Hollywood has a genuine understanding of the appeal of putting stories of historical figures on the big screen. The innate human desire to look beyond the surface, to pull the curtain of power and prominence, to get a small taste of what fueled the drive and shaped the stories of our iconic leaders is strong enough. And for audiences, perhaps no figures tap into the collective curiosity like a nation’s presidents.
Biopics that bring influential and controversial presidents down to a human scale are truly fascinating to watch. But while some cinematic masterpieces take liberties with historical facts for the sake of dramas, others are meticulously researched works that do justice to the personal and political reality of a leader. These true-to-life biopics like Game Change and Lincoln have been celebrated for shedding light on the private struggles, the relationships, the influence on history, and the triumphs and mistakes of the presidents and key individuals around them.
These 7 biopics about U.S. presidents are both entertaining and historically accurate.
7 Barry (2016)
In Barry, we are transported to the 1980s, where a young Barack Obama, known as Barry, arrives in New York City to attend Columbia University. Initially drawn into and engaged in university life, he soon experiences struggles with identity, race, and belonging. Barry’s journey is aided by a diverse group of friends, his budding romance with Charlotte, and his efforts to bridge the gap between his mixed heritage and the expectations placed upon him. With extreme precision, the movie paints a picture of a man on the cusp of greatness.
A Glimpse Into Obama’s Formative Years
Director Vikram Gandhi taps beautifully into the personal journey behind one of the most influential public figures. Barry succeeds not only because of the factual accuracy but also by infusing warmth and humanity into the titular character’s early struggles to reconcile his career and his values. Devon Terrell’s performance as Barry is both compelling and empathetic.
Additionally, the historical details like the essence of 1980s New York, the socio-political climate of the time, the classroom debates, and the basketball court where Barry spent most of his free time, make the movie more immersive. Sure, it doesn’t do much to showcase the transformation of a young man into the future president, but it’s still very thoughtful.
6 Thirteen Days (2000)
Kevin Costner leads an all-star cast in a movie that chronicles the harrowing Cuban Missile Crisis negotiations under the administration of President John F. Kennedy. Thirteen Days plunges viewers into the tense 13-day standoff in October 1962 that brought the world to the brink of a nuclear war. With action unfolding on both sides, Kennedy, his brother Robert, and their trusted advisor Kenny O’Donnell navigate the treacherous waters of diplomacy and military strategy and try to find a way to defuse the situation without triggering something that cannot be turned back away from.
An Edge-of-Your-Seat Political Thriller
Thirteen Days authentically and meticulously recreates the high-stakes decision-making process during the 13 days that America stood on the precipice. It is perfectly poised between being a drama and a documentary under Roger Donaldson’s masterful interweaving of historical events. The movie is greatly praised for its historical fidelity as it draws from declassified documents and firsthand accounts, as well as books written by Kennedy, Ernest R. May, and Philip D. Zelikow.
Costner, along with Bruce Greenwood and Steven Cult, bring to life the very complex and dedicated personalities of key figures involved in the event. The movie features the nerve-wracking meetings in the White House and the naval blockade of Cuba with accuracy and proves biopics are effective in teaching meaningful lessons about history while also keeping things suspenseful.
Best Biopics Ever Made, Ranked
The silver screen is a faithful servant to good biographical films, as the genre is undisputedly the darling of both the Academy Awards and Hollywood.
5 W. (2008)
Oliver Stone’s W. is a complete and unvarnished look at the ambition and insecurities of George W. Bush as he rose to his presidency. The movie opens with him as a son seeking to escape his father’s shadow, his college days at Yale, where he struggles with his identity, and the extreme expectations set by his father.
The narrative then transitions into his career missteps, his transformation into a born-again Christian after he gives up alcohol and smooths his relationship with his father, as well as his turbulent but eventual political rise. While his story still divides people, W. gives modern history an unforgettable human face.
Timely and Tumultuous as the Actual History Itself
W. was released in 2008, which was also when Bush’s term ended. It follows a non-linear structure of storytelling and features crucial moments from Bush’s life, such as his decision to run for Texas governor, his controversial presidential campaign of 2000, and the decisions leading up to the Iraq War.
Stone, as usual, directs with provocation, showcasing his determination to let audiences understand both the responsibilities and consequences associated with wielding the nation’s highest office. Though opinionated and somber in its message, the movie is intriguing and thrilling at all times. Josh Brolin disappears into Bush seamlessly, matching his nuance and troubles accurately.
