As election season ramps up, it’s easy to feel as though we’re living through scenes straight out of a movie. But long before today’s social media debates and polarizing headlines, classic films warned about the consequences of misguided leaders, the influence of media, and the dangers of unchecked power. Here’s a look at seven iconic movies that captured anxieties about politics, leadership, and society—scenarios that feel eerily relevant today.
1. A Face in the Crowd (1957) – The Power of Media Personalities
In A Face in the Crowd, Andy Griffith plays Lonesome Rhodes, a charismatic, folksy TV personality who rises to power by manipulating his fans through television. Rhodes views his followers as easily influenced and often derides them in private, calling them “sheep.” This Elia Kazan-directed classic feels like a prediction of today’s media-driven society, where popular figures wield immense influence. Griffith’s performance reminds viewers of how quickly media personalities can shape public opinion, for better or worse.
2. The Manchurian Candidate (1962) – A Chilling Political Thriller
This Cold War-era thriller stars Frank Sinatra in a story of infiltration and manipulation. In The Manchurian Candidate, a senator is unknowingly controlled by Soviet agents as part of a plot to weaken America from within. The themes of conspiracy, manipulation, and hidden agendas resonate with today’s concerns about foreign interference and misinformation in politics. Angela Lansbury’s role as the scheming wife of the senator’s handler adds depth to this tale of covert power plays.
3. The Best Man (1964) – An Election Drama with Sharp Social Commentary
Gore Vidal’s The Best Man brings to life a fierce battle between two presidential candidates with opposing values. Henry Fonda’s character embodies honesty and integrity, while his rival (Cliff Robertson) uses fearmongering and ruthless tactics to gain an edge. The film explores the moral challenges of political life, reminding us of the personal and public responsibilities that come with leadership. This story serves as a commentary on the ethical dilemmas politicians face and the costs of ambition.
4. Being There (1979) – A Satire on Media and Perception
In Being There, Peter Sellers plays Chance, a simple gardener who unintentionally becomes a political figure due to his calm demeanor and cryptic responses. Despite his limited understanding, he gains influence as people see what they want in him. The film humorously highlights how appearance and perception can overshadow substance in politics. Sellers’ portrayal of Chance shows how easily society can mistake simplicity for wisdom, raising questions about the standards by which we judge our leaders.
5. The Dead Zone (1983) – The Threat of Unfit Leaders
This Stephen King adaptation, starring Christopher Walken, follows a man with psychic powers who foresees a politician’s destructive future actions. Walken’s character sees visions of a future president who plans to initiate nuclear war as part of his “destiny.” The film’s eerie depiction of power-driven leaders speaks to present-day fears about leaders who prioritize personal agendas over public welfare. The Dead Zone warns of the danger posed by those who believe in their invincibility, oblivious to the consequences of their actions.
6. Idiocracy (2006) – A Comedy with a Cautionary Edge
Released in 2006, Idiocracy depicts a future where humanity has embraced anti-intellectualism to a shocking degree. Luke Wilson’s character wakes up in a world where ignorance and consumerism have taken over, making him the smartest person alive by default. The film has since become a cult classic, viewed by many as an exaggerated, but pointed, satire on the dangers of undervaluing education and critical thinking. Idiocracy critiques a society that has sidelined intellect, a message that feels particularly relevant in today’s information landscape.
7. Leave the World Behind (2023) – A Modern Take on Isolation and Disconnection
Leave the World Behind is a recent thriller that explores the fragility of technology and its role in societal stability. Directed by Mr. Robot’s Sam Esmail, this film centers on two families cut off from the world due to a power outage and disrupted communications. Starring Julia Roberts and Mahershala Ali, the film portrays a society that is hyper-dependent on technology and questions what happens when that connection is severed. The premise echoes fears of cyber-attacks and misinformation, pointing to how easily society can be disrupted in the digital age.
These films, spanning decades and genres, have captured timeless anxieties about leadership, societal trends, and the role of media. Watching these classics offers a reminder that many of today’s political and social issues aren’t new—they’ve been anticipated and explored by filmmakers for years, often with unsettling accuracy. As Election Day approaches, these movies offer a window into the recurring themes and fears that have long defined the public’s relationship with power.
