My Favorite Political Films
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Today, I’m writing about two of my favorite topics: movies and politics.
These are my favorite political films, ranging from classic satires to intense thrillers and dramas that dive deep into the complexities of power, ambition, and morality.
The list (in chronological order) only includes movies I've seen, so I'd love to hear your additions to the list in the comments!
Let’s get right to it…
Duck Soup (1933): The Marx Brothers’ comedic masterpiece is a fast-paced and absurd satire of politics and war. With Groucho Marx at his wisecracking best, it’s a delightful, chaotic romp that skewers everything from diplomacy to bureaucracy, delivering laughs from start to finish. Though it did not receive any major awards then, its influence on comedy is undeniable.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939): A Frank Capra classic starring James Stewart as an idealistic senator fighting against corruption. With its sincere message about the power of integrity and democracy, it is an inspiring reminder of the value of standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. The film received 11 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for James Stewart, and won Best Original Story.
Citizen Kane (1941): Widely considered one of the greatest films of all time, Orson Welles’s landmark work offers an intriguing study of power, ambition, and the human condition. Its innovative storytelling and cinematography set the standard for modern filmmaking. The film won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and received nine nominations overall, including Best Picture and Best Director.
A Face in the Crowd (1957): Elia Kazan’s scathing exploration of media power and populism is a prescient look at how charisma and mass communication can be manipulated. Andy Griffith shines in a shockingly dark role, delivering a magnetic performance that speaks to the dangers of unchecked influence. Although it did not receive major awards at the time, the film’s relevance and impact have only grown over the years.
The Manchurian Candidate (1962): John Frankenheimer’s political thriller blends Cold War paranoia with psychological suspense, featuring outstanding performances by Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, and Angela Lansbury. The film’s unsettling atmosphere and complex plot make it a gripping study of conspiracy and control. Angela Lansbury received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress, highlighting her unnerving performance.
Dr. Strangelove (1964): Stanley Kubrick’s satire of the Cold War and nuclear brinksmanship is both frightening and amusing, featuring a brilliant performance by Peter Sellers in multiple roles. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Peter Sellers), and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film remains a powerful commentary on the absurdities of war, retaining its relevance across generations.
The Best Man (1964): A sharp political drama penned by Gore Vidal, The Best Man delves into the murky waters of a presidential primary with incisive wit and tension. Henry Fonda and Cliff Robertson portray two vastly different candidates vying for their party’s nomination, each willing to grapple with political morality—or lack thereof—to achieve power. Though now 60 years old, the film remains as fresh and relevant as ever, offering an insightful, sometimes cynical glimpse into the backroom dealings and ethical compromises of American politics. Fonda’s principled idealism, clashing with Robertson’s ruthless ambition, makes for a compelling exploration of the human dimensions behind political maneuvering.
The Parallax View (1974): Alan Pakula’s tense, paranoid thriller captures the atmosphere of the paranoid 1970s. Warren Beatty stars as a journalist unraveling a shadowy conspiracy. Although major awards overlooked it, the film’s unsettling tone and methodical unraveling make it a standout in the political thrill genre, reflecting the era’s distrust in authority.
Chinatown (1974): Roman Polanski’s film is a neo-noir masterpiece that unravels a tale of corruption, deceit, and moral ambiguity set in 1930s Los Angeles. Jack Nicholson delivers a standout performance as private investigator J.J. Gittes, whose seemingly routine case quickly spirals into a complex web involving water rights, political corruption, and family secrets. Faye Dunaway’s portrayal of Evelyn Mulwray adds a layer of vulnerability, while Robert Towne’s screenplay is tightly crafted, full of twists with an unforgettable ending. The film’s atmosphere, enhanced by Jerry Goldsmith’s score and John Alonzo’s cinematography, puts viewers in a world where nothing is as it seems—power and greed dominate, and the innocent pay the price. It remains an iconic exploration of the dark heart of human ambition.
Do the Right Thing (1989): Spike Lee’s intense portrayal of a Brooklyn neighborhood simmering with racial tension is a landmark piece of cinema, combining dynamic visuals, compelling characters, and a profound message that challenges viewers to think deeply about social justice. The film received two Oscar nominations, including Best Original Screenplay for Spike Lee and Best Supporting Actor for Danny Aiello, solidifying its significance as a powerful social commentary.
Wag the Dog (1997): This sharp satire directed by Barry Levinson portrays a fictional political scandal where spin doctors and Hollywood producers work together to distract the public. With excellent performances by Dustin Hoffman and Robert De Niro, it received two Oscar nominations, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Actor for Dustin Hoffman. The film offers an amusing yet disconcerting look at media manipulation and political deception.
Election (1999): This sharp and darkly humorous film, directed by Alexander Payne, turns a high school election into an insightful satire on ambition and ethics. Featuring outstanding performances by Reese Witherspoon and Matthew Broderick, it was nominated for an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, offering a cynical yet entertaining take on human nature and democracy.
Lincoln (2012): Directed by Steven Spielberg, this historical drama provides an in-depth look into the political maneuverings behind the abolition of slavery. Daniel Day-Lewis’s extraordinary portrayal of Abraham Lincoln brings the iconic figure to life, while Tony Kushner’s exceptional script offers a nuanced, richly detailed narrative. The film won two Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Daniel Day-Lewis and Best Production Design, and was nominated for 12 in total, including Best Picture and Best Director.