Politics and movies have always had an intriguing relationship. Political movies not only entertain but also provide perspective on complex governmental issues. Such films can capture historical events, explore social issues and provide satire on the political climate. Some of the greatest stories told on film involve politics in some form.
In this article, we look at 20 of the best political movies that you should watch. From historical dramas to sharp satires, these films cover a wide range of topics related to government, elections, corruption, war and more. Read on for the list of must watch political movies.
| Sr. No. | Movie Name | IMDb Rating |
| 1 | 7.4 | |
| 2 | 7.9 | |
| 3 | 7.3 | |
| 4 | 7.3 | |
| 5 | 7.2 | |
| 6 | 8.0 | |
| 7 | 7.3 | |
| 8 | 7.3 | |
| 9 | 7.3 | |
| 10 | 7.7 | |
| 11 | 8.0 | |
| 12 | 7.7 | |
| 13 | 7.3 | |
| 14 | 8.2 | |
| 15 | 7.2 | |
| 16 | 7.3 | |
| 17 | 7.5 | |
| 18 | 7.2 | |
| 19 | 7.5 | |
| 20 | 7.3 |
1 - Three Days of the Condor (1975)
- Stars: Robert Redford, Faye Dunaway, Cliff Robertson, Max von Sydow
- Director: Sydney Pollack
- Network: Paramount Pictures
- Release date: September 24, 1975
- Run Time: 117 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 7.4
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: iTunes, Amazon Prime Video
Three Days of the Condor is a 1975 political thriller film starring Robert Redford. It is based on the novel Six Days of the Condor by James Grady. The movie follows a CIA analyst who goes on the run after everyone in his office is assassinated. As he tries to outwit his pursuers, he uncovers a larger conspiracy involving oil and the CIA.
Three Days of the Condor is one of the best political thrillers of the 1970s with strong performances and an intriguing cat-and-mouse plot. It provides commentary on government overreach and ethics in politics. Redford is excellent as the unlikely hero who finds himself in danger. The film maintains an atmosphere of paranoia and suspense throughout. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Film Editing.
2 - All the President's Men (1976)
- Stars: Dustin Hoffman, Robert Redford, Jack Warden, Martin Balsam
- Director: Alan J. Pakula
- Network: Warner Bros
- Release date: April 4, 1976
- Run Time: 138 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 7.9
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: HBO Max
All the President's Men is a 1976 political thriller based on the Watergate scandal. It stars Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman as Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, the journalists from The Washington Post who uncovered the details of the Watergate break-in and subsequent cover-up leading to the resignation of President Richard Nixon.
The film details the duo dogged pursuit of the truth amidst pressure from editors and obstacles from the White House. It cemented Redford and Hoffman as matinee idols and made the phrase 'Follow the money' popular. All the President's Men is one of the greatest movies about American politics with its tense plot and behind-the-scenes look at investigative journalism. It received eight Academy Award nominations including Best Picture.
3 - Wall Street (1987)
- Stars: Charlie Sheen, Michael Douglas, Tamara Tunie, Franklin Cover
- Director: Oliver Stone
- Network: 20th Century Fox
- Release date: December 11, 1987
- Run Time: 126 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 7.3
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Wall Street is a 1987 drama film. It stars Michael Douglas as Gordon Gekko — a ruthless Wall Street stockbroker who takes an ambitious young broker named Bud Fox under his wing. Fox soon finds himself at a moral crossroads as he gets drawn into the greedy world of corporate raiding.
Douglas won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his iconic performance as the villainous Gekko. The film explores themes of ambition, ethics and power dynamics through its depiction of Wall Street culture. Wall Street is one of the best political dramas of the '80s with strong performances and an absorbing look into the financial sector.
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4 - Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)
- Stars: Robin Williams, Forest Whitaker, Tung Thanh Tran, Chintara Sukapatana
- Director: Barry Levinson
- Network: Touchstone Pictures
- Release date: December 23, 1987
- Run Time: 121 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 7.3
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Disney+
Good Morning, Vietnam is a wartime comedy-drama film set in 1965 during the Vietnam War. Robin Williams stars as Adrian Cronauer — an unorthodox DJ for Armed Forces Radio assigned to wake up the soldiers with his irreverent humor. Though popular with the troops, his antics run afoul of his superiors.
The film is loosely based on the experiences of real-life DJ Adrian Cronauer during the war. Williams earned an Academy Award nomination for his iconic performance. Good Morning, Vietnam provides a unique perspective on the Vietnam War with its blend of comedy, music and pathos while highlighting the growing anti-war sentiment back home. The film was a major critical and commercial success.
