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Political Movies

Looking for a way to get your kids interested in the political process? These movies should do the trick. From dramas that rely on suspense, humor, and romance to behind-the-scenes documentaries, they all bring politics and government right into your living room. They might even spark a conversation on civic engagement, news literacy, and elections. No matter your political beliefs, if your kids dream of being leaders, they'll love these engaging films. And if they're ready to learn more about the political system, try our list of Government Apps, Games, and Websites, along with our Young Voter's Guide to Social Media and the News.

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Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Poster Image
MOVIE

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

age 8+

Classic pits Jimmy Stewart against government corruption.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1939)
1776 Poster Image
MOVIE

1776

age 10+

Engaging historical musical has some bawdy humor, language.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1972)
Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power Poster Image
MOVIE

Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power

age 10+

Heartfelt doc celebrates politician's integrity, compassion.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President Poster Image
MOVIE

Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President

age 10+

Rockers reveal Jimmy Carter was cool in campaign docu.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
John Lewis: Good Trouble Poster Image
MOVIE

John Lewis: Good Trouble

age 10+

Inspiring, timely biography of Congress' legendary activist.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
The Perfect Candidate Poster Image
MOVIE

The Perfect Candidate

age 10+

Hopeful, candid drama about an ambitious young Saudi woman.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
A Ripple of Hope Poster Image
MOVIE

A Ripple of Hope

age 10+

Unforgettable docu about RFK speech post-MLK assassination.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2010)
Young Mr. Lincoln Poster Image
MOVIE

Young Mr. Lincoln

age 10+

Outstanding, inspirational story of Honest Abe's early days.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1939)
The Youth Governor Movie Poster
MOVIE

The Youth Governor

age 10+

Thoughtful docu about model government club for teens.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)
All In: The Fight for Democracy Poster Image
MOVIE

All In: The Fight for Democracy

age 11+

Powerful docu about the need to protect voters' rights.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
All the King's Men (1949) Poster Image
MOVIE

All the King's Men (1949)

age 12+

Details the rise and fall of a Southern politician.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2006)
Citizen Kane Poster Image
MOVIE

Citizen Kane

age 12+

Classic should be required for any movie lover.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1941)
Dave Poster Image
MOVIE

Dave

age 12+

Uplifting political comedy combines romance and satire.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1993)
Gandhi Poster Image
MOVIE

Gandhi

age 12+

Brilliant biopic engages, educates, and inspires.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1982)
Knock Down the House Poster Image
MOVIE

Knock Down the House

age 12+

Outstanding docu about underdog congressional hopefuls.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
Time for Ilhan Poster Image
MOVIE

Time for Ilhan

age 12+

Docu follows Somali American's first political campaign.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
All the President's Men Poster Image
MOVIE

All the President's Men

age 13+

Superb Woodward and Bernstein Watergate story.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1976)
The American President Poster Image
MOVIE

The American President

age 13+

Witty, wise, and idealized political romance.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1995)
Boys State Poster Image
MOVIE

Boys State

age 13+

Teens make like political pros in insightful documentary.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
Dark Money Poster Image
MOVIE

Dark Money

age 13+

Excellent political docu has infrequent profanity.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)