10 Must-Watch Movies to Stream This President’s Day Weekend

President’s Day is almost here, and there are plenty of movies about presidents to enjoy over the long weekend. From historical dramas and exciting thrillers to films that offer a fresh look at the presidency, we’ve rounded up 10 great movies to watch.

10. Vice

First up is the 2018 film Vice, which tells the story of Dick Cheney’s time as Vice President under George W. Bush. The movie follows Cheney’s career, from his time as CEO of Halliburton to becoming Bush’s running mate and eventually entering the White House. But the film doesn’t stop there—it also shows how Cheney used his power as Vice President and the consequences of his actions.

Christian Bale plays Dick Cheney in the film Vice, which also features a strong cast including Amy Adams as Lynne Cheney, Sam Rockwell as George W. Bush, and Steve Carell as Donald Rumsfeld. Critics generally liked the movie, giving it a 64% rating, while audiences scored it at 61%. You can watch Vice on Apple TV.

9. Primary Colors

I’ve always been fascinated by the story behind the 1992 election, and Mike Nichols’ film, Primary Colors, really brings it to life. It’s based on Joe Klein’s novel, which was inspired by Bill Clinton’s campaign, though the film cleverly uses the fictional Stanton family instead. Even with the name changes, you can still clearly see the echoes of the Clinton campaign, and honestly, the performances are so strong that the whole story – from the campaign trail to finally reaching the Oval Office – is just completely captivating.

John Travolta and Emma Thompson star in Primary Colors, playing characters based on Bill and Hillary Clinton. The supporting cast is also impressive, featuring Kathy Bates, Billy Bob Thornton, and Maura Tierney. While the movie didn’t make a lot of money at the box office, critics generally praised it, giving it an 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (with a 64% audience score). You can watch Primary Colors on Prime Video or Apple TV.

8. Air Force One

Let’s switch gears to the world of fiction with a truly exciting film. It’s arguably the most famous movie ever made about a president, and we’re talking about Wolfgang Petersen’s 1997 thriller, Air Force One.

The movie Air Force One stars Harrison Ford as President James Marshall, who finds himself in a terrifying situation when his plane is hijacked. President Marshall has always refused to negotiate with terrorists, and now he must stand by that principle while facing a dangerous group of hijackers. What they don’t know is that the President is a highly trained former soldier, and he’s prepared to fight back, even when severely outnumbered.

The movie Air Force One was very successful when it came out and remains popular today. Critics gave it a 78% rating, while audiences scored it at 66%. You can currently stream it on Sony Pictures Core or MGM+.

7. The Contender

Though the movie Air Force One was pure fiction, director Rod Lurie’s 2000 film, The Contender, drew some inspiration from the Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky scandal. The story begins after the Vice President dies, leaving President Jackson Evans (Jeff Bridges) to select a replacement. Surprisingly, Evans chooses Laine Hanson (Joan Allen) instead of the expected candidate.

The movie then shows the challenges she faces trying to get confirmed, as both the House and Senate must approve her appointment. Throughout the process, various people attempt to damage her reputation and prevent her from getting the job, often due to personal prejudices or hidden agendas.

The film features a captivating back-and-forth between characters, brought to life by a strong ensemble cast including Jeff Bridges, John Allen, Gary Oldman, Christian Slater, and Sam Elliott. With a 76% rating from critics and a 73% audience score, The Contender is currently available to stream on Apple TV.

6. Nixon

Next, we shift from fictional stories to the true story of Richard Nixon with Oliver Stone’s 1995 film, Nixon. The movie chronicles the life of the former President, brought to life by the talented Anthony Hopkins.

The film explores Nixon’s presidency by weaving together flashbacks and actual audio recordings, all viewed through the lens of the Watergate scandal that led to his downfall. It delves into many facets of his life and, like other films of its kind, boasts strong performances from actors like Hopkins, Joan Allen, and Annabeth Gish.

