The 60+ Best Movies About The President
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- 1Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David StrathairnLincoln, a historical drama directed by Steven Spielberg, stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Set during the Civil War era, the film focuses on Lincoln's monumental struggle to pass the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery nationwide. Sally Field portrays Mary Todd Lincoln, his emotionally volatile wife, while Tommy Lee Jones plays Thaddeus Stevens, a fervent abolitionist congressman. The movie is a compelling exploration of political maneuvering and moral dilemmas. It won two Oscars including Best Actor for Day-Lewis's riveting portrayal of this iconic leader.More Lincoln
- #129 of 264 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #41 of 240 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- #11 of 59 onThe Best Movies Based on Non-Fiction Books
- 2Kevin Costner, Bruce Greenwood, Steven CulpFor thirteen extraordinary days in October of 1962, the world stood on the brink of an unthinkable catastrophe. Across the globe, people anxiously awaited the outcome of a harrowing political, diplomatic and military confrontation that threatened to end in an apocalyptic nuclear exchange between the United States and the Soviet Union. Thirteen days captures the urgency, suspense and paralyzing chaos of the Cuban Missile Crisis.More Thirteen Days
- #41 of 59 onThe Best Movies Based on Non-Fiction Books
- #46 of 165 onThe Best Political Films Of All Time
- #47 of 106 onGreat Movies That Take Place In The '60s
- 3Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman, Jack WardenAll the President's Men is a gripping political drama that unravels in the wake of the Watergate scandal. This fact-based film follows Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward (Robert Redford) and Carl Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman) as they dig into a petty burglary case, only to discover a massive conspiracy reaching the top echelons of power. Directed by Alan J. Pakula, this critically acclaimed film won four Academy Awards. It meticulously recreates the tense atmosphere of 1970s newsrooms while shedding light on one of the biggest political scandals in American history.More All the President's Men
- #156 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #50 of 240 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- #131 of 369 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- 4Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Kevin BaconFrost/Nixon dwells in the world of politics and television, capturing the historic face-off between Richard Nixon (Frank Langella), the disgraced ex-president, and David Frost (Michael Sheen), a rising British television presenter. The narrative unfolds through a series of televised interviews conducted by Frost post-Watergate scandal. The movie, directed by Ron Howard, is a gripping drama that navigates the intricate corridors of power, truth, and redemption. It's an Oscar-nominated film that highlights the power dynamics between two formidable characters under intense media scrutiny. The movie masterfully blends history with entertainment, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience.More Frost/Nixon
- #158 of 240 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- #268 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- #45 of 55 onThe Best Oscar-Nominated Movies of the 2000s
- 5Harrison Ford, Gary Oldman, Glenn CloseAir Force One, a thrilling action-drama film, centers on President James Marshall (Harrison Ford), a leader committed to the war against terrorism. Onboard the presidential aircraft, Air Force One, after an international peacekeeping event, things take a dark turn. Russian extremists, led by Ivan Korshunov (Gary Oldman), hijack the flight, holding the president and his family hostage. The stakes are high as this isn't just any passenger - it's the President of the United States. Trapped aboard his own aircraft, President Marshall must rely on his courage and wits to reclaim control, protect his family, and save everyone onboard. The movie is noted for its intense action sequences and compelling performances from its lead actors.More Air Force One
- #35 of 50 onThe Biggest Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
- #343 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #23 of 99 onThe Best 1990s Action Movies
- 6Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver, Frank LangellaShifty White House chief of staff Bob Alexander (Frank Langella) hatches a scheme to use a double for the president (Kevin Kline) at a public photo opportunity. Small business owner Dave Kovic (Kline) fits the bill, but after the president suffers a debilitating stroke, opportunist Alexander arranges for Dave to step in full time without even informing the First Lady (Sigourney Weaver). It doesn't take long before the press, the nation and the president's wife realize something is different.More Dave
- #152 of 702 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #211 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The 1990s
- #6 of 61 onThe Funniest Movies About Politics
- 7Michael Douglas, Annette Bening, Martin SheenIn The American President, Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas), a widower and the current U.S. President, finds himself falling for Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening). She's an environmental lobbyist who initially came to the White House to argue for her climate bill. Their budding romance unfolds against a backdrop of political intrigue and public scrutiny. This romantic comedy-drama, directed by Rob Reiner, presents a unique blend of personal relationships and political power plays. Richard Dreyfuss stars as Senator Bob Rumson, adding another layer of complexity to this engaging cinematic experience.More The American President
