Movies can stir our feelings and emotions in a way that cannot be achieved with words alone. If you’re looking to inspire a team, showing a movie that features strong teamwork can bond a group with a common appreciation of the power of working together. Here is a list of the 10 best teamwork movies that promote team building, positive team dynamics and leadership.
In order to demonstrate in what relation the movies demonstrates teamwork, we provide a table to find out what specific situation is related to teamwork:
Title of the Movie | Production Year | Why it’s Related to Teamwork | Specific Teamwork Situation |
Apollo 13 | 1995 | The crew of Apollo 13 and their ground support must work together to survive after a malfunction during their space mission. | The ground team and astronauts put aside their panic to creatively solve the problem of how to return the damaged spacecraft safely back to Earth. |
Invictus | 2009 | The film underscores the significance of a unified team effort in overcoming adversity. | Nelson Mandela, as the newly elected President of South Africa, uses the national rugby team, the Springboks, as a unifying symbol to bring the racially divided country together. Despite the team’s poor performance, Mandela’s belief and support help them triumph in the 1995 Rugby World Cup. |
Remember the Titans | 2000 | Based on the true story of a newly integrated high school football team who must overcome their differences to achieve success. | The newly integrated team faces significant racial tension at the start, but they learn to trust and respect each other, leading them to the state championships. |
The Great Escape | 1963 | Allied POWs plan a daring escape from a German prison camp during WWII. | Despite having a diverse group of POWs from different countries, they work together meticulously to dig tunnels and plan the escape, with each member having a specific role. |
Coach Carter | 2005 | Based on a true story, a basketball coach at a high school makes it his mission to teach his players the importance of teamwork and good values. | The team initially resists Coach Carter’s strict rules, but eventually, they come together to become a stronger, more disciplined team. |
Miracle | 2004 | The story focuses on the importance of teamwork and how it leads to extraordinary achievements. | Coach Herb Brooks selects a team of college hockey players, whom he leads to victory against the seemingly invincible Russian team in the 1980 Winter Olympics. The team’s success is attributed to their unity, discipline, and Brooks’ distinctive coaching style. |
Glory | 1989 | Robert Gould Shaw leads the U.S. Civil War’s first all-black volunteer company, fighting prejudices from both his own Union Army and the Confederates. | The soldiers must overcome racism, prejudice, and their own internal conflicts to work together as a cohesive unit and prove their worth on the battlefield. |
Thirteen Days | 2000 | The movie shows how a team can work under pressure to make crucial decisions. | During the Cuban Missile Crisis, President Kennedy and his advisors must work together to avert a nuclear war. They engage in intense discussions, negotiations, and strategizing, showing the importance of cooperation and communication during a crisis. |
Take The Land | 2006 | The film highlights the power of a team working towards a common goal. | A charismatic church leader rallies his community to literally “take the land” they believe has been promised to them by God. Despite skepticism and resistance, they work together to achieve their goal, highlighting the power of shared faith and commitment. |
Facing The Giants | 2006 | The movie exemplifies overcoming fear and failure through collective effort and determination. | A high school football coach, after several losing seasons and personal challenges, inspires his team to trust in each other and their abilities. With renewed faith and dedication, the team turns their losing streak around and achieves unexpected success |
Rudy | 1993 | A young man dreams of playing football at the University of Notre Dame despite significant obstacles. | Rudy’s persistence and hard work earn him the respect of his teammates, who rally around him to help him achieve his dream. |
The Mighty Ducks | 1992 | A self-centered lawyer is sentenced to community service coaching a ragtag youth hockey team. | The team, initially lacking cohesion and skill, learns to work together under their new coach and becomes a formidable opponent on the ice. |
The A-Team | 2010 | A group of Iraq War veterans looks to clear their name with the U.S. military, who suspect the four men of committing a crime for which they were framed. | Despite their unique personalities and skills, the team works together to expose the real criminals and clear their names. |
The Impossible | 2012 | A family is caught in the chaos of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and must rely on each other to survive. | Separated by the disaster, the family members must work together and help others in their quest to find one another and reunite. |
