10 Movies to Watch Before the Next Presidential Election

The President, the Media, Elections and Public Perception

By Pam Gaulin, published Oct 04, 2007
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Looking for some good comedies or dramas about the presidential election and the election process? Here are 10 movies to watch before the next presidential election. While some are serious dramas, there are no documentaries on this list. It also does not include TV shows like The West Wing.

Other movies which feature a prominent U.S. President character are also not included because the movie has not election slant. Some of those movies include Independence Day and Air Force One.

#10 - Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington has to receive a nod for being one of the first movies about an elected officials. While

#9 - The Dead Zone

The Dead Zone is one of the very few Stephen King movies that I will actually watch. When I first watched The Dead Zone, the impact of the presidential election plot had a profound impact on me. Christopher Walken gives one of his best performances in this must-see election year movie.

#8 - Welcome to Mooseport

Welcome to Mooseport is a low-key, fun comedy starring Gene Hackman and Ray Romano.

#7 - The American President

The American President is not higher on the list because I could never really buy Michael Douglas as the U.S. President. The American President is still a fun and entertaining comedy to watch during an election year.

#6 - Election

While Election is about a student election, it is still a good pick for a presidential election year. What will people do to get elected or become popular? How far will people lie and cheat to get what they want? You'll never disliked Reese Witherspoon as much as you will in Election. Matthew Broderick delivers a spot on performance as a pretty pathetic teacher. I won't give away anything else.

#5 - Dave

Why is Dave on the list? Because who doesn't need a good laugh during a presidential election year? Plus, Kevin Kline is always a joy to watch. In addition to being a fun movie, Dave also explore the concepts of bureaucracy, inflated government budgets, unemployment issues, and corruption. Sigourney Weaver plays a very graceful first lady.

#4 - All the President's Men

10 Movies to Watch Before the Next Presidential Election
10 Movies to Watch Before the Next Presidential Election

Primary Colors with John Travolta, Emma Thompson and Adrian Lester.

Credit: Award Entertainment

Copyright: Award Entertainment

Comments
Showing Comments 1 - 13 of 13
 
 
Oh yes, all my favorites! Each one carries its weight.

Posted on 01/19/2008 at 10:01:25 PM

 
Great list. Man of the Year is a must too :)

Posted on 10/25/2007 at 4:10:00 PM

 
This is definitely going to be a scary election. Thanks for the entertaining list.

Posted on 10/08/2007 at 7:10:00 AM

 
Some good choices but I'm with Donna.

Posted on 10/07/2007 at 7:10:00 PM

 
Great list.

Posted on 10/07/2007 at 10:10:00 AM

 
Good selection

Posted on 10/06/2007 at 8:10:00 AM

 
Incidentally, although dating back to the 70's, there are two that were highly regarded at the time. Robert Redford's "The Candidate" and Alan Alda's "Seduction of Joe Tynan" dealing with similar material.

Posted on 10/06/2007 at 7:10:00 AM

 
I love the ones I've seen and you've inspired me to want to see the rest.

Posted on 10/05/2007 at 1:10:00 PM

 
Good idea. I would add movies like "On The Beach", "Star Wars", "The Rise of Evil", and "Planet of the Apes" series. "Atlas Shrugged" would be good to watch as well, but it is not schedule for release until 2008, and who knows if it will ever get made at all. : >

Posted on 10/05/2007 at 9:10:00 AM

 
Tamera - I stayed away from documentaries for this list.

Posted on 10/05/2007 at 7:10:00 AM

 
Aside from the comedy, I thought Dave was also an interesting take on how someone could engineer a coup de'tat in the American political system. Which is what Frank Langella's character plans to do when stripped of all the dialogue.

Posted on 10/05/2007 at 6:10:00 AM

 
Seriously, you should consider seeing Aaron Russo's America Freedom to Fascism before the next election, and listen to Ron Paul's segment.

Posted on 10/04/2007 at 8:10:00 PM

 
Great selection - I was thinking Doomsday, End of Days ... etc. ;-P

Posted on 10/04/2007 at 5:10:00 PM

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