- #6 of 14 onThe Best Movies and TV Shows Written By Aaron Sorkin
- #238 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The 1990s
- #17 of 61 onThe Funniest Movies About Politics
- 8Kevin Costner, Sissy Spacek, Joe PesciIn Oliver Stone's political thriller, JFK, the spotlight shines on New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison (Kevin Costner). He is drawn into a complex web of conspiracy theories surrounding the 1963 assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy. The film, a fascinating blend of fact and speculation, features a star-studded cast including names like Tommy Lee Jones as Clay Shaw and Gary Oldman in the role of Lee Harvey Oswald. Snagging eight Academy Award nominations, it stands as an intriguing exploration of this notorious historical event.More JFK
- #739 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #63 of 240 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- #156 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The 1990s
- 9Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, Janet LeighIn the thrilling political drama, The Manchurian Candidate, Major Bennett Marco (Frank Sinatra) and Sergeant Raymond Shaw (Laurence Harvey) return as heroes from the Korean War. However, they carry a dark secret - a chilling brainwashing conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of American democracy. As Marco begins to unravel this sinister plot, he finds himself in a high-stakes race against time. Angela Lansbury delivers an unforgettable performance as Shaw's manipulative mother. Directed by John Frankenheimer, this classic film offers a gripping exploration of power, manipulation, and paranoia.More The Manchurian Candidate
- #5 of 49 onThe Top 45+ Films Released In 1962
- #106 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #725 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- 10Anthony Hopkins, Joan Allen, Powers BootheNixon, a political drama, follows the tumultuous life of Richard Nixon (Anthony Hopkins). The film delves into Nixon's early days, his ascension to power, and his infamous downfall following the Watergate scandal. Joan Allen co-stars as Pat Nixon, his supportive yet conflicted wife. Directed by Oliver Stone, this compelling biopic intricately weaves historical events with personal struggles, painting a complex portrait of one of America's most controversial presidents. A recipient of four Academy Award nominations, Nixon presents an engrossing exploration of power, ambition, and the human spirit.More Nixon
- #192 of 240 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- #408 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- #72 of 90 onThe Best Movies Of 1995
- 11Gary Sinise, Tony Goldwyn, Željko IvanekTruman is a 1995 HBO movie based on David McCullough's Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Truman. Starring Gary Sinise as Harry S. Truman, the film centers on Truman's rise to the presidency from humble beginnings, World War II, and his decision to use the first atomic bomb. The film's tagline is "It took a farmer's hand to shape a nation."
- 12Henry Fonda, Alice Brady, Marjorie WeaverIn this dramatized account of his early law career in Illinois, Abraham Lincoln (Henry Fonda) is born into a modest log cabin, where he is encouraged by his first love, Ann Rutledge (Pauline Moore), to pursue law. Following her tragic death, Lincoln establishes a law practice in Springfield, where he meets a young Mary Todd (Marjorie Weaver). Lincoln's law skills are put to the test when he takes on the difficult task of defending two brothers who have been accused of murder.More Young Mr. Lincoln
- #81 of 165 onThe Best Political Films Of All Time
- #53 of 66 onThe Most Patriotic Movies of All Time
- #10 of 22 onThe Best President Biopics
- 13Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins, Matthew McConaugheyIn the historical drama Amistad, Steven Spielberg transports us to 1839. The film revolves around a mutiny aboard La Amistad, a slave ship traveling towards America. Cinqué (Djimon Hounsou), a Mende tribesman, leads the revolt. The uprising sets in motion a court case that challenges the very foundation of American legal system and questions the country's stance on slavery. The movie also showcases notable performances by Anthony Hopkins, portraying former President John Quincy Adams, and Matthew McConaughey as the idealistic lawyer Roger Sherman Baldwin. Garnering multiple award nominations, Amistad weaves together threads of law, freedom, and humanity in an unforgettable narrative.More Amistad
- #98 of 240 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- #269 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The 1990s
- #270 of 279 on'Old' Movies Every Young Person Needs To Watch In Their Lifetime
- 14
1776
William Daniels, Howard Da Silva, Ken HowardThe nation's fathers harmonize their way through the founding of America in this musical adapted from a popular Broadway show. Colonial representatives gather in Philadelphia with the aim of establishing a set of governmental rules for the burgeoning United States. Benjamin Franklin (Howard da Silva) and John Adams (William Daniels) charge Thomas Jefferson (Ken Howard) with the work of writing a statement announcing the new country's emancipation from British rule.More 1776- #170 of 240 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- #185 of 204 onMusical Movies With The Best Songs
- #30 of 66 onThe Most Patriotic Movies of All Time