Mad Max: Fury Road | 2015 | In a post-apocalyptic wasteland, a woman rebels against a tyrannical ruler in search of her homeland with the aid of a group of female prisoners, a psychotic worshiper, and a drifter named Max. | The group must work together to survive the harsh environment and escape the relentless pursuit of the warlord and his army. |
The Imitation Game | 2014 | During World War II, mathematician Alan Turing tries to crack the enigma code with help from fellow mathematicians. | Turing and his team work together to overcome personal and professional challenges in order to develop a machine that can break the code and help the Allies win the war. |
The Replacements | 2000 | During a pro football strike, the owners hire substitute players. | The ragtag group of replacement players must work together, despite their differences and inexperience, to achieve success on the field. |
World War Z | 2013 | A former United Nations investigator is tasked with finding the source of a global zombie pandemic and developing a way to stop it. | The investigator must work with various individuals and teams around the world to unravel the mystery of the outbreak and find a solution. |
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty | 2013 | A daydreaming office worker embarks on a real-life adventure to track down a lost photograph. | Along his journey, Walter encounters various people who help him overcome obstacles, face his fears, and work together to find the missing photograph. |
Hoosiers | 1986 | A coach with a checkered past and a local drunk train a small town high school basketball team to become a top contender. | Despite initial resistance and setbacks, the team comes together under the coach’s unconventional methods and makes it to the state championship. |
The Right Stuff | 1983 | The story of the original Mercury 7 astronauts and their macho approach to the space program. | Even though each of the astronauts is competing to be the first in space, they work together to ensure the success of the mission. |
The Breakfast Club | 1985 | Five high school students from different walks of life endure a Saturday detention under a power-hungry principal. | The students initially clash due to their different backgrounds, but as the day progresses, they open up to each other and work together to outwit their principal. |
Braveheart | 1995 | Scottish warrior William Wallace leads his countrymen in a rebellion against the English monarchy. | Wallace assembles a diverse group of warriors who must work together to stand against the English army. |
Black Hawk Down | 2001 | 160 elite U.S. soldiers drop into Somalia to capture two top lieutenants of a renegade warlord but find themselves in a desperate battle with a large force of heavily-armed Somalis. | The soldiers must rely on each other and work together in a high-stress situation to survive. |
Cool Runnings | 1993 | A Jamaican sprinter fails to qualify for the Olympics and enlists the help of a dishonored coach to start the first Jamaican Bobsled Team. | Despite ridicule and a lack of resources, the team works together and manages to qualify for and compete in the Winter Olympics. |
Guardians of the Galaxy | 2014 | A group of intergalactic criminals must pull together to stop a fanatical warrior with plans to purge the universe. | Despite their differences and initial reluctance, the group forms an unlikely team and manages to save the galaxy. |
The Italian Job | 2003 | After being betrayed and left for dead in Italy, Charlie Croker and his team plan an elaborate gold heist against their former ally. | The team uses their individual talents in a highly coordinated effort to reclaim their stolen gold. |
The King’s Speech | 2010 | The story of King George VI, his speech therapist, and the unconventional methods used to treat his severe stammer. | King George and his therapist must work together to overcome his stammer, leading to the crucial wartime radio broadcast on Britain’s declaration of war on Germany in 1939. |
Zootopia | 2016 | In a city of anthropomorphic animals, a rookie bunny cop and a cynical con artist fox must work together to uncover a conspiracy. | Despite their differences and societal prejudices, the duo works together to uncover a plot that threatens the peace in Zootopia. |
Dunkirk | 2017 | Allied soldiers from Britain, Belgium, Canada, and France are surrounded by the German army and evacuated during a fierce battle in World War II. | Amid the chaos, various military and civilian entities work together in a massive rescue operation. |
The Magnificent Seven | 1960 (original), 2016 (remake) | Seven gunfighters are hired by Mexican peasants to liberate their village from oppressive bandits. | The gunfighters, each with their own motives, come together to protect the village, demonstrating the power of teamwork even amongst outsiders. |
Stand by Me | 1986 | A group of friends go on a journey to find the body of a missing boy. | The friends each have their own personal issues and conflicts, but they stick together and support each other throughout their journey. |
