HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — U.S. presidents come and go, but the story of their origins will continue to intrigue generations to come. After all, these titans of politics are also real people with real stories to tell — including their love affairs.
In honor of Presidents Day, here are some of the best biographical dramas to watch as we celebrate the powerful office of the American president — in no particular order.
Happy Presidents Day!
7 best biopics about American presidents
“Lincoln” (2012)
Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field; directed by Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg's 2012 biopic chronicles the tumultuous final months of Abraham Lincoln's life, focusing on the American Civil War and Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. A compelling ticket, “Lincoln” paints a moving and dignified portrait, gathering 12 Academy Award nominations and an Academy Award for Best Actor for Day Lewis for his powerful performance as the 16th president of the United States.
“Nixon” (1995)
Anthony Hopkins, Joan Allen? directed by Oliver Stone
Oliver Stone's biopic, starring Anthony Hopkins in the title role of Richard Nixon, chronicles the life of the 37th President of the United States from his youth to his rise to the presidency and eventual fall from grace after his involvement in the infamous Watergate. scandal. Well-acted and skilfully directed, the film charts a riveting tragedy.
“W” (2008)
Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Banks; directed by Oliver Stone
Oliver Stone explores the life of George W. Bush (Josh Brolin) through a series of flashbacks that highlight his path to sobriety, self-improvement, and then the Texas governorship and eventually the US presidency. In the end, if nothing else, the film aims to evoke sympathy and empathy for a man embroiled in a disastrous presidency.
“Frost/Nixon” (2008)
Frank Langella, Michael Sheen; directed by Ron Howard
In 1977, former US President (Frank Langella) granted David Frost (Michael Sheen), a well-known British journalist, an exclusive, no-holds-barred interview, his first since resigning following the Watergate scandal. Ron Howard's film depicts the events that unfolded behind the scenes and ultimately the premiere episode that attracted 45 million viewers. Frank Langella's portrayal of Nixon is colorful, anchored by Howard's balletic direction.
Hyde Park on Hudson (2012)
Bill Murray, Laura Linney, Olivia Williams? directed by Roger Michel
At the heart of the biopic is the love affair between US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (Bill Murray) and his distant cousin Margaret “Daisy” Suckley (Laura Linney). Based on Suckley's private diaries, the film focuses on their love story during the 1939 visit to the US by King George VI (Samuel West) and the British monarch's wife, Queen Elizabeth (Olivia Colman). Meanwhile, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt (Olivia Williams) is now in a dilemma. The film, on the whole, is fun and charming — although the humor, at times, could feel a bit gratuitous.
“LBJ” (2016)
Woody Harrelson, Jennifer Jason Leigh; directed by Rob Reiner
“LBJ,” Rob Reiner's biographical treatment of Lyndon B. Johnson's US presidency, stars Woody Harrelson in the title role of a politician who served as the 36th President of the United States after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Primarily, the film focuses on LBJ's rise to the presidency and his administration's subsequent struggles to deal with the civil rights issues of the 1960s. Woody Harrelson owns the film as he delivers a very nuanced performance.
“Thirteen Days” (2000)
Kevin Costner, Bruce Greenwood; directed by Roger Donaldson
For 13 days in October 1962, the entire world stood still in a very tense political environment, anxiously awaiting the outcome of a cliffhanger that could lead to nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union. Roger Donaldson's film is a documentary about the Cuban Missile Crisis as seen from the perspective of US President John F. Kennedy's leadership. As suspenseful as it is, the taut political thriller depicts a high-stakes story that's remarkably palpable.