- 15Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff GoldblumIn the groundbreaking sci-fi action film Independence Day, mankind faces the threat of global destruction at the hands of malevolent extraterrestrials. As cities crumble under colossal alien ships, a disparate group of survivors emerges. Among them is President Thomas J. Whitmore (Bill Pullman), hotshot pilot Captain Steven Hiller (Will Smith), and eccentric scientist David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum). Together, they devise a risky plan to repel the invaders and save humanity. Directed by Roland Emmerich, this 1996 blockbuster was applauded for its impressive special effects and won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.More Independence Day
- #13 of 50 onThe Biggest Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
- #25 of 49 onThe 45+ Very Best Movies About Hackers
- #34 of 279 on'Old' Movies Every Young Person Needs To Watch In Their Lifetime
- 16Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, John CusackAfter leaving the South as a young man and finding employment at an elite hotel in Washington, D.C., Cecil Gaines (Forest Whitaker) gets the opportunity of a lifetime when he is hired as a butler at the White House. Over the course of three decades, Cecil has a front-row seat to history and the inner workings of the Oval Office. However, his commitment to his "First Family" leads to tension at home, alienating his wife (Oprah Winfrey) and causing conflict with his anti-establishment son.More The Butler
- #144 of 240 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- #132 of 468 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- #5 of 80 onGreat Historical Black Movies Based On True Stories
- 17Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, Fredric MarchU.S. President Jordan Lyman (Fredric March) hopes to bring an end to the Cold War by signing a nuclear disarmament treaty with the Soviets, much to the displeasure of the hawkish General James Scott (Burt Lancaster), Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. When Scott's aide, Martin "Jiggs" Casey (Kirk Douglas) stumbles on shattering evidence that the General is plotting a coup to overthrow Lyman in seven days, "Jiggs" alerts the President, setting off a dangerous race to thwart the takeover.
- 18Cliff Robertson, Ty Hardin, James GregoryBefore he becomes commander-in-chief, John F. Kennedy (Cliff Robertson) is a lieutenant, junior grade, in command of a PT-109 boat during World War II. In Leslie H. Martinson's dramatization of the future president's war efforts, Kennedy uses his family name to put himself in the action instead of shirking his duties. Assigned to battle in the Solomon Islands, he leads his crew on treacherous rescue missions. When their ship is cut down, Kennedy and his men must swim to an island for survival.More PT 109
- #121 of 257 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #68 of 183 onThe Greatest World War II Movies of All Time
- #16 of 46 onThe Best 60s War Movies
- 19Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Ed HarrisWhile robbing the home of aging billionaire Walter Sullivan (E.G. Marshall), Luther Whitney (Clint Eastwood) is interrupted by an amorous couple entering the building. As Whitney hides, he sees Sullivan's young wife, Christy (Melora Hardin), and the U.S. President, Alan Richmond (Gene Hackman). When their affection turns violent, Christy is killed by the Secret Service. Although Whitney flees, he is framed for the murder. Now, he seeks justice with the help of detective Seth Frank (Ed Harris).More Absolute Power
- #154 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #51 of 95 onThe 100+ Best Movies Of 1997
- #31 of 45 onThe Best Movies Starring Clint Eastwood
- 20Morgan Freeman, Gerard Butler, Ashley JuddOlympus Has Fallen is a 2013 American action thriller film. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, it stars Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, and Morgan Freeman, with Angela Bassett, Robert Forster, Cole Hauser, Finley Jacobsen, Ashley Judd, Melissa Leo, Dylan McDermott, Radha Mitchell, and Rick Yune in supporting roles. The film depicts a North Korean-led guerrilla assault on the White House, and focuses on Secret Service agent Mike Banning's efforts to stop them. Olympus Has Fallen was released on March 22, 2013, by FilmDistrict and received mixed critical reception but earned over $160 million against a $70 million production budget. Olympus Has Fallen is one of two films released in 2013 that deals with a terrorist attack on the White House, the other being White House Down. A sequel titled London Has Fallen is in production.More Olympus Has Fallen
- #39 of 66 onThe Most Patriotic Movies of All Time
- #23 of 62 onThe 55+ Best Kidnapping & Hostage Movies
- #14 of 23 onGreat Movies So Patriotic, They Are Basically American Propaganda
- 21Henry Fonda, Walter Matthau, Dan O'HerlihyDuring the Cold War, U.S. bomber jets are equipped with fail-safe boxes that instruct pilots when and if to attack. When an attack order is inadvertently administered due to a system malfunction, the President of the United States (Henry Fonda) must scramble to fix the mistake before the bombs are dropped on Moscow. He manages to stop almost all the bombers headed for Moscow, except for one determined pilot who manages to complete his mission, with deadly consequences.More Fail Safe
- #194 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #73 of 167 onThe Greatest '60s Movies, Ranked
- #34 of 165 onThe Best Political Films Of All Time
- 22Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan FreemanAfter the death of the British prime minister, the world's most powerful leaders gather in London to pay their respects. Without warning, terrorists unleash a devastating attack that leaves the city in chaos and ruins. Secret Service agent Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) springs into action to bring U.S. President Benjamin Asher (Aaron Eckhart) to safety. When Asher falls into the hands of the sinister organization, it's up to Banning to save his commander in chief from a horrible fate.