The Sandlot | 1993 | A new kid in town is taken under the wing of a young baseball prodigy and his team. | The team works together to overcome challenges and confront the legendary ball-eating dog known as “The Beast.” |
Star Trek (Series) | 1979-2023 | Crew members of the starship Enterprise work together to explore new worlds and civilizations. | In numerous instances, the diverse crew must use their unique skills and knowledge to overcome threats and challenges. |
The Hobbit Trilogy | 2012-2014 | A group of dwarves, along with a hobbit and a wizard, embark on a quest to reclaim their homeland from a dragon. | The group faces numerous dangers and obstacles on their journey but uses teamwork and courage to overcome them. |
The Dirty Dozen | 1967 | During World War II, a U.S. Major is assigned a dozen convicted murderers to train and lead them into a mass assassination mission. | Despite their backgrounds, the group learns to work together to fulfill the mission, demonstrating an exceptional example of teamwork under extraordinary circumstances. |
The Goonies | 1985 | A group of kids embark on a wild adventure after finding a pirate treasure map. | Despite the dangers they face, the kids stick together, using their collective skills to overcome various challenges and find the treasure. |
Moneyball | 2011 | Based on a true story, the general manager of the Oakland A’s creates a successful team despite the club’s unfavorable financial situation. | By using statistical analysis to assemble the team, the members, though individually undervalued, collectively compete successfully in the 2002 season. |
The Avengers | 2012 | A group of superheroes must put aside their differences and work together to save the world. | The team is initially at odds due to their different backgrounds and personalities, but they eventually unite to defeat Loki and his alien army. |
The Martian | 2015 | Scientists and astronauts at NASA must work together to bring home an astronaut stranded on Mars. | Despite the vast distance separating them, the team on Earth collaborates with the stranded astronaut, Mark Watney, to create a viable rescue plan. |
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy | 2001-2003 | A diverse group known as the “Fellowship of the Ring” must work together to destroy a powerful ring that could plunge Middle Earth into eternal darkness. | In the face of extreme danger and adversity, the Fellowship makes a long, treacherous journey to Mount Doom to destroy the ring. |
Ocean’s Eleven | 2001 | A team of skilled criminals must work together to pull off a high-stakes heist. | Despite the high risk and complexity of the heist, the team uses their unique skills in harmony to successfully rob three Las Vegas casinos simultaneously. |
Hidden Figures | 2016 | The story of a team of female African-American mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program. | Despite facing racial and gender discrimination, these women worked together to calculate the mathematics needed for the launch and landing of John Glenn, the first American astronaut to orbit Earth. |
Saving Private Ryan | 1998 | A group of U.S. soldiers go behind enemy lines to retrieve a paratrooper whose brothers have been killed in action. | Despite the risks and initial resentment towards the mission, the team works together to find and bring home Private Ryan. |
The Incredibles | 2004 | A family of superheroes must overcome their personal issues and work together to save the world. | Initially, they struggle to function as a team due to their personal issues and the strain of hiding their superpowers, but in the end, they unite to defeat the villain Syndrome. |
Apollo 13 (1995)
This classic Ron Howard film is based on the true story of the 13th Apollo mission to the moon. After their spacecraft undergoes massive internal damage, the astronauts must work together against the odds and devise a strategy to return to Earth. Commander Jim Lovell maintains control in a chaotic situation which inspires the confidence of his group. Apollo 13 is a great example of showing team members working together to overcome adversity.
Invictus (2009)
This movie shows the inspiring true life story of Nelson Mandela’s first days as president of South Africa and how he joins forces with the captain of the South African Rugby team to help unite their country. Invictus is an inspiring movie about building a good team in troubling circumstances and illustrates the first class leadership qualities of Mandela.
Remember the Titans (2000)
A true story about the T.C Williams High School football team and the trials and tribulations they experience as they attempt to unite with a football team from a different culture. As they begin to trust each other and focus on a common goal, they win the state championship. Remember the Titans is a great film that perfectly illustrates hard work, dedication, leadership, sacrifice and success.
The Great Escape (1963)
Based on a true story, a group of 250 men escape from a German prisoner of war camp in 1944. This film embodies the ability be resourceful, establish specific roles within a group and to overcome the odds in extreme adversity.
