Movies About Watergate

From Errol Morris, starring Robert McNamara, John F. Kennedy, Fidel Castro, Richard Nixon
Rated PG-13

The Fog of War is a 2003 documentary film directed by Errol Morris, chronicling the life and times of former United States Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara. Using archival footage, interviews, and McNamara’s own words, the film examines McNamara’s career, including his tenure as Secretary of Defense during the Vietnam War. It also covers his involvement in the World War II fire-bombing of Tokyo, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the use of Agent Orange in Vietnam. Throughout the film, McNamara reflects on his experience and the mistakes he made, offering his insight and wisdom for future generations.

From Alan J. Pakula, starring Dustin Hoffman, Robert Redford, Jack Warden, Martin Balsam
Rated PG

All the President's Men is a 1976 political thriller, directed by Alan J. Pakula, and starring Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford. The film follows Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward (Redford) and Carl Bernstein (Hoffman) as they investigate the involvement of President Richard Nixon in the Watergate scandal. The two journalists uncover a massive cover up that leads to Nixon's resignation. The film is based on the true story of their investigation and the events that followed. It is a tense and thrilling exploration of the power of investigative journalism and its ability to challenge the highest office in the land.

From Ron Howard, starring Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Kevin Bacon, Sam Rockwell
Rated R

Frost/Nixon is a 2008 film directed by Ron Howard, starring Frank Langella and Michael Sheen. The film is based on the play of the same name by Peter Morgan and chronicles the historic interviews between British talk-show host David Frost and former U.S. President Richard Nixon. In 1977, Frost convinced Nixon to appear on his show and allow him to ask questions about the Watergate scandal. The interviews lasted four days, and Nixon attempted to evade Frost's questions and deny his involvement in the scandal. Frost ultimately persisted and his interviews with Nixon were seen by millions of people and helped to crystallize public opinion of the disgraced president. The film follows both men as they prepare for the interviews and ultimately face off in a battle of wills. Frost/Nixon was met with critical acclaim, earning a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. The film also won several other awards, including several BAFTAs, a Golden Globe, and several Critics' Choice awards.

From Directors: Judith Ehrlich, Rick Goldsmith, starring Peter Arnett, Ben Bagdikian, Ann Beeson, John Dean
Rated Not Rated

The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers is a documentary about the life of Daniel Ellsberg, a former military analyst who went on to become a whistle-blower and reveal to the public the details of the United States government’s involvement in the Vietnam War. It follows Ellsberg's life from his time in the military to his role in leaking the Pentagon Papers to the public, which revealed the truth about the government's actions in the Vietnam War. The film examines Ellsberg's motivations for leaking such sensitive information, the repercussions of his actions, and how it impacted government policies and citizens alike. It also serves as a reminder of the power of individuals to make a difference, no matter the cost, and the importance of free speech in a democracy.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Sarah Paulson, Bob Odenkirk
Rated PG-13

From Rob Reiner, starring Woody Harrelson, Michael Stahl-David, Richard Jenkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh
Rated R

From Peter Landesman, starring Liam Neeson, Diane Lane, Marton Csokas, Tony Goldwyn
Rated PG-13