Tonight, America and the entire world will be tuning in to one thing and one thing only: The 2024 presidential election results, and all the other smaller elections around the United States this evening. It’s a stressful time, no matter what side of the political aisle you fall.
If you want to tap into the political drama without actually sitting around waiting for the votes to be counted, or you just want to distract yourself from the stress of it all, you might consider one of the following films. Sure, you’ll still be thinking about the election (there are probably more efficient ways of totally avoiding the subject) but you’ll be thinking about different elections, some fictional and others historical, instead. One great thing about movies that actual politics doesn’t have? We can actually find a bit of unity when it comes to enjoying great films. Politics may be the art of getting things done, but it comes at a terrible cost: Constant friction and division.
Let me know if you have a favorite election or political drama/thriller/comedy if yours isn’t on this list. Let’s dive right in!
1. Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
Vote for Pedro! While people might not consider Napoleon Dynamite to be a traditional political movie, it really is a modern classic and I have to include it on this list for the comic relief factor. People are stressed out about the 2024 election, and nothing eases stress like watching Jon Heder dance to Jamiroquai. (P.S. the trailer above is misleading—this is not an A24 film). Watch Napoleon Dynamite on Hulu.
2. All The President’s Men (1976)
The true story of Bob Woodward (Robert Redford) and Carl Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman) and the events leading up to the fall of Nixon isn’t exactly an election movie, but it feels more relevant than ever in a “post-truth” era. In some ways, the biggest political scandal of the 20th century feels almost quaint when you start looking at all the shenanigans going on these days. Actually, this movie might be too serious if you’re just looking to distract yourself from tonight’s election results. Still, it’s good to remember the value of investigative journalism and its role in keeping the powerful in check. The film is currently available on AMC+.
3. The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
The 2004 remake of The Manchurian Candidate starring Denzel Washington is good, but nothing beats the 1962 original. The phenomenal cast includes Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, Angela Lansbury and Janet Leigh. The story involves brainwashing, betrayal, double-crossing and foreign meddling. In other words, despite releasing over six decades ago, the film is still relevant today. Watch it on Amazon Prime Video.
4. The Candidate (1972)
Our second film starring Robert Redford, The Candidate is about a young politician in an unwinnable race who decides to approach politics differently: By saying whatever he wants, winning over the electorate against his powerful rival—and drawing the attention of special interest groups who want to use his refreshing honesty for their own ends. Watch The Candidate on Prime Video.
5. Election (1999)
Perhaps the single greatest film about elections is, fittingly, simply called Election. The movie stars Matthew Broderick and Reese Witherspoon in a bitter rivalry during a high school election. Witherspoon’s ambitious Tracy Flick rubs high school government teacher Jim McAllister the wrong way, and he’s determined to stop her from assuming power. It all comes down to a couple votes—because every vote counts! This is another funny one, but the feud between student and teacher feels awfully relevant in today’s divisive political climate. Watch Election on MGM+ via Prime Video.
What other great election films do you enjoy? Let me know on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Also be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me here on this blog. Sign up for my newsletter for more reviews and commentary on entertainment and culture.
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