We live in uncertain times. For once, I’m not talking about COVID-19, but the other thing we can’t escape: politics. You know the drama I’m talking about. So as Congress takes up the second impeachment of President Trump, you may be wondering if Washington has ever really worked. Have we always been as divided as we are now?
All signs point to yes. And so do the movies. What does one watch as the world burns? You might feel the need to escape with lighter fare, but perhaps you want to stream something that rises to the moment. We came up with a list of films and shows that do just that. Many come from happier, more innocent times—or at least times we thought were happier—but they are all damn-fine entertainment.
National Treasure (Disney+)
Okay, it’s not really political, but National TreasureNational Treasure is all about American history being used to hide/protect the most amazing treasure of all. Plus, it’s got Nicolas Cage.
All the President’s Men (HBO Max)
Redford and Hoffman as Woodward and Bernstein. It’s a legendary movie about a time we thought corruption in government had reach its nadir. (Spoiler: it hadn’t.)
Frost/Nixon (Peacock)
Want more Nixon? Check out Frank Langella as the man himself, a president who did the crime but didn’t do the time. Frost/NixonFrost/Nixon is about his eventual TV interview with David Frost (Michael Sheen), which served as a sort of televised trial by fire.
Vice (Hulu)
The idea that whatever the president does isn’t illegal—unitary executive theory—that Nixon kicked off went into high gear under the watch of Vice President Dick Cheney. Vice takes a few liberties to tell the tale with Christian Bale as Cheney.
Watchmen (HBO)
When you need a break, go back and read the original 1980s graphic novel, then tune into the HBO limited series that serves as a direct sequel. It’s got plenty of harrowing real US history, like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921, and couples it with the fictional tales of Tulsa race problems in 2019 in a world where superheroes (some with actual super powers) exist.
Independence Day (HBO)
You want a president we can all get behind? In 1996’s Independence DayIndependence Day—famed for depicting an alien attack on the White House—it’s Bill Pullman, and his speech (above) that stirs the fight for freedom is the kind of speech we all need sometimes.
The American President (Netflix)
Aaron Sorkin’s script powers this tale of presidential love directed by Rob Reiner. Michael Douglas is the commander-in-chief trying to date lobbyist Annette Bening, because who wouldn’t? Check out roles for other greats like Michael J. Fox and Martin Sheen.
Mad Max: Fury Road (HBO Max)
Arguably the best action film of the last decade, Fury RoadFury Road is not really about Max. More to the point, I’m not going to tell you who villain Immortan Joe resembles. You can decide that for yourself.
Wag the Dog (rental)
This comedy will make you think…and maybe cry. Barry Levinson’s Wag the DogWag the Dog is about how a spin doctor and Hollywood director deflect a presidential scandal by fabricating a war.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (rental)
Jimmy Stewart was always a national treasure, but maybe even more so as the fledgling senator in Mr. Smith Goes to WashingtonMr. Smith Goes to Washington, his first with director Frank Capra (they later did It’s a Wonderful Life). You want to know what it takes to do a real filibuster? Watch this film.
Lincoln (rental)
Spielberg directed Daniel Day Lewis as the most beloved of all our presidents, but LincolnLincoln the movie reveals that Lincoln the man wasn’t as loved back then, certainly not by the rest of Washington. The machinations it took to pass the 13th Amendment to abolish slavery were seemingly insurmountable as the Civil War raged—but it had to happen before the country was reunified.