Coach Carter (2005)
The true story of Ken Carter, a top basketball player, who returns to his local high school and coaches its dysfunctional basketball team. Using the players common love of the game and their need to be part of something bigger, Coach Carter transforms the team to one based on discipline, hard work and courage.
Miracle (2004)
This film tells the true story of Herb Brooks, the player-turned-coach who led the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to victory over the seemingly invincible Russian squad and illustrates that the chemistry and loyalty within a team are as important as talent.
Glory (1989)
A film based on the fight of the U.S. Civil War’s first all-black regiment to overcome prejudice and become a successful and cohesive unit.
Thirteen Days (2000)
A dramatization of President Kennedy’s struggle to contain the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962. This film studies how a leader and his team confront a crisis and stay focused despite huge pressures from both inside and outside the organization.
Take the Lead (2006)
The true story of a dance teacher who believes in the talent of a group of “problem” kids. This film recognizes the power and importance of every single member in a team.
Facing the Giants (2006)
The story of a losing coach with an underdog football team facing their fears of failure head on. The team manages to achieve surprising results by having faith and giving their very best at all times.
Rudy (1993)
Based on the true story of Rudy Ruettiger, who had always been told that he was too small to play college football. Yet he is determined to overcome the odds and fulfills his dream of playing for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Rudy exemplifies the power of relentless dedication, team spirit, and individual tenacity.
The Mighty Ducks (1992)
When a self-centered lawyer is sentenced to community service coaching a rag tag youth hockey team, he learns the value of teamwork and humility. This film showcases how a mismatched team can overcome their differences and work together to achieve success.
The A-Team (2010)
A group of Iraq War veterans looks to clear their name with the U.S. Military after they are framed for a crime they didn’t commit. This film is a tribute to the power of teamwork and the unique talents that each individual brings to a team.
The Impossible (2012)
Based on the true story of a family caught in the deadly 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, this film illustrates how unity, courage and determination can help a family survive against all odds.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
In a post-apocalyptic wasteland, a woman rebels against a tyrannical ruler in search for her homeland with the aid of a group of female prisoners and a drifter named Max. Their collective effort and teamwork allow them to overcome harsh circumstances.
The Imitation Game (2014)
The story of Alan Turing, the genius British mathematician, and his team who cracked the German Enigma code during World War II. The film highlights the power of intellectual collaboration and the impact a team can have in changing the course of history.
The Replacements (2000)
When a pro football team’s players go on strike, the team’s owner hires substitute players. This ragtag group of “replacements” demonstrates the power of teamwork and determination, proving that heart is more important than raw talent.
Hoosiers (1986)
Based on a true story, a coach with a checkered past and a local drunk train a small town high school basketball team to become a top contender for the championship. The film showcases how a leader’s faith in his team can help them rise above their circumstances and reach unexpected heights.
The Right Stuff (1983)
A chronicle of the original Mercury 7 astronauts and their macho, seat-of-the-pants approach to the space program. The film highlights the power of teamwork, courage and innovation in the face of the unknown.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
Five high school students from different walks of life endure a Saturday detention under a power-hungry principal. Despite their differences, they discover they have a lot in common and form an unlikely bond. This film underscores the importance of understanding, empathy, and teamwork in overcoming societal labels and prejudice.
Braveheart (1995)
The film tells the story of William Wallace, a 13th-century Scottish warrior who led the Scots in the First War of Scottish Independence against King Edward I of England. It demonstrates the power of a strong leader to inspire a group of people to work together and fight for their freedom.
Black Hawk Down (2001)
When U.S. soldiers are sent into Somalia to capture two top lieutenants of a renegade warlord, they find themselves in a desperate battle with a large force of heavily-armed Somalis. The film is a tribute to the courage of soldiers and the power of teamwork and leadership under extreme circumstances.
Cool Runnings (1993)
Based on the true story of the first Jamaican bobsled team trying to make it to the winter Olympics. The film highlights the importance of determination, teamwork, and embracing differences to achieve a common goal.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
A group of intergalactic criminals are forced to work together to stop a fanatical warrior from taking control of the universe. This film showcases how a diverse group can overcome their differences and leverage each other’s strengths to save the universe.
