

Breaking Bad: “I am going to give an unconventional answer and say that Breaking Bad does a great job of showing the realities of a business, even though the show is a crime drama. However, business is business, and they all need the same base items: a strategy, your market, financials, operations, and a few more give-or-take. Breaking Bad is like a masterclass in looking at the business strategy, risk management and the competition of being an entrepreneur (more or less). Walter White, the main character, shows us challenges and success of scaling a business, managing operations, product differentiation and more. You must be able to be strategic, innovative and adaptable. On the same token, you also must recognize the importance of ethics within your business. White’s biggest downfall was unethical decision-making. In the long run, some of the best businesses succeed through ethics.”
Savannah Brown, University of Tennessee (Haslam)

The Devil Wears Prada: “Although the movie is set in the high-fashion industry, I think The Devil Wears Prada gives an interesting glimpse into some key business realities. For one, the film highlights the importance of adaptability and resilience in business. When Andy starts working for the demanding and ruthless Miranda Priestly, she struggles to keep up with the fast-paced, high-stakes environment. However, instead of giving up, she learns how to navigate office politics, anticipate needs, and build the skills necessary to succeed. In any industry, the ability to adapt, learn quickly, and handle high-pressure situations is invaluable.

The film also explores the impact of leadership and mentorship in the workplace. While Miranda is an intimidating and often cruel boss, she also commands power, respect, and instills an unwavering commitment to excellence. The film raises the question of what makes an effective leader, and whether success always justifies a difficult management style. It also highlights the importance of finding mentors who not only challenge you but also support your growth.

The movie also serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning your career with your values. Andy initially sacrifices her personal life and identity to excel in her role, only to realize that success means nothing if it’s not in line with what truly matters to her. In business, it’s easy to get caught up in external definitions of success; but I think the most fulfilling careers are those that balance both passion and purpose.”
Via Rao, University of Minnesota (Carlson)

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