Harsh Vardhan
‘Politics of the movies’ or ‘movies about the politics;’ both are inseparable in our time of political dramatization. While every general election around the world becomes a performance ritual, it’s natural for the viewers to blur the line bordering politics and cinema. Contrary to the politically turbulent 70s, when movies assimilated the urgency of the political situation into their narratives, contemporary politics assimilated exaggerated reality, rhetoric, and melodrama into the political narratives. With both the cinema and politics searching for new forms, political movie lovers can wait for more intense and gripping films in the near future. Streaming platforms like Netflix have an impressive repository of political movies. So, here’s the list of really good political movies on Netflix that are available to stream right now.
23. Madam Chief Minister (2021)
An Indian Hindi-language drama directed by Subhash Kapoor, ‘Madam Chief Minister’ sheds light on the complexities that Tara Roopram (Richa Chadda) faces after becoming her state’s youngest chief minister. This includes the opposition, issues within her own political party, and her personal issues. However, her primary challenge is balancing her responsibilities and powers, a scale with a reputation of never gaining balance. With a commendable performance by Chadda, ‘Madam Chief Minister’ does an effective job as a political drama, showcasing the different shades of politics and how tough it can be to navigate one’s route through it. The film can be streamed right here.
22. Shirley (2024)
Directed by John Ridley, ‘Shirley’ is a biographical drama based on the life and career of Shirley Chisholm, the first-ever Black congresswoman, with a special focus on her presidential run. The film traces her rise: from getting elected into Congress in 1968 to her 1972 presidential run against Richard Nixon.
Starring Regina King, Lance Reddick, and Terrence Howard, the film shows the obstacles Chisholm had to face, all of which made her a force to be reckoned with. Her stand against racism and inequality laid the blueprint for other Black women to follow. With a power-packed performance by King as Chisholm, ‘Shirley’ is a rich biopic with a heartfelt narrative that you can relish right here.
21. The Edge of Democracy (2019)
In Petra Costa’s documentary masterpiece, ‘The Edge of Democracy,’ Brazil’s political tapestry unfolds as a gripping saga. The film intimately captures the rise and fall of democracy in Brazil, centering on President Dilma Rousseff’s impeachment and the ascent of Jair Bolsonaro. Costa weaves a personal narrative, blending historical footage and firsthand accounts to illuminate the erosion of democratic ideals. The documentary stands out for its emotional resonance, offering a visceral journey through the complexities of power and political upheaval. ‘The Edge of Democracy’ serves not just as a historical record but as a poignant exploration of the very essence of democracy itself. You can watch it here.
20. Wasp Network (2019)
Olivier Assayas’ ‘Wasp Network‘ immerses viewers in the shadowy world of espionage, unveiling a riveting tale set against the turbulent Cuban-American landscape. Released in 2019, the film follows the real-life story of Cuban spies infiltrating anti-Castro groups in Miami. Assayas crafts a narrative mosaic, intertwining personal dramas with political intrigue. With a cast featuring Penélope Cruz and Édgar Ramírez, the film not only captivates with its espionage elements but also prompts contemplation on loyalty, sacrifice, and the blurred morality of covert operations. ‘Wasp Network’ isn’t just a spy thriller; it’s a compelling exploration of the human complexities within the realm of geopolitical espionage. You can watch it here.
19. Knock Down the House (2019)
In the documentary ‘Knock Down the House,’ director Rachel Lears captures the fervor of grassroots politics through the lens of four courageous women during the 2018 U.S. congressional elections. Released in 2019, the film intimately follows the journeys of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Amy Vilela, Cori Bush, and Paula Jean Swearengin as they challenge established political norms. Lears’ narrative skillfully balances personal narratives with the broader implications of their campaigns. The documentary is a powerful ode to grassroots activism, highlighting the potential for change when everyday citizens courageously step into the political arena. ‘Knock Down the House’ is a stirring testament to the resilience of democratic ideals. You can watch it here.
