Political thriller movies have captivated audiences for decades with their brilliant mix of suspense, intrigue, and real-world threats. Dealing with corruption at the highest levels, assassination plots, and salacious scandals, political thrillers have a lot to offer. While the genre was perhaps at its height during the 1970s, there were some excellent examples of the genre before that and there are still some great political thrillers being made today. In fact, the genre has helped to establish some of the best movies of all time.
There are a lot of different approaches the political thrillers can make, from basing the stories on real-world events that audiences are familiar with to telling grander stories that stretch the realism of the genre. Over the years, some of the greatest filmmakers of all time have taken on the genre, from Steven Spielberg to Oliver Stone, as well as some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, like Will Smith, Meryl Streep, and Robert Redford. While it can be hard to determine which political thriller movies are worth watching, it is hard to go wrong with the best of the genre.
You are watching: The 25 Best Political Thrillers Of All Time, Ranked
25
Enemy Of The State (1998)
Will Smith Is Being Watched
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Enemy Of The State
R
ActionDramaThriller
Enemy of the State is a political thriller directed by Tony Scott, featuring Will Smith as Robert Dean, a lawyer unwittingly thrust into a covert government conspiracy after obtaining evidence of a politically motivated murder. Gene Hackman co-stars as an ex-NSA operative who aids Dean in navigating the perilous landscape of surveillance and corruption. The film examines the far-reaching implications of government overreach and personal privacy invasion.
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Release Date
November 20, 1998
Runtime
132 Minutes
Cast
Will Smith
, Gene Hackman
, Jon Voight
, Regina King
, Loren Dean
Government surveillance is a subject that has been brought up many times in the political thriller genre and continues to be a concern for people today. In the 1990s, there was much less known about the realities of this threat, but Enemy of the State made for a thrilling ride that explored that idea. Will Smith stars as a lawyer and family man who is unknowingly given an incriminating piece of evidence. Seeking to get it back, a rogue government team tracks his every movement and seeks to destroy his life.
The movie is a terrifying and pulse-pounding thriller that shows how impossible it is for someone to hide in the modern day. The fact that it is the government using these tools is all the more chilling. Smith fits into a more everyman role that he was used to at the time, while Gene Hackman has a great supporting role that links to his other political thriller, The Conversation.
24
The Post (2017)
Oscar Winners Team For A Tale Of Journalistic Integrity
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6/10
The Post
PG-13
DramaHistory
The Post is a dramatic thriller directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks and tells the story of the unexpected partnership between The Washington Post’s Katharine Graham, the first female publisher of a major American newspaper, and editor Ben Bradlee. The two will work tirelessly and race to catch up with The New York Times to expose a massive cover-up of government secrets spanning three decades.
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Release Date
December 22, 2017
Runtime
116minutes
Cast
Alison Brie
, Matthew Rhys
, Tracy Letts
, Michael Stuhlbarg
, Zach Woods
, Sarah Paulson
, Bradley Whitford
, Tom Hanks
, Bruce Greenwood
, Meryl Streep
, David Cross
, Carrie Coon
, Bob Odenkirk
, Jesse Plemons
Director
Steven Spielberg
Another common area that is explored in political thriller movies is the role of journalists digging deep into political secrets. While there are many great movies of this kind based on original ideas, there are also terrific movies based on true stories of history’s biggest news stories being broken. This makes for an exciting setup for The Post, but it is also the movie’s incredible line-up of talent that makes it such a must-see political thriller.
Steven Spielberg directed multiple Oscar winners Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks in this riveting and inspiring thriller. The Post examines the true story of the Washington Post choosing to publish the Pentagon Papers, leaked classified documents that showed the American people were being misled about the war in Vietnam. It is a movie about the government’s pressure to hide the truth and the real-life heroes who pushed back against that pressure.
23
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Steve Rogers Adjusts To The Grey Areas Of The 21st Century
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12
8.7/10
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
PG-13
AdventureActionSci-FiSuperhero
Captain America: The Winter Soldier, directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, follows Steve Rogers as he adapts to contemporary life while confronting a new adversary, the mysterious Winter Soldier, amidst internal threats to S.H.I.E.L.D. The film explores themes of trust and loyalty as Rogers teams up with allies to uncover hidden conspiracies.