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5 - In the Line of Fire (1993)
- Stars: Clint Eastwood, John Malkovich, Rene Russo, Dylan McDermott
- Director: Wolfgang Petersen
- Network: Columbia Pictures
- Release date: July 9, 1993
- Run Time: 128 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 7.2
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes
In the Line of Fire is a 1993 political action thriller. Clint Eastwood stars as Secret Service agent Frank Horrigan — a veteran agent haunted by his failure to protect John F. Kennedy from assassination. He gets taunted by a sinister caller who threatens the current president decades later. This sets off a chase to stop another assassination attempt.
He ends up in a battle of wits against a charming yet psychotic assassin as Horrigan tries to trace the source of threats. It is backed by strong performances from its leads. In the Line of Fire works both as an engaging cat-and-mouse thriller and as a character study exploring themes of redemption and regret. Its depiction of the Secret Service also provides a unique angle on U.S. politics and security.
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6 - JFK (1991)
- Stars: Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Jack Lemmon, Tommy Lee Jones
- Director: Oliver Stone
- Network: Warner Bros.
- Release date: December 20, 1991
- Run Time: 189 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 8.0
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
JFK is a 1991 political thriller directed by Oliver Stone examining the events leading to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Kevin Costner stars as Jim Garrison, the New Orleans prosecutor who filed charges against businessman Clay Shaw for his alleged role in a conspiracy to kill JFK.
The movie explores motives and suspects as the Garrison investigation unfolds while recreating the 1960s era events via gripping flashbacks. JFK generated debate with its controversial take on the Kennedy assassination, blending factual and fictionalized elements. The film is one of the seminal political movies of the 1990s with its all-star cast, potent writing and Stone bold direction. It received eight Oscar nominations and won two.
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7 - Election (1999)
- Stars: Matthew Broderick, Reese Witherspoon, Chris Klein, Jessica Campbell
- Director: Alexander Payne
- Network: Paramount Pictures
- Release date: April 30, 1999
- Run Time: 103 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 7.3
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: HBO Max
Election is a 1999 black comedy film adapted from the novel by Tom Perrotta. It stars Matthew Broderick as Jim McAllister, a popular high school teacher in suburban Omaha who gets entangled in student government elections.
When ambitious overachiever Tracy Flick runs unopposed for student body president, McAllister encourages a football player to run against her which sets off an escalating battle of wits. With clever dialogue and great performances, Election satirizes politics and high school life through the lens of an unethical teacher. Witherspoon received a Golden Globe nomination for her breakout role.
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8 - Thirteen Days (2000)
- Stars: Kevin Costner, Bruce Greenwood, Steven Culp, Dylan Baker
- Director: Roger Donaldson
- Network: New Line Cinema
- Release date: December 25, 2000
- Run Time: 145 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 7.3
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes
Thirteen Days is a 2000 political thriller that chronicles the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, one of the major flashpoints of the Cold War. Kevin Costner stars as Kenny O'Donnell, a top advisor to President John F. Kennedy as the administration deals with the tense standoff with the Soviet Union over nuclear missiles in Cuba.
Director Roger Donaldson recreates the debates within the White House during the crisis, as JFK (Bruce Greenwood) and his team navigate complex political and military considerations. With its talented cast and historical backdrop, Thirteen Days provides an immersive look into presidential leadership under enormous pressure during a dangerous nuclear brinkmanship.
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9 - The Queen (2006)
- Stars: Helen Mirren, Michael Sheen, James Cromwell, Helen McCrory
- Director: Stephen Frears
- Network: Pathe Pictures
- Release date: September 15, 2006
- Run Time: 103 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 7.3
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: HBO Max
The Queen is a 2006 British drama film that depicts the response of Queen Elizabeth II (Helen Mirren) to the sudden death of Princess Diana in 1997. It explores the contrast between the stoicism of the royal family and the outpouring of public mourning over the princess' passing.
Mirren delivers an Oscar-winning performance as Elizabeth, facing a crisis that rattles the monarchy. With subtle direction by Stephen Frears and an insightful script by Peter Morgan, The Queen provides a fictionalized look at tensions between tradition and changing public sentiments. It received critical acclaim including the Academy Award for Best Actress for Mirren.
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10 - Frost/Nixon (2008)
- Stars: Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Rebecca Hall, Kevin Bacon
- Director: Ron Howard
- Network: Universal Pictures
- Release date: December 5, 2008
- Run Time: 122 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 7.7
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Peacock
Frost/Nixon is a 2008 historical drama based on the televised Nixon interviews conducted by British broadcaster David Frost in 1977. The film chronicles the backstory of the interviews which probed Watergate and the end of the Nixon presidency. Frank Langella stars as Nixon opposite Michael Sheen as Frost.
The film depicts Frost struggle to extract contrition from Nixon in the charged political atmosphere post-Watergate. Langella and Sheen deliver compelling and multi-layered performances in their respective roles. Frost/Nixon provides insightful political commentary with its behind-the-scenes look at this pivotal political moment. The film received five Oscar nominations including Best Picture.