18. Hitler: A Career (1977)
As the title suggests, this documentary film offers an in-depth look into one of the world’s most hated personalities, a man who is yet to be surpassed in his monstrosities and ability to convince those around him with his performances (speeches). Through never-before-seen footage, we get to see the rise and fall of the leader of the Third Reich, Adolf Hitler, who killed more than 11 million people during a period that is now known as the Holocaust (World War II). The documentary is directed by Christian Herrendoerfer and Joachim Fest. You can watch it here.
17. Dovlatov (2018)
Aleksey German Jr.’s Russian biographical drama ‘Dovlatov’ covers six days in the life of Soviet journalist Sergei Dovlatov, who is stuck in a vacuum of unpublished work, thanks to the 1970s Soviet Union, led by Leonid Brezhnev, that has banned all writers whose don’t have their confidence. With the sociopolitical state of the country in its backdrop, ‘Dovlatov’ paints a dream-like landscape made with the colors of propaganda. Starring Milan Marić as Sergei Dovlatov, the film shows a Soviet Union that seems like a manifestation of the protagonist’s mind, ravaged, controlled, and lost. You can watch it here.
16. Ballot (2024)
Directed by Kip Oebanda, ‘Ballot’ is a Philippine drama that follows teacher/Board of Election Inspectors member Emmy as she embarks on a life-threatening journey to deliver the local election ballot box to the governor. The elections were tightly fought, and it has turned into a war between the two political parties, with gunmen hunting her with the aim of taking the box and turning the election results. As scary as it is, she cannot let crime get in the way of democracy. The question is: can she deliver on her own? Starring Marian Rivera as Emmy, ‘Ballot’ is a gripping film that shows one person’s stand against political corruption and the extent to which the latter can go. You can watch it here.
15. The Last Thing He Wanted (2020)
Anne Hathaway stars as journalist Elena McMahon, who gets inadvertently embroiled in a political conspiracy, in Dee Rees’ ‘The Last Thing He Wanted.’ While brokering an arms deal for her father in Costa Rica, Elena uncovers blood-laced secrets that seemingly trace back to the US government, which eventually become parts of one of the greatest political scandals in the country’s history. Co-starring Ben Affleck and Willem Dafoe, ‘The Last Thing He Wanted’ is custom-made for political thriller fanatics looking for stories where nothing is as it seems. It can be streamed here.
14. Sergio (2020)
‘Sergio’ is a biographical drama directed by Greg Barker, based on the life of Sergio Vieira de Mello, a prominent United Nations diplomat. The film primarily unfolds as a flashback, recounting the events of the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad. Wagner Moura portrays Sergio, who navigates the complexities of post-war Iraq and grapples with moral dilemmas and personal relationships. The narrative skillfully weaves together flashbacks and present-day sequences, shedding light on Sergio’s career, humanitarian efforts, and the impact of the Iraq mission. The film explores themes of diplomacy, human resilience, and the cost of peacekeeping in conflict zones. You can watch the film here.
13. Madras Cafe (2013)
A Hindi-language political action thriller directed by Shoojit Sircar, ‘Madras Café’ is against the backdrop of India’s intervention in the Sri Lankan civil war (1983-2009) between the Sri Lankan Tamil militant groups and the Sri Lankan military and the subsequent assassination of then-Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991. Blending history with fiction, the events in the film are set in the late 1980s and the eerily 1990s and center on Captain Vikram Singh, who is sent to Sri Lanka by R&AW (Research and Analysis Wing, India’s foreign intelligence agency) to carry out a secret operation but gets involved in the country’s war-ridden climate. The way the film handles such a sensitive issue is commendable, more so as it doesn’t take any side. ‘Madras Café’ stars John Abraham as Vikram Singh, and Nargis Fakhri as British correspondent Jaya Sahni. You can stream the film here.
12. The Angel (2018)
This high-stakes political thriller offers a dramatized take on the life and career of Ashraf Marwan, an Egyptian national who was the son-in-law of the then Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser, as well as a confidant of Nasser’s successor, Anwar Sadat. Marwan served as a spy for the Egyptian government as well as the Israeli government. Set in the aftermath of the Six Day War (5-10 June 1967) that occurred between Israel and Egypt, the film shows the efforts of Marwan, played by Marwan Kenzari, that went into successfully managing to avert a large-scale war, although at the cost of a short attack in Israel (the Yom Kippur War that took place from 6–25 October 1973). The attack was followed by a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. The film gets its title from the name that the Israeli intelligence authorities gave Ashraf Marwan. Suspenseful and fascinating, ‘The Angel’ has been directed by Ariel Vromen. You can watch it here.
