The Best JFK Assassination Movies
- 1Kevin Costner, Sissy Spacek, Joe Pesci
This groundbreaking film by Oliver Stone delves deep into the various theories and conspiracies surrounding the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The movie, which is based on the books On the Trail of the Assassins by Jim Garrison and Crossfire: The Plot That Killed Kennedy by Jim Marrs, stars Kevin Costner as New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison, who investigates the possible involvement of government entities in the president's assassination. While the film garnered controversy for its presentation of possible conspiracies, it remains one of the most influential movies on this subject and has spurred renewed interest in the investigation of JFK's death.
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- 2James Badge Dale, Zac Efron, Marcia Gay Harden
This gripping drama examines the chaotic events at Parkland Hospital in Dallas on November 22, 1963, where JFK was brought following his fatal shooting. The ensemble cast, featuring Zac Efron, Marcia Gay Harden, and Paul Giamatti, displays the raw emotions of medical professionals, Secret Service agents, and journalists who were present during this critical moment in American history. Additionally, the film portrays the struggles faced by Abraham Zapruder, whose home movie footage of the assassination became a vital piece of evidence in the subsequent investigations.
- 3
Executive Action
Burt Lancaster, Robert Ryan, Will GeerReleased in 1973, this thriller explores the possibility of a secret cabal of powerful businessmen and politicians plotting to overthrow the Kennedy administration through assassination. Starring Burt Lancaster and Robert Ryan, the film provides an alternative narrative to the official account of the president's assassination by presenting a complex web of conspiracies and cover-ups. Despite being overshadowed by later films like JFK, the film still offers a provocative take on the events of that fateful day in Dallas' Dealey Plaza.
- 4Woody Harrelson, Bill Pullman, Jennifer Jason Leigh
Woody Harrelson delivers a powerful performance as Lyndon B. Johnson in this biopic, which chronicles the period between the assassination of JFK and Johnson's subsequent presidency. The film delves into the often tense and tumultuous relationship between Kennedy and Johnson, with the tragic events in Dallas thrusting the latter into the spotlight as he grapples with assuming the responsibilities of the presidency amidst a grieving nation.
- 5Clint Eastwood, John Malkovich, Rene Russo
Clint Eastwood stars as a Secret Service agent haunted by his failure to protect JFK in this gripping action-thriller. As a new threat emerges, our protagonist must confront his past demons, while also foiling an assassination attempt on the current president. Although not focusing primarily on the JFK assassination itself, the film uses its unique backdrop to explore themes of guilt, redemption, and the lasting impact of the assassination on those who failed to prevent it.
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- 6
The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald
Ben Gazzara, Lorne Greene, John PleshetteThis courtroom drama examines the hypothetical scenario of Oswald's trial had he not been murdered by Jack Ruby. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the potential legal proceedings that might have taken place, including conspiracy theories and the implications for the legal system. The film offers an alternate history perspective on the assassination, examining how the case against Oswald would have unfolded and whether justice could have been served.
- 7Robert J. Groden
This documentary focuses on the controversial investigation led by District Attorney Jim Garrison into the possible government involvement in the JFK assassination. Combining interviews, archival footage, and expert analysis, the film sheds light on the myriad of conspiracy theories that have emerged since the president's tragic death. By scrutinizing the official account, it forces viewers to question the true motives behind Kennedy's murder and whether the full truth has been revealed.
- 8Rob Lowe, Ginnifer Goodwin, Will Rothhaar
Based on the best-selling book by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard, this drama follows the parallel lives of JFK and his assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, leading up to the fateful day in Dallas. With a strong cast that includes Rob Lowe and Ginnifer Goodwin, the film humanizes both Kennedy and Oswald, portraying them as complex individuals who were ultimately brought together by a tragic set of circumstances. The movie's emphasis on both characters' journeys makes it a standout among JFK assassination films.
- 9
All the Way
Bryan Cranston, Anthony Mackie, Melissa LeoBryan Cranston delivers an exceptional performance as Lyndon B. Johnson in this drama about the political upheaval following the assassination of JFK. Adapted from the Tony Award-winning play, the film delves into Johnson's sudden ascent to the presidency, his struggle to enact civil rights legislation, and the impact of the Vietnam War on his administration. Through the lens of Johnson's tumultuous tenure, it provides an in-depth look at the profound effects that Kennedy's death had on the nation.
- 10
Ruby and Oswald
Brian Dennehy, Doris Roberts, Michael LernerThis TV movie explores the possible connections between Jack Ruby and Lee Harvey Oswald before the Kennedy assassination, suggesting that their paths may have crossed more than once. Starring Frederic Forrest and Michael Lerner, Ruby and Oswald presents a new take on the events leading up to JFK's death, raising even more questions about the motivations of the two men. By focusing on the lives of Ruby and Oswald, the film offers a unique perspective on the many mysteries surrounding the assassination.