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Release Date
April 4, 2014
Runtime
136 Minutes
Cast
Chris Evans
, Samuel L. Jackson
, Scarlett Johansson
, Robert Redford
, Sebastian Stan
, Anthony Mackie
, Cobie Smulders
, Frank Grillo
, Maximiliano Hernández
, Emily VanCamp
, Hayley Atwell
, Toby Jones
, Stan Lee
, Callan Mulvey
, Jenny Agutter
, Bernard White
, Alan Dale
, Chin Han
, Garry Shandling
, georges st-pierre
, Salvator Xuereb
, Brian Duffy
, Zack Duhame
, Adetokumboh M’Cormack
, Christopher George Sarris
, Aaron Himelstein
, Allan Chanes
, Joe Russo
, Christopher Markus
, Stephen McFeely
, Pat Healy
, Ed Brubaker
, D.C. Pierson
, Danny Pudi
, Bernie Zilinskas
, Branka Katić
, Angela Russo-Otstot
, Jon Sklaroff
, Chad Todhunter
, Abigail Marlowe
, Jeremy Maxwell
, Emerson Brooks
, Evan Parke
, Ricardo Chacon
Director
Joe Russo
, Anthony Russo
Expand
The MCU has had a lot of success in melding other genres into their superhero world, including political thrillers. Captain America: The Winter Soldier picks up Steve Rogers’ story as he tries to make a life for himself in the 21st century. However, as he works as a SHIELD agent under Nick Fury, Rogers begins to uncover a conspiracy that suggests there is a dangerous secret hiding within the organization.
It is a brilliant move to place Captain America in a political thriller as he is a hero who has such a strong sense of right and wrong but finds himself in a new reality in which it is not as easy to determine who the true enemy is. There is also a thrilling conspiracy at the center of the story that reshapes the MCU in a significant way.
22
V For Vendetta (2006)
A Masked Vigilante Challenges The Government
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7.3/10
V For Vendetta
R
ThrillerDramaAction Sci-Fi
Based on the comic series by Alan Moore, V for Vendetta is directed by James McTeigue with a screenplay by the Wachowskis. The film stars Natalie Portman as Evey Hammond, a young woman living in a dystopian future who becomes involved with the vigilante V, an anarchist working against the Fascist government and attempting to rally support from the general population. Hugo Weaving portrays V, with a further cast that includes Stephen Rea, Stephen Fry, and John Hurt.
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Release Date
March 17, 2006
Runtime
132 minutes
Cast
John Hurt
, Hugo Weaving
, Stephen Fry
, Stephen Rea
, Natalie Portman
Director
James McTeigue
Interestingly, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is not the only comic book movie that also serves as a political thriller. Based on Alan Moore’s graphic novel, V for Vendetta is set in a future in which England has become ruled by a totalitarian government that suppresses any forms of dissent. However, the people are given a symbol of freedom by a masked vigilante with a personal grudge who sets out to bring down the corrupt leaders.
V for Vendetta is a thrilling action ride with a unique and engaging hero, along with a committed performance from Natalie Portman as the young woman caught up in the vigilante mission. However, it is also an exploration of the power of citizens questioning their government and keeping them in their place. It deals with corruption at the highest levels and the evil in those who use their positions of power to control others through fear and intimidation.
21
Argo (2012)
A Daring CIA Rescue Mission
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8/10
7.8/10
Argo
r
BiographyDramaHistoryThriller
Argo is a historical thriller adapted from the memoir of CIA operative Tony Mendez. The film follows Mendez as he infiltrates Tehran, Iran, by pretending to be filming a sci-fi movie during the Iran hostage crisis at the beginning of the 1980s. Ben Affleck stars as Mendez as he infiltrates to save the six escaped embassy staff members.
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Release Date
October 12, 2012
Runtime
120 Minutes
Cast
Ben Affleck
, Bryan Cranston
, Alan Arkin
, John Goodman
, Victor Garber
, Tate Donovan
Director
Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck’s third movie as director led to a snub for Best Director but a win for Best Picture. Argo focuses on the real-life conflict of the Iran hostage Crisis in which several Americans from an embassy were taken hostage by Iranian Islamists in 1979. However, the movie focuses on a secret operation that was hidden from the world until decades later. Affleck stars in the movie as a CIA operative who concocts a plan to stage a fake movie production in Iran in order to rescue some of the stranded Americans.
