Films to Inspire Civic Engagement

A good movie can transport you into the lives and stories of others. We invite you to explore this list of movies about and inspired by civic leaders, civic engagement, and civil discourse. We look forward to adding to this list, so be sure to bookmark this page for a future visit!

Global Movie Day

Hidden Figures was inspired by the true story of three women who broke barriers in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and played a significant role in advancing the United States space program. It explores themes of prejudice, education, and global politics.
  • Creola Katherine Johnson - an American Mathematician
  • Dorothy Jean Johnson Vaughan - American Mathematician and Computer Expert
All the President’s Men is based on the experience of Washington Post investigative journalists Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward and their work related to the Watergate scandal, which would lead to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. This film explores the role of journalism, the executive branch, and party politics.
Suffragette is a fictional story about three women who joined the suffrage movement and fought for women’s rights in the United Kingdom between 1912 and 1918, when women were given the right to vote. In 1920, white women in the United States received the right to vote with the 19th Amendment. This film explores the themes of civic engagement, policy change, and the role of citizens.
Lincoln is a fictional adaptation of President Lincoln’s work to abolish slavery in 1865, culminating with his assassination on April 14. It is loosely based on Doris Kearns Goodwin's 2005 biography Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln. This film explores the themes of the executive branch, political parties, policy development, and civil discourse.
Oppenheimer is a biographical drama about J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist who led the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. The story examines his scientific genius, moral dilemmas, and the profound impact of his work on global history and warfare. It delves into themes of ambition, responsibility, and the ethical consequences of scientific discovery.
12 Angry Men is a courtroom drama about a jury deliberating the fate of a young man accused of murder. Initially, 11 jurors believed him guilty, but one juror’s insistence on discussing the evidence reveals inconsistencies and biases in their reasoning. The film explores justice, prejudice, and the power of critical thinking in reaching a fair verdict.
Frost/Nixon is a historical drama that portrays the televised interviews between British journalist David Frost and former U.S. President Richard Nixon after the Watergate scandal. The film depicts their intense intellectual competition, with Frost striving to uncover Nixon's accountability and Nixon seeking to restore his reputation. It explores themes of power, truth, and the pursuit of justice in the media spotlight.
Iron Jawed Angels is a historical drama that follows the efforts of American suffragists Alice Paul and Lucy Burns as they fight for women’s right to vote in the early 20th century. The film highlights their courageous activism, including protests, hunger strikes, and imprisonment, in the face of intense opposition. It explores themes of perseverance, equality, and the sacrifices made for social progress.
The American President is a romantic drama that follows widowed U.S. President Andrew Shepherd as he navigates a relationship with environmental lobbyist Sydney Ellen Wade while managing political challenges. The story explores the tension between his personal life and public responsibilities as their romance faces intense media scrutiny and opposition. It blends themes of love, leadership, and integrity in the high-stakes world of American politics.
Dave is a comedy about an ordinary man named Dave Kovic, who looks exactly like the President of the United States and is recruited to impersonate him after the President falls ill. As Dave steps into the role, his genuine kindness and fresh perspective win over the public and those around him. The film explores themes of integrity, leadership, and the power of one person to make a positive difference.
Erin Brockovich is a biographical drama about a determined legal assistant who uncovers a major case of water contamination affecting a small town. Despite having no formal legal training, Erin uses her persistence and resourcefulness to bring a powerful corporation to justice. The film highlights themes of resilience, justice, and the impact one person can have on a community.