Hollywood has always loved a good story about politics. Whether it's based on real events or fictional ones, if it speaks to the political spirit of the times, there's a good chance that it will do well at the box office. The appeal of political films lies in their relevance. They often touch on universal themes like greed, the corrupting influence of power, and the dangers of blind ambition.

While the classics endure, certain voices and trends characterized the American political cinema of the 20th century. The Vietnam and Watergate scandals of the '70s generated tense, paranoid thrillers about politics and corruption, like All the President's Men. The stakes in these stories are immense, and the fate of a country is often in the hands of one individual and include assertions around the convergence of politicians and the secret services colluding to create a so-called deep state focused on neutralizing the will of the people and actively taking out dissension. Political corruption, organized crime, terrorism, and warfare are common themes. The massive popularity of Aaron Sorkin's hit TV show, The West Wing, brought with it a new tide of idealism, helping spawn the sincere political dramas of the 1990s. Political satires of the era presented a view of the machinations and cynicism of modern-day political leadership.

Despite the trends, a great political film can come from anytime, anywhere. The genre often forces the audiences to consider and understand the importance of politics.