A list of suggested films helps provide a jumping-off point for course assignments, papers, research, group work, and class discussion.

Want to download this list? Click here. 

Understanding Leadership

Lord of the Rings
Secretariat
The Martian
American Sniper
Gravity
 

Recognizing Your Traits

Whale Rider
The Karate Kid
Gladiator
Norma Rae
Million Dollar Baby
Unbroken
 

Engaging Strengths

The Patriot
Sister Act
The Avengers
Oceans 11
 

Understanding Philosophy and Styles

Gangs of New York
Mona Lisa Smile
The Office
Patton
 

Attending to Tasks and Relationships

True Grit
Wind Talkers
The Devil Wears Prada
Band of Brothers (war drama miniseries)
 

Developing Leadership Skills

The King’s Speech
Lord of the Rings
Elizabeth
 

Creating a Vision

Motorcycle Diaries
Invictus
Stand and Deliver
Pray the Devil Back to Hell
 

Establishing a Constructive Climate

The Social Network
Remember the Titans
Mr. Holland’s Opus
The Mighty Ducks
The Fellowship of the Ring
 

Embracing Diversity and Inclusion

The Butler
Selma
12 Years a Slave
Raising Ms. President (TV documentary)
Mohenjo Daro
 

Listening to Out-Group Members

The Garden
Pirate Radio
School of Rock
Heart Broken in Half
Sing Street
 

Handling Conflict

Hotel Rwanda
Robin Hood
American Hustler
Crimson Tide
Twelve Angry Men
Timbuktu
 

Addressing Ethics in Leadership

Gandhi
V for Vendetta
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
The Smartest Guys in the Room
The Insider
Spotlight
The Big Short
How to Change the World (TV documentary)
 

Overcoming Obstacles

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
The Great Debaters
Milk
Murderball
Lincoln
Men of Honor
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Sully
 

Some examples of how to use films in class are offered in the class activities resources on this site. Many of the films above can also be used for other chapters in the book.  Some examples of general questions that can be applied to all films:

• What traits does the protagonist possess? 
• How would you describe the protagonist’s leadership style? 
• How would the film be different it the protagonist were old/female/a different ethnicity, etc.?
• Based on the obstacles encountered by the characters in the film, what would be the most effective leadership style? 
• How might the protagonist be perceived by other characters in the film? (The film may only show one person’s point of view, so this question invites more complex thinking)
• Which leadership approach best explains the protagonist’s leadership (traits, skills, styles, etc.)? 
• What leadership tropes (common or overused themes) are represented by these films?  For example: Good overcomes evil, love always wins, sometimes leaders need to be tough, the ends justify the means, etc. Which ones offer alternative visions of leadership? What new kinds of films about leadership would you like to see?
• How do production elements such as the soundtrack, camera angles, and lighting contribute to the meaning of a scene, or the film overall?
• How do post-production processes like editing and special effects contribute to the meaning of a scene, or the film overall?
• What scene in the film is most powerful?  Why? What is the event taking place in the scene?
• Has a film ever changed your thinking about an issue, relationship, or leadership?