Maven's Best 100+ American Politics Movies

by maven0690 | created - 23 Sep 2013 | updated - 23 Jun 2019 | Public

Politics: American Style (rated 6+ votes 100+) Power, Ambition, Thrillers, Scandals, Comedy, War, Romance, Intrigue and more ... Hollywood's Best Portrayals of Politics in America may awaken you to the Deals, Triumphs, Lies and High Drama of the "Art of the Possible." Learn what it takes to enter political life and why Mario Cuomo said "You campaign in poetry. You govern in prose." Also see Maven's Inspirational Lawyering Maven's Top Rated Favorites Maven's B-Movie Favorites Maven's SciFi Not Horror Maven's Secret Science Maven's Chivalry, Sword & Sorcery

EXTERNAL WEB SITES ebizmba.com/articles/political-websites (popular) RealClearPolitics.com/ (Unbiased? News) FiveThirtyEight.com/politics/ (Unbiased? News) brookings.edu/ (Liberal Think Tank) heritage.org/ (Conservative Think Tank) foxNews.com/ (Conservative Cable TV) msnbc.com/ (Liberal Cable TV) cnn.com/ (Liberal Cable TV)

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1. House of Cards (2013–2018)

TV-MA | 50 min | Drama

A Congressman works with his equally conniving wife to exact revenge on the people who betrayed him.

Stars: Kevin Spacey, Michel Gill, Robin Wright, Kate Mara

Votes: 530,793

2. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

Passed | 129 min | Comedy, Drama

73 Metascore

A naive youth leader is appointed to fill a vacancy in the U.S. Senate. His idealistic plans promptly collide with corruption at home and subterfuge from his hero in Washington, but he tries to forge ahead despite attacks on his character.

Director: Frank Capra | Stars: James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains, Edward Arnold

Votes: 121,364 | Gross: $9.60M

3. Lincoln (2012)

PG-13 | 150 min | Biography, Drama, History

87 Metascore

As the Civil War rages on, U.S President Abraham Lincoln struggles with continuing carnage on the battlefield as he fights with many inside his own cabinet on his decision to emancipate the slaves.

Director: Steven Spielberg | Stars: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Votes: 272,582 | Gross: $182.21M

Featurette http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-w4A43wkGU Bio-2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AimGN1w5gOg

4. Seven Days in May (1964)

Approved | 118 min | Drama, Thriller

73 Metascore

United States military leaders plot to overthrow the President because he supports a nuclear disarmament treaty and they fear a Soviet sneak attack.

Director: John Frankenheimer | Stars: Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, Fredric March, Ava Gardner

Votes: 17,328 | Gross: $7.96M

5. Thirteen Days (2000)

PG-13 | 145 min | Drama, History, Thriller

67 Metascore

In October 1962, the Kennedy administration struggles to contain the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Director: Roger Donaldson | Stars: Kevin Costner, Bruce Greenwood, Shawn Driscoll, Drake Cook

Votes: 62,683 | Gross: $34.59M

6. Bulworth (1998)

R | 108 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

75 Metascore

A suicidally disillusioned liberal politician puts a contract out on himself and takes the opportunity to be bluntly honest with his voters by affecting the rhythms and speech of hip-hop music and culture.

Director: Warren Beatty | Stars: Warren Beatty, Halle Berry, Kimberly Deauna Adams, Vinny Argiro

Votes: 27,295 | Gross: $26.53M

7. Fail Safe (1964)

Approved | 112 min | Drama, Thriller

75 Metascore

A technical malfunction sends American planes to Moscow to deliver a nuclear attack. Can all-out war be averted?

Director: Sidney Lumet | Stars: Henry Fonda, Walter Matthau, Fritz Weaver, Dan O'Herlihy

Votes: 24,402

8. The Ides of March (2011)

R | 101 min | Drama, Thriller

67 Metascore

An idealistic staffer for a new presidential candidate gets a crash course on dirty politics during his stint on the campaign trail.

Director: George Clooney | Stars: Paul Giamatti, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ryan Gosling

Votes: 230,695 | Gross: $40.96M

9. Frost/Nixon (2008)

R | 122 min | Biography, Drama, History

80 Metascore

A dramatic retelling of the post-Watergate television interviews between British talk-show host David Frost and former president Richard Nixon.

