There are a number of movies out there that tell the story of U.S. presidents, but they frequently focus on ones that we all know about- such as Lincoln or Kennedy.
But, there are many films that provide intimate views about the lives and history of other U.S. presidents. Biopics have the ability to provide a glimpse into the struggles of presidents and allow us to visualize those events, either on a personal or national scale. They can provide a drama-filled account of a particular presidency or highlight the behind-the-scenes elements of a president’s life.
We have compiled a list of 10 biopics about U.S. presidents that might interest you – including some popular blockbusters and some overlooked films.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels.
“Lincoln” (2012)
In Lincoln — Steven Spielberg’s film about the final four months of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency — the British-born actor Daniel Day-Lewis gives a towering performance as the President of the United States. The movie focuses on his intense push to get the 13th Amendment through Congress – banning slavery in the United States at a vital moment in the history of the US.
“JFK” (1991)
JFK is a film about the assassination of US president John F Kennedy and the ensuing round of investigations of the shooting. Directed by Oliver Stone, it presents a number of conspiracy theories and other political mistrust connected to the murder. Kevin Costner is Jim Garrison, the district attorney who leads the investigations. JFK brings into play drama and controversy for one of the defining moments in the history of the US.
“All the Way” (2016)
All the Way, which received 15 nominations for the 2012 Tony awards, is set during President Lyndon B Johnson’s first year in office in 1964 — and charts the ambitious, steely president determined to get the Civil Rights Act of 1964 through the United States Congress. Bryan Cranston, who plays Johnson, is a metaphorical gargoyle who grows skinny from all that he sweats and moans to achieve the pivotal civil rights breakthrough.
“W.” (2008)
W., directed by Oliver Stone, chronicles the past of president George W. Bush and goes through his presidency. This movie takes us through president Bush’s past, through his life problems, until he becomes president of the United States – giving us a glimpse on how his presidency happened.
“Frost/Nixon” (2008)
Ron Howard’s film Frost/Nixon fictionalizes interviews between the English TV personality David Frost and American ex-president Richard Nixon. Frank Langella plays Nixon, with all his ambivalence and the ghosts of Watergate.
“Thirteen Days” (2000)
Thirteen Days (director Roger Donaldson, 2000) deals with the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, as it unfolded between then president John F Kennedy’s administration and the Soviets. The film dramatizes the political and military strategies at play in the nuclear-arms standoff of the period, and shows how close the world came to nuclear conflagration. The story is a compelling one, and the leadership displayed by Kennedy in managing the crisis is instructive.
“The Kennedys” (2011)
The Kennedys is a miniseries based on the lives of John F Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, and his family. In the starring role is Greg Kinnear as JFK. The series moves between the political triumphs, family melodrama, and turmoil of the Kennedy administration. The miniseries offers viewers a detailed look at America’s most famous political family.
“Young Mr. Lincoln” (1939)
Young Mr Lincoln focuses on the president before he was president — as the young lawyer Abraham Lincoln struggles with the legal cases of his days in Illinois, fighting for what’s right. Henry Fonda plays him, and is revered for these early Hollywood depictions of Lincoln’s development. The film received critical acclaim and is now cherished as a biopic of Lincoln before the White House.
“Wilson” (1944)
Wilson (1944) is a biopic of Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States. Under the direction of Henry King, the movie traces the future head of state’s academic path, his election as president, his leadership of the United States during the First World War, and his globalist vision for an enduring peace — embodied in the failed establishment of a League of Nations (forerunner of the UN). Such is the scale of this tale that it is certainly befitting of a president whose vision of world diplomacy still influences the international community today.
“Fahrenheit 9/11” (2004)
Michael Moore’s controversial documentary Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004) is an exposé and critique of the presidency of George W Bush following the terrorist attacks of 11th September, 2001 (and the subsequent Iraq War). Moore deploys his characteristic techniques of investigative reporting to criticize Bush and his presidency — and to examine relations between politics, business and war under Bush. Moore looks at why the Iraq War was fought and investigates events and allegations of ex-US president Bush and his father, George H. W. Bush, with regard to business dealings in Saudi Arabia.
“Hyde Park on Hudson” (2012)
Hyde Park on Hudson centers on President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s private life – more specifically on that embattled time in summer 1939 when King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited Roosevelt’s weekend estate in upstate New York. Bill Murray plays Roosevelt in a warm and nuanced performance. The film opens with a sex scene and closes with political drama – blending elements of romantic comedy with matters of large-scale political maneuvering.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.