Political History backdrop

Political History movies

Power-shift history: leaders, institutions, revolutions, and diplomacy grounded in real context.

Judas and the Black Messiah

1. Judas and the Black Messiah

Drama History Historical Drama Political History
7.4
20212h 6min

Overview

Bill O'Neal infiltrates the Black Panthers on the orders of FBI Agent Mitchell and J. Edgar Hoover. As Black Panther Chairman Fred Hampton ascends—falling for a fellow revolutionary en route—a battle wages for O’Neal’s soul.

Themes

Loyalty under pressure, Based on true story, Assassination risk, Betrayal by friend, 1960s tensions, African american history

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Brexit: The Uncivil War

2. Brexit: The Uncivil War

History TV Movie Drama Political History Political Drama
7.0
20191h 33min

Overview

Political strategist Dominic Cummings leads a popular but controversial campaign to convince British voters to leave the European Union from 2015 up until the present day.

Themes

Donor influence, Loss of control, Data driven campaigning, Undecided voter hinge, Digital targeting ethics, Political polarization

Available on

blue TV
Canal VOD
Sky Store
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Mary Queen of Scots

3. Mary Queen of Scots

Drama History Historical Drama Political History
6.3
20182h 4min

Overview

In 1561, Mary Stuart, widow of the King of France, returns to Scotland, reclaims her rightful throne and menaces the future of Queen Elizabeth I as ruler of England, because she has a legitimate claim to the English throne. Betrayals, rebellions, conspiracies and their own life choices imperil both Queens. They experience the bitter cost of power, until their tragic fate is finally fulfilled.

Themes

Royal lineage pressure, Factional betrayal and deception, Confinement and exile dynamics, Gendered power politics, Dynastic legitimacy stakes, Rival court maneuvering

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Front Runner

4. The Front Runner

Drama History Historical Drama Political History
6.1
20181h 53min

Overview

Gary Hart, former Senator of Colorado, becomes the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1987. Hart's intelligence, charisma and idealism makes him popular with young voters, leaving him with a seemingly clear path to the White House. All that comes crashing down when allegations of an extramarital affair surface in the media, forcing the candidate to address a scandal that threatens to derail his campaign and personal life.

Themes

Media scrutiny, Leadership under pressure, Political scandal, Political ambition vs personal cost, Private life vs public life, Public perception and accountability

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Silent Revolution

5. The Silent Revolution

Drama History Historical Drama Political History
7.4
20181h 52min

Overview

Stalinstadt, East Germany, 1956. While the Hungarian uprising against Soviets is taking place, teenage members of a classroom of the local school perform a seemingly harmless act that causes unexpected consequences.

Themes

Freedom of expression, Police state pressure, Class-based conformity, State authority control, Misinformation manipulation, Youth rebellion dynamics

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Post

6. The Post

Drama History Historical Drama Political History
7.2
20171h 56min

Overview

A cover-up that spanned four U.S. Presidents pushed the country's first female newspaper publisher and a hard-driving editor to join an unprecedented battle between journalist and government. Inspired by true events.

Themes

Publisher pressure and journalistic independence, Public-interest journalism vs government cover-up, Newspaper ethics under legal threat, Vietnam war context shaping reporting, Pentagon papers as disclosure precedent

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Darkest Hour

7. Darkest Hour

Drama History Historical Drama Political History
7.4
20172h 5min

Overview

In May 1940, the fate of World War II hangs on Winston Churchill, who must decide whether to negotiate with Adolf Hitler or fight on knowing that it could mean the end of the British Empire.

Themes

Leadership under crisis, Peace or war pressure, Public morale under scrutiny, Parliamentary brinkmanship, Evacuation as strategic lever, Isolationism and external limits

Available on

Netflix
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Viceroy's House

8. Viceroy's House

Drama History Historical Drama Political History
6.7
20171h 46min

Overview

In 1947, Lord Mountbatten assumes the post of last Viceroy, charged with handing India back to its people, living upstairs at the house which was the home of British rulers, whilst 500 Hindu, Muslim and Sikh servants lived downstairs.

Themes

Independence pressure, Colonial india, Religious conflict, Mass displacement, Interfaith love, Partition of india

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Smoke & Mirrors

9. Smoke & Mirrors

History Thriller Political History Political Thriller
6.8
20162h 3min

Overview

A tale of cheats and impostors, taking its inspiration from true facts and from one of the most intriguing characters of recent decades: the spy Francisco Paesa.

Themes

Political corruption, Revenge through deception, State manipulation, Trust vs betrayal, Espionage and covertness, Public deception and schemes

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

All the Way

10. All the Way

Drama History TV Movie Historical Drama Political History
7.2
20162h 12min

Overview

Lyndon B. Johnson's amazing 11-month journey from taking office after JFK's assassination, through the fight to pass the 1964 Civil Rights Act and his own presidential campaign, culminating on the night LBJ is actually elected to the office – no longer the 'accidental President.'

Themes

Civil rights act pressure, War on poverty pursuit, Party fracture dynamics, Southern opposition risk, Election campaigning consequences, Scandal and loyalty questions

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
HBO Max
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.