Director: Ron Howard | Stars: Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Kevin Bacon, Sam Rockwell

Votes: 112,458 | Gross: $18.59M

10. The Manchurian Candidate (1962)

PG-13 | 126 min | Drama, Thriller

94 Metascore

An American POW in the Korean War is brainwashed as an unwitting assassin for an international Communist conspiracy.

Director: John Frankenheimer | Stars: Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, Janet Leigh, Angela Lansbury

Votes: 79,787

11. Wag the Dog (1997)

R | 97 min | Comedy, Drama

74 Metascore

Shortly before an election, a spin-doctor and a Hollywood producer join efforts to fabricate a war in order to cover up a Presidential sex scandal.

Director: Barry Levinson | Stars: Dustin Hoffman, Robert De Niro, Anne Heche, Woody Harrelson

Votes: 88,458 | Gross: $43.02M

12. The Contender (2000)

R | 126 min | Drama, Thriller

59 Metascore

Senator Laine Hanson is a contender for U.S. Vice President, but information and disinformation about her past surfaces that threatens to derail her confirmation.

Director: Rod Lurie | Stars: Joan Allen, Gary Oldman, Jeff Bridges, Christian Slater

Votes: 25,008 | Gross: $17.87M

13. The American President (1995)

PG-13 | 114 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

68 Metascore

A widowed U.S. President running for reelection and an environmental lobbyist fall in love. It's all above-board, but "politics is perception," and sparks fly anyway.

Director: Rob Reiner | Stars: Michael Douglas, Annette Bening, Martin Sheen, Michael J. Fox

Votes: 60,624 | Gross: $65.00M

14. The Great McGinty (1940)

Passed | 82 min | Comedy

Dan McGinty has great success in his chosen field of crooked politics, but he endangers it all in one crazy moment of honesty.

Director: Preston Sturges | Stars: Brian Donlevy, Muriel Angelus, Akim Tamiroff, Allyn Joslyn

Votes: 4,410

15. State of the Union (1948)

Approved | 124 min | Comedy, Drama

An industrialist is urged to run for President, but this requires uncomfortable compromises on both political and marital levels.

Director: Frank Capra | Stars: Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Van Johnson, Angela Lansbury

Votes: 4,170

16. All the King's Men (1949)

Approved | 110 min | Drama, Film-Noir

The rise and fall of a corrupt politician, who makes his friends richer and retains power by dint of a populist appeal.

Director: Robert Rossen | Stars: Broderick Crawford, John Ireland, Joanne Dru, John Derek

Votes: 16,580

17. The Last Hurrah (1958)

Approved | 121 min | Drama

Frank Skeffington is an old Irish-American political boss, running for re-election as mayor of a U.S. town for the last time.

Director: John Ford | Stars: Spencer Tracy, Jeffrey Hunter, Dianne Foster, Pat O'Brien

Votes: 4,155

18. Advise & Consent (1962)

Not Rated | 139 min | Drama, Thriller

The polarizing search for a new Secretary of State has far-reaching consequences.

Director: Otto Preminger | Stars: Franchot Tone, Lew Ayres, Henry Fonda, Walter Pidgeon

Votes: 7,509

19. The Best Man (1964)

Approved | 102 min | Drama

The two front runners for their party's presidential nomination, one principled and the other ruthless, vie for the former president's endorsement.

Director: Franklin J. Schaffner | Stars: Henry Fonda, Cliff Robertson, Edie Adams, Margaret Leighton

Votes: 3,726

20. The Candidate (1972)

PG | 110 min | Comedy, Drama

66 Metascore

Bill McKay is a candidate for the U.S. Senate from California. He has no hope of winning, so he is willing to tweak the establishment.

Director: Michael Ritchie | Stars: Robert Redford, Peter Boyle, Melvyn Douglas, Don Porter

Votes: 11,918 | Gross: $0.12M

21. A Lion Is in the Streets (1953)

Approved | 88 min | Drama, Romance, Thriller

66 Metascore

A charismatic peddler from the bayous finds his true calling in politics. Is he a demagogue in the making?

Director: Raoul Walsh | Stars: James Cagney, Barbara Hale, Anne Francis, Warner Anderson

Votes: 1,028

22. Scandal (2012–2018)

TV-14 | 43 min | Drama, Thriller

A former White House Communications Director starts her own crisis management firm only to realize her clients are not the only ones with secrets.