While Argo received plenty of criticism for the facts of the true story that were changed or left out, it is still an exciting and oddball thriller. The strange plan hatched at the center of the story also allows for a lot of unexpected humor, with co-stars Alan Arkin and John Goodman lightening the mood. However, Affleck is the real star behind the camera, proving his talents for crafting intense thrillers.
20
The Contender (2000)
A Washington Scandal Hits The Media
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The Contender
R
ThrillerDrama
The Contender is a political drama directed by Rod Lurie, centering on the intense confirmation process of a female Vice President nominee, played by Joan Allen. Jeff Bridges stars as the sitting President who must navigate political adversaries and ethical dilemmas. The film delves into themes of power, integrity, and gender politics within the realm of American government.
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Release Date
October 13, 2000
Runtime
126 Minutes
Cast
Joan Allen
, Gary Oldman
, Jeff Bridges
, Christian Slater
, Sam Elliott
, William Petersen
, Saul Rubinek
, Philip Baker Hall
Director
Rod Lurie
Not all political thrillers need to be about people running for their lives and dark secrets being held in the deepest corners of the government. Some of them, like The Contender, are grounded and realistic examinations of the current political world with the intense situations that sometimes arise. The Contender stars Joan Allen as a politician who is selected to fill the position of Vice President following the death of the previous one. However, she soon finds herself the target of attacks by the opposition trying to discredit her character.
In the wake of the Monica Lewinsky scandal, The Contender is a riveting exploration of how personal lives and political roles collide. The movie asks complex questions with layered characters on both sides of the political sphere. Allen received an Oscar nomination for her lead performance, while Jeff Bridges was also nominated for his supporting role as the President.
19
The Ides Of March (2011)
Secrets Are Revealed On The Campaign Trail
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6/10
7/10
The Ides of March
r
Drama
The Ides of March is a drama film that sees Ryan Gosling star as Stephen Meyers, an employee of Governor Mike Morris’ campaign trying to run for president. Though Morris’ ideas could present a significant shift in the world, one primary goes south, leaving Stephen to rush to try to pick up the pieces. Stephen’s morality and integrity and challenged when he realizes the only way to help his candidate win is to play as dirty as his opponents.
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Release Date
October 7, 2011
Runtime
101minutes
Cast
George Clooney
, Ryan Gosling
, Paul Giamatti
, Marisa Tomei
Director
George Clooney
George Clooney’s directing career started with a focus on political thrillers, with his second movie as a director, The Ides of March, telling an effective story about political optimism being shattered. Ryan Gosling stars in the movie as a talented and smart campaign advisor working for a politician (Clooney) whom he truly believes in. However, after the young advisor takes a meeting with the rival team, it sets in motion a series of events that threaten that idealistic point of view.
The movie is a fascinating look behind the scenes of the campaign world, providing great insight into the maneuvers and strategies. However, once the secrets begin to be revealed, it exposes the darkness in this world as well. Gosling makes for a great lead, and he is joined by an incredible supporting cast, including Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, and Jeffrey Wright.
18
State Of Play (2009)
A Sex Scandal And Murder Plot Collide
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8/10
State of Play
PG-13
Thriller
State of Play is a political thriller directed by Kevin Macdonald. The film features Russell Crowe as a journalist who investigates the death of a congressman’s aide. Co-starring Ben Affleck as the congressman, the storyline delves into themes of corruption, media, and political intrigue. The ensemble cast includes Rachel McAdams, Helen Mirren, and Robin Wright, who contribute to unraveling a complex narrative marked by suspense and moral ambiguity.
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Release Date
April 17, 2009
Runtime
127 Minutes
Cast
Russell Crowe
, Ben Affleck
, Rachel McAdams
, Helen Mirren
, Robin Wright
Director
Kevin Macdonald
Based on the miniseries of the same name, State of Play stars Russell Crowe as an investigative journalist who finds himself in a difficult position when his former friend, an up-and-coming congressman (Ben Affleck) is wrapped up in a scandal that turns deadly. However, as he digs deeper into the story, he finds that it is not merely a bit of hot political gossip, but rather a deeper conspiracy that puts him in the crosshairs.