4 All the Way (2016)
Starring Bryan Cranston, the HBO film follows Lyndon B. Johnson’s first year as president following the assassination of John F. Kennedy. All the Way is directed by Jay Roach and is based on Robert Schenkkan’s 2012 play of the same name, and at the core of the movie are Johnson’s efforts to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This larger-than-life personality and strategic maneuvering leads him to gain support from both Northern liberals and Southern Democrats. At the same time, Johnson deals with the escalating Vietnam War.
Looks at Greatness and Its Limits
Hailed by critics as an “engrossing portrayal of a complicated man during a pivotal moment in US history,” All the Way is a must-watch for fans of biopics. It is celebrated for its accuracy, for capturing the dynamic era and Johnson’s landslide victory in the 1964 presidential election.
Cranston delivers an uncanny performance as LBJ opposite Melissa Leo, Anthony Mackie, and Frank Langella. He inhabits the 43rd President in all his eloquence and vulnerability to show the backroom dealings, the confrontations with Martin Luther King Jr., and the strategic discussions with advisors with respect to the narrative. Overall, the movie manages to paint a legacy in its two-hour runtime.
3 Game Change (2012)
Also directed by Jay Roach, Game Change takes viewers behind the scenes of the 2008 U.S. presidential election. The main focus is on Senator John McCain and his decision to select Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate. Opening with the Republican strategist Steve Schmidt being interviewed about the campaign, it takes a fly-on-the-wall approach to recreate the private debates and doubts looming within the campaign, the initial excitement and subsequent challenges of Palin’s candidacy. As Palin’s lack of preparation becomes apparent, the campaign comes into national spotlight.
An Intimate and Unsettling Case Study
Because it is adapted from actual documentation of the campaign as mentioned in a 2010 book written by political journalists Mark Halperin and John Heilemann, Game Change is able to offer a candid look at the dynamics that formed the 2008 elections. Julianne Moore plays Sarah Palin; she is both captivating and vulnerable.
Critics note the depiction as a “sharp-edged but not unsympathetic portrait of a flawed heroine, colored more in pity than in admiration.” Woody Harrelson and Ed Harris are equally powerful as Schmidt and McCain respectively. The movie’s direction and screenplay ensure a balance between drama and historical accuracy and ultimately win praise and accolades.
2 Nixon (1995)
An epic biographical drama directed by Oliver Stone, Nixon offers a comprehensive look at the life and career of Richard Nixon. It kicks off with his humble Quaker upbringing and culminates with his eventual disgrace, capturing his early political ambitions as well as his resignation following the Watergate scandal. Nixon makes sure to portray the former U.S. president as a complex and deeply flawed personality through his inner turmoil and determination to succeed. The narrative is interesting because it provides a detailed account of all the crucial events of his political journey.
A Groundbreaking Deconstruction of Nixon
It does not go without saying that a person’s obsession with power and greatness can corrode them from within. The careful and meticulous production design of Stone’s movie tries to pass this age-old message on. It digs into perhaps the most multidimensional president’s psyche with nuance and empathy, but also remembers to balance his achievements with his flaws.
In a way, Nixon challenges viewers to unsolve the riddle of how a man so brilliant could spiral into darkness. The film’s accuracy is bolstered by its use of real-life footage and attention to detail. Anthony Hopkins plays Nixon and the supporting cast includes Joan Allen, James Woods, Ed Harris, Annabeth Gish, Marley Shelton, and more.
1 Lincoln (2012)
Set during Abraham Lincoln’s final months in office, Stephen Spielberg’s award-winning masterpiece focuses on the President’s efforts to pass the Thirteenth Amendment to abolish slavery. The movie opens in January 1865, with the Civil War nearing its end and Lincoln appeared determined in his fight to secure the amendment’s passing before peace is declared.
Daniel Day-Lewis inhabits the role of the 16th President with gravitas and illuminates his compassionate yet unforgiving mindset. His political schemes, his interactions with important figures, and his historic vote that changed America forever are all portrayed in Lincoln.
A Masterpiece of Historical Storytelling
Lincoln garnered universal praise and box office success for its soulful and intimate glimpse into Lincoln, the leader, and Lincoln, the man. Spielberg’s direction, combined with Tony Kushner’s screenplay, combined with Day-Lewis’ performance, made sure a compelling and unforgettable movie was being served to the audiences. Despite the heavy subject matter, Spielberg finds moments of humor and heart, wit and strategy, ultimately creating a movie that educates but not glorifies its subject.
Lincoln won Day-Lewis an Academy Award for Best Actor, as well as Best Production Design. It was nominated for seven Golden Globe Awards and won two, including Best Director for Spielberg and Best Actor for Day-Lewis.
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