Stars: Kerry Washington, Darby Stanchfield, Katie Lowes, Guillermo Diaz

Votes: 79,685

23. The West Wing (1999–2006)

TV-14 | 42 min | Drama

Inside the lives of staffers in the West Wing of the White House.

Stars: Martin Sheen, Rob Lowe, Allison Janney, John Spencer

Votes: 85,529

24. Election (1999)

R | 103 min | Comedy, Romance

83 Metascore

A high school teacher meets his match in an over-achieving student politician.

Director: Alexander Payne | Stars: Matthew Broderick, Reese Witherspoon, Loren Nelson, Chris Klein

Votes: 104,500 | Gross: $14.88M

25. W. (I) (2008)

PG-13 | 129 min | Biography, Comedy, Drama

56 Metascore

A chronicle of the life and Presidency of George W. Bush.

Director: Oliver Stone | Stars: Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Banks, Ioan Gruffudd, Colin Hanks

Votes: 50,026 | Gross: $25.53M

26. The Campaign (2012)

R | 85 min | Comedy

50 Metascore

An incumbent Representative embroiled in personal scandal faces a no-holds-barred challenge from a naive newcomer funded by two unscrupulous billionaire lobbyist brothers.

Director: Jay Roach | Stars: Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, Jason Sudeikis, Dylan McDermott

Votes: 136,996 | Gross: $86.91M

27. Primary Colors (1998)

R | 143 min | Comedy, Drama

70 Metascore

A man joins the political campaign of a smooth-operator candidate for President of the United States of America.

Director: Mike Nichols | Stars: John Travolta, Emma Thompson, Kathy Bates, Larry Hagman

Votes: 30,106 | Gross: $38.97M

28. Nixon (1995)

R | 192 min | Biography, Drama, History

66 Metascore

A biographical story of former U.S. President Richard Nixon, from his days as a young boy, to his eventual Presidency, which ended in shame.

Director: Oliver Stone | Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Joan Allen, Powers Boothe, Ed Harris

Votes: 32,720 | Gross: $13.56M

29. A Perfect Candidate (1996)

105 min | Documentary

The filmmakers follow Oliver North's unsuccessful 1994 bid for a Virginia Senate seat, focusing on North's campaign strategist, Mark Goodin, and a Washington Post reporter. Mudslinging ensues.

Directors: R.J. Cutler, David Van Taylor | Stars: Don Baker, Mark Goodin, Mark Merritt, Peter Baker

Votes: 288 | Gross: $0.05M

30. Dave (1993)

PG-13 | 110 min | Comedy, Romance

76 Metascore

An uncanny Presidential lookalike named Dave is recruited by the Secret Service to become a momentary stand-in for the President of the United States.

Director: Ivan Reitman | Stars: Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver, Frank Langella, Kevin Dunn

Votes: 56,834 | Gross: $63.27M

31. The Seduction of Joe Tynan (1979)

R | 108 min | Drama

Respected liberal Senator Joe Tynan is asked to lead the opposition to a Supreme Court appointment. It means losing an old friend and fudging principles to make the necessary deals, as well... See full summary »

Director: Jerry Schatzberg | Stars: Alan Alda, Barbara Harris, Meryl Streep, Rip Torn

Votes: 1,854

32. The War Room (1993)

PG | 96 min | Documentary, History

78 Metascore

A documentary of the Bill Clinton 1992 presidential campaign and the organization who ran it.

Directors: Chris Hegedus, D.A. Pennebaker | Stars: James Carville, George Stephanopoulos, Heather Beckel, Paul Begala

Votes: 4,431 | Gross: $0.90M

33. Why We Fight (2005)

PG-13 | 98 min | Documentary, History, War

68 Metascore

Is American foreign policy dominated by the idea of military supremacy? Has the military become too important in American life? Jarecki's shrewd and intelligent polemic would seem to give an affirmative answer to each of these questions.

Director: Eugene Jarecki | Stars: Gore Vidal, John McCain, Ken Adelman, John Ashcroft

Votes: 10,231 | Gross: $1.44M

34. The Panama Deception (1992)

91 min | Documentary, History, War

A film about the true reasons for the 1989 US invasion of Panama and big media complicity in these activities.