- 11
JFK the Smoking Gun
Alex Ivanovici, Howard Donahue, Colin McLarenBased on the book Mortal Error: The Shot That Killed JFK by Bonar Menninger and the research of veteran police detective Colin McLaren, this documentary presents a new theory that suggests a Secret Service agent accidentally fired one of the shots that killed Kennedy. Utilizing modern forensic techniques and expert analysis, the film examines the ballistics evidence, eyewitness testimony, and other factors surrounding the assassination. This provocative documentary challenges the official narrative and asks viewers to rethink their understanding of the events of November 22, 1963.
- 12Michelle Pfeiffer, Dennis Haysbert, Stephanie McFadden
Set during the aftermath of JFK's assassination, this romantic drama follows a woman named Lurene, played by Michelle Pfeiffer, who believes she must attend Kennedy's funeral to pay her respects. On her journey from Texas to Washington D.C., she befriends a man and his young daughter, forming a bond that transcends racial barriers at the time. The film uses the tragic event as a backdrop to explore themes of healing, love, and understanding during a tumultuous period in American history.
- 13Catherine Hicks, Sam Wanamaker, Robert Hays
This science fiction thriller is centered around a history professor who travels back in time to try and prevent JFK's assassination, only to find himself caught in a web of conspiracy and intrigue. As the protagonist attempts to alter the course of history, he is forced to confront the complexity of the events surrounding the murder and the potential consequences of his actions. By incorporating a unique time-travel element, Running Against Time offers a fresh and imaginative take on the JFK assassination story.
- 14Billy Crudup, Malin Akerman, Jackie Earle Haley
While not primarily focused on the JFK assassination, this critically acclaimed comic book adaptation depicts an alternate history where superheroes exist and play a significant role in shaping global events. The film includes a brief but significant sequence that suggests one of the characters may have been involved in the president's murder. Despite that small part of the story, the film raises intriguing questions about the nature of power, conspiracy, and the manipulation of history.
More Watchmen - 15Raymond J. Barry, Dylan Haggerty, Renee Faia
This mockumentary-style thriller follows a terminally ill man who claims to have been the second gunman responsible for JFK's assassination. As a skeptical journalist investigates the man's story, he is drawn deeper into the shadowy world of conspiracy theories and the terrifying truth behind the president's death. Interview with the Assassin takes a unique approach to the subject matter, offering both a chilling character study and an exploration of the extreme lengths some people will go to uncover the truth.
- 16David Duchovny, Sherilyn Fenn, Danny Aiello
This 1992 biopic stars Danny Aiello as Jack Ruby, the man who killed Lee Harvey Oswald. The film delves into Ruby's personal life and his motivations for murdering Oswald, while also exploring the possibility of a larger conspiracy at play. Though not focused solely on the JFK assassination, the film provides an intriguing look into the life of one of the key players in the aftermath of the tragic event.
- 17
The Secret KGB JFK Assassination Files
Roger Moore, Fidel Castro, Carl DayThis documentary, which aired on television in 1998, explores previously classified KGB files related to the JFK assassination. It delves into the Soviet Union's reaction to the event and their own investigations into possible conspiracies, shedding new light on the international implications of the tragedy. Confronting questions of governmental involvement, disinformation, and Cold War tensions, the film adds another layer of complexity to the already tangled web surrounding the president's death.
- 18
Since
Mary Woronov, Susan Bottomly, Gerard MalangaIn this experimental documentary, filmmaker James Eberhardt revisits the scenes of the JFK assassination – Dealey Plaza and the Texas School Book Depository – 50 years after the tragic event. The film uses archival footage, interviews, and contemporary perspectives to explore the lingering impact of the assassination on Dallas and the nation as a whole. Through this solemn reflection, Since offers a powerful meditation on the lasting influence of JFK's murder and the ongoing quest for truth and understanding.
- 19
The Umbrella Man
Abbie Cobb, Rachael Carpani, Carter RoyThis short documentary, directed by Errol Morris, delves into the story of the mysterious "umbrella man" – a figure seen holding an umbrella near the site of the JFK assassination despite sunny weather. By examining the theories surrounding this enigmatic individual, Morris reveals a broader meditation on the nature of conspiracy theories and the human compulsion to find meaning in the seemingly inexplicable. The movie offers a fascinating and thought-provoking look at one of the lesser-known aspects of the Kennedy assassination story.
- 20
Fatal Deception: Mrs. Lee Harvey Oswald
Helena Bonham CarterThis TV movie provides a unique perspective on the JFK assassination by focusing on the life and struggles of Marina Oswald, the wife of Lee Harvey Oswald. Starring Helena Bonham Carter, the film depicts Marina's difficult life both before and after her husband's arrest, as she faces public scrutiny and attempts to protect her family from the fallout of the tragic event. The film humanizes the often-overlooked people caught in the whirlwind of conspiracy and suspicion surrounding JFK's death.
