1. Mad Men (TV series)

Set in the 1960s, Mad Men is an iconic portrayal of the advertising world. Beyond the elegant visuals and period details, the series demonstrates how persuasion, creativity, and cultural shifts contributed to the rise of modern marketing.

Through the fictional Sterling Cooper agency, the series offers an insight into the development of advertising campaigns, the management of client relationships, and how personal ambitions frequently conflicted with professional responsibilities and demands. It is more than just a drama about advertising; it explores human behavior, consumer psychology, and the emergence of brand storytelling as we understand it today.

Don Draper, the show’s complex lead character, often demonstrates a sharp instinct for connecting with the audience’s emotions. One of his most memorable pitches describes nostalgia as a universal human experience:

“It goes backwards, and forwards… it takes us to a place where we ache to go again. It’s not called the wheel, it’s called the carousel.”

He uses the metaphor of a carousel to explain the nature of nostalgia, highlighting its powerful, cyclical nature that draws people to cherished memories of their past. This line perfectly captures how marketing, at its core, is about evoking feelings and creating meaning.

2. Pulp Fiction (film)

Besides the fact that Pulp Fiction is Quentin Tarantino’s most successful film, it completely changed the way we look at storytelling in movies. Instead of a simple beginning–middle–end structure, the film jumps around in time, allowing the audience to piece the puzzle together. That choice made the story more engaging and gave every scene a fresh perspective.

For people in marketing and communication, there’s a big takeaway here: sometimes breaking the rules is what makes your story stand out. A campaign doesn’t always need to follow a straight path; a surprising angle or a shift in perspective can keep people hooked and make the message more memorable.

Additionally, Pulp Fiction left its mark on pop culture like few other films have. From Vincent and Mia’s dance to Jules Winnfield’s famous monologue, to the shocking adrenaline shot, these scenes became iconic, quoted, and reimagined everywhere from ads to memes. It’s proof that when a story resonates, it becomes part of the culture.

For a marketing professional, you can also watch this film for creative inspiration. The bold structure, unforgettable characters, and the way Tarantino blends humor with tension demonstrate the power of taking risks, playing with form, and leaning into originality. It’s a reminder that creativity often comes from looking at things differently, and that’s exactly what can set a brand’s message apart.

3. Lost in Translation (film)

The film has a lot to teach. At its core, it’s about navigating cultural context. Bob and Charlotte often find themselves surrounded by signs, conversations, and rituals they don’t fully understand, from the flashy Japanese TV commercials Bob is hired to shoot, to the karaoke nights, or even something as simple as ordering food from a menu they can’t read. These moments show how easily meaning can be distorted or lost when individuals do not share the same cultural context.

For someone working in global communication, this is a timely reminder that a message crafted for one audience may not resonate in the same way with another, just like Bob feels awkward trying to “sell” whiskey in a language and culture that isn’t his own.

Another compelling element is the role of non-verbal communication. The film effectively expresses much of its emotion through silence, body language, and brief facial expressions. In marketing, the same principle holds: a gesture, an image, or a small design element can often speak louder than words.

Finally, Lost in Translation is a masterclass in understated storytelling. It shows that a message doesn’t always need to be loud or complex to make a lasting impact. Sometimes, the most meaningful stories are the simplest ones, told with honesty and restraint. The film inspires us to look beyond words, to value cultural sensitivity, and to remember that the core of communication is connection.

4. The Social Dilemma (documentary)

Tweets, likes, and shares, almost all of us enjoy sharing and seeking validation from others on our favorite platforms. But what happens when this behavior turns into dependence?

The Social Dilemma mixes documentary and drama to explore exactly that. Former tech insiders from companies like Facebook, Google, and X (formerly Twitter) reveal how social media platforms are designed to capture attention, keep us scrolling, and subtly influence the way we think, act, and even vote. The dramatized scenes bring these ideas to life, showing how algorithms pull people deeper into echo chambers and polarize opinions.

The film highlights the power of digital communication to influence billions, while also raising tough questions about ethics and responsibility.

5. The Great Hack (documentary)

If The Social Dilemma shows how platforms are built to capture our attention, The Great Hack reveals what happens when that attention is combined with our personal data. The documentary examines the Cambridge Analytica scandal, revealing how information from millions of Facebook users was exploited to influence the 2016 U.S. elections, Brexit, and subsequent events.

For us, the film is a powerful reminder of both the potential and the danger of data-driven campaigns. On one side, it demonstrates how precise targeting can reach audiences effectively. On the other hand, it raises serious questions about privacy, ethics, and transparency.

6. Pepsi, Where's My Jet? (documentary series)

At first glance, this Netflix series appears to be a quirky story: a 20-year-old takes Pepsi to court after attempting to claim a fighter jet that the brand jokingly offered in a promotional campaign. But what starts as a funny stunt quickly turns into a real David-versus-Goliath legal battle.

The series is a case study in how bold advertising ideas can backfire when audiences take messages literally. The campaign was meant to be playful, but it ended up raising questions about accountability, truth in advertising, and the fine line between humor and misleading promises.

It also shows the incredible power of branding. Pepsi stood out not just for selling a drink, but it created a cultural moment so big that someone was willing to go to court for it. 

7. The Wolf of Wall Street (film)

Few films capture the highs and lows of persuasion like The Wolf of Wall Street. Martin Scorsese tells the story of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who built an empire on charm, confidence, and an uncanny ability to sell anything to anyone. The movie is outrageous, funny, and at times disturbing, but beneath all the excess lies a lesson about the raw power of communication.

For marketers, it’s a reminder of how language, tone, and storytelling can move audiences. Belfort’s talent for energizing a room or turning hesitation into action shows the influence a good pitch can have. At the same time, the film serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating how persuasion without ethics can quickly turn destructive.

And then, of course, there’s that well-known scene where Belfort asks a friend to “sell me this pen.” We know that it’s not about the pen itself but about igniting the need and highlighting its significance.

8. The Founder (film)

The Founder tells the story of Ray Kroc, a salesman who saw the potential in a small burger stand run by the McDonald brothers and turned it into the world’s largest fast-food chain. It’s a film about vision, ambition, and how far someone will go to build a brand.

McDonald’s wasn’t only about burgers. It was about speed, consistency, and the promise of the same experience wherever you went. The film shows how a clear idea, paired with relentless drive, can reshape an entire industry.

Today, McDonald’s is one of the most recognizable brands on the planet. The Founder is a reminder that strong brands don’t rely only on advertising; they’re built on systems, consistency, and a story that connects with people across generations.

9. The Devil Wears Prada (film)

Yes, we know on the surface, The Devil Wears Prada is a stylish comedy about a young assistant trying to survive her demanding boss in the world of high fashion. But beyond the glamorous outfits and sharp one-liners, the film offers a glimpse into the power of media, image, and influence.

For PR and communication professionals, the film underlines three key points:

• Respect the gatekeepers;

• Stay calm under pressure;

• Protect reputation and relationships.

10. Star Trek (TV series)

You may not have expected this recommendation, but we think that Star Trek really belongs on the list. Behind the sci-fi adventures, the series reflected the politics of its time: the Federation versus the Klingons echoed the Cold War, its diverse crew spoke to civil rights, and its space optimism mirrored the space race.

For marketers, it serves as a reminder that storytelling is never separate from its context. The most powerful messages connect with cultural conversations and reflect the values of their era.

Your Story, directed by JUNE

These films show that communication can change how people think, feel, and act. At JUNE, we help your brand do the same. Contact us today to learn how smart PR and communication can power your growth!