Movies About Politics

From Stars: Dominic West, Lance Reddick, Sonja Sohn, Wendell Pierce, starring
Rated TV-MA

The Wire is an American crime drama television series created and primarily written by author and former police reporter David Simon. Set and produced in Baltimore, Maryland, the series aired for five seasons on HBO from June 2, 2002 to March 9, 2008. It is often regarded as one of the greatest television series of all time. The Wire follows a range of characters including Baltimore police officers, drug dealers, drug addicts, and politicians, as they navigate the complexities of the Baltimore drug scene, the legal system, and their personal lives. The ensemble cast consists of Dominic West, Lance Reddick, Sonja Sohn, and Wendell Pierce, among many others. With a focus on gritty realism, the series explores how the illegal drug trade, law enforcement, and politics interact in the fictional city of Baltimore. The show's narrative also touches on the lives of everyday citizens, and how they are realistically affected by the war on drugs.

From Stars: David McCullough, Sam Waterston, Julie Harris, Jason Robards, starring
Rated TV-14

The Civil War is a nine-part documentary series directed by Ken Burns which aired on PBS in 1990. The series follows the major events of the American Civil War, from the causes of the war and the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, to the Gettysburg Address and the surrender at Appomattox. The series features interviews with noted historians, archival photographs, and footage from battlefields and reenactments. It stars David McCullough, Sam Waterston, Julie Harris, and Jason Robards as the narrators. The series was a critical and popular success, winning several Primetime Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award. It is considered one of the most important documentaries on the subject.

From Stars: Martin Sheen, Rob Lowe, Allison Janney, John Spencer, starring
Rated TV-14

The West Wing is a 1999 American political drama television series created by Aaron Sorkin that ran for seven seasons from 1999 to 2006. The show's main cast includes Martin Sheen as President Josiah Bartlet, Rob Lowe as Deputy White House Chief of Staff Sam Seaborn, Allison Janney as White House Press Secretary C.J. Cregg, and John Spencer as White House Chief of Staff Leo McGarry. The show focuses on the fictional President Bartlet and his senior staff as they manage and respond to political and social issues in the United States. The show won several awards including the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series for four consecutive years and has since become a classic and is widely considered one of the greatest television series of all time.

From Stars: Derek Jacobi, John Hurt, Siân Phillips, Brian Blessed, starring
Rated Not Rated

I, Claudius is a 1976 BBC television adaptation of Robert Graves’s acclaimed novel of ancient Rome. The film follows the career of the Roman emperor, Claudius, from his childhood as an outcast of the Julio-Claudian dynasty through his rise to power as emperor. The film chronicles the corruption, debauchery and the bloody intrigues of the Roman Empire through the eyes of Claudius, a stuttering and seemingly foolish imperial outsider. The film stars Derek Jacobi as Claudius, John Hurt as Caligula, Siân Phillips as Livia and Brian Blessed as Augustus. With an all-star cast and superb production, I, Claudius is one of the most acclaimed television series of all time and won numerous BAFTA awards. The series paints a vivid picture of the political scheming, violence and immorality of the Roman Empire and remains a classic of the genre.

From Stars: Chris Addison, James Smith, Peter Capaldi, Joanna Scanlan, starring
Rated TV-MA

The Thick of It is a 2005 political satire comedy film directed by Armando Iannucci and stars Chris Addison, James Smith, Peter Capaldi, and Joanna Scanlan. The film follows the daily lives of a group of government officials, civil servants, and spin doctors, as they attempt to navigate the ever-shifting landscape of modern politics. As they try to manage their chaotic lives, they must contend with the machinations of their superior, Malcolm Tucker (Capaldi), whose razor-sharp wit and venomous outbursts are legendary. Through the course of the film, tensions continue to mount as the characters struggle to find balance in their personal and professional lives. The Thick of It is a hilarious and often painfully accurate portrait of the political circus.

From Stars: Paul Eddington, Nigel Hawthorne, Derek Fowlds, Diana Hoddinott, starring
Rated TV-PG

Yes Minister is a British political sitcom written by Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn that first aired in 1980. It follows the adventures of Jim Hacker, a politician who is appointed as the Minister for Administrative Affairs and his permanent secretary, Sir Humphrey Appleby. The show explores the conflict between Hacker and Appleby as they attempt to navigate the bureaucracy of the British government. Through their interactions, the show reveals the complexities of the British political process, satirizing the workings of Whitehall and the British Civil Service. The show also stars Paul Eddington, Nigel Hawthorne, Derek Fowlds, and Diana Hoddinott.

