Can anyone recommend some good political documentaries?

[Pete]

Must-Watch Political Documentaries (That Actually Stick With You)

Whether you’re exploring American democracy, campaign strategies, or the role of media and money, these documentaries can help you connect the dots—and maybe even inspire action:

1. Campaigns, Candidates & Power Plays

• The War Room (1993) – A behind-the-scenes look at Bill Clinton’s 1992 campaign, focusing on James Carville and George Stephanopoulos. It’s raw, real, and foundational.

• Knock Down the House (2019) – Follows four female progressive candidates, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, during their 2018 campaigns. Personal, emotional, and motivating.

2. Systems, Laws & Injustice

• 13th (2016) – Explores the U.S. prison system and how systemic racism evolved through policy. Directed by Ava DuVernay—it’s gripping and award-winning.

• Requiem for the American Dream (2015) – Noam Chomsky breaks down how wealth and power have concentrated over decades. Clear, sobering, and thought-provoking.

3. Media, Influence & Surveillance

• The Social Dilemma (2020) – While not purely political, it reveals how social media algorithms influence public discourse and political polarization.

• The Great Hack (2019) – Dives into Cambridge Analytica and how voter data was weaponized in elections.

4. Satire & Dark Humor

• Thank You for Smoking (2005) – Technically a satirical film, not a doc, but it nails the spin and PR strategies used in political messaging.

• Where to Invade Next (2015) – Michael Moore explores social policies around the world and how they contrast with American policy. Funny, sharp, and surprisingly hopeful.

5. Bonus Picks for the Political Nerds

• Slay the Dragon (2019) – About gerrymandering and how grassroots activists are trying to fight back.

Active Measures (2018) – Covers Russian interference in U.S. politics with tons of documentation and expert interviews.

[Angelina Marie]

If you’re serious about digging deep, I highly recommend The Fog of War (2003) and The War Room (1993). The first dives into military and foreign policy with Robert McNamara, and the second gives a raw look at the Clinton campaign’s strategy. They’re not flashy—but they’re brilliant.