The Greatest Political Movies Ever Made Ranked

Not many genres attract audiences to the theatre like the political thriller. Since the 1970’s, the genre has made memorable movies. Whether it’s news reporters, bomb inventors or whistleblowers, the genre has created several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite political movies of all-time which deserve to be celebrated.

1. Spotlight

Journalism is a profession that my cousin always regarded with admiration. I remember forming bonds with a cousin that had big dreams to become a successful news reporter. An aspiring news reporter, he would often love uncovering the truth behind each story. He was a hard-working journalist that was dedicated to writing stories which were realistic. Through his lifelong love for journalism, my cousin encouraged me to pursue a career in film criticism. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the importance of journalists shining spotlight on grim stories as powerfully as “Spotlight”. Ever since its release in 2015, Tom McCarthy’s Oscar-winning movie has stood the test of time as the greatest political film ever made. With the greatest film of his career, McCarthy used innovative cinematic techniques to capture a real-life political scandal that caused despair. McCarthy has always had an aptitude for telling the stories of news reporters, and “Spotlight” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker.  For instance, the scene in which Mike expresses outrage after discovering that religious authorities knew about the scandal causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the political genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Michael Keaton, who embodied a real-life investigative journalist that uncovered a scandal. Ultimately, what makes “Spotlight” my favourite political film of all-time is its message. Unlike most movies about journalism which are targeted towards an intellectual audience, it tackles universal themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a profound message about childhood abuse that would resonate with everyone. spectacular portrait of scandals hidden in plain sight about which hard-working news reporters sought to write, it’s a groundbreaking reminder about a great genre that has made memorable movies achieving the spotlight.

2. The Queen

Queen Elizabeth is a legendary figure of the royal family that my father has always loved dearly. I remember a father that was a huge fan of a queen that he came to treasure. Fascinated with the royal family, he sought to become educated about a queen he appreciated. He would tell stories about a queen which shaped his identity. In 2006, Stephen Frears did an extraordinary job of celebrating the majestic queen in his movie “The Queen”. Unlike most movies in the political genre, what makes “The Queen” stand out is its strong attention to detail. Frears using breathtaking visuals to capture the legacy of a queen that left a lasting impact on the world. For instance, the scene in which Queen Elizabeth delivers an emotional speech on television news to the media expressing her grief over the death of Princess Diana is one of the finest moments of the political genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Helen Mirren, who embodied a majestic queen with dedication. Ultimately, what makes “The Queen” a commemorated historical masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about crisis which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the Royal Family to appreciate the movie. A breathtaking tribute towards a beloved British queen, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which deserve to be seen on the big-screen.

3. Oppenheimer

Bombings are intense incidents that shaped my personality. At an early age, my family faced trauma when we experienced bomb blasts causing emotional damage. In 2003, my family endured bomb blasts that caused insomnia in Saudi Arabia. Through a miracle, my family managed to survive the worst disaster imaginable. As someone haunted by bombings that changed my life forever, I adored “Oppenheimer”. Released in 2023, Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster honoured a legendary bomb inventor. Nolan is one of those filmmakers that has always excelled at using diegetic sounds in his movies, and his strengths are evident in “Oppenheimer”. For instance, the scene in which Oppenheimer delivers a rousing speech to a crowd haunted by bombings causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Cillian Murphy, who embodied a bomb inventor. Ultimately, what makes “Oppenheimer” a commemorated masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a strong message about consequences of trauma which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 80 years after a groundbreaking inventor designed an atomic bomb causing consequences that were catastrophic, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies which are iconic.

4. Gandhi

Gandhi is a great historical figure that shaped my grandfather’s identity. At an early age, I formed bonds with a grandfather admiring a leader with courage. I recall with nostalgia fond memories of a grandfather appreciating a political leader in India. He believed Gandhi was a leader that deserved to be celebrated for feats he achieved. n 1982, Richard Attenborough honoured political leader that changed Indian history in his movie “Gandhi”. Attenborough has always had an aptitude for telling stories of historical figures, and “Gandhi” showcased his strengths. Attenborough used real-life locations across India to honour the legacy of a political leader with charisma. For instance, the scene in which Gandhi delivers an inspirational speech towards crowds of spectators in a political rally in India is one of the greatest moments of the political genre. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Ben Kingsley, who embodied the larger-than-life personality of a legendary political figure in Indian history. Ultimately, what makes “Gandhi” a great political movie is its message. The film delivers a heartwarming message about political leaders which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the politics of India to appreciate it. An incredible tribute towards an inspiring political leader that changed India, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured timeless movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.