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11 - The King's Speech (2010)
- Stars: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce
- Director: Tom Hooper
- Network: The Weinstein Company
- Release date: September 6, 2010
- Run Time: 118 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 8.0
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: HBO Max
The King Speech is a 2010 British historical drama film that chronicles King George VI struggles with a stammer as he unexpectedly ascends the throne. Colin Firth stars as Albert, Duke of York who seeks help from an eccentric speech therapist Lionel Logue on how to speak in public as the new king. It is set against the backdrop of Britain involvement in World War II. The film highlights George VI reluctant path to the throne and his friendship with Logue.
The film provides an intimate look at the British monarchy through the bond between the two men helmed by Tom Hooper in a sensitive direction. The movie was a major critical and commercial success earning the Best Picture Oscar. Firth and Rush also won for their performances.
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12 - Argo (2012)
- Stars: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, John Goodman
- Director: Ben Affleck
- Network: Warner Bros. Pictures
- Release date: October 12, 2012
- Run Time: 120 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 7.7
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: HBO Max
Argo is a 2012 political thriller. During the Iran Hostage Crisis in 1979, six U.S. diplomats escaped the embassy and took refuge with the Canadian ambassador. CIA agent Tony Mendez concocts an elaborate fake film production as a cover to rescue them. He travels to Iran and attempts to walk the diplomats out as part of his fake crew with help from Hollywood.
Argo combined suspenseful storytelling with satirical humor about the movie business as Affleck's third directorial feature. The film shed light on a fascinating CIA operation during a consequential global crisis along with its entertainment value. Argo won three Oscars including Best Picture.
13 - Lincoln (2012)
- Stars: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Network: Walt Disney Studios
- Release date: November 9, 2012
- Run Time: 150 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 7.3
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: HBO Max
Lincoln is a 2012 American biographical drama film. It focuses on President Abraham Lincoln efforts to abolish slavery during the final months of the Civil War. Daniel Day-Lewis delivers an acclaimed performance in the title role bringing nuance and gravitas to Lincoln internal struggle to pass the vital 13th Amendment before ending the war.
The film captures the charged political landscape and moral dilemmas of 1865 Washington as Lincoln maneuvers to secure votes from a divided Congress. Lincoln provides an illuminating character study of visionary presidential leadership with its stellar acting, dialogue-driven drama and depiction of a crucial juncture in U.S. history. The film was nominated for twelve Oscars and Day-Lewis won for Best Actor.
14 - The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
- Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Matthew McConaughey
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- Network: Paramount Pictures
- Release date: December 25, 2013
- Run Time: 180 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 8.2
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Netflix
The Wolf of Wall Street is a 2013 biographical black comedy crime film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio. It is based on the memoir of the same name by former stockbroker Jordan Belfort. The film depicts Wall Street corruption and excess in 1990s New York as Belfort builds his fortune committing stock fraud and money laundering.
DiCaprio gives a bravura performance as the hedonistic Belfort with Jonah Hill as his business partner. Scorsese kinetic direction captures the drug-fueled, high rolling lifestyle enjoyed by these stock scam artists as they swindle investors. With its unflinching portrayal of financial corruption, The Wolf of Wall Street makes a satirical statement on the greed and lack of ethics prevalent in the financial sector. The film was nominated for five Oscars including Best Picture and DiCaprio and Hill performances were widely praised.
15 - The Butler (2013)
- Stars: Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, David Oyelowo, Cuba Gooding Jr.
- Director: Lee Daniels
- Network: The Weinstein Company
- Release date: August 16, 2013
- Run Time: 132 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 7.2
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Netflix
The Butler is a 2013 American biographical drama film inspired by the real life of Eugene Allen who served as a White House butler under eight presidents. Forest Whitaker stars as Cecil Gaines who witnesses major events in the 20th century during his 34 years of service at the White House. The film parallels his experiences to the civil rights movement and his activist son Louis (David Oyelowo).
With powerful performances from Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey as his wife, The Butler provides a poignant look at America's long path to racial equality through the eyes of a Black man at the center of power. Gaines' unique vantage point on pivotal moments in U.S. history makes this an engaging political drama about loyalty and family.
16 - Snowden (2016)
- Stars: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Woodley, Melissa Leo, Zachary Quinto
- Director: Oliver Stone
- Network: Open Road Films
- Release date: September 16, 2016
- Run Time: 134 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 7.3
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Snowden is a 2016 American biographical thriller directed by Oliver Stone. It depicts the controversial story of Edward Snowden, the former NSA contractor who leaked classified documents about mass surveillance programs run by the U.S. government. Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as Snowden with Shailene Woodley as his girlfriend Lindsay Mills.
