This President’s Day, there’s one place to to dive into the spirit of U.S. political stream with ease and that’s by finding some of the most engaging presidential movies available on Max. Whether comedy, a drama, or a thrilling action movie, this selection has something for everyone. Each film on this list offers a unique perspective on the complexities of American politics and leadership. Here’s a closer look at five presidential movies worth watching this President’s Day.
Head of State
“Head of State” is a comedy that stars Chris Rock as Mays Gilliam, a Washington D.C. alderman who unexpectedly becomes his party’s nominee for President of the United States after the original candidates perishes in a plane crash. With no chance of winning according to the party leadership, Gilliam decides to run the campaign his way, leading to hilarious situations and unexpected popularity.
Much like other comedic entries in the political field, like Eddie Murphy’s “The Distinguished Gentleman”, “Head of State” takes a comedic approach to the election process, but also touches on serious issues like race, media influence in politics, and the power of grassroots campaigning. Its historic accuracy may not be its strong suit, but the film offers a cultural critique that remains relevant, especially in its discussion of how minority candidates are perceived in American politics. Wrestling fans may remember this as the film that Rock recorded live footage for at a TNA Impact event.
Game Change
“Game Change” is a political drama based on the book of the same name, focusing on the historic 2008 presidential campaign of John McCain and the selection of Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate. The film delves into the behind-the-scenes strategies, the personal dynamics within the campaign, and the impact of Palin’s nomination on the election’s outcome and politics for years to come.
Praised for its attention to detail and accuracy in portraying the events of the 2008 election, the film explores the cultural and political ramifications of Palin’s candidacy, including the intense media scrutiny she faced and the polarizing effect she had on the base, It offers a fascinating look at the key points of campaign management and the challenges of navigating the American electoral landscape with a rabid voter pool searching for an identity to stand behind.
The Ides of March
This political drama stars Ryan Gosling as Stephen Meyers, an idealistic staffer for a new presidential candidate who gets a crash course in dirty politics during his stint on the campaign trail. As Meyers becomes entangled in a scandal, he battles moral dilemmas which test both his loyalty and ethics.
Similar to “City Hall” years earlier, “The Ides of March” offers a cynical view of the political process, highlighting the manipulation, betrayal, and compromise inherent in American politics. Noted for its strong performances and its ability to capture the tension and drama of political campaigns, the film may not be historically based. However, its portrayal of the dark side of electoral politics resonates with real-world political scandals makes it culturally relevant and thought-provoking.
Stream The Ides of March on Max
White House Down
Deviating from the drama and cynicism on this list, White House Down is an action-packed thriller starring Channing Tatum stars as John Cale, a Capitol Police officer who finds himself in the middle of a terrorist attack on the White House while on a tour with his daughter. As the national crisis unfolds, Cale takes it upon himself to save the president, played by Jamie Foxx, and prevent a disaster.
While “White House Down” is primarily an action movie, it plays with themes of patriotism, sacrifice, and the significance of the presidency in American culture. Its depiction of the White House and presidential protocol may take liberties for the sake of drama, but the film also serves as a fun, albeit exaggerated, exploration of the resilience of American institutions in the face of threats.
Stream White House Down on Max
Recount
A dramatization of the polarizing 2000 U.S. presidential election, “Recount” tells the tale of the tight race and subsequent recount in Florida that decided the outcome between George W. Bush and Al Gore. The film follows the legal battles, the political strategizing, and the personal struggles of those involved in the recount process.
In many ways, it’s an examination of when the political polarization of the United States truly started to hit new heights. “Recount” is lauded for its detailed and balanced portrayal of one of the most contentious elections in U.S. history. The film sheds light on the complexities of the electoral system, the legal challenges of voting recounts, and the profound impact of the election on American democracy. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of every vote and the fragility of electoral integrity.