- 23John Travolta, Emma Thompson, Billy Bob ThorntonIn this adaptation of the best-selling roman a clef about Bill Clinton's 1992 run for the White House, the young and gifted Henry Burton (Adrian Lester) is tapped to oversee the presidential campaign of Gov. Jack Stanton (John Travolta). Burton is pulled into the politician's colorful world and looks on as Stanton -- who has a wandering eye that could be his downfall -- contends with his ambitious wife, Susan, (Emma Thompson) and an outspoken adviser, Richard Jemmons (Billy Bob Thornton).
- 24Robert Redford, Peter Boyle, Melvyn DouglasWithout a candidate to run for the senate seat against admired Republican Crocker Jarmon (Don Porter), campaign manager Marvin Lucas (Peter Boyle) recruits leftist lawyer Bill McKay (Robert Redford). McKay's appearance piques the public's interest, and gradually Lucas pushes McKay toward a more centrist message. As McKay's original and honest platform gets watered down, his popularity increases so much that he is running even with Jarmon as Election Day approaches.More The Candidate
- #12 of 61 onThe Funniest Movies About Politics
- #170 of 199 onThe Best Movies Of The '70s, Ranked
- #79 of 165 onThe Best Political Films Of All Time
- 25Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman, Frederick SchmidtAuthorities take Secret Service agent Mike Banning into custody for the failed assassination attempt of U.S. President Allan Trumbull. After escaping from his captors, Banning must evade the FBI and his own agency to find the real threat to the president. Desperate to uncover the truth, he soon turns to unlikely allies to help clear his name and save the country from imminent danger.
- 26Raymond Massey, Gene Lockhart, Ruth GordonIn the early 1830s, a youthful Abraham Lincoln (Raymond Massey) departs his home in Kentucky to study law and make a name for himself. While traveling to New Orleans to deliver several pigs he raised with his father, Abe meets Ann Rutledge (Ruth Gordon) in the sleepy hamlet of New Salem, Illinois. Abe returns to the town, starts a business and marries Ann before slowly working his way toward politics and the fateful future that will see him become one of America's most iconic presidents.
- 27Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jonathan Groff, Leslie Odom Jr.The original Broadway production of the award-winning musical that tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, first secretary of the treasury, blending hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway styles, filmed from the Richard Rogers Theater in New York.More Hamilton
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- #49 of 67 onThe Most Rewatchable Movie Musicals
- #55 of 116 onThe Best Movies Based On Plays
- 28Dustin Hoffman, Robert De Niro, Anne HecheTwo weeks prior to reelection, the United States president lands in the middle of a sex scandal. In need of outside help to quell the situation, presidential adviser Winifred Ames (Anne Heche) enlists the expertise of spin doctor Conrad Brean (Robert De Niro), who decides a distraction is the best course of action. Brean approaches Hollywood producer Stanley Motss (Dustin Hoffman) to help him fabricate a war in Albania -- and once underway, the duo has the media entirely focused on the war.
- 29Woody Harrelson, Bill Pullman, Jennifer Jason LeighLBJ is a 2017 American political drama film directed by Rob Reiner. The story of U.S. President Lyndon Baines Johnson (Woody Harrelson) from his young days in West Texas to the White House.
- 30
All the Way
Bryan Cranston, Anthony Mackie, Melissa LeoAll the Way is a 2016 American HBO biographical television drama film directed by Jay Roach. Lyndon Johnson (Bryan Cranston) becomes the President of the United States in the chaotic aftermath of John F. Kennedy's assassination and spends his first year in office fighting to pass the Civil Rights Act.