From Stars: Kevin McKidd, Ray Stevenson, Polly Walker, Kerry Condon, starring
Rated TV-MA

Rome (2005) is a historical drama created by HBO and directed by Allen Coulter. The film follows the lives of two soldiers in Julius Caesar's 13th Legion during the last days of the Roman Republic. Centurion Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd) and Legionary Titus Pullo (Ray Stevenson) become embroiled in the political and social turmoil of Rome as they witness the city's ultimate fall to the imperial rule of Augustus Caesar (Ciarán Hinds). Along their journey, they encounter a number of powerful individuals, including Mark Antony (James Purefoy), Octavian (Tobias Menzies), Cleopatra (Lyndsey Marshal), and Servilia (Polly Walker). The film is a sweeping epic that explores themes of politics, loyalty, and love in a grand and beautiful manner.

From Stars: Amy Poehler, Jim O'Heir, Nick Offerman, Chris Pratt, starring
Rated TV-14

Parks and Recreation is an American mockumentary sitcom television series created by Greg Daniels and Michael Schur. The series stars Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope, a perky, mid-level bureaucrat in the Parks Department of Pawnee, a fictional Indiana town. The ensemble and supporting cast features Jim O'Heir, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Aziz Ansari, Rashida Jones, Paul Schneider, Adam Scott, Rob Lowe, and Chris Pratt. The series follows Leslie as she tries to liven up the town of Pawnee and turn it into a better place to live. With the help of her friends, co-workers, and government officials, Leslie works to make her dreams come true. Throughout the series, Leslie and the rest of the cast experience the highs and lows of their careers and relationships as they tackle issues ranging from the mundane to the important. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons about themselves, their relationships with each other, and the importance of their work in the community.

From Stars: Paul Eddington, Nigel Hawthorne, Derek Fowlds, Diana Hoddinott, starring
Rated TV-PG

Yes, Prime Minister is a British political comedy television series that ran from 1986 to 1988, starring Paul Eddington, Nigel Hawthorne, Derek Fowlds, and Diana Hoddinott. The series follows the political career of Prime Minister Jim Hacker (Eddington) and his cabinet, who must contend with numerous crises, both domestic and international. Along with his Chief Secretary and Cabinet Secretary, Hacker must also contend with the powerful Permanent Secretary Sir Humphrey Appleby (Hawthorne) and his underling Bernard Woolley (Fowlds). The series humorously satirizes the British government and its processes, as well as the party politics of the time.

From Stars: Jeff Daniels, Emily Mortimer, John Gallagher Jr., Alison Pill, starring
Rated TV-MA

The Newsroom is a 2012 HBO drama series created by Aaron Sorkin and starring Jeff Daniels, Emily Mortimer, John Gallagher Jr. and Alison Pill. The show follows the staff of the fictional Atlantis Cable News (ACN) and centers on anchor Will McAvoy (Daniels), his executive producer MacKenzie McHale (Mortimer), producer Jim Harper (Gallagher Jr.), and associate producer Maggie Jordan (Pill). The series follows the staff of the newsroom and their professional and personal lives as they work to deliver hard-hitting news stories. Through the chaotic and often thrilling journey, the staff must balance their personal lives with their professional responsibilities as they strive to produce a nightly news broadcast, and to maintain the integrity of their newsroom.

From Stars: Robert Lindsay, Michael Palin, Dearbhla Molloy, Alan Igbon, starring

G.B.H. (1991) is a political satire directed by Alan Igbon. The film stars Robert Lindsay as Michael Murray, a headmaster at a school in Birmingham. Michael finds himself in the midst of a political power struggle between two powerful figures: the right-wing Lord Menham (Michael Palin) and the left-wing Labour politician, Marion Foster (Dearbhla Molloy). As their influence in the city grows, so does Michael's involvement in their conflict, and it becomes increasingly clear that his personal beliefs are very different from either party. The film follows Michael as he navigates the treacherous political landscape, trying to remain true to himself while still managing to survive. Along the way, he faces corruption, violence, and betrayal, as well as his own inner turmoil. In the end, Michael must make a choice between loyalty to his principles or loyalty to one of the two powerful politicians.

From Stars: Christopher Eccleston, Mark Strong, Gina McKee, Daniel Craig, starring
Rated TV-MA

Our Friends in the North is a 1996 BBC television serial examining the lives of four friends living in Newcastle upon Tyne in the north of England over a period of thirty years. Starting in 1964, the series follows Nicky (Christopher Eccleston), Geordie (Mark Strong), Tosker (Daniel Craig) and Mary (Gina McKee) as they experience the immense social, political and economic changes that take place in Britain during the second half of the 20th century. Along the way, they confront class divisions, racism, police corruption, the government's negligence of the North of England, the changing face of industry and the struggles of everyday life. Nearing the end of their journey, the characters face up to some of the difficult choices they have made and the consequences of those choices. Our Friends in the North is a powerful, poignant and ultimately uplifting exploration of friendship and growing up in Britain during the last half of the 20th century.