State of Play is a great popcorn thriller with smart and exciting twists around every corner as the movie maintains a fast pace leading toward the final reveal. It explores the idea of corporate interests and the complexities of modern media, yet also hides a darker truth. Crowe and Affleck are joined by a strong cast that includes Rachel McAdams, Jason Bateman, and Helen Mirren.
17
Thirteen Days (2000)
The Cuban Missile Crisis Looms
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Thirteen Days
PG-13
HistoryThriller
Thirteen Days is a drama film that recounts the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, a 13-day political and military standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union. The film focuses on the decisions made by President John F. Kennedy, played by Bruce Greenwood, and his brother Robert Kennedy, played by Steven Culp, as they navigate the crisis and search for a peaceful resolution.
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Release Date
December 25, 2000
Runtime
145 Minutes
Cast
Kevin Costner
, Bruce Greenwood
, Steven Culp
, Dylan Baker
, Michael Fairman
Director
Roger Donaldson
The Cold War is a moment in history that has been featured in many political thrillers. It makes sense that one of the key moments from that era was also the basis for some of the genre’s biggest movies. The Cuban Missile Crisis is the main focus of the movie Thirteen Days, which stars Bruce Greenwood as John F. Kennedy in the days leading up to that fateful final moment, as he and his key advisors debated the actions that would either bring about peace or a war that could end all wars.
Thirteen Days is a reminder of the tension and high stakes of this moment in history. It is a war movie in which there are no battlefields but rather, it focuses on the people in the White House who made some of the most important decisions in the history of the country.
16
Good Night, And Good Luck. (2005)
Edward R. Murrow Versus Sen. McCarthy
While The Ides of March was a great second feature, George Clooney’s best movie as director is Good Night and Good Luck. The movie is a look back at a paranoid and destructive era in American history in which Senator Joseph McCarthy launched a relentless campaign to expose communists in high-ranking positions in society and culture, leading to people naming names and lives being ruined. The story focused on newscaster Edward R. Murrow and his team, who stood against the fearmongering and publicly condemned McCarthy on their broadcasts.
Similar to The Post, Good Night and Good Luck is a look both at the controlling tactics of the government over its people as well as a celebration of the journalists who had the integrity to stand up to threats and highlight such issues. David Strathairn’s reserved turn as Murrow highlights why the newscast remains a hero in his field.
15
Bridge Of Spies (2015)
Tom Hanks Makes A Spy Exchange
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5/10
7/10
Bridge of Spies
PG-13
ThrillerDocumentaryDrama
Directed by Steven Spielberg, Bridge of Spies follows American lawyer James Donovan, who is recruited by the CIA to negotiate the release of a U.S. Air Force pilot who was shot down over the Soviet Union. Tom Hanks stars in the 2015 historical drama based on the true story.
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Release Date
October 16, 2015
Runtime
142 Minutes
Cast
Alan Alda
, Mark Rylance
, Domenick Lombardozzi
, Tom Hanks
, Austin Stowell
, Amy Ryan
, Billy Magnussen
Director
Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg enters into another true story in which history sets the stage for a political thriller. The Cold War movie Bridge of Spies stars Tom Hanks as lawyer James B. Donovan, who is given the task of defending a Russian spy (Mark Rylance) to ensure a fair trial. However, the job then turns into a grander and more unsettling mission as he is entrusted by the government to oversee the prisoner exchange between the Russian spy and an American pilot being held by the Soviets.
It is impressive the various approaches to the political thriller that Spielberg is able to fit into a single movie. There is the courtroom drama in which Donovan wants to see justice served but is also punished for defending a “traitor”. However, the real thrill is the exchange of drama with the tension of life along the Berlin Wall permeating through the movie’s final act.
14
Michael Clayton (2007)
George Clooney Is A Fixer In Too Deep
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Michael Clayton
R
CrimeDramaMysteryThriller
Michael Clayton, directed by Tony Gilroy, follows a law firm fixer tasked with managing a crisis when a lawyer experiences a breakdown while defending a culpable chemical company in a massive class-action lawsuit. The film delves into themes of corporate intrigue and legal ethics.
