I don’t like to watch movies about work.
For me, the movies are about escapism. Let me see something I don’t normally get a glimpse of. However, these movies about work make great gifts for coworkers when you’re stumped on what to buy them.
Check out our list and add your picks in the comments section.
Office Space
If you haven’t seen the movie, you clearly have been buried under a mountain of paperwork and beaten into submission by incompetent supervisors. With a mainstream following, this is the go-to office movie that is guaranteed to make everyone LOL.
“We don’t have a lot of time on this earth! We weren’t meant to spend it this way. Human beings were not meant to sit in little cubicles staring at computer screens all day, filling out useless forms and listening to eight different bosses drone on about about mission statements.” – Peter Gibbons, Office Space
Swimming With Sharks
An abusive boss. An employee who decides enough is enough. Duct tape. Say no more! This movie is the ultimate “employee revenge” story. Kevin Spacey plays the perfect boss-you-love-to-hate.
“Life is not a movie. Good guys lose, everybody lies, and love… does not conquer all.” – Buddy Ackerman, Swimming With Sharks
Clerks
No matter what your job, every employee can relate to this movie about a group of unsatisfied strip mall workers. Whether you are 20, 30 , or 40 years old, if you or a coworker are still trying to figure out what to do with your lives, Clerks is a must watch.
“If title dictated my behavior, as a clerk serving the public, I wouldn’t be allowed to spit water at that guy. But I did. So, my point is that people dictate their own behavior.” – Randal Graves, Clerks
Glengarry Glen Ross
This dark tale about a group of struggling salesmen fighting for their jobs both delights and depresses in equal parts. The acting is out-of-control good, and the thematics will resonate with anyone who has worked in a group setting.
“Third prize is you’re fired.” – Blake, Glengarry Glen Ross
Almost Famous
Not every movie about work has to be dark and twisted. This coming-of-age Cameron Crowe film will remind jaded coworkers everywhere how they once started out with hope.
“I didn’t invent the rainy day, man. I just own the best umbrella.” – Dennis Hope, Almost Famous
American Beauty
A middle-age meltdown, or a peek inside of the suburbia we all pretend does not exist? You decide!
“My job consists of basically masking my contempt for the assholes in charge, and, at least once a day, retiring to the men’s room so I can jerk off while I fantasize about a life that doesn’t so closely resemble Hell.” – Lester Burnham, American Beauty
9 to 5
What happens when a chauvinistic boss gets imprisoned by a group of employees who seize the opportunity to make changes around the office? You get a few good laughs and some lessons about work, life and love.
“I’m as nice as I know how to be to every single person in that office. Everyone treats ME like a… BASTARD at a family reunion.” -Doralee, 9 to 5
I didn’t mention Horrible Bosses, because quite frankly, I thought it sucked.
What’s your favorite office movie?
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