Get All Access for $5/mo

5 Great Call-to-Action Film Quotes For Entrepreneurs Sometimes going to a great movie can be a real kick of inspiration. Here are some film quotes to give you a kick in the pants.

By Matthew Toren

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Great films tell stories and inspire us to become better people. There's nothing more powerful than an inspiring movie that leaves you wanting to be your best and try a little harder tomorrow. While there are some truly motivating quotes from real people out there, there's still wisdom to be shared through the words of great characters.

Here are the five best film quotes that will get you pumped up and ready to take action:

Related: 10 Quotes to Get You Through the Marathon of Entrepreneurship

1. "Do or do not. There is no try. Only do." -- Frank Oz as Yoda, The Empire Strikes Back

Yoda was kind of the Dalai Lama of the swamp. His wisdom and robes were a nod to his transcendent wisdom and Buddhist philosophies. It's only a few words, but therein lays the simple truth of the matter: If you want to do it, do it. Give it your best. Give it your all. It's that hard and it's that easy.

2. "Don't ever let somebody tell you you can't do something. Not even me. You got a dream, you gotta protect it. People can't do somethin' themselves, they wanna tell you you can't do it. If you want somethin', go get it. Period." Will Smith as Chris Gardner, The Pursuit Of Happyness

The entrepreneur's path isn't a simple one. It zigs and zags. It's at times incredibly euphoric and then at other times, agonizingly crushing. You'll make lots of sacrifices. You'll have plenty of mistakes. Other people are always going to be there to tell you it's a bad idea, or you can't do it, and maybe that you shouldn't even try. It's up to you to surround yourself with people who believe in you, support you and ultimately to make the choice for yourself that you're going to succeed.

Related: 10 Inspirational Quotes from Navy SEAL Training

3. "It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great." -- Tom Hanks as Jimmy Dugan, A League Of Their Own

The hard parts are truly what make the entrepreneur's path great. The times you fall and get back up, you find incredible strength that will carry you through greater challenges. The struggles will groom you for problem-solving skills and equip you with natural "opportunity lenses" to reframe every obstacle you see. That's why everyone isn't an entrepreneur. This path takes a lot of work and self-discipline. It requires mountains of courage and the ability to believe that you've got this.

4. "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." -- Mathew Broderick as Ferris Bueller, Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Alright, so the path of entrepreneurship can be rocky -- but hey, have some fun! Life does move pretty fast so don't only keep your nose on the grindstone, or you'll miss the scenery. You won't notice the beauty in each day, you might push right past the great love of your life or miss out on the chance to create a mighty friendship. Don't let life pass you by, by living only for work. Love, family, experiences, travel and friendships are other key components of life, too.

5. "Live! Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death!" - Rosalind Russell as Mame Dennis, Auntie Mame

Perhaps the most inspiring quote of all, this classic line from the 1958 film is a true call to action. The great part of being an entrepreneur is that it allows you to feast on the banquet of your life's great adventures. Don't starve -- fill up your plate with all the experiences of life.

Related: 5 of Tom Clancy's Most Inspiring Quotes

Matthew Toren

Serial Entrepreneur, Mentor and co-founder of YoungEntrepreneur.com

Matthew Toren is a serial entrepreneur, mentor, investor and co-founder of YoungEntrepreneur.com. He is co-author, with his brother Adam, of Kidpreneurs and Small Business, BIG Vision: Lessons on How to Dominate Your Market from Self-Made Entrepreneurs Who Did it Right (Wiley). He's based in Vancouver, B.C.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started in His College Apartment Turned Into a $70,000-a-Month Income Stream — Then Earned Nearly $2 Million Last Year

Kyle Morrand and his college roommates loved playing retro video games — and the pastime would help launch his career.

Business News

New Southwest Airlines Major Investor Wants to Force Out CEO, Slams Company's 'Stubborn Unwillingness to Evolve'

Elliot Investment Management announced a $1.9 billion stake in the Dallas-based Southwest Airlines on Monday and is urging shareholders to vote for new leadership.

Science & Technology

Why We Shouldn't Fear AI in Education (and How to Use It Effectively)

Facing resistance to new technologies in the educational process is nothing new, and AI is no exception. Yet, this powerful tool is set to overcome these challenges and revolutionize education, preparing students and professionals for a future of unparalleled efficiency and personalized learning.

Business News

Elon Musk Threatens to Ban Employees from Using Apple Products, Says Will Lock Devices in 'Cages'

The Tesla founder sounded off on X following Apple's 2024 Worldwide Developer Conference on Monday.

Business News

Apple's AI Has a Catch — And It Could Help Boost Sales

Not every iPhone owner will get to use the new Apple Intelligence.