Director: Barbara Trent | Stars: Elizabeth Montgomery, Carlos Cantú, Diviana Ingravallo, Abraham Alvarez

Votes: 1,167 | Gross: $0.31M

35. First Monday in October (1981)

R | 98 min | Comedy, Drama

For the first time in history a woman is appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, where she becomes a friendly rival to a liberal associate.

Director: Ronald Neame | Stars: Walter Matthau, Jill Clayburgh, Barnard Hughes, Jan Sterling

Votes: 1,657

36. 1776 (1972)

G | 141 min | Drama, Family, History

A musical retelling of the American Revolution's political struggle in the Continental Congress to declare independence.

Director: Peter H. Hunt | Stars: William Daniels, Howard Da Silva, Ken Howard, Donald Madden

Votes: 10,305 | Gross: $6.10M

37. Boss (2011–2012)

TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama

Mayor Tom Kane, diagnosed with a dementia disorder, struggles to keep his grip on power in Chicago.

Stars: Kelsey Grammer, Connie Nielsen, Hannah Ware, Jeff Hephner

Votes: 18,357

38. J. Edgar (2011)

R | 137 min | Biography, Drama, Romance

59 Metascore

J. Edgar Hoover, powerful head of the F.B.I. for nearly fifty years, looks back on his professional and personal life.

Director: Clint Eastwood | Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Armie Hammer, Naomi Watts, Josh Hamilton

Votes: 133,614 | Gross: $37.31M

39. Recount (2008 TV Movie)

TV-MA | 116 min | Drama, History

A chronicle of the weeks after the 2000 U.S. Presidential election, and the subsequent recounts in Florida.

Director: Jay Roach | Stars: Kevin Spacey, Bob Balaban, Denis Leary, Ed Begley Jr.

Votes: 13,597

40. The Special Relationship (2010 TV Movie)

TV-14 | 93 min | Biography, Drama, History

A dramatization that traces former UK prime minister Tony Blair's relationships with Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Director: Richard Loncraine | Stars: Michael Sheen, Demetri Goritsas, Adam Godley, Marc Rioufol

Votes: 4,989

41. Game Change (2012 TV Movie)

TV-MA | 118 min | Biography, Drama, History

Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska becomes Senator John McCain's running mate in the 2008 Presidential election.

Director: Jay Roach | Stars: Ed Harris, Julianne Moore, Woody Harrelson, Peter MacNicol

Votes: 23,203

42. The Kennedys (2011)

TV-14 | 43 min | Drama, History, Romance

The triumphs and tragedies of the most popular political family in American history.

Stars: Greg Kinnear, Barry Pepper, Katie Holmes, Tom Wilkinson

Votes: 7,688

43. Kennedy (1983)

282 min | Biography, Drama, History

Biography of the 1961-1963 Presidency of John F. Kennedy with Martin Sheen and Blair Brown. Covers the momentous presidential years and the lives, loves, and triumphs of one of the most controversial families of the twentieth-century.

Stars: John Shea, E.G. Marshall, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Andrew Rayden

Votes: 590

44. Uncovered: The Whole Truth About the Iraq War (2004)

56 min | Documentary, War

60 Metascore

Interviews with varied U.S officials and experts offer a deconstruction on the Bush administration's case for war in Iraq in the wake of 9/11.

Director: Robert Greenwald | Stars: John Dean, David Albright, Robert Baer, Milton Bearden

Votes: 938

45. John Adams (2008)

TV-14 | 71 min | Biography, Drama, History

The life of one of the USA's Founding Fathers, its second President, and his role in the nation's first 50 years.

Stars: Paul Giamatti, Laura Linney, John Dossett, Stephen Dillane

Votes: 36,605

46. Thomas Jefferson (1997– )

180 min | Documentary, Biography, History

A biographical film about The United States' influential and profoundly enigmatic Founding Father.

Stars: Gwyneth Paltrow, Sam Waterston, Michael Potts, Ossie Davis

Votes: 814

47. The Adams Chronicles (1976)

50 min | Drama, History

This ambitious multi-part PBS production brings to life five generations of one of America's leading political and historical families, tracing their lives from John Adams' years as a ... See full summary »

Stars: Pamela Payton-Wright, George Hearn, Michael Tolan, William Daniels

Votes: 213

48. Benjamin Franklin (2002)

210 min | Documentary, Biography, History

The story of the renowned American polymath.

