My Favourite Political Films

Not many figures attract audiences to theatres like political leaders. Since the 1970’s, the genre has made memorable movies. Whether it’s news reporters, bomb inventors or whistleblowers, the genre has created several commemorated 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. Schindler’s List

The Holocaust is a sensitive subject matter that always fascinated my teacher. At an early age, I was taught about the Holocaust by a professor possessing immense history knowledge. Several years ago, I was taught about grim genocide by a Jewish teacher whose parents died in dark ghetto. He often took great pride in educating students about a grim mass genocide in which his people died. My teacher believed that movies were an art that could never capture a dark genocide that tore lives apart. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured a genocide that can’t be dismissed as powerfully as “Schindler’s List”. Ever since its release in 1993, Steven Spielberg’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest political film ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Spielberg did an extraordinary job of capturing a gruesome mass genocide that caused Jewish citizens to experience despair. Spielberg has an aptitude for using symbolism in his movies to convey emotions, and “Schindler’s List” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Oskar Schindler witnesses reacts with horror seeing the girl in the red coat face warfare causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the historical genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Ralph Fiennes, who embodied an evil Nazi commander evoking terror. Ultimately, what makes “Schindler’s List” my favourite film about politics of all-time is its universal appeal.  The film achieves exactly what a historical movie is supposed to do which is educate audiences about a dark time in history. It delivers a strong message about the genocide which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years after a frightening mass genocide in which civilians died, it’s a riveting reminder of a great genre that has made unforgettable movies which have always left audiences tremendously satisfied.

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 always praise a Queen whose life story he believed deserved to be seen on a big-screen. In 2006, Stephen Frears did an extraordinary job of celebrating the majestic queen in his movie “The Queen”. 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 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 genre that has manufactured movies which deserve to be seen on the theatrical big-screen.

3. Judas and the Black Messiah

Fred Hampton is a legendary African-American leader that earned my friend’s appreciation. I remember a close classmate that was fascinated with the black political leader. He would always speak fondly about a messiah that started rebellions during the segregation era. My friend always admired an African-American leader with wisdom that fought racism. In 2021, Shaka King honoured the iconic rebellious messiah in his movie “Judas and the Black Messiah”. King used captivating montages capturing a rebellious African-American leader fighting racism in his country that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Fred Hampton delivers a rebellious speech about injustice to his followers during a ceremony in America is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Daniel Kaluuya, who embodied a rebellious political leader that fought injustice in America. Ultimately, what makes “Judas and the Black Messiah” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with history to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about leadership which would resonate with everyone. A powerful tribute towards a rebellious black leader with charisma that fought racism, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable movies that achieved stardom.

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 modern-day Cinema.

5. Darkest Hour

Winston Churchill is a great historical figure that inspired my mother. At an early age, I bonded with a mother had knowledge about a historical figure with courage. Fascinated with WWII, she grew up to value a historic figure making her dreams come true. In 2017, Joe Wright honoured the iconic prime minister during his darkest hour in his movie “Darkest Hour”. Wright used captivating montages capturing a prime minister that sought to rescue England from wars that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Winston Churchill delivers a speech to encourage followers facing a dilemma during the WWII era is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Gary Oldman, who embodied a legendary British prime minister seeking recognition. Ultimately, what makes “Darkest Hour” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most historical biopics, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with WWII history to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about leadership which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years after Winston Churchill became a prime minister changing history forever, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies capturing inspirational leaders that audiences treasure.

6. BlackKklansman

Ron Stallworth is a legendary leader in American history that built a lasting legacy. 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 tremendous 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 undeniable educational entertainment.

8. Oppenheimer

When it comes to iconic inventors that changed the world forever, it’s worth discussing Oppenheimer. A physicist with lasting legacy, Oppenheimer designed an atomic bomb causing catastrophe. Oppenheimer’s bomb invention made him a controversial figure in history. In 2023, Christopher Nolan honoured the iconic inventor in his Oscar-winning movie “Oppenheimer”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Oppenheimer” stand out is its complex storytelling. Nolan deviates from the traditional three act structure of biopics telling the story in a unique non-linear style. Assisted by Cillian Murphy who is extraordinary in the lead role, Nolan honoured Oppenheimer’s legacy. 90 years after Oppenheimer designed an atomic bomb that was tragic, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre building a legacy which is absolutely iconic.

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 absolutely 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 modern-day entertainment.