The Founder
2016 · Movie · PG-13 · 115 min · ★ 7.1 · 73% critics
Based on a true story, a traveling salesman meets the brothers running a burger operation in 1950s Southern California. Impressed by their fast, efficient system, he pushes for franchising and positions himself to take control as the idea grows into a massive business empire.
Where to watch
Streaming on Netflix — or rent from $3.99.
2 hours to watch.
Stream (included)
Rent
Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.
unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.
More value for your money
Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.
Details
- Years
- 2016
- Release date
- 2016-11-24
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG-13
- Runtime
- 115 min
- Max quality
- HD
- Critic score
- 73/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.1/10 (5,394 votes)
About
You’ll likely enjoy The Founder if you like American business origin stories with a tense, unsettling edge; Not for you if you want a wholesome, feel-good rise like Elvis or Ford v Ferrari.
Pros: gripping true-story energy; strong main performance; period-accurate vibe | Cons: leaves a bleak taste; villain-leaning portrayal; tense, bitter tone
Themes
- greed
- ambition
- biography
- family business
- based on true story
- salesman
- corporate greed
- fast food
- corporate power
- 1950s
- burger
- mcdonald's
Cast & crew
Michael Keaton
as Ray Kroc
Nick Offerman
as Dick McDonald
John Carroll Lynch
as Mac McDonald
Linda Cardellini
as Joan Smith
B.J. Novak
as Harry J. Sonneborn
Laura Dern
as Ethel Kroc
Justin Randell Brooke
as Fred Turner
Kate Kneeland
as June Martino
Patrick Wilson
as Rollie Smith
Griff Furst
as Jim Zien
Directed by John Lee Hancock