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Release Date
October 12, 2007
Runtime
119 Minutes
Cast
George Clooney
, Tom Wilkinson
, Tilda Swinton
, Michael O’Keefe
, Sydney Pollack
, Danielle Skraastad
, Wai Chan
, Alberto Vazquez
, Brian Koppelman
, Tom McCarthy
, Denis O’Hare
, Julie White
, Austin Williams
, Jennifer Van Dyck
, Frank Wood
, Richard Hecht
, Bill Raymond
, Jonathan Walker
, Sharon Washington
, Cynthia Mace
, Michael Countryman
, Ken Howard
, Amy Hargreaves
, Susan Pellegrino
, Rachel Black
, Matthew Detmer
, John Douglas Thompson
, Merritt Wever
, Brian Poteat
, Christopher Mann
, Edward Furs
, Katherine Waterston
, John Gerard Franklin
, Remy Auberjonois
, Pun Bandhu
, Jason Strong
, Robert Prescott
, Paul Oquist
, Terry Serpico
, Heidi Armbruster
, Pamela Gray
, Andrew Hunter Sherman
, Kevin Hagan
, Julia Gibson
, Sean Cullen
, Susan Egbert
, David Lansbury
, David Zayas
, Douglas McGrath
, Gregory Dann
, Cathy Diane Tomlin
, Sam Gilroy
, Maggie Siff
, Sarah Nichols
, Susan McBrien
, Jordan Lage
, Neal Huff
, Paul Juhn
Director
Tony Gilroy
Expand
Political thrillers are often filled with morally grey characters confronted with the reality of their existence and forced to choose right or wrong. The titular character in Michael Clayton perfectly fits this genre trope while also bringing something new. George Clooney stars as Michael, a fixer for a powerful law firm who takes care of other people’s problems even when his own life is in shambles. When he is hired to help out with a lawyer who has a breakdown during a civil action case, he finds himself exposed to a deadly conspiracy.
The movie is a sharply written thriller that avoids anything flashy, which ends up making for an incredibly intense ride. The conspiracy is handled in such a fascinating way as if it was something that just gradually happened rather than a sinister plot, and this is communicated memorably by Tilda Swinton’s Oscar-winning supporting role.
13
Fail Safe (1964)
A Mistake Threatens War
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Fail Safe
Not Rated
ThrillerDramaWar
Fail Safe is a Cold War thriller directed by Sidney Lumet, featuring Henry Fonda as the U.S. President. The film explores a critical moment when a technical malfunction sends American bombers toward the Soviet Union, raising the specter of a nuclear catastrophe. Walter Matthau co-stars as a government advisor, adding depth to the intense narrative that highlights the precariousness of nuclear diplomacy.
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Release Date
October 7, 1964
Runtime
112 Minutes
Cast
Henry Fonda
, Walter Matthau
, Fritz Weaver
, Larry Hagman
, Frank Overton
, Edward Binns
, Dan O’Herlihy
, William Hansen
Director
Sidney Lumet
The Cold War introduced the feature of nuclear war to the mainstream public and there were many movies that directly addressed that fear. However, one of the best is the thought-provoking and suspenseful political thriller Fail Safe. The movie focuses on two pilots on a routine mission who are incorrectly given orders to attack the Soviet Union with their nuclear arsenal. With the fail-safe options prohibiting the pilots from accepting orders from any means other than the official channels, the President and military officials attempt to come up with a way to prevent disaster.
The movie presents a terrifying “what if” scenario that is still chilling all these years later. It is a brilliant display of how such a dangerous weapon with such destructive potential is one mistake away from destroying the world. It is also a suggestion that humanity is not responsible enough to possess such a weapon.
12
Blow Out (1981)
John Travolta Hears Too Much
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Blow Out
R
ThrillerMysteryCrime
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Blow Out, directed by Brian De Palma, follows sound technician Jack Terry, who inadvertently records a political assassination when capturing audio for a film. As he investigates the incident, he is drawn into a conspiracy involving a presidential candidate and a woman named Sally, leading to dangerous consequences.
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Release Date
July 24, 1981
Runtime
108 Minutes
Cast
John Travolta
, Nancy Allen
, John Lithgow
, Dennis Franz
, Peter Boyden
, John Aquino
, John McMartin
, Deborah Everton
, J. Patrick McNamara
, Roger Wilson
, Missy Cleveland
, Curt May
, Lori-Nan Engler
, Barbara Sigel
, David De Felice
, Roberto Lombardi
, Missy Crutchfield
, Cindy Manion
Director
Brian De Palma
Expand
Brian De Palma is one of the greatest thriller directors of all time, crafting unforgettable cinematic moments of tension. There are many fans who consider Blow Out to be the best example of his talents in this genre. John Travolta gives one of his most underrated performances in the movie as Jack, a sound engineer on movies who accidentally picks up a recording of an assassination plot.