Stars: Richard Easton, Dylan Baker, Colm Feore, Sebastian Roché

Votes: 182

49. Political Animals (2012)

TV-14 | 60 min | Drama

A divorced former First Lady is currently serving as the Secretary of State. She deals with State Department issues while trying to keep her family together.

Stars: Sigourney Weaver, Carla Gugino, James Wolk, Sebastian Stan

Votes: 6,552

50. Street Fight (2005)

Not Rated | 83 min | Documentary

85 Metascore

This documentary follows the 2002 mayoral campaign in Newark, New Jersey in which a City Councilman, Cory Booker, attempted to unseat longtime mayor Sharpe James.

Director: Marshall Curry | Stars: Jen Bluestein, Cory Booker, Bill Bradley, Chris Christie

Votes: 2,117

51. The Weather Underground (2002)

Unrated | 92 min | Documentary, History, War

77 Metascore

The remarkable story of The Weather Underground, radical activists of the 1970s, and of radical politics at its best and most disastrous.

Directors: Sam Green, Bill Siegel | Stars: Lili Taylor, Pamela Z, Jim Lange, Evan White

Votes: 3,768 | Gross: $0.56M

52. Lake of Fire (2006)

Unrated | 152 min | Documentary

83 Metascore

A graphic documentary on both sides of the abortion debate.

Director: Tony Kaye | Stars: Noam Chomsky, Bill Baird, Flip Benham, Dallas Blanchard

Votes: 2,735 | Gross: $0.02M

53. Primary (1960)

Not Rated | 60 min | Documentary, History, News

Cinéma vérité feature that follows presidential hopefuls John F. Kennedy and Hubert H. Humphrey during the 1960 Wisconsin primary.

Director: Robert Drew | Stars: Robert Drew, Hubert H. Humphrey, Muriel Buck Humphrey, Joseph Julian

Votes: 1,482

54. Journeys with George (2002)

TV-PG | 79 min | Documentary

48 Metascore

A documentary about George W. Bush's 2000 campaign for the White House.

Directors: Alexandra Pelosi, Aaron Lubarsky | Stars: George W. Bush, R.G. Ratcliffe, Wayne Slater, Richard Wolffe

Votes: 719

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0312848/ Director Alexandra Pelosi is daughter of Democratic Speaker of House

55. Our Brand Is Crisis (2005)

Unrated | 85 min | Documentary

71 Metascore

A documentary on American political campaign marketing tactics and their consequences.

Director: Rachel Boynton | Stars: Mauricio Balcazar, James Carville, Tad Devine, Stanley Greenberg

Votes: 640 | Gross: $0.17M

56. Eleanor and Franklin: The White House Years (1977 TV Movie)

155 min | Biography, Drama

The story of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt during their 12-year stay at the White House.

Director: Daniel Petrie | Stars: Jane Alexander, Edward Herrmann, Priscilla Pointer, Walter McGinn

Votes: 344

57. Reagan (2011)

105 min | Documentary, Biography

Reagan examines the enigmatic career of one of the revered architects of the modern world - icon, screen star, and two-term president Ronald Reagan.

Director: Eugene Jarecki | Stars: Bud Abbott, Walter Abel, Spiro Agnew, Martin Anderson

Votes: 864

58. The Trials of Henry Kissinger (2002)

Not Rated | 80 min | Documentary

72 Metascore

A film about the war crimes of the American diplomat, Henry Kissinger.

Director: Eugene Jarecki | Stars: Brian Cox, Henry Kissinger, Anna Chennault, Daniel Davidson

Votes: 2,094 | Gross: $0.52M

59. Wilson (1944)

Passed | 154 min | Biography, Drama, History

A chronicle of the political career of US President Woodrow Wilson.

Director: Henry King | Stars: Alexander Knox, Charles Coburn, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Thomas Mitchell

Votes: 1,695 | Gross: $2.00M

60. First Monday (2002)

60 min | Drama

Each Supreme Court term begins on the first Monday in October. Currently, the Court's evenly divided between conservatives and liberals. Moderate Justice Joseph Novelli has just joined them. The show follows their cases and lives.

Stars: Joe Mantegna, James Garner, Charles Durning, Camille Saviola

Votes: 216

61. Spin City (1996–2002)

TV-14 | 30 min | Comedy

Mike Flaherty, the Deputy Mayor of New York City, and his team of half-wits must constantly save the Mayor from embarrassment and the media. Mike is later succeeded by Charlie Crawford.