11. Worth (2020)
‘Worth’ navigates the aftermath of 9/11 as lawyer Kenneth Feinberg, played by Michael Keaton, grapples with compensating victims’ families. Assigned to determine the worth of each life lost, Feinberg faces the unenviable task of assigning monetary values to human suffering. The film scrutinizes the clash between pragmatism and the intangible nature of grief, offering a compelling exploration of justice and the complexities surrounding compensation in the wake of a national tragedy. Keaton delivers a compelling performance in this thought-provoking legal drama. You can watch it here.
10. Raajneeti (2010)
An Indian Hindi-language film directed by Prakash Jha, ‘Raajneeti’ showcases the dark side of politics in a subtle yet hard-hitting manner. It follows Samar Pratap (Ranbir Kapoor), who belongs to a political family of the Rashtrawadi party in Uttar Pradesh, India. While planning to leave for the US for further studies, Samar’s father, Chandra Pratap (Chetan Pandit), leader of the Rashtrawadi party, is assassinated. Samar thus decides to stay back and find the culprit. But this is no small feat as he has to deal with his family members, among whom the culprit might be hiding, as well as other people.
His family includes his sharp-witted maternal uncle Brij Gopal (Nana Patekar) on whose orders the family functions, his brother Prithviraj (Arjun Rampal), General Secretary of the party but facing charges of assault and molestation, his cousin Veerendra (Manoj Bajpayee) who plans to take over the party, and aspiring politician Indu Sakseria (Katrina Kaif) who wants to marry him. Love, hate, jealousy, corruption, and conflict, ‘Raajneeti,’ whose English translation is “politics,” explores all these and shows how there’s much more to a person than meets the eye. You can watch this film here.
9. Munich: The Edge of War (2021)
In the cinematic realm, ‘Munich: The Edge of War‘ is a riveting historical drama directed by Christian Schwochow, unfolding its narrative in the tense prelude to World War II. Released in 2021, the film artfully navigates the political labyrinth of 1938, where George MacKay’s character becomes a linchpin in covert efforts to avert global catastrophe. The movie’s strength lies in its deft portrayal of personal sacrifices amidst the sweeping currents of international diplomacy. With evocative visuals and a narrative pulsating with intrigue, ‘Munich: The Edge of War’ serves as both a captivating historical snapshot and a reflection on the human cost of political brinkmanship. You can watch it here.
8. Beasts of No Nation (2015)
‘Beasts of No Nation‘ is a gripping war drama directed by Cary Fukunaga, adapted from Uzodinma Iweala’s novel. Released in 2015, the film follows Agu, a young boy forced into a rebel militia during a civil war in an unnamed West African country. Idris Elba delivers a powerful performance as the ruthless Commandant. The film is praised for its unflinching portrayal of the horrors of war, child soldiers, and the moral complexities of conflict. It serves as a potent political commentary on the exploitation of children in warfare, shedding light on the tragic consequences of political instability and power struggles. You can watch it here.
7. War Machine (2017)
In ‘War Machine,’ directed by David Michôd, the film serves as a satirical exploration of the complexities and absurdities of modern warfare. Starring Brad Pitt as General Glen McMahon, the movie is inspired by the real-life events surrounding the war in Afghanistan. Through dark humor and sharp commentary, ‘War Machine’ scrutinizes the bureaucratic hurdles, political posturing, and the challenges of counterinsurgency. It provides a critical examination of the military-industrial complex and the disconnect between strategic decision-making and the realities on the ground, making it a compelling and thought-provoking political movie. You can watch it here.
6. Rustin (2023)
At its core, the film narrates the journey of Bayard Rustin, a charismatic and openly gay civil rights activist who defied immense challenges to orchestrate the historic March on Washington in 1963. Regarded as a pinnacle in the U.S. civil rights movement, the event drew over 200,000 individuals to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., advocating fervently for an end to racial discrimination in the country. Notably, it was during this momentous occasion that Martin Luther King delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, solidifying the march’s significance in the fight for equality. You can watch it here.