The movie Nixon was well-received by critics, with Anthony Hopkins earning particular praise for his portrayal of the former president. It currently has a 78% rating from critics and a 74% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, and is available to stream on Prime Video.

5. The American President

Just to be upfront, number 5 on this list – The American President, directed by Rob Reiner and written by Aaron Sorkin – is probably my favorite. The 1993 movie combines the political drama of The West Wing with the charm of a romantic comedy, making it perfect for someone like me who enjoys both.

In The American President, Michael Douglas plays President Andrew Shepherd, a widower running for re-election. As his staff and the public discuss his personal life, he meets Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening), and a romance begins. At the same time, they must work through a crucial piece of legislation that could determine the outcome of the election.

I have to say, The American President just gets better every time I watch it – it’s easily one of my favorite movies about presidents! Critics clearly agree, giving it a 90% score, and audiences seem to love it too, with a 77% rating. The best part? You can stream it on Netflix right now.

4. The Butler

While many films on this list center around Presidents, Lee Daniels’ The Butler offers a different perspective – and it’s incredibly effective. Released in 2013 and starring Forest Whitaker, the movie tells the true story of Eugene Allen, who served as a White House butler for 34 years.

The movie centers around Cecil Gaines, and opens with him reflecting on his life while waiting to meet the current President. The story follows Gaines from his childhood in 1926, through decades of service, witnessing the presidencies of Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and ultimately, Barack Obama.

The movie The Butler offers a fresh perspective on the role of the President, and it’s been well-received by both critics (72% on Rotten Tomatoes) and audiences (78%). You can currently watch it on Netflix.

3. All The President’s Men

Similar to The Butler, Alan J. Pakula’s All the President’s Men offers a unique perspective on the presidency. Instead of focusing on the president himself, the film tells the story of two Washington Post reporters whose investigation into the Watergate scandal ultimately led to Richard Nixon’s downfall.

The film All the President’s Men tells the story of Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, two reporters who started looking into a minor break-in at the Democratic National Committee. Their investigation, aided by confidential sources, eventually revealed President Richard Nixon’s involvement, ultimately leading to his resignation.

The classic film All the President’s Men continues to be highly praised, boasting a 94% rating from critics and a 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. You can watch it now on Apple TV and Pluto TV.

2. JFK

Coming in at number two is Oliver Stone’s 1991 film, JFK. While the movie revolves around the presidency, it doesn’t focus on the President himself. Instead, it features a fantastic cast investigating the assassination of John F. Kennedy and the numerous theories surrounding his death.

JFK explores the investigation surrounding President Kennedy’s assassination in Dallas, focusing on District Attorney Jim Garrison, played by Kevin Costner, and his pursuit of the truth. As Garrison digs deeper and considers different angles, he begins to suspect a larger conspiracy, which puts him at odds with powerful government forces who seem to be hiding something.

Oliver Stone’s JFK features a remarkable cast of stars, including Kevin Costner, Sissy Spacek, Joe Pesci, Tommy Lee Jones, Gary Oldman, and many others. The film has been well-received, earning an 85% rating from critics and an 88% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. You can currently watch it on Apple TV and The Roku Channel.

1. Lincoln

Steven Spielberg’s film Lincoln, starring Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln, is considered one of the best presidential portraits in recent history. Released in 2012, the movie was a critical and popular success, with Day-Lewis’s performance widely praised as a definitive portrayal of the iconic president.

I just finished watching this movie, and it really drew me in! It’s set in January 1865, right as Lincoln was desperately trying to get the Thirteenth Amendment passed. What struck me was how much pressure he was under – he knew if he waited until after the Civil War, the returning Southern states would probably block it. It’s not just a history lesson though; it really gives you a glimpse into the man himself, beyond the statue and the famous speeches. It makes you think about everything he was up against.

The movie Lincoln has been well-received, with an 89% approval rating from critics and an 80% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. You can watch it on streaming services like Hulu, FuboTV, Sling TV, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube TV.

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2026-02-15 22:20