From Stars: Ian Richardson, Susannah Harker, Miles Anderson, Alphonsia Emmanuel, starring
Rated TV-14

House of Cards is a 1990 British drama film directed by Michael Wilson. It stars Ian Richardson as Francis Urquhart, a scheming chief whip of the Conservative Party, who, after being passed over for promotion to Cabinet Minister, devises a plot to unseat the party leader and become Prime Minister. Urquhart, who is also the narrator of the film, uses blackmail and manipulation to achieve his aims. Along the way, he is aided by his mistress, played Susannah Harker, and his assistant, played by Miles Anderson. Also featuring is Alphonsia Emmanuel as Urquhart's loyal housekeeper. The film is adapted from the novel by Michael Dobbs, who later wrote the novel that served as the basis for the popular Netflix series of the same name.

From Stars: Sidse Babett Knudsen, Birgitte Hjort Sørensen, Søren Malling, Lisbeth Wulff, starring
Rated TV-14

Borgen is a Danish political drama series that follows the first female Prime Minister of Denmark, Birgitte Nyborg Christensen. She is forced to juggle her political career with the demands of her family and personal life. She is also faced with difficult moral choices as she attempts to hold on to her ideals and values while maneuvering through a world of power-hungry politicians and media. Along the way, she is supported by her spin doctor and mentor, Katrine Fønsmark, and her political opponent, Kasper Juul. As they try to navigate the treacherous waters of Danish politics, they must also contend with the changing landscape of public opinion and the media's obsession with scandal and superficiality.

From Stars: Paul Giamatti, Laura Linney, John Dossett, Stephen Dillane, starring
Rated TV-14

John Adams is a 2008 historical drama television miniseries directed by Tom Hooper. The seven-part series covers the life of one of America’s Founding Fathers, John Adams, beginning in 1770 and ending with his death in 1826. The series stars Paul Giamatti as John Adams, Laura Linney as Abigail Adams, John Dossett as Thomas Jefferson, and Stephen Dillane as Benjamin Franklin. The series follows Adams as he fights to establish the United States of America and his life as the first Vice President and second President of the United States. It also covers his involvement in the American Revolution, his political struggles, and his personal life.

From Stars: Lachy Hulme, David James, Neil Melville, Rob Sitch, starring

The Hollowmen is a 2008 Australian comedy-drama directed by Rob Sitch. The film follows six 'Hollowmen' – a disparate group of men in their mid-thirties who face the same dilemma: all of them feel like their lives lack any real meaning. When a chance encounter brings them all together, they form an unlikely bond, venting their frustrations and fears, sharing their stories, and ultimately, discovering their purpose in life. Starring Lachy Hulme, David James, Neil Melville, and Rob Sitch, The Hollowmen is a journey of self-discovery and friendship with a mix of humor and poignancy.

From Stars: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Tony Hale, Anna Chlumsky, Reid Scott, starring
Rated TV-MA

Veep is a 2012 HBO political satire series created by Armando Iannucci. The show stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus as US Vice President Selina Meyer and follows her life as she struggles to make her mark and leave a lasting legacy, without getting tripped up in the day-to-day political games that define Washington D.C. The show also stars Tony Hale as Meyer's personal aide Gary Walsh, Anna Chlumsky as Meyer's chief of staff Amy Brookheimer, and Reid Scott as Dan Egan, a sharp-tongued political strategist. Throughout the series, the team deals with a variety of issues, from foreign policy to painful public relations gaffes, as they attempt to make their mark on the world.

From Stars: Andrew Hansen, Dominic Knight, Chas Licciardello, Julian Morrow, starring

The Chaser Decides is a 2004 Australian mockumentary directed by Andrew Hansen, Dominic Knight, Chas Licciardello, and Julian Morrow. It follows the satirical team of The Chaser as they campaign for a fictitious political party, the "Euthanasia Friendly Party" in the 2004 Australian federal election. Through a combination of comedy, stunts and political satire, the team attempts to gain traction against their opponents. Along the way, they examine the nature of politics, media, and the role of comedy in politics. Through their journey, they encounter politicians from all major parties, as well as members of the public, and the media. Through their campaign, they hope to shed light on the absurdity of modern politics and its effect on the public.

From Stars: John Simm, David Morrissey, Kelly Macdonald, Bill Nighy, starring
Rated TV-14

State of Play is a 2003 British drama film directed by David Yates. The film stars John Simm, David Morrissey, Kelly Macdonald, and Bill Nighy. The film focuses on investigative journalists Stephen Collins (John Simm) and Cal McCaffrey (David Morrissey) who make a dangerous alliance in order to unravel a mystery involving a powerful corporation and the death of a young congressman's mistress. The story is set against the backdrop of a political scandal, and the two journalists must use their wits, contacts, and resources to uncover the truth. As their investigation unfolds, the two men soon discover that the mystery goes much deeper than they initially thought, and their lives are put in danger as they come closer to the truth. With the help of a young researcher (Kelly Macdonald) and a veteran editor (Bill Nighy), they are determined to get to the bottom of the story and uncover the truth.