5. Barry (2016)
‘Barry’ is a cinematic journey into the formative years of Barack Obama, weaving a narrative that transcends biography. Devon Terrell embodies the young Obama with magnetic charm, portraying the future president during his college days in New York City. Director Vikram Gandhi deftly captures the essence of Obama’s search for identity, love, and purpose. The film transcends politics, unfolding as a nuanced coming-of-age story that resonates with universal themes. ‘Barry’ offers an intimate glimpse into the shaping of a leader, blending politics with the raw, human elements of self-discovery and the pursuit of a brighter future. You can watch the film here.
4. Rang De Basanti (2006)
‘Rang De Basanti’ is a Bollywood masterpiece directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. The film combines past and present narratives, following a group of friends filming a documentary about Indian freedom fighters. But after one of their friends, who was a pilot in the Indian Air Force, dies and the Defence Minister mocks his death, they find themselves resonating with the revolutionary spirit. Their subsequent peaceful protest sparks outrage, and they are beaten by the authorities, after which the friends decide to bring an end to the Defence Minister’s practices. Aamir Khan leads a stellar cast that skillfully navigates the film’s emotional range. ‘Rang De Basanti’ is celebrated for its patriotic fervor, social commentary, and poignant portrayal of youth awakening to societal injustices. The film’s impact lies in its ability to inspire reflection on contemporary issues while honoring the sacrifices of historical heroes. You can stream it here.
3. The Good Shepherd (2006)
Directed by Robert De Niro, ‘The Good Shepherd’ is a fictionalized account of the life of James Jesus Angleton, who played a pivotal role during the formative days of the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency), America’s foreign intelligence service. With a special focus on how counterintelligence made its way inside the US government’s foreign strategies, the film delves into Angleton’s professional life, including his espionage days and connections, and his personal life, which involved his strained relationship with his wife Margaret “Clover” Russell, showing how one affected the other. Starring Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie, De Niro, Alec Baldwin, William Hurt, and Joe Pesci, ‘The Good Shepherd’ deserves to be watched just for its gripping depiction of the times and situations that America found itself in, counterintelligence-wise. Adding to the effect are the performances of the talented cast, each one adding to the effect in his/her own way. The film even won the Silver Bear at the 2007 Berlin International Film Festival. You can watch it here.
2. The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
‘The Trial of the Chicago 7‘ is a cinematic triumph that masterfully recounts the infamous 1969 trial of the Chicago Seven, seven anti-Vietnam War activists (played by Eddie Redmayne, Sacha Baron Cohen, Alex Sharp, Jeremy Strong, John Carroll Lynch, Daniel Flaherty, and Noah Robbins), who led the protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago and were charged with conspiracy. Aaron Sorkin’s sharp screenplay, coupled with stellar performances from a dynamic ensemble cast, brings this pivotal moment in American history to life. The film brilliantly navigates the complexities of the legal system, social unrest, and political turmoil, resonating strongly with contemporary audiences. With its engaging narrative, powerful dialogue, and timely relevance, ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ is a great movie that not only entertains but also provokes thought and reflection on the enduring struggle for justice and civil rights. You can watch it here.
1. The Irishman (2019)
Adapted from Charles Brandt’s book, ‘I Heard You Paint Houses,’ ‘The Irishman’ is directed by Martin Scorsese. It is set in 1950s Philadelphia and later and chronicles the life of World War II veteran Frank Sheeran, who would later become a hitman for the Bufalino crime family under the tutelage of Russell Bufalino, and his relationship with Jimmy Hoffa, the president of the labor union Teamsters aka the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT). The film strategically incorporates multiple aspects of politics within the mob and between Hoffa and the Kennedys and shows how the three are connected like only Scorsese can pull off. The cast includes Robert De Niro as Frank Sheeran, Al Pacino as Jimmy Hoffa, and Joe Pesci as Russell Bufalino, along with Ray Romano, Stephen Graham, and Harvey Keitel. You can stream ‘The Irishman’ here.
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