Here are 5 great movies about sales that will inspire you, teach you valuable lessons, and pump you up to go out there and crush your next deal.

1. Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)

“Always Be Closing.”

No list of sales movies would be complete without Glengarry Glen Ross, a film that has become iconic in the world of sales. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by David Mamet, this movie gives a hard-hitting, brutally honest portrayal of the pressures and pitfalls that come with working in sales.

The movie centers around a group of real estate salesmen who are competing for the top spot in their company’s sales contest. The top salesman wins a Cadillac; the losers get fired. The infamous "ABC" speech by Alec Baldwin’s character (Blake) is now legendary in sales circles and will undoubtedly light a fire under you.

• Sales Lesson: Sales is tough, and it’s a competition. To succeed, you need drive, focus, and resilience. It’s also a reminder that having great leads (the Glengarry leads in the film) can make or break your success, but at the end of the day, it’s your persistence that counts.

2. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

“Sell me this pen.”

While The Wolf of Wall Street is a cautionary tale about excess and ethics in sales, it’s also one of the most exhilarating films about the power of salesmanship. Based on the real-life story of Jordan Belfort, a young and ambitious stockbroker, the film captures the highs and lows of the sales world in a way that’s both thrilling and insightful.

Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal of Belfort shows how powerful persuasion can be in sales, whether you’re cold-calling prospects or closing million-dollar deals. Belfort’s aggressive, go-for-it attitude in sales can pump you up, though it’s important to remember the consequences of unethical sales tactics (as the movie demonstrates).

• Sales Lesson: Confidence and enthusiasm are contagious. If you believe in what you’re selling, your prospects will too. But always stay grounded in ethical practices—your reputation and long-term success depend on it.

3. Boiler Room (2000)

“A sale is made on every call you make. Either you sell the client some stock, or he sells you on a reason he can’t.”

Boiler Room is another film that delves into the high-stakes world of stockbroking and cold calling. The movie follows Seth Davis, a college dropout who gets involved in a corrupt brokerage firm where making high-pressure sales is the name of the game. While the film highlights the pitfalls of unethical sales tactics, it’s also a masterclass in the importance of persistence and mastering the art of the cold call.

The fast-paced, high-energy environment of the sales floor in Boiler Room will definitely get you motivated to pick up the phone and start dialing. It also serves as a stark reminder of the importance of integrity in sales — short-term wins aren’t worth it if they come at the cost of your career.

• Sales Lesson: Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and hustle. Sales is often a numbers game, and the more calls you make, the closer you get to closing the deal. But never compromise your integrity for a quick sale.

4. Jerry Maguire (1996)

“Show me the money!”

Jerry Maguire may not be about traditional product or service sales, but it’s packed with important lessons about selling yourself, building relationships, and creating value for your clients. Tom Cruise plays Jerry, a successful sports agent who decides to strike out on his own after having an epiphany about his career and the importance of personal connections with clients.

This film is perfect for salespeople because it highlights the emotional side of the profession — the importance of maintaining integrity, going the extra mile for your clients, and keeping a personal touch in all your interactions. The famous “Show me the money!” scene will have you feeling pumped up to go out there and close your next deal with passion and enthusiasm.

• Sales Lesson: Long-term success in sales is built on relationships, not just transactions. When you truly care about your clients and their needs, they’ll reward you with loyalty and trust. Your personal brand and authenticity are just as important as the product you’re selling.

5. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

“You got a dream, you gotta protect it.”

If there’s one movie that will truly inspire you to keep grinding no matter how hard things get, it’s The Pursuit of Happyness. This film is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who overcomes incredible odds to become a successful stockbroker. Played by Will Smith, Gardner’s journey is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and resilience.

Though the movie is more about overcoming personal struggles than pure salesmanship, Gardner’s journey through rejection, financial hardship, and adversity will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever faced rejection in sales. The film reminds us that even in the face of insurmountable challenges, determination and belief in yourself can take you far.

• Sales Lesson: Resilience and persistence are key. Sales is full of ups and downs, but if you stay focused, keep working hard, and believe in yourself, success will come. It’s not always easy, but the journey is worth it.

Final Thoughts: Get Motivated, Then Take Action

These five movies each highlight a different aspect of the sales world, from the high-pressure, high-stakes environment of cold-calling to the deeply personal relationships that drive long-term success. Whether you’re a seasoned outside salesperson or just starting in the industry, these films will inspire you to stay motivated, work harder, and close more deals.

So, grab some popcorn, enjoy the movies, and then get ready to hit the ground running with a renewed sense of purpose. Your next big sale is waiting — go out and get it!