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*Updated November 2019* With this weekend’s release of A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood, I am providing my list of the Top 20 Leadership Movies from the last 20 years.  The following was the criteria for selection:

  1. Servant Leadership
  2. Self Leadership
  3. Family Leadership
  4. Character
  5. Teamwork
  6. Passion
  7. Skill and Creativity
  8. Empowering Others
  9. Overcoming Obstacles
  10. Accomplishment

Ironically, 15 of the 20 films involve real-life individuals.  Feel free to disagree and provide your own list. Let’s get started:

  1. Passion Of The Christ – Mel Gibson’s legendary film captures the greatest example of sacrifical love in human history. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends…and everyone else as well.
  2. Black Panther – Because of its diversity on and off the screen, this Marvel classic takes the 2nd spot.  In addition to its social impact, King T’Challa shows us what stately, competent and transformational leadership looks like.  He also deals with issues like succession planning, hard decisions, building bridges, and using the country’s resources to bless others.
  3. Hacksaw Ridge – Directed by Mel Gibson, this is the true story of Private Desmond Doss, an Army medic in WWII.  Doss, played by Andrew Garfield, was responsible for saving the lives of 75 soldiers during the Battle of Okinawa despite not carrying a rifle into battle.  While staying true to his religious belief of saving human life, Doss faced extreme pressure from his fellow soldiers but later earned their respect as well as a Medal of Honor.
  4. We Were Soldiers – Directed by Randall Wallace, Mel Gibson plays Lt. Col. Hal Moore.  The first boots on the ground.  The last one to leave.
  5. Lincoln – Steven Spielberg’s epic recount of our country’s greatest president and his efforts to pass the 13th Amendment outlawing slavery.
  6. Dunkirk – Christopher Nolan’s brilliant account of 40,000 soldiers attempting survive being trapped by German forces is the best movie I have seen in 2017.
  7. Unbroken – The incredible true story of Louis Zamperini reminds us about the incredible power of resiliency and perseverance.  If you do not feel you can survive whatever you are facing, watch this movie.
  8. Ford v Ferrari – Another true story about the Ford corporation’s winning of the 1966 24 Hours Of Le Mans.  Car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles, played brilliantly by Matt Damon and Christian Bale, face a stiffer challenge in dealing with Ford executives than they did with the Ferrari cars and drivers.
  9. Avengers: EndgameTony Stark pays the ultimate sacrifice for the good of everyone.
  10. Gladiator – Maximus reminds us that focused, passioned leadership centered on a single mission cannot be stopped.
  11. Captain Phillips – This film starring Tom Hanks, this movie is full of leadership principles including preparation, execution, and the importance of carrying out well-conceived plans under pressure.  Also, the scene near the end of the movie as Hanks is being checked by the medial staff is the best piece of acting I have seen.
  12. A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood – The movie is based around the relationship between Esquire investigative reporter Lloyd Vogel and his 1998 cover story feature on television legend Mr. Fred Rogers.  Because of his cynicism and volatile relationship with his own father, Vogel assumed Mr. Rogers was simply too good to be true.  He found out he was wrong and it changed his life.  This movie could change your’s as well.
  13. Sully – The 3rd film in a row starring Tom Hanks, no movie on this list better shows you how to lead during times of crisis.
  14. Lone Survivor – Each time I watch a movie based upon our the heroism of our American troops, those who protect the freedoms we so often take for granted, I am deeply humbled and thankful.  The level of skill, commitment, preparation, courage and bravery of these men and women is indescribable and deserves the highest respect.
  15. Remember The Titans – Whether the divide between people is racial, gender, age, geographic, or spiritual, great leaders can bridge any gap and connect people.
  16. Moneyball – Brad Pitt’s portrayal of Oakland A’s innovative general manager Billy Beane gives all leaders a picture of what is necessary to navigate change.
  17. The Social Network – The story of the rise of Facebook provides for us a glimpse into the brilliant mind and potentially destructive personality of the most creative and talented NextGen business leader ever.
  18. Creed – Sylvester Stallone’s portrayal of the aging Rocky Balboa is Oscar worthy.  In terms of how to practice self-leadership during times of crisis and pass on a legacy to the next generation, this underrated film is must-see!
  19. Wonder – Based on the best-selling book, Wonder is the story of August “Auggie” Pullman, a young child who was born with a facial disease called mandibulofacial dystosis, also known as “Treacher Collins syndrome.”  This story chronicles his move from homeschooling into 5th grade public school.  His parents give a brilliant display of how to lead their family through this transition.
  20. Midway – The unimaginable level of bravery shown by the divebombers turned the tide for America in WWII.

That’s my list. Let the debate begin.

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