The past two decades have been characterized by globalization and increasingly polarized politics. Fortunately, with these politics came a wave of films drawing on 21st-century challenges. Some have provided skewering accounts of American involvement in global politics, using our current context to reflect on historical events. Others have used historical events to speak to our current political climate. Many draw on age-old political themes, like greed, corruption, and ambition. However, the internet age has also allowed these films to bleed over into real-world politics, causing real controversy and consequences.
After 9/11, the tone became significantly heavier, while patriotism soared and interest grew in geopolitical movies painting America as "the good guy." Terrorism, previously seen as a vague threat, became a defining force in action movies during this period. 24 soared in the TV ratings. Some films, like 2002's The Bourne Identity, even reshoot scenes to make the CIA appear less villainous. More nuanced depictions of the US' political role in the Middle East would come around the 2010s.
The past 6 years have seen the rise of a darker, often absurdist and satirical tone (as in Vice or Don't Look Up), as a wave of national populism and international disasters stain previously rosy pictures of those in power. This is only exacerbated by mounting tensions overseas over ongoing wars and conflicts, environmental concerns, and economic uncertainty, which have also begun to seep into a new wave of political films.
Whether they are based on domestic or global politics, many political films of the 21st century have often shone a mirror on who we are as a country and as a people. How will these recent political movies stand the test of time? Let's look at some of the greatest films to tackle politics in the 21st century, so far.
10 The Ides of March (2012)
- Release Date
- September 24, 2011
George Clooney's thriller about fictional campaign politics hits home thanks to its solid performances and timeless themes. Based on Farragut North, a play by Beau Willimon, it takes place during the Democratic primary in Ohio. It follows the early stages of a presidential campaign from the point of view of its press secretary as he falls prey to hubris and corruption.
View of Politics From the Press
The title references both the timing of the primary and the assassination of Julius Caesar, which was famous evidence of how even the most beloved, idealistic leaders can fall victim to their own pride. The blockbuster cast, including Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, and Marissa Tomei, helps compensate for its somewhat clichéd plot.
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9 Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (2020)
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
- Release Date
- October 23, 2020
How can you continue to make brilliant political satire when the political climate has become a satire of itself? Simply take out a camera and shoot. However, it helps if you add Sasha Baron Cohen as the beloved Kazakh, Borat, and newcomer Maria Bakalova in an incredible performance as his estranged daughter. Jason Woliner's second controversial "moviefilm" in the Borat series toes the line between farce, prank video, and mockumentary.
Making a Mockumentary of US Politics
It's raunchy and unforgettable, skewering American politics scene after scene. There's Rudy Giuliani being infamously duped and the hilarious "blood moon dance," among other horrors. Yes, the plot is contrived, but it's a shocking, if appalling, product of America's increasingly absurd journey into new political territory.
8 Argo (2013)
- Release Date
- October 12, 2012
Argo epitomizes the increased interest during the 2010s concerning America's role in the Middle East. While firmly rooted in the true story of how the CIA used the cover of a fake Hollywood sci-fi film to extract hostages from Iran, it takes a more complex view of the 1979 crisis, providing meaningful context around why anti-American sentiment existed in Iran in the first place.
Exploring Diplomatic Tensions with Award-Winning Wit
The stranger-than-fiction story makes for a fascinating portrayal of the political and diplomatic tensions of the time, all directed by its star, Ben Affleck. Its perfect blend of tension, humor, politics, and entertainment brought Washington DC and Hollywood together, especially when it won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
7 Milk (2008)
The biopic Milk by Gus van Sant tells the story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected to public office. Milk arrived in San Francisco expecting a gay refuge, but found prejudice and police raids running rampant. While Milk's undying devotion to activism drove many in his personal life away, it led to real change in his city. He was willing to go toe to toe with anyone, delivering fiery speeches and forging alliances in unlikely places.
A Remarkable Life Led by Activism and Patriotism
Sean Penn's performance drives the film. In his hands, Harvey is an imperfect idealist who will do everything he can for his community. While the story ends in tragedy, it is ultimately one of triumph, with one man speaking fearlessly on behalf of a downtrodden community. You can rent Milk on Apple TV, Prime Video, or YouTube.
6 Frost/Nixon (2008)
- Release Date
- October 15, 2008
Ron Howard's entry into the crowded field of movies about Watergate focused on the aftermath of Richard Nixon's resignation, fictionalizing the famous interviews between reporter David Frost (the unparalleled Michael Sheen) and the scandalized ex-president (Frank Langella).
