Updated 12/10/2020; Original post 1/18/2017

For me, this list is an opportunity to revisit movies and possibly learn from them. After all, Hollywood itself is a workplace.

Yes, the movies are colored with the window glaze of Hollywood, but for those who need a visual example of bullies behaving badly (and how the issues were addressed) in the workplace – this is a starting list. 

The last few years have been exhaustive with workplace incivility, harassment, and bullying – frequently reported and represented in the media, politics, and in our workplaces.  The fact is adults who bully exist in our workplaces across all industries, job roles and responsibilities.

What can we learn from these movies?

I’m sure, if you have ever held a job, or currently have a job, you will find a movie scene that you can relate to.   Maybe you can also identify a tactic you can adapt to your work situation.

Let’s get started…

Below are 13 movies (and some honorable mentions) where bullying, incivility and workplace issues are the focus of the movies. Although some may be considered comedies, there is serious issues discussed.

Use the guidebook below as you review these movies and review what works (and what doesn’t)… according to Hollywood.

  • 13. The Internship (2013)
  • 12. The Help (2011)
  • 11. Up in the Air (2009)
  • 10. Bamboozled (2007)
  • 9. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
  • 8. Click (2006)
  • 7. Employee of the Month (2006)
  • 6. Waiting… (2005)
  • 5. In Good Company (2004)
  • 4. Boiler Room (2000)
  • 3. Tommy Boy (1995)
  • 2. Working Girl (1988)
  • 1. Disclosure (1994)
Guidebook

Hollywood Honorable Mention Movies – Workplace Bullying

  • One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest | (1975) 
  • 9 to 5 | (1980)
  • Back to the Future | (1985)
  • Big Bully | (1996)
  • Joe Somebody | (2001)
  • Living the Dream | (2006)
  • Imagine That | (2009)
  • The Proposal | (2009)
  • Burnt | (2015)
  • Carole Matthiew | (2016)

MOVIES ||| Infographic ||| Guidebook ||| Article ||| Actionable Tips