Stars: Michael J. Fox, Charlie Sheen, Heather Locklear, Richard Kind

Votes: 30,774

62. Benson (1979–1986)

TV-G | 30 min | Comedy, Family

Jessica Tate's sharp-tongued former butler, Benson DuBois, moves up in the world, becoming first the governor's "director of household affairs," then the state's budget director, then lieutenant governor and candidate for the executive mansion.

Stars: Robert Guillaume, James Noble, Inga Swenson, Missy Gold

Votes: 4,150

63. Truman (1995 TV Movie)

PG | 135 min | Biography, Drama

Though considered unqualified, Harry S. Truman becomes the 33rd president following the April 1945 death of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Director: Frank Pierson | Stars: Gary Sinise, Diana Scarwid, Richard Dysart, Colm Feore

Votes: 2,497

64. Tanner '88 (1988)

Not Rated | 353 min | Comedy, Drama

A behind-the-scenes look at a former Michigan U.S. Representative's campaign as he vies for his party's Presidential nomination.

Stars: Michael Murphy, Pamela Reed, Daniel Jenkins, Matt Malloy

Votes: 959

65. K Street (2003)

TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy, Drama

A semi-improvised lobbyist satire.

Stars: Mary McCormack, John Slattery, Roger Guenveur Smith, James Carville

Votes: 321

66. Commander in Chief (2005–2006)

TV-PG | 60 min | Drama

MacKenzie Allen becomes the first woman American president after she ascends to the job following the death of president Teddy Bridges.

Stars: Geena Davis, Donald Sutherland, Harry Lennix, Kyle Secor

Votes: 3,558

67. Parks and Recreation (2009–2015)

TV-14 | 22 min | Comedy

The absurd antics of an Indiana town's public officials as they pursue sundry projects to make their city a better place.

Stars: Amy Poehler, Jim O'Heir, Nick Offerman, Chris Pratt

Votes: 287,879

68. The Good Wife (2009–2016)

TV-14 | 43 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery

Alicia Florrick has been a good wife to her husband, a former state's attorney. After a very humiliating sex and corruption scandal, he is behind bars. She must now provide for her family and returns to work as a litigator in a law firm.

Stars: Julianna Margulies, Chris Noth, Josh Charles, Matt Czuchry

Votes: 82,681

69. Veep (2012–2019)

TV-MA | 28 min | Comedy

Former Senator Selina Meyer finds that being Vice President of the United States is nothing like she hoped and everything that everyone ever warned her about.

Stars: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Tony Hale, Anna Chlumsky, Reid Scott

Votes: 63,475

70. The Man (1972)

G | 93 min | Drama

An African-American senator becomes the designated survivor of a tragic accident that kills the President of the United States. Now the first black President, he attempts to end the bigotry and divide standing in his way.

Director: Joseph Sargent | Stars: James Earl Jones, Martin Balsam, Burgess Meredith, Lew Ayres

Votes: 411

71. Man of the Year (2006)

PG-13 | 115 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

39 Metascore

A comedian who hosts a news satire program decides to run for president, and a computerized voting machine malfunction gets him elected.

Director: Barry Levinson | Stars: Robin Williams, Laura Linney, Lewis Black, Christopher Walken

Votes: 35,175 | Gross: $37.44M

72. Alpha House (2013–2014)

TV-MA | 25 min | Comedy, Drama

Four Republican senators share the same D.C. house rental, and face re-election battles, looming indictments, and parties -- all with a sense of humor.

Stars: John Goodman, Clark Johnson, Matt Malloy, Mark Consuelos

Votes: 4,854

73. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

PG | 95 min | Comedy, War

97 Metascore

An unhinged American general orders a bombing attack on the Soviet Union, triggering a path to nuclear holocaust that a war room full of politicians and generals frantically tries to stop.

Director: Stanley Kubrick | Stars: Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, Keenan Wynn

Votes: 518,054 | Gross: $0.28M

74. The Dark Horse (1932)

Passed | 75 min | Comedy, Romance

Jailbird is hired to lead a dimwitted candidate's campaign for governor.

Director: Alfred E. Green | Stars: Warren William, Bette Davis, Guy Kibbee, Vivienne Osborne

Votes: 1,373

75. The Farmer's Daughter (1947)

Unrated | 97 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

After leaving her family's farm to study nursing in the city, a young woman finds herself on an unexpected path towards politics.