5. Argo

The Middle East is a country that shaped my identity. I recall with nostalgia memories of Saudi Arabia. During my childhood, I grew up in a Middle Eastern neighbourhood. Whether it’s the gorgeous desert landscapes or prosperous oil economy, I grew up to value a country that made my dreams come true. As someone treasuring a country I grew up in several years ago, I adored “Argo”. Released in 2012, Ben Affleck’s Oscar-winning movie captured the CIA hostage crisis in Iranian history. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Argo” stand out is its strong depiction of the Middle East. Affleck uses breathtaking visuals to celebrate a country that faces a hostage tragedy. For instance, the scene in which Tony Mendez evacuates hostages out of Iran’s airport is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an amazing performance by Ben Affleck, who embodied a political figure. Ultimately, what makes “Argo” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about crisis which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the history of Iran to appreciate it. 40 years after a crisis in which an agent saved civilians in Iran held hostage, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured movies which engage through a meaningful message.

6. BlackKklansman

Few political spies in American history built a legacy worth celebrating like Ron Stallworth. During the 1970’s, Stallworth was an African-American cop that infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan. An awe-inspiring spy, Stallworth became an icon in history. In 2018, Spike Lee honoured the spy in his political movie “BlackKklansman”. Unlike most movies in the political genre, what makes “BlackKklansman” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Lee uses ingenious comedy to capture spies during a dark time in American history. Assisted by John David Washington who is amazing in the lead role, Lee created a powerful political satire. Nearly 40 years after Ron Stallworth infiltrated the Klu Klux Klan, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has accomplished a huge fan following manufacturing films with elan.

7. Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln is a powerful president that gave America greater direction. A president with larger-than-life personality, Lincoln guided the country during slavery. With his bold presence, wisdom and powerful leadership, Lincoln guided America. In 2012, Steven Spielberg honoured the legacy of Abraham Lincoln in his movie “Lincoln”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Lincoln” stand out is its production. Spielberg meticulously recreated the era of the 1800’s when Lincoln was president through stunning production. Assisted by Daniel Day-Lewis who is extraordinary in the leading role, Spielberg honoured the legacy of a president that’s legendary. A powerful tribute towards a prestigious American president, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies providing entertainment.

8. Official Secrets

When it comes to whistleblowers that deserve recognition, it’s worth discussing Katharine Gun. In 2003, Gun made headlines when she leaked a memo to the British press. The controversial memo described the United States’ plan to blackmail diplomats into approving the Iraq War. In 2019, Gavin Hood captured the government’s official secrets in his movie “Official Secrets”. Hood used engaging exposition to honour a whistleblower that exposed government secrets with dedication. Assisted by Keira Knightley who is extraordinary in the lead role, Hood honoured a commemorated British political whistleblower that changed history. Nearly 20 years after Katharine Gun leaked precious government information, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced unforgettable movies which deserve appreciation.

9. The Report

9/11 is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often avoided discussing a dark time in American history that’s misunderstood. In an industry that has rarely captured 9/11 with emotional support, it’s worth praising “The Report”. Released in 2019, Scott Z. Burns’ movie offered a realistic portrait of 9/11. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Report” stand out is its clever use of historical footage. Burns used authentic footage to recreate a dark time when torture was used by the CIA following 9/11. Assisted by Adam Driver who is extraordinary in the lead role, Burns captured the traumatizing aftermath of 9/11 causing disaster. As precious as the torture report created by the CIA, it’s a captivating reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies which deserve to be celebrated today.

10. Vice

Dick Cheney is a controversial president in American history. Under the George Bush administration, Cheney was a politician that didn’t please everyone. While some supported his policies, others criticized Cheney’s involvement in the war against terrorism. In 2018, Adam McKay honoured the vice-president in his movie “Vice”. McKay used sharp satire to honour a vice-president that changed America today. Assisted by Christian Bale who is superb in the lead role, McKay captured a vice-president with detail. Although “Vice” falls short of the best political movies, it showcased appeal of the genre. As strong as Dick Cheney’s desire to become a successful vice-president, it’s a strong reminder of a genre that has produced poignant movies with educational value which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of entertainment.