Political Drama backdrop

Political Drama movies

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

Overview

As a child, Ali Neuman narrowly escaped being murdered by Inkhata, a militant political party at war with Nelson Mandela's African National Congress. Only he and his mother survived the carnage of those years. But as with many survivors, the psychological scars remain.

Themes

Trauma and memory, Apartheid legacy, Justice and corruption, Private militia power, Tik drug trade, Police complicity, State violence and science

Available on

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

The Fifth Estate

2. The Fifth Estate

Drama Thriller Political Drama Political Thriller
6.2
20132h 8min

Overview

A look at the relationship between WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and his early supporter and eventual colleague Daniel Domscheit-Berg, and how the website's growth and influence led to an irreparable rift between the two friends.

Themes

Trust and betrayal dynamics, Power and responsibility, Information ethics and activism, Public accountability and secrecy, Insider leverage and paranoia, Leadership isolation

Available on

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

Parkland

3. Parkland

History Drama Historical Event Political Drama
6.4
20131h 34min

Overview

November 22nd, 1963 was a day that changed the world forever — when young American President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. This film follows, almost in real time, a handful of individuals forced to make split-second decisions after an event that would change their lives and forever alter the world’s landscape.

Themes

Media scrutiny, Institutional secrecy, Public duty under threat, Political pressure, Collective trauma, Crisis decision making

Available on

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

The East

4. The East

Drama Thriller Political Thriller Political Drama
6.8
20131h 56min

Overview

An operative for an elite private intelligence firm finds her priorities irrevocably changed after she is tasked with infiltrating an anarchist group known for executing covert attacks upon major corporations.

Themes

Deception and betrayal, Loyalty vs duty, Romance under pressure, Corporate accountability, Eco terrorist protest, Undercover ethics conflict

Available on

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

The Company You Keep

5. The Company You Keep

Drama Thriller Political Drama Political Thriller
6.4
20122h 1min

Overview

A former Weather Underground activist goes on the run from a journalist who discovers his identity.

Themes

Deception and betrayal, Moral ambiguity in justice, Protection of family, Legacy of radical violence, Loyalty vs danger, Journalist ethics vs intrusion, Consequences of political protest

Available on

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

Haute Cuisine

6. Haute Cuisine

Comedy Drama Satire Political Drama
6.4
20121h 35min

Overview

The story of Danièle Delpeuch and how she was appointed as the private chef for François Mitterrand.

Themes

Service vs authority, Culinary ambition under scrutiny, Political dining as diplomacy, Gendered roles in cuisine, Tradition and innovation, Professional jealousy within kitchens

Available on

Kanopy
Hoopla
Fandango at Home Free
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

God Bless America

7. God Bless America

Comedy Drama Crime Satire Political Drama
7.1
20121h 44min

Overview

Fed up with the cruelty and stupidity of American culture, an unlikely duo goes on a killing spree, killing reality TV stars, bigots and others they find repugnant.

Themes

Media sensationalism, Reality television critique, Violence as social response, Mass culture critique, Marginalization and resentment, Social commentary through violence

Available on

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

A Hijacking

8. A Hijacking

Thriller Drama Kidnapping & Captivity Thriller Political Drama
7.1
20121h 43min

Overview

Tensions are high after a Danish freighter is captured and held for ransom by Somali pirates, leading to weeks of high-stakes negotiations – and an escalating potential for explosive violence.

Themes

Trust under pressure, Money as leverage, Time pressure and decisions, High stakes negotiation dynamics, Corporate pressure vs human life, Psychological strain under captivity

Available on

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

Game Change

9. Game Change

TV Movie Drama Comedy History Political Drama
7.4
20121h 58min

Overview

During the Republican run of the 2008 Presidential election, candidate John McCain picks a relative unknown, Alaskan governor Sarah Palin, to be his running mate. As the campaign kicks into high gear, her lack of experience, in both political and media savvy, becomes a drain upon McCain and his strategists.

Themes

Media scrutiny, Image vs competence, Base appeal vs mainstream, Rapid vetting pressures, Negative campaigning tactics, Leadership credibility under fire

Available on

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

A.C.A.B. - All Cops Are Bastards

10. A.C.A.B. - All Cops Are Bastards

Action Drama Crime Police Procedural Political Drama
6.6
20121h 45min

Overview

A look at the controversial riot cops unit, told through the stories of three veteran cops and a young recruit.

Themes

Economic precarity and duty, Police loyalty under strain, Violence vs restraint, Family strain and housing insecurity, Immigrant and crowd tensions, Fascist influence and conflict, Legal boundaries under pressure

Available on

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