Political Drama backdrop

Political Drama movies

Power and policy drama: influence, ideology, corruption, negotiation, and compromise inside institutions.

The Secret Agent

1. The Secret Agent

Crime Drama Thriller Political Thriller Organized Crime
8.0
20252h 41min

Overview

In 1977 Brazil, technology specialist Marcelo, fleeing a mysterious past, returns to Recife in search of peace, but realizes the city is far from the refuge he seeks.

Themes

Resistance and exile, Memory and displacement, Refugee shelter networks, Police corruption and violence, Military dictatorship effects


Black Bag

2. Black Bag

Drama Mystery Thriller Political Drama Political Thriller
6.7
20251h 34min

Overview

When intelligence agent Kathryn Woodhouse is suspected of betraying the nation, her husband – also a legendary agent – faces the ultimate test of whether to be loyal to his marriage, or his country.

Themes

Loyalty vs duty, Trust under scrutiny, Manipulation under pressure, Deception in espionage, Marriage under suspicion, Power of secrets

Available on

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

The Order

3. The Order

Crime Drama Thriller Heist Political Thriller
6.8
20241h 56min

Overview

A string of violent robberies in the Pacific Northwest leads veteran FBI agent Terry Husk into a white supremacist plot to overthrow the federal government.

Themes

Law enforcement pressure, Criminal networks and money, Extremist violence and control, Splinter movement dynamics, Legal vs illegal power, Ideology-driven recruitment

Available on

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

Conclave

4. Conclave

Drama Thriller Political Drama Political Thriller
7.4
20242h

Overview

After the unexpected death of the Pope, Cardinal Lawrence is tasked with managing the covert and ancient ritual of electing a new one. Sequestered in the Vatican with the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders until the process is complete, Lawrence finds himself at the center of a conspiracy that could lead to its downfall.

Themes

Election secrecy, Religion vs politics, Cardinal power struggles, Papal conclave dynamics, Covert and ancient ritual, Ethical accountability

Available on

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

The Seed of the Sacred Fig

5. The Seed of the Sacred Fig

Drama Thriller Crime Political Drama Political Thriller
7.6
20242h 47min

Overview

Investigating judge Iman grapples with paranoia amid political unrest in Tehran. When his gun vanishes, he suspects his wife and daughters, imposing draconian measures that strain family ties as societal rules crumble.

Themes

Surveillance and coercion, Authoritarian control over justice, Paranoia within the family, Mistrust of institutions, Duty vs family protection, Political unrest shaping decisions

Available on

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

Civil War

6. Civil War

War Action Drama Modern Conflicts Political Drama
7.0
20241h 49min

Overview

In the near future, a group of war journalists attempt to survive while reporting the truth as the United States stands on the brink of civil war.

Themes

Frontline journalism under fire, Desensitization to violence, Militia brutality and fear, State power versus secession, Mass trauma and refugees, Ethical ambiguity in reporting

Available on

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

Rustin

7. Rustin

Drama History Historical Event Political Drama
6.5
20231h 48min

Overview

Activist Bayard Rustin faces racism and homophobia as he helps change the course of Civil Rights history by orchestrating the 1963 March on Washington.

Themes

Homophobia and stigma, Racial discrimination in politics, Leadership isolation and loyalty, Strategic mobilization, Nonviolent protest discipline, Activist personal risk

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Reality

8. Reality

Drama Thriller Political Drama Political Thriller
6.7
20231h 23min

Overview

Augusta, Georgia, United States, June 3, 2017. After running some errands, Reality Winner returns home, where she is approached by two men.

Themes

Whistleblower ethics, Transparency vs secrecy, Media coverage impact, Public interest vs loyalty, Legal jeopardy and risk, Institutional response to leaks

Available on

HBO Max
HBO Max Amazon Channel
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Triangle of Sadness

9. Triangle of Sadness

Comedy Drama Satire Political Drama
7.2
20222h 27min

Overview

A celebrity model couple are invited on a luxury cruise for the uber-rich, helmed by an unhinged, alcoholic captain. What first appears Instagrammable ends catastrophically, leaving the survivors stranded on a desert island in a struggle of hierarchy.

Themes

Cruise ship dynamics, Food rationing reveals hierarchy, Class differences drive status, Wealth inequality reshapes power, Social media influencer reshapes norms, Power struggle reorders roles

Available on

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

The Beasts

10. The Beasts

Thriller Drama Political Thriller Political Drama
7.5
20222h 18min

Overview

Antoine and Olga, a French couple, have been living in a small village in Galicia for a long time. They practice eco-responsible agriculture and restore abandoned houses to facilitate repopulation. Everything should be idyllic except for their opposition to a wind turbine project that creates a serious conflict with their neighbors. The tension will rise to the point of irreparability.

Themes

Trust vs manipulation, Deception by authorities, Community tension, Opposition to development, Beasts as misunderstood creatures, Empathy vs fear

Available on

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