Five films and series exploring the shameful moments of American presidents.

American presidents have been kidnapped, bombed, forced to battle aliens, and, at times, faced the most dramatic of all — biopics made about them. There is no genre in Hollywood that hasn’t featured an American president. In addition to heroic tales, Hollywood has produced numerous films and series where U.S. presidents (both real and fictional) engage in various disgraceful acts, ranging from marital infidelity to murder. We’ve compiled a list of five films and series that portray these politicians in a rather critical light.

“All the President's Men”

All the President's Men, 1976. Directed by Alan J. Pakula, starring Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman, Jason Robards, Robert Duvall

This is an adaptation of the 1974 book by journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein. “All the President's Men” is particularly interesting to watch right after “The Post,” as it discusses the subsequent events and the relationship between The Washington Post's editorial team and President Nixon. The newspaper, whose reputation was bolstered by its Vietnam War coverage, learns that Nixon's administration has been wiretapping its political opponents at the Watergate Hotel. Journalists Woodward and Bernstein, with the support of their editor Howard Simons, begin an investigation. The film won four Oscars, including Best Picture, and received nominations for BAFTA, Golden Globe, and other awards.

“Wag the Dog”

Wag the Dog, 1997. Directed by Barry Levinson, starring Dustin Hoffman, Robert De Niro, Anne Heche, Denis Leary, Willie Nelson

The film received two Oscar nominations for Best Actor (Dustin Hoffman) and Best Picture. It has become a classic for fans of information warfare and political PR.

Shortly before the presidential elections, a scandal erupts in the White House: the president is accused of sexual misconduct. His ratings cannot withstand such allegations, jeopardizing his chances for a second term.

Presidential aide Conrad Brean decides to shift focus and create a more sensational event to distract the public from the scandal. He hires Hollywood producer Stanley Motts, and together they concoct a fictional war in Europe. American soldiers are portrayed as protecting civilians, while the president takes on the role of the one controlling the situation.

“Frost/Nixon”

Frost/Nixon, 2008. Directed by Ron Howard, starring Frank Langella, Michael Sheen

Ron Howard’s film tells the story of Nixon, the 37th president of the United States. The film received five Oscar nominations but did not win any.

The narrative unfolds in 1977, focusing on an exclusive interview that former President Richard Nixon gave to British television host David Frost three years after his resignation. At the time, it was a sensation. The interview entered the annals of American television journalism.

Howard brilliantly captures how the expected confession from the infamous politician turned into a captivating intellectual battle on air.

“House of Cards”

House of Cards, series, 2013-2018. Project leader Beau Willimon. Starring Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, featured in the main photo

“House of Cards” is a political drama that premiered in 2013. Two-time Oscar winner Kevin Spacey plays the fictional American politician Frank Underwood, who rises from congressman to President of the United States by any means necessary.

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“American Crime Story: Impeachment”

American Crime Story, Season 3, 2021. Project leader Ryan Murphy, starring Sarah Paulson, Beanie Feldstein, Clive Owen

The third season of “American Crime Story” focuses on the scandal that occurred in the White House from 1996 to 1997. This scandal ultimately ended Bill Clinton's political career. For a long time, his relationship with Monica Lewinsky was kept secret, but one day the whole truth came to light. The story begins with Linda Tripp starting a new position in the president's administration. By chance, she befriends Monica and learns about her biggest secret.