The 5 Best Presidents Ever (In Film), by Kate Virginia
Regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum, there is no doubt that the American presidential election this year has been entertaining to say the least. Fortunately, we can turn to the fictional presidents of our past in films throughout the years to escape the insanity of the real-world political debacles. Here are some of the best presidents portrayed on screen. Who would you vote for?
Kevin Kline as President Bill Mitchell/Dave Kovic in Dave (1993)
In this comedy-drama, Kline plays Dave, a regular Joe who ends up standing in as a double for the actual president. The brief moments the country received with Dave brought a genuine sense of humor and humility to the presidency – a vast contrast to that of the real corrupt and unfaithful president. Kline’s charm and childlike enthusiasm wins over both the first lady Sigourney Weaver and the audience.
Jeff Bridges as President Jackson Evans in The Contender (2000)
In The Contender, Bridges plays the POTUS who is trying to select a new Vice President after the death of his previous VP. It seems that he is supportive of the prospective first female VP of the United States, played by Joan Allen, as opposed to the conniving Gary Oldman who plays her opposite. Although the focus of this film is undoubtedly about the dynamic between the two, the words and manner of Bridges’ President Evans challenge and inspire, making him truly stand out.
Morgan Freeman as President Beck in Deep Impact (1998)
Morgan Freeman and his voice guide the human race through an “Extinction-Level Event” in this science fiction disaster drama. Although a relatively small role in the film, President Beck is the character everyone actually remembers, partly because this was the first time the United States saw a prominent and recognizable black president on the big screen (although not the first ever black president in film). While it may not be the most popular film on the list, Freeman made such an impact that he went on to become the go-to Hollywood authority figure.
Harrison Ford as President James Marshall in Air Force One (1997)
In Air Force One, Ford is President James Marshall, a Medal of Honor recipient who defends his plane, staff, and family against terrorist Ivan Korshunov, played by Gary Oldman (another villainous role to add to his list). Harrison Ford dominates the film as the toughest president since the real life Teddy Roosevelt. He may not be in the most realistic presidential scenario, but it’s still a great watch for this election season and is thankfully still available to watch through iTunes and DTV.
Michael Douglas as President Andrew Shepherd in The American President (1995)
Michael Douglas, Rob Reiner, and Aaron Sorkin all collaborate on a smart, heartfelt romantic dramedy that went on to inspire The West Wing – one of the most successful television shows of all time. Yes, Andrew Shepherd is the reason we received President Jed Bartlett and the whole West Wing gang. But as a standalone performance, Douglas’s tough but human portrayal of a widowed man falling in love again – while serving as president – easily earns its place on this list.
These actors give us very different performances that each say something about what it means to be the President of the United States. When the noise from today’s campaigns gets a little too intense, we can turn to these movies stars to show us some truly ideal candidates.