The movie showcases the thrills and fun that can be had with political thrillers. It takes a simple yet alluring premise and delivers an elevated B-movie. It is a political thriller plot with De Palma’s visual style bringing beauty and brilliance out in every frame. It keeps the audience on the edge of their seats like any good thriller does, still making from an impactful ride decades later.
11
No Way Out (1987)
An Affair Leads To Murder In The Intelligence Community
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No Way Out
R
ThrillerDramaMysteryRomance
No Way Out is a suspenseful political thriller directed by Roger Donaldson. Released in 1987, it stars Kevin Costner as Lt. Commander Tom Farrell, who becomes embroiled in a high-stakes Pentagon cover-up following a murder. Gene Hackman and Sean Young co-star in this intricate tale of deception, intrigue, and betrayal within the corridors of power.
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Release Date
August 14, 1987
Runtime
114 minutes
Cast
Kevin Costner
, Gene Hackman
, Sean Young
, Will Patton
, Howard Duff
, George Dzundza
, Jason Bernard
, Iman
Director
Roger Donaldson
Kevin Costner stars in a few political thrillers in his career with No Way Out being one of the early roles that helped to make him a star in Hollywood. Costner plays a Navy Intelligence operative who forms a connection with a woman (Sean Young), not knowing that she is the mistress of the Secretary of Defense (Gene Hackman). When she ends up dead, the Secretary attempts to distance himself from any scandal, which leads to Costner as the perceived scapegoat.
The movie’s love triangle angle adds an aspect of erotic thriller along with the political thriller that works very effectively. It is a movie that comments on the scandalous world of politicians behind the scenes and their work to ensure none of their misdeeds come to light. Seeing the coverup lead to more and more crimes is a fascinating descent into this world.
10
Munich (2005)
Steven Spielberg’s Dark Revenge Tale
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Munich
R
DramaActionHistoryThriller
Munich is a historical drama centered on the events following the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre. The film follows a group of Mossad agents, tasked by the Israeli government, to locate and eliminate those responsible for the attack carried out by the Palestinian group Black September.
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Release Date
December 23, 2005
Runtime
164 Minutes
Cast
Eric Bana
, Daniel Craig
, Ciarán Hinds
, Mathieu Kassovitz
, Hanns Zischler
Director
Steven Spielberg
Yet another political thriller from Steven Spielberg based on a true story, Munich is also one of the legendary director’s darkest movies. The thriller takes place in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of the 1972 Munich Olympics in which several Israeli athletes were murdered by members of a Palestinian militia group known as Black September. The movie stars Eric Bana, Daniel Craig, and others as Mossad agents on a mission to track down and kill those responsible for the attack.
The movie is a timely and brutal look at one period of time in the long conflict while also commenting on the cost of revenge. However, much of Munich is dedicated to the covert operations of these agents who track down their targets and must deal with the aftermath of their deadly actions.
9
The Parallax View (1974)
An Assassination Holds More Secrets
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The Parallax View
R
CrimeDramaThriller
The Parallax View is a political thriller directed by Alan J. Pakula. The film stars Warren Beatty as journalist Joe Frady, who investigates the mysterious circumstances surrounding the assassination of a presidential candidate. As Frady delves deeper, he uncovers a vast conspiracy orchestrated by the Parallax Corporation, leading to a web of deception and danger. Released in 1974, the film is known for its exploration of paranoia and political intrigue.
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Release Date
June 14, 1974
Cast
Warren Beatty
, Paula Prentiss
, William Daniels
, Walter McGinn
, Hume Cronyn
, Kelly Thordsen
, Chuck Waters
, Earl Hindman
, William Joyce
Director
Alan J. Pakula
The Parallax View is a political thriller that was not appreciated in its time only to gain more love as one of the best movies in the genre years later. Warren Beatty stars in the movie as a reporter who is present at the assassination of a US senator during his presidential campaign. Years later, the reporter begins to unravel a conspiracy to silence those who may have witnessed something else on that day and discovered the truth behind the assassination.
