20 Political Thrillers You Won't Believe are Inspired by True Stories
White House Plumbers
The true story of how Nixon’s own political saboteurs and Watergate masterminds unintentionally toppled the presidency they were zealously trying to protect. With a release date of May 1, 2023, this series has an average rating of 3.8. Watch here.
Thirteen Days
The story of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962—a nuclear standoff with the USSR sparked by the discovery by the Americans of missile bases established on the Soviet-allied island of Cuba. Released on December 25, 2000, it has an average rating of 3.9. Watch here.
Bridge of Spies
During the Cold War, the Soviet Union captures U.S. pilot Francis Gary Powers after shooting down his U-2 spy plane. New York lawyer James Donovan negotiates his release through a prisoner exchange. This 2015 release has an average rating of 3.9. Watch here.
Boston Strangler
Reporters Loretta McLaughlin and Jean Cole brave great personal risk to pursue the story of the Boston Strangler, uncovering the truth while putting their own lives on the line. Released on March 16, 2023, it holds an average rating of 4. Watch here.
JFK
Following the investigation into the assassination of President John F. Kennedy led by New Orleans district attorney Jim Garrison, this film released on December 20, 1991 has an average rating of 4.1. Watch here.
All the President's Men
During the 1972 elections, two reporters' investigation sheds light on the controversial Watergate scandal, eventually compelling President Nixon to resign. With an April 9, 1976 release date, this film holds a rating of 3.8. Watch here.
The Americans
Set during the Cold War in the 1980s, The Americans tells the story of Soviet KGB officers Elizabeth and Philip Jennings posing as an American married couple in Washington D.C. Released on January 30, 2013, this series has an average rating of 4.4. Watch here.
The Post
A cover-up spanning four U.S. Presidents pushes the country's first female newspaper publisher and a hard-driving editor to join in an unprecedented battle with the government. Inspired by true events, this film released on December 22, 2017, has an average rating of 3.7. Watch here.
The Lives of Others
In 1984 East Berlin, an agent of the secret police conducts surveillance on a writer and his lover, becoming increasingly absorbed by their lives. With a release date of March 23, 2006, this film holds an average rating of 4.1. Watch here.
The Crown
Telling the gripping, decades-spanning inside story of Queen Elizabeth II and the Prime Ministers who shaped Britain's post-war destiny, The Crown explores the great events that shaped the second half of the 20th century. Released on November 4, 2016, it has an average rating of 4.2. Watch here.
Argo
As the Iranian revolution reaches a boiling point, a CIA 'exfiltration' specialist concocts a risky plan to free six Americans who have found shelter at the home of the Canadian ambassador. Released on October 11, 2012, this film has an average rating of 3.6. Watch here.
The Whistleblower
Nebraska cop Kathryn Bolkovac discovers a deadly sex trafficking ring while serving as a U.N. peacekeeper in post-war Bosnia. Risking her own life to save others, she uncovers an international conspiracy trying to stop her. Released on September 13, 2010, it holds an average rating of 3.9. Watch here.
Zero Dark Thirty
Chronicling the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden after the September 2001 attacks, and his death at the hands of SEAL Team 6 in May 2011. This film, released on December 19, 2012, has an average rating of 3.8. Watch here.
The Diplomat
In the midst of an international crisis, a career diplomat lands a high-profile job unsuited for, with tectonic implications for her marriage and political future. Released on April 20, 2023, this series boasts an average rating of 4.5. Watch here.
Downfall
In April 1945, with Germany on the brink of defeat, Adolf Hitler commands his generals to fight to the last man. When the end finally comes, the remnants of the military must end the battle of Berlin and surrender. This film, released on September 16, 2004, holds an average rating of 3.9. Watch here.
No
In 1988, Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet calls a plebiscite on his presidency. Opposition leaders for the ‘No’ vote persuade a brash young advertising executive to spearhead their campaign. This film, released on August 9, 2012, has an average rating of 3.8. Watch here.
Bodyguard
A troubled war veteran is assigned to protect a controversial politician who may be the target of a terror plot, in this gripping series released on August 26, 2018, with an average rating of 4.2. Watch here.
Spy/Master
During the height of the Cold War, Victor Godeanu, the right-hand man and closest advisor to Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, must escape Romania before his cover is blown. Released on May 19, 2023, it holds an average rating of 4.2. Watch here.
Reality
In Augusta, Georgia, on June 3, 2017, Reality Winner returns home after running some errands, only to be approached by two men. This intriguing narrative, released on June 2, 2023, has an average rating of 3.5. Watch here.
Immerse yourself in these captivating political thrillers, each revealing the fascinating and often tumultuous reality behind the stories. Whether you’re into espionage, historical events, or complex political plots, these films and series provide a thrilling glimpse into true events that have shaped history.