7 Best Political Thrillers to Stream Right Now

It’s hard to imagine tuning into a political thriller in this intense political climate. Yet these films – whether based on a true event or purely fictional – can provide a fascinating look at the drama unfolding before our eyes in real life. Other times they are a useful escape that takes us away, even if only for a brief moment.

We’ve rounded up some of the best political thrillers you can watch on streaming. You’ll see a classic inspired by award-winning journalism and others that will make you question the unknown foundations of our society. Whether you want a more modern film or something from a bygone era, there is something for everyone. So cast your vote and put on a movie that might remind you why you’re voting in the first place.

‘All the President’s Men’

Official Trailer of All The President’s Men (1976) – Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman Thriller HD – YouTube

Look

This is a classic movie you won’t want to miss. Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford play the now famous Washington Post journalists Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, respectively. It’s the run-up to the election and Woodward begins to investigate what appears to be a simple burglary at the Democratic Party headquarters. Of course, it’s much more complicated than that, and their reporting amounts to something much more serious, with implications that reach all the way to the White House.

“All the President’s Men” is one of the most memorable films about the real-life political events that ultimately led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. The film was nominated for numerous Oscars and won four, one of which went to Jason Robard for his role as Ben Bradlee, the Post’s editor-in-chief at the time.

Continue renting/purchasing Amazon or Apple

‘JFK’

JFK (1991) Official Trailer – Kevin Costner, Oliver Stone Thriller Film HD – YouTube

Look

The assassination of President John F. Kennedy is something that many people will never forget, whether or not we were there to see the event unfold before us on the news. The 1991 political thriller “JFK” is an adaptation of the books “On the Trail of the Assassins” by Jim Garrison and “Crossfire: The Plot That Killed Kennedy” by Jim Marrs. The film opens on the day of Kennedy’s assassination. Investigations have revealed that Lee Harvey Oswald (Gary Oldman) acted alone in the murder. Yet New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison (Kevin Costner) believes there is more to the story.

Despite being reprimanded, Garrison can’t let it go. He begins talking to witnesses who were at the scene, as well as others who overheard conversations before the event. He is soon convinced that a conspiracy was planned involving many political officials. This is one of those unforgettable films that you absolutely must see if you like political thrillers.

Here at Tom’s Guide, our expert editors strive to bring you the best news, reviews and guides so you can stay informed and ahead of the curve!

Look further Tubi

‘The Ides of March’

Directed, co-written by and starring George Clooney, ‘The Ides of March’ shows the dirty side of politics. Ryan Gosling stars as Stephen Meyers, the junior campaign manager of Pennsylvania Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney), who is running in the Democratic presidential primaries. When Meyers is approached by the opposing campaign manager, Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti), he is surprised to receive a job offer.

The fuss and dealings don’t stop there. Meyers also becomes involved in a romantic relationship with an employee, Molly Stearns (Evan Rachel Wood). When he accidentally picks up her phone one night while she sleeps, he realizes that she has slept with Morris and is hiding a secret from the campaign. Meyers tries to do right by the situation, hoping to protect his boss, but only gets more deeply involved. This is another award-winning film that tells you that there is so much going on behind the scenes than we realize in political campaigns.

Rent/purchase Amazon or Apple

‘The conversation’

THE CONVERSATION – Official Trailer – Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, starring Gene Hackman – YouTube

Look

When you start watching Francis Ford Coppola’s classic film, you don’t see the political ramifications at first. Gene Hackman stars as Harry Caul, a private investigator hired by the assistant (Harrison Ford) of a client he has yet to meet. He follows and records the conversation of a young couple, Mark (Frederic Forrest) and Ann (Cindy Williams). While listening to them, he hears a cryptic conversation that reminds him of a case gone wrong, and he can’t let go of what he heard.

Hackman’s Caul is thrown into a complicated scenario, trying to figure out how to save the couple and prevent what he believes is a possible murder. Only nothing is what it seems. “The Conversation” received several Oscar nominations and awards, including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. It’s a phenomenal movie, so check out what you might have missed in the conversation.

Look further Paramount Plus

‘Enemy of the state’

Enemy of the State (1998) Trailer #1 | Movie Clips Classic Trailers – YouTube

Look

In this political thriller, Will Smith stars as DC labor attorney Robert Clayton Dean, who investigates restaurant owner and mob boss Paulie Pintero (Tom Sizemore). Meanwhile, the political drama boils over when Congressman Phil Hammersley is assassinated after he refuses to pass a bill that would expand the surveillance powers of US intelligence agencies. Things get complicated when it is revealed that someone filmed Hammersley’s death.

When Dean encounters his friend Daniel Zavitz (who filmed the murder and is being chased), Zavitz secretly plants the recording device on him. Now people are after Dean, and he doesn’t understand why. As his life falls apart, he is determined to return everything to normal. That’s when he meets “Brill” (Gene Hackman), who tries to help him figure out what the government wants. With all the twists and turns, ‘Enemy of the State’ will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Rent/purchase Amazon or Apple

‘The Manchurian Candidate’

The Manchurian Candidate (1962) ORIGINAL TRAILER (HD 1080p) – YouTube

Look

If you want to see ‘The Manchurian Candidate’, make sure you watch the original 1962 version. Based on the novel by Richard Condon, the Cold War stars Frank Sinatra as Major Bennett Marco, whose unit is captured by the enemy. during the Korean War. He and the other men are brainwashed into believing they have been saved by Sergeant Raymond Shaw (Laurence Harvey), which earns Shaw a medal of Honor.

Upon returning home, Marco begins to have nightmares and discovers that the other soldiers in his platoon are suffering the same. Determined to find out why, he uncovers a mystery involving his former sergeant. Even though this film is over 60 years old, it still resonates.

Look further Tubi

‘The Pelican Letter’

The Pelican Brief (1993) Official Trailer – Denzel Washington, Julia Roberts Thriller Film HD – YouTube

Look

Starring Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington, ‘The Pelican Brief’ focuses on what happens when graduate student Darby Shaw (Julia Roberts) develops a theory about why two Supreme Court justices were murdered. She shares her thoughts with her professor and romantic interest, Thomas Callahan (Sam Shepard). He is so fascinated by it that he shares the theory with a friend at the FBI. If the wrong people find out, Shaw and Callahan’s lives are in danger.

When Callahan dies in a car explosion, Shaw comes into contact with investigative journalist Gray Grantham (Denzel Washington). It’s a fight to stay alive, and no one wants Shaw’s theory to become public knowledge, especially since the president is involved. This film may not be one of John Grisham’s most famous novels-turned-movies, but it’s still a memorable political thriller that you’ll enjoy watching.

Look at the Roku Channel

More from Tom’s Guide