Political Movies

Last updated: May 11, 2026

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.

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Schoolhouse Rock! The Election Collection Poster Image

MOVIE

Schoolhouse Rock! The Election Collection

age 5+

Groovy '70s/'80s TV shorts sing history lessons.

September 20, 2008 2008 G (47 minutes)

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You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown Poster Image

MOVIE

You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown

age 5+

'70s TV special explains the political process with humor.

October 2, 1972 1972 NR (29 minutes)

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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.

October 19, 1939 1939 NR (129 minutes)

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1776 Poster Image

MOVIE

1776

age 10+

Engaging historical musical has some bawdy humor, language.

November 17, 1972 1972 G (166 minutes)

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A Ripple of Hope Poster Image

MOVIE

A Ripple of Hope

age 10+

Unforgettable docu about RFK speech post-MLK assassination.

May 4, 2010 2010 NR (54 minutes)

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Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power Poster Image

MOVIE

Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power

age 10+

Heartfelt doc celebrates politician's integrity, compassion.

August 20, 2021 2021 NR (83 minutes)

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Girls State poster: A girl smiles with flag-colored braces

MOVIE

Girls State

age 10+

Teen girls show resilience and smarts in political docu.

April 5, 2024 2024 NR (95 minutes)

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Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President Poster Image

MOVIE

Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President

age 10+

Rockers reveal Jimmy Carter was cool in campaign docu.

September 9, 2020 2020 NR (95 minutes)

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John Lewis: Good Trouble Poster Image

MOVIE

John Lewis: Good Trouble

age 10+

Inspiring, timely biography of Congress' legendary activist.

July 3, 2020 2020 PG (96 minutes)

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The Perfect Candidate Poster Image

MOVIE

The Perfect Candidate

age 10+

Hopeful, candid drama about an ambitious young Saudi woman.

May 14, 2021 2021 NR (104 minutes)

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The Youth Governor Movie Poster

MOVIE

The Youth Governor

age 10+

Thoughtful docu about model government club for teens.

August 26, 2022 2022 NR (86 minutes)

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Young Mr. Lincoln Poster Image

MOVIE

Young Mr. Lincoln

age 10+

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

June 9, 1939 1939 NR (100 minutes)

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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.

September 9, 2020 2020 PG-13 (102 minutes)

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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.

January 1, 2006 2006 NR (110 minutes)

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Citizen Kane movie poster: Charles in a suite and hat stands confidently on a red, graphic illustrated stripe

MOVIE

Citizen Kane

age 12+

1940s Orson Welles classic has smoking, drinking.

September 5, 1941 1941 PG (119 minutes)

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Dave Poster Image

MOVIE

Dave

age 12+

Uplifting political comedy combines romance and satire.

May 7, 1993 1993 PG-13 (110 minutes)

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Gandhi Poster Image

MOVIE

Gandhi

age 12+

Brilliant biopic engages, educates, and inspires.

December 8, 1982 1982 PG (190 minutes)

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Knock Down the House Poster Image

MOVIE

Knock Down the House

age 12+

Outstanding docu about underdog congressional hopefuls.

May 1, 2019 2019 PG (86 minutes)

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Time for Ilhan Poster Image

MOVIE

Time for Ilhan

age 12+

Docu follows Somali American's first political campaign.

March 8, 2019 2019 NR (89 minutes)

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All the President's Men Poster Image

MOVIE

All the President's Men

age 13+

Superb Woodward and Bernstein Watergate story.

April 24, 1976 1976 PG (139 minutes)

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