The Italian Job (2003)
After being betrayed and left for dead in Italy, Charlie Croker and his team plan an elaborate gold heist against their former ally. This film highlights the importance of trust, loyalty and teamwork in achieving a shared goal.
The King’s Speech (2010)
The story of King George VI, his impromptu ascension to the throne, and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch overcome his stammer. This film emphasizes the power of a supportive relationship and the courage to face one’s fears for the greater good.
Zootopia (2016)
In a city of anthropomorphic animals, a rookie bunny cop and a cynical con artist fox must work together to uncover a conspiracy. This film shows how teamwork and understanding can overcome prejudice and societal expectations.
Dunkirk (2017)
The story of the evacuation of 330,000 Allied soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk in 1940. The film showcases the power of courage, sacrifice, and unity in overcoming a seemingly impossible situation.
The Magnificent Seven (2016)
Seven gunmen from a variety of backgrounds are brought together by a vengeful young widow to protect her town from the private army of a destructive industrialist. The film highlights the importance of cooperation and teamwork in the face of a powerful adversary.
Stand by Me (1986)
Four boys set out on a quest to find the body of a missing boy. The film explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the transition from childhood to adulthood, emphasizing the importance of standing together in the face of challenges.
The Sandlot (1993)
A new kid in town is taken under the wing of a young baseball prodigy and his team. Together, they go on a series of funny and touching adventures, showcasing the strength of camaraderie and teamwork.
Star Trek (Series)
In this iconic series, the diverse crew of the USS Enterprise explores new worlds and civilizations. Their collective skills, unity, and respect for one another’s differences highlight the strength of a well-coordinated team.
The Hobbit Trilogy (2012-2014)
Bilbo Baggins is persuaded by the wizard Gandalf to accompany thirteen dwarves on a quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug. The journey showcases the power of teamwork, courage, and perseverance in facing seemingly insurmountable odds.
The Dirty Dozen (1967)
During World War II, a rebellious U.S. Army Major is assigned a dozen convicted murderers to train and lead them into a mass assassination mission of German officers. The film highlights the transformative power of effective leadership and teamwork.
The Goonies (1985)
A group of young misfits who call themselves The Goonies discover an ancient map and set out on a quest to find a legendary pirate’s long-lost treasure. Their adventure showcases the power of friendship and teamwork.
Moneyball (2011)
Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane’s successful attempt to assemble a baseball team on a lean budget by employing computer-generated analysis to acquire new players. This film illustrates how innovative thinking and teamwork can overcome resource limitations.
The Avengers (2012)
When an unexpected enemy threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. The film showcases how diverse individuals can bring their unique abilities together to form a formidable team.
The Martian (2015)
When astronaut Mark Watney is left behind by his crew on Mars after they mistakenly believe he got killed in a storm, he must find a way to survive with limited supplies until rescue is possible. The film displays strong themes of perseverance, resourcefulness, and the teamwork required back on Earth to bring Watney home.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
In the ultimate quest to destroy the One Ring, a meek hobbit and his eight companions set out on a journey to Mount Doom. The trilogy is a classic tale of teamwork and camaraderie, showing the power of unity in the face of great danger.
Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
Danny Ocean and his ten accomplices plan to rob three Las Vegas casinos simultaneously. The film is a study in planning, coordination, and teamwork, as each member of the crew uses their unique skills to pull off the heist.
Hidden Figures (2016)
This film tells the story of three African-American women at NASA who served as the brains behind the launch into orbit of astronaut John Glenn. The film showcases their contributions and the power of their professional teamwork in a time of racial and gender discrimination.
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Following the Normandy Landings, a group of U.S. soldiers go behind enemy lines to retrieve a paratrooper whose brothers have been killed in action. The film emphasizes the value of sacrifice, camaraderie, and the human aspect of war.
The Incredibles (2004)
This animated film follows the lives of a family of undercover superheroes trying to live a quiet suburban life, but are forced into action to save the world. The film showcases the power of family bonds, teamwork, and the courage to embrace one’s identity.
Movies, unlike, have been used by great coaches and managers for years and for good reason. By using this list of the best teamwork movies, you can help your team perform at the top of their game by instilling the most successful ideas and values within them.