Shining New Light on a Historic Moment in Politics
Frost/Nixon garnered praise and award nominations for its complex portrayal of the relationship between Frost and Nixon (or journalism and politics), lending a degree of humanity to the president who had long since become a cartoonish villain of American culture. It provides a much-needed layer of perspective on Nixon as a figure in American politics because, beyond being a monumental political scandal, Watergate was the act of a deeply insecure man wanting to be liked and accepted by his country.
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5 Lincoln (2012)
- Release Date
- November 9, 2012
Spielberg's moving interpretation of the most revered president in American history was widely praised and will endure as one of the legendary director's finest films. Daniel Day Lewis plays Abraham Lincoln, bringing him to life as more than the hero of our history textbooks.
A Stunning Portrait of a Beloved President
Spielberg focuses on a short period in Lincoln's presidency as the Civil War nears its end. Meanwhile, the president faces a civil war of his own, trying desperately to tamp down infighting and rally votes for a constitutional amendment ensuring the end of slavery. At home, he struggles with the death of his son Willie, worried he will lose another son to the war. Lincoln meditates on what made the leader such an effective master of the era's politics, even as he battled his own demons.
4 Selma (2014)
- Release Date
- December 25, 2014
Ava DuVernay's drama Selma centers on one of the greatest political minds of American history, Martin Luther King Jr. David Oyelowo plays the icon as he fights for voting rights, meeting with leaders and orchestrating the famous March from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama that would become a defining moment in the civil rights movement.
The Perfect Movie to Capture One of the Greatest Political Minds
Selma's thesis remains prescient: we can't just sit back and wait. True change comes only with sacrifice, vigilance, and political engagement. DuVernay explores the internal workings of Dr. King's life, including his marriage to Coretta Scott (Carmen Ejogo), who is shown as a political player in her own right. Of course, there is the unforgettable climax, "Bloody Sunday" on the Edmund Pettis Bridge, shot with perfect historical precision and excruciating tension.
3 The Death of Stalin (2018)
- Release Date
- October 20, 2017
"Yeah, he's feeling unwell, clearly," Beria (Simon Russell Beale) says, gesturing at Stalin's dead body. Entertaining, unexpectedly timely, and above all hilarious, the 2018 comedy The Death of Stalin transported viewers back to the 1950s Soviet Union in the immediate aftermath of Stalin's death.
Dark Humor for a Dark Period in History
It comes from the razor-witted Armando Iannucci, creator of foul-mouthed political comedies The Thick of It and Veep, and the view it takes of those in power is no less cynical and eviscerating. The callous tone and dark humor (and bleak ending) caught some viewers off guard but were the perfect way to approach the political scrambling following one of the bloodiest reigns in history. Additionally, Steve Buscemi is unsurprisingly incredible as a scheming, smarmy Russian politician. You can stream The Death of Stalin on AMC+, Mubi, or Kanopy.
2 Leviathan (2014)
Despite its name, this Russian drama directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev is the story of small-town politics and one man's struggle against a crooked mayor who wants his land. That said, it carries the gravity of universal struggles with corrupt authority and understands that the political system (no matter how small) can appear to be a destructive, monstrous Leviathan. Though it's set in modern Russia, it's inspired by the relatable story of an American car mechanic (whose vehicle was named by the press as Killdozer) who demolished the town hall after a zoning dispute with local authorities.
The Importance of Fighting Corruption on All Levels
The film's scathing critique of corruption under Putin's government faced real blowback in Russia, where it was panned and demonized. The cinematography dwarfs its protagonist, a small man facing a vast, oppressive landscape. The monster in the film's title, drawn from the Book of Job, references authoritarianism that seizes rights and property until nothing remains. This is a stunning political masterpiece. You can rent Leviathan on Apple TV, Prime Video, or YouTube.
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1 Reality (2023)
- Release Date
- May 29, 2023
- Director
- Tina Satter
Taking a unique approach to exploring the leaked classified information regarding Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. elections, Reality used creative techniques like scrubbing audio to represent redacted information, showing censorship in real time as it played out the interrogation of Reality Winner (taken from the actual transcripts). The movie gives a rather intense yet intimate account of the events that led up to the discovery that Winner had leaked classified documents, leading to her prison sentence.
An Accurate Retelling of a Historic Leak
The film was praised for its partisan approach to the subject, stepping away from the politics behind the incident and focusing on the actions and fallout that Reality Winner experienced. Sydney Sweeney's acting here is spot on and embeds a lot of emotion into the somewhat dry reading of transcripts mixed with light dramatic elements. Reality is a perfect choice if you want a film that deals with a significant political event and is as close to the truth as possible.
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