12 Angry Men (1957) directed by Sidney Lumet with an all star cast including Henry Fonda, Jack Klugman, E. G. Marshall, and Ed Begley: Movie tells the story about one man on a jury who hesitates to condemn a man who then proceeds to lead the jurors to betray their own prejudices and re-examine the facts. The movie received Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best (Adapted) Screenplay.

The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) staring William Holden and Alec Guinness:  Movie tells the story of how British P.O.W.s in Burma during WW II are forced by their Japanese captors to construct a crucial bridge, while a commando team is dispatched to destroy it.  The film highlights the importance of leadership in organizing the completion of a complex task and motivating individuals who have little reason to be motivated.  The movie is the winner of 7 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor--Alec Guinness, and Best (Adapted) Screenplay.

Braveheart (1995) staring Mel Gibson:   An epic, action-filled retelling of the saga of the legendary 13th-century Scottish hero William Wallace (Braveheart). Devoted to his country and to revenge, Wallace rallies the Scots against the tyrannical British monarch Edward I to win freedom for his people. It is an excellent illustration of a charismatic or transformational leader.  It also illustrates how leadership can be exerted by individuals without formal authority.   The movie won 5 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director--Mel Gibson, and Best Cinematography.

Patton (1970) staring George C Scott and Karl Malden:  The movie tells the tale of General Patton tracing his personal rivalry with Romel, his problematic treatment of his own men and his nearly runaway contempt for diplomacy. The movie is an excellent illustration of a classic autocratic or transactional leader.  The movie also touches on issues related to accountability and bureaucratic control.  The movie 8 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor--George C. Scott, Best (Adapted) Screenplay--Francis Ford Coppola/Edmund H. North.