The movie draws from the Kennedy assassination and reflects on the rampant paranoia and conspiracies that came out of that tragic moment. However, The Parallax View imagines a world in which such conspiracies were actually true. There is a somewhat surreal nature to the movie the more the truth is exposed, giving it a unique vibe for the political thriller genre.
8
Marathon Man (1976)
Dustin Hoffman Is An Unwitting Target
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Marathon Man
R
Thriller
Marathon Man follows a graduate student in New York, who becomes entangled in a mysterious conspiracy involving his brother, part of a covert organization. As he navigates danger and intrigue, the narrative delves into themes of trust and betrayal.
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Release Date
October 8, 1976
Runtime
125 minutes
Cast
Dustin Hoffman
, Laurence Olivier
, Roy Scheider
, William Devane
, Marthe Keller
, Fritz Weaver
Director
John Schlesinger
While there are many political thrillers about people involved with the political sphere or actively seeking to unravel the mysteries, Marathon Man is one of the most chilling and unnerving entries in the genre because its protagonist is totally unwilling and unknowing of the danger he is being thrown into. Dustin Hoffman stars as Babe, a marathon runner who is unaware that his brother is a government operative. However, when his brother is killed, Babe finds himself pulled into his world and targeted by a Nazi doctor (Laurence Olivier) who has been in hiding since the end of the war.
Marathon Man is most remembered for the twisted scene in which Olivier’s chilling villain mercilessly tortures Hoffman, repeatedly asking “Is it safe?” Hoffman’s desperation to escape the situation while not knowing anything that is happening is one of the most terrifying ideas presented in a political thriller. The idea of someone being targeted for information they don’t know they have is nightmarish.
7
The Conversation (1974)
Francis Ford Coppola’s Paranoid Masterpiece
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The Conversation
PG
DramaCrimeDocumentaryMysteryThriller
The Conversation, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is a 1974 thriller following a paranoid surveillance expert who faces a moral dilemma. As he becomes increasingly immersed in his latest case, he fears that his recordings may be linked to a potential murder, challenging his professional detachment.
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Release Date
April 7, 1974
Runtime
113 minutes
Cast
Gene Hackman
, John Cazale
, Allen Garfield
, Frederic Forrest
, Cindy Williams
, Michael Higgins
Director
Francis Ford Coppola
Along with directing some of the greatest movies of all time, like The Godfather films and Apocalypse Now, Francis Ford Coppola delivered this political thriller that is talked about much less yet is still brilliant. Gene Hackman stars in The Conversation as Harry Caul, a surveillance expert who is hired to record a conversation between a couple and seemingly picks up on a murder plot.
The movie came out at a time when the idea of government surveillance was only beginning to creep into the minds of the public. However, it latched onto that idea and made it a terrifying concept seen through the eyes of someone who does it for a living. It is fascinating watching Harry initially spy on these people as if it is any other job, only to gradually recognize the immorality of it and become overcome with paranoia himself.
6
JFK (1991)
Who Killed The President?
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10/10
JFK
R
DramaDocumentaryHistoryThriller
Follows the investigation into the assassination of President John F. Kennedy led by New Orleans district attorney Jim Garrison.
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Release Date
December 20, 1991
Runtime
189 minutes
Cast
Sally Kirkland
, Anthony Ramirez
, Ray LePere
, Steve Reed
, Jodie Farber
, Columbia Dubose
Director
Oliver Stone
While it is not often that political thrillers deal with such well-known historical moments, JFK addressed one of the most infamous and tragic moments in American history in a shocking way. Kevin Costner stars in Oliver Stone’s thriller as Jim Garrison, an attorney who begins to investigate the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, convinced that Lee Harvey Oswald did not work alone. While Garrison attempts to bring justice to the American people, he finds himself thwarted at every turn.
Oliver Stone takes a bold and controversial approach with the movie, combining some facts with a lot of speculation and unfounded theories. While the legitimacy of the story can be debated, it is hard to deny that he shapes a stirring courtroom thriller that details the vast conspiracy that spreads through many pockets of the government and beyond.
Source: https://truongnguyenbinhkhiem.edu.vn
Category: Entertainment