Audiences have an interesting relationship with business. In the real world, the hassles of work make many avoid anything company-based on their time off, and theever-growing presence of adsmakes the sight of any logo detestable.
Entertainment has softened that opinion though, thanks to a host of memorable and iconic fictional companies. While some are evil corporations or faceless entities, many fictional businesses inspire laughs or warm feelings. They’ve even proved inspiring at times thanks topositive portrayals of female leaders.
Besides having logos that we instantly recognize, fictional companies in movies and TV don’t hold to one trait. Some are admittedly sinister in their motives, others mean well but are arguably misguided. No matter what they bring to the world, there’s a good chance that viewers will spot at least one problematic flaw. It’s these imperfections that make each worth watching — whether rooting for its success or pulling for its failure.
ACME Corporation
The world of animation owes a debt of gratitude to theACME Corporation. This fictional business provides all the gadgets and whimsical creations found in theLooney Tunesuniverse. In the process, it also became a go-to name for generic items featured in other projects.
The company’s creations range from stove lids to dehydrated boulders — but most of the products shown were explosives of some kind, or at least ended up exploding with use. Whether its products works at all is up for debate. Case in point: Wile E. Coyote hasincurred far too many failureswhile using ACME-brand products.
The Company’s Founder Was Murdered
Who Framed Roger Rabbitprovided the answer to who created this extensive corporation. Marvin Acme founded the company and was leading it when he was murdered. The mystery would be resolved in the film, but not before Toontown was thrown into chaos.
Wayne Enterprises
Most superheroes need a day job, and Bruce Wayne found his atWayne Enterprises. Thebillionaire inherited the companyafter the death of his parents. While he is often seen there in various meetings or other capacities, it’s often a place for Wayne to find new tech as well as other developments that help his alter-ego, Batman.
Wayne Enterprises Also Funds a Charitable Foundation
The Wayne Foundationis a charitable branch of Wayne Enterprises. This special organization works with causes that are close to Bruce Wayne, and assists people throughout the world. Comics, episodes, and films have all featured references to the philanthropic venture.
Waystar Royco
Succession’s preeminent company became a character in its own right during the series' run. The acclaimed HBO drama saw the Roy children fighting to see who would take over for their father, Logan.Waystar Roycowould undergo a myriad of difficulties as this global juggernaut fought to remain relevant. Each episode proved to bean uncomfortable TV masterclassthat viewers just couldn’t look away from.
Related:How Business Is Killing Your Favorite Films
The Company Ended Up With a Surprising Figure
The Roy siblings thought that they had it all, but their father had other plans. Logan helped set into motion a plan for Waystar Royco that surprised everyone who watched the show. It was a devastating ending to a dramatic series, which has been described asa modern retelling of the Olympian gods.
Dunder Mifflin
A company that sells office supplies and paper doesn’t seem memorable, butDunder Mifflinis the exception. Featured on NBC’sThe Office, this company proved that seemingly boring office politics could actually be hilarious. Steve Carell’sMichael Scott became a sensationwith fans and has created more than a few social media memes.
Fans Can Buy Dunder Mifflin Merchandise
Brand loyalty takes on new meaning when it comes to Dunder Mifflin merchandise. Fans can buy everything from t-shirts to branded paper. It’s even more impressive considering the series constantly addresses their failing business as larger companies win over their buyers.
The most well-known beer company just might be the fictionalDuffbrand.The Simpsonsgo-to brew has been both in the background of some episodes, and a central figure in others.Homer might be the most loyal customer, but no one epitomizes the brand quite like its mascot, Duff Man.
There’s Only Two Places to Get Duff Beer
Springfield may have all the Duff they want, but it’s not so easy to find the brand in real life. Universal Studios’s locations in Orlando and Hollywood offer curious fans a chance to try the famous beer. The Hollywood location, named theDuff Brewery Beer Garden, even gives customers a choice of three special brews.
Nakatomi Corporation
Sometimes a major event can turn an otherwise inconsequential detail into a memorable name. TheNakatomi Corporationfits that narrative quite well, becoming something that people around the world recognize.
This fictional company is home to Nakatomi Plaza, the central location ofDie Hard.While the full extent of the company’s reach isn’t explored during the film, it’s a good bet that its global imprint in the real world was bolstered by John McClane’s heroism.
The Real Building Goes by a Different Name
Nakatomi may not exist, but its plaza is a very real place with a different name. Those in search of the building will be happy to learn it is very much in use.
Built in the mid-’80s,Fox Plazastands as one of Los Angeles’s best-known spots, and is a natural tourist magnet. People from around the world just want a glimpse of what helped makeDie Hardone of the best ’80s action movies, and this more than meets expectations.
Vought International
The superhero genre has been dominating film and TV for most of the new millennium. Among them all isThe Boys, a show that takes on the dominance of Marvel and DC, while being a biting commentary on the darker side of humans with super powers.
The Boyscomics andstreaming series is a satirical explorationof our fascination with these powerful beings. In it, the evil corporationVought Internationalholds dark and disturbing secrets, employing superheroes more as celebrities than practical heroes who help others. Their tight control over super-powered individuals, and a drug that gives or bolsters powers, is a central part of the narrative of the show.
Vought Has Gained a Social Media Following
The lines between reality and fiction blur when it comes to Vought’s reach. The company has “official” accounts on both Twitter and Instagram. In both cases, the site is run as if the company is real, though it is a good bet that someone at Amazon is behind an effective PR campaign. Vought’s YouTube channel also features special videos and segments made just for the platform.
Umbrella Corporation
Gamers and filmgoers alike will probably recognize theUmbrella Corporation. The famous company’s pursuits led to questionable experiments in the world ofResident Evil. These major developments in biological weapons would lead to global destruction. Look no further than Racoon City to see how they have killed, maimed, and destroyed many with their diabolical creations.
Related:The Most Evil Fictional Corporations in Movie History, Ranked
Umbrella Developed More Than the T-Virus
Umbrella worked on many projects, but theT-Virusmight be their most well-known. Another invention that gained a place inResident Evilhistory isRed Queen. The creation is one of the few characters that can boast appearing in boththe games and the films.
Mega Lo Mart
Mega Lo Martrepresents a retail location that most shoppers relate to.King of the Hill’s shopping option can be found in some ofthe most memorable episodes. Hank even works at the store during a two-episode special event. Of course, his time there ended abruptly thanks to a propane explosion.
Mega Lo Mart Relies on a Surprising Spokesperson
Planet Express
Philip J. Fry didn’t want to be a deliveryman, yet that’s exactly what he turned out to be. His journey led him toPlanet Expressand his many-great grand-nephew, Professor Hubert Farnsworth.Futurama’s leading business promises to deliver just about anything, but it often encounters a host of problems along the way.
It’s also been more than a delivery company, trying out other ventures to stay afloat. One episode saw the company converting to an airline. Naturally, their first flight ends in failure and a gender-bending swap that pays off in a hilarious final calendar photoshoot.
Planet Express Has Survived Every Incarnation of Futurama
Futuramahas undergone what few shows can claim: a rebirth not once, but twice. After being canceled by Fox, the series would find its way to Comedy Central. It then took over a decade from its run at the second home beforeHulu would debut new episodes.
Despite that, Planet Express remained the primary business and pseudo-home for the crew. There is little change between the various seasons, though the company goes through many ups and downs.
