These Are The Best Political Films Of ALL Time

Politics are never more cinematic than the months prior to a presidential election. The two contenders, having been set up for a showdown, meet in a series of staged skirmishes before the final battle in which only one can be victorious.

There are false dawns, the rising under- estimated contender, and, as we may have seen with September’s jobs data, October surprises. It all ends with a party where the winner kisses the girl and triumphant music plays us out.

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For this reason, politics and movies can be a natural fit, encompassing both the most tried and true sports movie cliché's with the verbal thrust of a court room drama.

But Hollywood can also show the darker side of the legislative process.  For every underdog that challenges the system and wins, there are twenty Fausts selling their soul for power, and Hollywood loves corruption every bit as much as redemption.

As we head into the climax of this election season, TFT takes a look at 17 of the best political films that still ring true today both in their ability to inspire our civic pride and to rattle our faith in the system.

More from the Fiscal Times:

Mr. Smith Goes To Washington (1939)

Many films on this list are cynical, so it's equally important to show the ideal.  Though often thought of as syrupy and cloying, this film (much like Capra and Stewart's OTHER famous collaboration "It's A Wonderful Life") is actually far darker than its reputation.  Yes, the little guy triumphs over the political machine…but it's an ugly road to get there.

All The King's Men (1949)

If "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" embodies the American idea that an everyman can stand up to the political machine, then this film is it's dark mirror…showing that that machine will in fact corrupt every decent man it touches.

Advise And Consent (1962)

The U.S. Congress, deadlocked by partisan infighting, refuses to confirm a presidential nominee.  Political candidates are embarrassed by associations from their youth and past sexual indiscretions, while backroom deals and blackmail are used to promote agendas.  You might be surprised to learn that this is not a description of our current government lawmakers, but rather this 1962 political potboiler.  Mr. Decency himself, Henry Fonda, is the potential Secretary of State with communist associations, proving that in politics some things never change.

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