The film dramatizes Snowden's political awakening and his tense weeks in Hong Kong in 2013 when he gave journalists the NSA documents. Snowden examines themes of privacy, government overreach and political dissent. Gordon-Levitt captures Snowden intelligence and idealism. Stone's direction weaves in technology and politics to tell a thought-provoking story that divides public opinion, much like the real-life events did.
17 - Miss Sloane (2016)
- Stars: Jessica Chastain, Mark Strong, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Alison Pill
- Director: John Madden
- Network: EuropaCorp
- Release date: November 25, 2016
- Run Time: 132 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 7.5
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes
Miss Sloane is a 2016 political thriller starring Jessica Chastain in the title role as a cutthroat lobbyist, Elizabeth Sloane. After intense clashes with her boss over gun control policies, she joins a small firm that lobbies for stringent background checks. Sloane spearheads the high-stakes campaign against the powerful gun lobby, using legally dubious tactics.
With Chastain's fierce performance driving the film, Miss Sloane examines political wheeling and dealing behind closed doors in Washington. It sheds light on the morally gray lobbying industry through the complex character study of an ambitious lobbyist who sacrifices relationships for political victories. With sharp dialogue and taut pacing, the film provides an intriguing look at influence, ethics and power plays.
18 - Vice (I) (2018)
- Stars: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Steve Carell, Sam Rockwell
- Director: Adam McKay
- Network: Annapurna Pictures
- Release date: December 25, 2018
- Run Time: 132 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 7.2
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Hulu
Vice is a 2018 American biographical comedy-drama film written and directed by Adam McKay. It focuses on the career and influence of former Vice President Dick Cheney, played by Christian Bale. Co-starring Amy Adams as his wife Lynne Cheney, the film traces Cheney rise from Yale dropout to Washington insider under several Republican administrations.
Known for his satires, McKay examines how Cheney leveraged bureaucratic expertise and legal knowledge to expand executive power as Vice President under George W. Bush, played by Sam Rockwell. Bale transformative performance earned him the Best Actor Oscar nomination. Vice provides a provocative, critical portrait of Cheney divisive political legacy.
19 - The Favourite (2018)
- Stars: Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz, Nicholas Hoult
- Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
- Network: Fox Searchlight Pictures
- Release date: November 23, 2018
- Run Time: 119 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 7.5
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
The Favourite is a 2018 historical black comedy-drama directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. Set in early 18th century England, it examines the power dynamics between fragile Queen Anne and her two feuding advisers, Sarah Churchill and Abigail Masham. Olivia Colman, Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz portray the complex relationship and schemes for influence over the queen.
With opulent costumes and a witty script, The Favourite satirizes palace intrigue and politics in a twisted period piece. Colman delivered an acclaimed performance as Queen Anne, winning the Best Actress Oscar. The film received ten Academy Award nominations including Best Picture. With its absurd tone, visual flair and stellar acting, The Favourite provides an unconventional political allegory told through palace politics.
20 - Official Secrets (2019)
- Stars: Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Ralph Fiennes, Matt Smith
- Director: Gavin Hood
- Network: IFC Films
- Release date: August 30, 2019
- Run Time: 112 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 7.3
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Official Secrets is a 2019 political thriller directed by Gavin Hood based on real events surrounding the 2003 Iraq War. Keira Knightley stars as British intelligence specialist Katharine Gun who leaked a secret memo exposing an illegal U.S.-U.K. surveillance operation against U.N. Security Council members.
As her actions create international uproar in the weeks preceding the Iraq invasion, Gun faces harsh retaliation and prison as the British government aims to silence her. With tense drama and a thought-provoking moral conflict, Official Secrets provides a gripping depiction of whistleblowing during war fever and the political fallout that ensues. Knightley delivers a passionate performance as the defiant Gun.
DPM Top Picks
- All the President's Men (1976) - The quintessential political thriller with two powerhouse lead performances from Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman.
- Lincoln (2012) - Daniel Day-Lewis embodies the iconic president in this meditative historical drama focused on the passing of the 13th Amendment.
- The Favourite (2018) - Yorgos Lanthimos puts an absurdist spin on palace intrigue in this scathingly witty satire set in Queen Anne court.
Final Verdict
Great political movies not only educate and enlighten us on key events and figures, they can profoundly move, entertain and inspire us. The films on this list reveal the potential of cinema to offer unmatched insight into governments, elections, wars, scandals and social issues that shape our times.
FAQs
Q: What are politically reflective films?
Politically reflective films directly engage with political themes, figures and events. Films like Dr Strangelove reflecting Cold War tensions and Wag the Dog satirizing media spin are examples.
Q: What are the different types of political movies?
Some major types of political movies include historical dramas about major leaders, political satires, partisan films with an ideological bias, whistleblower or journalism thrillers and ideological or propaganda films made with a specific political motive.
Q: What is an example of a political thriller?
All the President's Men (1976)