Interested in Virtual Team Building Events?
9 mins 
1. How Do Movies Help With Teamwork?
1.1. Showcases Diversity of Skills
Team members rarely have the same skills. Movies like Ice Age help showcase diverse skills and how they can make the team stronger. It teaches how different perspectives among team members can challenge everyone’s thinking and unlock thought-provoking ideas.
1.2. Highlights Communication and Collaboration
Movies with teamwork can also provide valuable lessons on effective communication and collaboration, both of which are particularly important if your team works remotely. It can teach members the importance of being on the same page for successful collaboration.
1.3. Fosters Mutual Understanding
Studies suggest that watching movies improves empathy among audiences. From respecting each other’s differences, learning to compromise, and listening with an open mind, movies illustrate the many aspects of mutual understanding and cooperation.
1.4. Demonstrates Conflict Resolution
The best movies about teamwork teach audiences how to resolve conflict respectfully and constructively. Whether it’s dealing with differences among team members or with the client, watching films can show practical tips for resolution.
1.5. Builds Trust and Camaraderie
Watching on-screen characters trust in each other’s abilities can help people learn to work with others. They can gain a better appreciation for different team members and the importance of the role that each person plays no matter how small.
Team-building movies can also boost the confidence of employees who might be questioning the importance of their jobs.
1.6. Encourages Discussion and Reflection
Watching movies with groups of friends or coworkers gives everyone something to reflect on and discuss with one another. They may want to discuss certain scenes, events, and ideas that were important to the movie and have real-life implications.
2. Top 10 Movies With Teamwork Themes
These movies explore different aspects of teamwork. They showcase leadership in action, how different team members can get along, and how different skill-sets can be used to achieve a common goal.
2.1. Drumline (2002)
Drumline is a coming-of-age musical drama about a young drummer who ambitiously sets out to lead a high school marching band to victory. Devon's exceptional skills and ego clash with the traditional methods of the band's strict conductor, leading to a rivalry. Through hard work, teamwork, and personal growth, he learns the importance of discipline and collaboration, ultimately helping the band succeed in a high-stakes competition.
The film explores themes of mentorship, dedication, and the power of music to bridge differences. Though he is immensely talented, Devon has a lot to learn about preparation, sacrifice, and teamwork.
Its lessons can teach members to seek the good of the team instead of focusing solely on individual ambition.
2.2. Remember the Titans
Remember the Titans is based on the real-life story of Herman Boone, the head coach of a high school football team. It shares his journey in bringing a divided team together in hopes of helping it win the state football championship.
The movie explores racial tensions and disagreements within the team. It also shows how members put aside their differences to achieve a common goal. Along the way, they learn the values of hard work, dedication, and trust.
Remember the Titans illustrates the importance of good leadership and how indvidual differences can and should be resolved to achieve big goals.
2.3. Coach Carter (2005)
Looking for sports movies about teamwork? Coach Carter is one of our favorite recommendations. The story revolves around Ken Carter, a top basketball player who comes back to his high school and works as a basketball coach. It shows his leadership and struggles in whipping a dysfunctional basketball team into shape while they try to succeed as students and athletes.
This feel-good movie is perfect for teams that are facing difficult times, looking to develop their skills, or trying to balance work and life. It also shows the challenges that a leader faces when leading a team.
2.4. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy novels, The Fellowship of the Ring is one of the most beloved movies with teamwork as a theme. It tells the story of Frodo, a hobbit who must enlist the help of long-time friends and strangers to save their world. Filled with magic, fascinating characters, and epic quests, The Fellowship of the Ring (and all the movies in the franchise for that matter) is a must-watch.
Frodo and his allies are from different races. Through the movie, they show that individuals can work together despite their differences. The film also highlights the importance of persistence in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. These are all valuable lessons for any team.
2.5. Minamata (2020)
Inspired by real events in Minamata, Japan, the film is about a small village whose residents suffer from mercury poisoning when a negligent company dumps industrial waste into the sea. The story is told from the eyes of American photojournalist W. Eugene Smith whom the villagers ask for help. By working with locals, he uncovers decades of gross negligence by the Chisso Corporation.
Minamata can instill a sense of community and collaboration among your employees. It can also drive home the importance of asking for help when needed.
2.6. Armageddon (1998)
An action-adventure Disney movie about teamwork, Armageddon tells the story of a team of deep-sea oil drillers. To save the Earth, they must strategize how to detonate a nuclear bomb inside an asteroid approaching Earth.
It covers many teamwork-related themes like conflict resolution, leadership, trust, camaraderie, and working under pressure. From the dilemma of the leader to the support of each member, the film provides great examples of successful collaboration.
Armageddon demonstrates different aspects of teamwork, from challenging traditional ways of thinking, learning when to lead, and when to support another’s idea. It can also be used to set an example of a high-performing team’s strategy and work process.
2.7. Ocean's Eleven (2001)
You may not think of a casino heist as a great plot for a movie with teamwork, but Ocean’s Eleven manages to make it work. The plot revolves around a team that has the seemingly impossible task of robbing three casinos in one night.
The only way they can pull it off is by recruiting unique members with very different skill sets. While the team faces difficulties getting on the same page due to their differences, the message of cooperation amid diversity is clear.
The 2001 production shows examples of healthy and unhealthy dynamics between teams and the challenges that arise from clashing egos. The movie is also a good lesson for managers who need to build the right team with the right skillsets.
2.8. Now You See Me (2013)
If you’ve got a mystery-loving team, Now You See Me is the perfect movie about teamwork on Netflix. It’s a thrilling tale of a group of illusionists who are being tracked by an FBI agent and an Interpol detective. Apart from teaching teamwork, it also shows the value of preparation, leadership, and great execution.
The movie is an inspiring watch when your team needs to be in the right frame of mind (example: before taking on a huge project). It can help members and their leaders fulfill their duties with more confidence in themselves and each other.
2.9. Elementary (2012)
Although not a movie, Elementary is a must-watch TV show about teamwork. Set in modern-day Manhattan, the series’ main characters are based on the infamous literary duo, Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. If that’s not reason enough reason to give this series a chance, their offbeat teamwork despite their different personalities is an entertaining lesson for all.
Elementary can teach employees to draw on each others’ strengths when looking to accomplish a task. It shows that working with different people can make a team more effective
2.10. Harry Potter Series (2001-2011)
The eight-part Harry Potter movie series highlights the importance of teamwork throughout. From the first magical film to the last, the young wizard and his friends form friendships, complete quests, and ultimately strive to defeat Voldemort. In addition to teamwork, it illustrates the value of trusting each other, asking for help, believing in one’s self, and never giving up.
Comprised of several movies, you can show these movies as ongoing inspiration for a long-term project. These movies support the idea that even star players need the help of their colleagues. Difficult goals can only be accomplished if everyone pulls together and pitches in.
3. FAQ
3.1 What movie represents teamwork?
Some of the best movies that represent teamwork include Apollo 13, Drumline, Miracle, Ocean’s Eleven, The Incredibles, The Avengers, and the Harry Potter series.
3.2 What is a famous example of good teamwork?
The most famous movies that exemplify good teamwork are Apollo 11 Moon Landing, the Ford Motor Company, and the Manhattan Project.
3.3 What are the 4 pillars of teams?
The 4 pillars of teams that work well together are communication, collaboration, commitment, and contribution.
3.4 What shows that you are a team player?
Signs that show you’re a team player are strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, active listening skills, and the ability to collaborate.
