11 of the best movies about real American presidents

You may have heard that it’s an election year. While the news of the day focuses on the candidates vying for the biggest job in the world, there’s a whole batch of Hollywood movies that have taken up the question of what made those who previously held it great the title (or not… so great) leaders.

If you’re looking for insight into our current political situation by traveling through the (sometimes slightly fictional) past, here are 11 movies about real presidents—how they rose to stardom and, in some cases, fell from grace.

Frost/Nixon (2008)

One man craved success and the other needed to rebuild his reputation. Together, they made television history. Ron Howard’s adaptation of Peter Morgan’s 2006 play (the queen) depicts a battle of wills between David Frost, a talk show host who knows he’s in way over his head, and former US President Richard Nixon, played with aplomb by Frank Langella, and explores how the Watergate scandal still has repercussions today. .

Where to stream: Max, digital rental

thirteen days (2000)

The United States was on the brink of nuclear war in 1962, and this thriller chronicles the events of the Cuban Missile Crisis to show just how close we came. Journey actor Bruce Greenwood plays President John F. Kennedy, but White House aide Kenneth P. O’Donnell, played by Kevin Costner, positions himself as the smart, level-headed one in the Oval Office , and emerges as the hero. Many who were in the White House at the time question the film’s veracity (or otherwise), but it dramatically captures a time when the nation almost fought a war on its own soil.

Where to stream: Digital rental

Lincoln (2012)

based on Team of rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin, this biopic focuses on how the 16th President of the United States and his cabinet engineered the abolition of slavery by passing the 13th Amendment. Directed by Steven Spielberg and anchored by an Oscar-winning performance by Daniel Day-Lewis, rarely does a film about a political figure capture the personal convictions that led them to leadership. Lincoln accomplishes this near-impossible task by showing how the wartime leader clung to his ideals despite overwhelming odds.

Where to stream: Digital rental

Nixon (1995)

Oliver Stone has made three movies about presidents. The first is JFKwhich delves into the conspiracies that may have led to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The last one is W.a somewhat sardonic interpretation of George W. Bush. His best movie about a president was in between, with Nixon. The three-hour film portrays the controversial leader in a compassionate light, while also painting him as indirectly responsible for Kennedy’s assassination. The film stands out from Stone’s other works thanks to a hypnotic performance by Anthony Hopkins and Joan Allen’s powerful portrayal of First Lady Pat Nixon.

Where to stream: Digital rental

Vice (2018)

Depending on which books you’ve read, you could argue that Vice President Dick Cheney actually ran things during the George W. Bush administration, which is why I’m making an exception for this movie’s appearance in this list Performed under pounds of makeup by Christian Bale, Adam McKay’s telling of Cheney’s life straddles the line between biopic, satire and scathing critique, effectively establishing for audiences how one man changed the direction of our country forever.

Where to stream: Prime Video, Peacock, Digital Rental

The war room (1993)

Most presidential movies look at what a politician does when he’s in the White House. This electrifying documentary shows what it took to get there: viewers witness the origin stories of George Stephanopoulos and James “The Ragin’ Cajun” Carville, who turned the chaotic 1992 presidential campaign into a seemingly unlikely victory of President Bill Clinton.

Where to stream: Max, The Criterion Channel, Digital Rental

Sunrise in Campobello (1960)

Greer Garson was nominated for an Oscar for her portrayal of Eleanor Roosevelt, although the film focuses primarily on Eleanor’s husband, Franklin (Ralph Bellamy), who, despite contracting a paralytic disease, he re-enters politics largely at the urging of his wife. It is an optimistic and inspiring film that focuses on exploring the extraordinary strength and character required for Roosevelt to continue to lead despite the enormous personal cost.

Where to stream: Digital rental

Young Mr. Lincoln (1939)

As legend has it, Henry Fonda initially turned down the lead role in this John Ford film because he idolized the 16th President of the United States and was intimidated by the prospect of playing him on screen. Ford talked Fonda into agreeing because the story revolved around Lincoln when he was just a lawyer in Illinois, before he took office and grew a beard (the stovepipe hat was already part of the wardrobe). It set the standard for biopics and riveting courtroom dramas, even as liberties were taken with the events of the great man’s life.

Where to stream: Tubi, The Roku Channel, Digital Rental

Jimmy Carter: Man From Plains (2007)

Perhaps best known for his achievements after leaving office, Jimmy Carter has played an important role in achieving world peace even after leaving public life. Jonathan Demme highlights the Georgia politician’s work as he follows him on a book tour, painting a complicated portrait of a man who continues to work for global justice even decades after holding the world’s most important office.

Where to stream: Pluto TV, Tubi, Freevee, The Roku Channel, Digital Rental

All the President’s Men (1976)

The movies on this list have shown how presidents come to power and use it. This one shows how a man loses it. The tense investigative thriller focuses on Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein as they probe the depths of the Watergate scandal, which ultimately led to President Nixon’s resignation. This masterpiece perfectly represents why a free press is vital to a democracy.

Where to stream: Digital rental

primary colors (1998)

Granted, Jack Stanton (John Travolta) is the fictional presidential candidate at the center of this satirical comedy, but director Mike Nichols designed John Travolta to look, talk and act like President Bill Clinton, and the film is based on a famous novel. based on real facts. Written and published anonymously in 1996, the book was revealed to be the work of reporter Joe Klein, who covered the Clinton campaign for Newsweek., and it’s about a political scandal similar to the one that threatened to undo Clinton’s political legacy. Although it’s supposedly drawn from the journalist’s imagination, part of the fun, aside from joining the magnificent performances of Travolta, Kathy Bates and Emma Thompson as Stanton’s steely spouse, is figuring out which parts were invented for the screen and which ones. it really happened

Where to stream: Digital rental