From Stars: Julianna Margulies, Chris Noth, Josh Charles, Matt Czuchry, starring
Rated TV-14

The Good Wife is a 2009 drama film directed by Julianna Margulies, Chris Noth, Josh Charles and Matt Czuchry. The story follows Alicia Florrick (Julianna Margulies), a wife and mother who has been forced to go back to work as a litigator at a prestigious Chicago law firm after her husband Peter (Chris Noth) is sent to prison and disgraced in the wake of a very public sex and political corruption scandal. With her children growing up and her work life suddenly becoming the focus of her life, Alicia must try to balance her personal life with the demands of her career while also dealing with her estranged husband and her new life in the public eye. With the help of her mentor Will Gardner (Josh Charles) and co-worker Cary Agos (Matt Czuchry), Alicia must navigate her new life, defending her clients, fighting for justice and trying to restore the reputation of her family.

From Stars: Roman Wilhelmi, Grazyna Barszczewska, Bronislaw Pawlik, Leonard Pietraszak, starring

Kariera Nikodema Dyzmy (1980) is a Polish comedy-drama film directed by Juliusz Machulski and starring Roman Wilhelmi, Grazyna Barszczewska, Bronislaw Pawlik, and Leonard Pietraszak. The movie follows Nikodem Dyzma, a poor, uneducated man from a small village who suddenly finds himself in the company of highly influential and powerful people. Through a series of humorous, surreal and farcical events, he rises to a prominent position in the business world. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about life, and the importance of being true to oneself. With its witty dialogue and colorful characters, Kariera Nikodema Dyzmy is a heartwarming story about an unlikely hero and his unlikely rise to success.

From Stars: Ian Richardson, Michael Kitchen, Kitty Aldridge, Colin Jeavons, starring

To Play the King is a 1993 British political drama television serial directed by Paul Seed and starring Ian Richardson, Michael Kitchen, Kitty Aldridge, and Colin Jeavons. The series is the second in the trilogy of House of Cards based on Michael Dobbs' novels, and continues the story of Francis Urquhart (Richardson), the chief whip of the Conservative Party. Urquhart is now Prime Minister, but is forced to face a new challenge when the King (Jeavons) attempts to restore some of the power his office has lost over the centuries. Urquhart must use all his skills and manipulation to remain in power and prevent the King from becoming the most powerful figure in the country. The series highlights the corruption and intrigue of British politics, and the lengths a Prime Minister has to go to stay in power.

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

The Powers That Be is a 1992 American comedy-drama film directed by Stars John Forsythe, Holland Taylor, Eve Gordon, and Peter MacNicol. The film follows the story of a powerful Senator, played by John Forsythe, and his family in Washington, DC. The Senator's daughter, played by Eve Gordon, is an idealistic young woman who is determined to make a difference in the world. However, her father's conservative views clash with her progressive ideas, leading to tension in the household. Meanwhile, the Senator's wife, played by Holland Taylor, is a power broker in Washington, and is constantly trying to maintain her husband's political career. Peter MacNicol plays the Senator's aide and loyal friend who assists him in navigating the political arena. As the Senator's career and family life become increasingly more complicated, he must find a way to balance his career and family in order to protect the ones he loves.

From Stars: Geoff Morrell, Zoe Carides, John Clayton, Rhondda Findleton, starring

Grass Roots is a 2000 Australian comedy-drama film directed by Geoff Morrell and starring Zoe Carides, John Clayton, and Rhondda Findleton. The film follows the story of a young, recently divorced journalist from Melbourne who moves to a small rural town in New South Wales in order to write an article about the state of local government. However, upon his arrival he finds himself getting caught up in the lives of the locals, who are trying to save the town from developers who want to convert it into a tourist destination. In the end, the journalist discovers how his own personal problems are linked to the fate of the town, and with the help of the locals, he is able to help save it.

From Stars: Ray McAnally, Marjorie Yates, Geoffrey Beevers, Keith Allen, starring
Rated Not Rated

A Very British Coup is a political drama film directed by Mick Jackson and based on the novel by Chris Mullin. It is set in Britain in the early 1980s, and follows the story of Harry Perkins (Ray McAnally), a Labour Party leader who is elected Prime Minister on a platform of sweeping social and economic reforms. Once in power, Perkins finds himself facing fierce opposition from powerful forces in the British establishment, who use all their resources—including the media, the security services and the military—to bring down his government. As the government battles for survival, Perkins must decide how far he is willing to go to protect the reforms he believes will shape Britain's future. With a star-studded cast, including Marjorie Yates, Geoffrey Beevers and Keith Allen, A Very British Coup is a gripping political thriller that puts the spotlight on the power and influence of the British establishment.