Director: H.C. Potter | Stars: Loretta Young, Joseph Cotten, Ethel Barrymore, Charles Bickford

Votes: 2,880

76. Point of Order! (1964)

Not Rated | 97 min | Documentary

An unfiltered, unflinching document of the notorious 1954 Army-McCarthy hearings, compiled entirely from raw TV footage (with no narration, music, or added scenes).

Director: Emile de Antonio | Stars: John G. Adams, Roy M. Cohn, Ray Jenkins, Joseph McCarthy

Votes: 516

77. That's My Bush! (2001)

TV-14 | 30 min | Comedy

Somewhat dim President George W. Bush's White House more closely resembles the set of a sitcom than real life, down to the laugh track.

Stars: Timothy Bottoms, Carrie Quinn Dolin, Kurt Fuller, Marcia Wallace

Votes: 2,059

78. The Powers That Be (1992–1993)

30 min | Comedy

The exploits of a clueless American senator and the eccentric, morally corrupt people who are closest to him.

Stars: John Forsythe, Holland Taylor, Eve Gordon, Peter MacNicol

Votes: 437

79. Lincoln (1988)

188 min | Drama, History, War

After arriving in Washington in 1861 after his election, Abraham Lincoln struggles with personal and political problems during his Presidency.

Stars: Sam Waterston, Mary Tyler Moore, Richard Mulligan, Deborah Adair

Votes: 449

80. Washington: Behind Closed Doors (1977)

750 min | Drama

The story of a power-hungry U.S. President, and the men, with whom he surrounds himself, in order to keep his hold on power. Based on John Ehrlichman's book about the Nixon administration.

Stars: Cliff Robertson, Jason Robards, Stefanie Powers, Robert Vaughn

Votes: 237

81. Mister Sterling (2003– )

60 min | Drama, Romance

The scandal-free son of a former Governor of California is appointed to be Senator, whereupon it's discovered he's an independent. Modern day Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Stars: Josh Brolin, Audra McDonald, William Russ, David Norona

Votes: 187

82. Blind Ambition (1979)

480 min | Biography, Drama

This television docudrama series traces the career of John Dean, President Nixon's special counsel.

Stars: Martin Sheen, Michael Callan, William Daniels, Clifford David

Votes: 172

83. My Fellow Americans (1996)

PG-13 | 101 min | Adventure, Comedy

49 Metascore

Two former U. S. Presidents, hated rivals, join forces to expose the current, corrupt President at the risk of their lives.

Director: Peter Segal | Stars: Jack Lemmon, James Garner, Dan Aykroyd, John Heard

Votes: 15,903 | Gross: $22.29M

84. The Power of Nightmares (2004)

60 min | Documentary, History

78 Metascore

A series of three documentaries about the use of fear for political gain.

Stars: Gilles Kepel, William Kristol, Melvin Goodman, Richard Perle

Votes: 4,541

85. The Rachel Maddow Show (2008– )

TV-PG | 60 min | News, Talk-Show

Daytime Host of the now-defunct Air America Radio's liberal talk show host discusses current events, with an emphasis on politics.

Stars: Rachel Maddow, Chris Hayes, Ali Velshi, Richard Engel

Votes: 2,514

86. The Colbert Report (2005–2014)

TV-14 | 30 min | Comedy, News, Talk-Show

Satirical newscaster Stephen Colbert provides humorous commentary on the big issues going on in the United States and the rest of the world, with his larger-than-life ego and overly-patriotic spirit along with him every step of the way.

Stars: Stephen Colbert, Jay Katsir, Jon Stewart, Paul Dinello

Votes: 39,168

87. The Daily Show (1996– )

TV-14 | 22 min | Comedy, News, Talk-Show

A comedy news show featuring humorous takes on top stories.

Stars: Jon Stewart, Trevor Noah, Stephen Colbert, Roy Wood Jr.

Votes: 48,180

88. Real Time with Bill Maher (2003– )

TV-MA | 60 min | Comedy, News, Talk-Show

Comedian and political satirist Bill Maher discusses topical events with guests from various backgrounds.

Stars: Bill Maher, Andrew Sullivan, Michael Moore, Arianna Huffington

Votes: 14,334

89. American Masters (1985– )

TV-14 | 90 min | Documentary, Biography, History

Documentary series focusing on great American artists and personalities.

Stars: Martin Scorsese, Peter Bogdanovich, Tony Bennett, Dick Cavett

Votes: 1,170

90. The World According to Dick Cheney (2013)

TV-MA | 109 min | Documentary

A revealing profile of Dick Cheney, one of the world's most controversial and powerful political figures. Award-winning documentary filmmaker R.J. Cutler gives us a surprisingly personal ... See full summary »

Directors: R.J. Cutler, Greg Finton | Stars: Dick Cheney, Lynne Cheney, Dennis Haysbert, Ron Suskind

Votes: 520

91. America's Book of Secrets (2012–2021)

TV-14 | 44 min | Documentary

From the facts behind the NSA spying scandals ("Big Brother") and the Boston Bombings ("American Terrorists") to America's secret prisons, Scientology, the Gold conspiracy and America's doomsday plans, this series features in-depth interviews with top journalists, law enforcement officials and whistleblowers.

Stars: Jonathan Adams, Barry Aird, Lance Reddick, Ronald Kessler

Votes: 962

92. Charlie Wilson's War (2007)

R | 102 min | Biography, Comedy, Drama

67 Metascore

A drama based on a Texas congressman Charlie Wilson's covert dealings in Afghanistan, where his efforts to assist rebels in their war with the Soviets have some unforeseen and long-reaching effects.

Director: Mike Nichols | Stars: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams

Votes: 124,866 | Gross: $66.66M

93. Bob Roberts (1992)

R | 102 min | Comedy, Drama

70 Metascore

A conservative folk singer turns his hand to politics, running for the US Senate. He is not above dirty tricks and smear campaigns to gain an advantage over his opponent.

Director: Tim Robbins | Stars: Tim Robbins, Giancarlo Esposito, Alan Rickman, Ray Wise

Votes: 15,634 | Gross: $4.48M

94. The Missiles of October (1974 TV Movie)

150 min | Drama, History, Thriller

In October 1962, the Kennedy administration struggles to contain the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Director: Anthony Page | Stars: William Devane, Ralph Bellamy, Howard Da Silva, James Hong

Votes: 1,124

95. The Insider (1999)

R | 157 min | Biography, Drama, Thriller

85 Metascore

A research chemist comes under personal and professional attack when he decides to appear in a 60 Minutes exposé on Big Tobacco.

Director: Michael Mann | Stars: Russell Crowe, Al Pacino, Christopher Plummer, Diane Venora

Votes: 180,164 | Gross: $28.97M

96. All the President's Men (1976)

PG | 138 min | Drama, History, Thriller

84 Metascore

"The Washington Post" reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein uncover the details of the Watergate scandal that leads to President Richard Nixon's resignation.

Director: Alan J. Pakula | Stars: Dustin Hoffman, Robert Redford, Jack Warden, Martin Balsam

Votes: 126,010 | Gross: $70.60M

97. Good Night, and Good Luck. (2005)

PG | 93 min | Biography, Drama, History

80 Metascore

Broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow looks to bring down Senator Joseph McCarthy.

Director: George Clooney | Stars: David Strathairn, George Clooney, Patricia Clarkson, Jeff Daniels

Votes: 101,288 | Gross: $31.56M

98. Bobby (I) (2006)

R | 117 min | Biography, Drama, History

54 Metascore

The destinies of 22 people of different races, sexes, beliefs and social classes are intertwined on the night that politician Robert F. Kennedy is assassinated.

Director: Emilio Estevez | Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Demi Moore, Sharon Stone, Harry Belafonte

Votes: 42,810 | Gross: $11.24M

99. Talk to Me (2007)

R | 118 min | Biography, Drama, History

69 Metascore

The story of Washington D.C. radio personality Ralph "Petey" Greene, an ex-con who became a popular talk show host and community activist in the 1960s.

Director: Kasi Lemmons | Stars: Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Bruce McFee, Mike Epps

Votes: 10,272 | Gross: $4.47M

100. Roots (1977)

TV-14 | 74 min | Biography, Drama, History

A dramatization of author Alex Haley's family line from ancestor Kunta Kinte's enslavement to his descendants' liberation.

Stars: LeVar Burton, Robert Reed, John Amos, Louis Gossett Jr.

Votes: 18,869



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