Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — The president of the United States of America is considered to be the most powerful person in the entire world. Today, we celebrate Presidents Day, where we reflect on some of the past leaders who have fulfilled that position. With how influential and important the office of the president is, it is not surprising that numerous films have been made about people who have taken on this extraordinary job. Here are five movies to help you celebrate Presidents Day in style.
"Lincoln"
In “Lincoln,” President Abraham Lincoln is trying not only to end a war that nearly tore the United States apart but he is also trying to ensure that slavery is illegal in the whole country. To do so will take all of his seemingly limitless political prowess. “Lincoln” is a powerful film about arguably the most important president in American history, and Daniel Day Lewis’ performance of Honest Abe demands to be seen. Check out “Lincoln” if you want to see terrific performances and learn how the 16th president of the United States saved the Union and outlawed the barbaric practice of slavery.
"John Adams"
In the John Adams miniseries, Paul Giamatti plays the title character. The series follows Adams as he goes from one of the major contributors of independence from Great Britain to the president of the newly formed United States. John Adams offers a fascinating look at how the United States came to be, and Giamatti does a masterful job as Adams. Turn on the John Adams series if you are a history buff looking for a quality re-creation of events surrounding the birth of this nation.
"Thirteen Days"
In “Thirteen Days,” President John F. Kennedy and his staff are facing a serious issue with the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. The film follows Kennedy as he attempts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict. “Thirteen Days” is a tension-packed movie that offers an in-depth look at how things work inside the White House. Throw on “Thirteen Days” to take a walk in the president’s shoes.
"The American President"
In “The American President,” Michael Douglas plays the popular Democratic President Andrew Shepherd. Shepherd is in a unique situation as the president of the United States because he is a widower. The film follows Shepherd as he simultaneously tries to win the heart of an environmentalist lobbyist, Sydney Ellen Wade, as well as pass a bill to control crime. Watch “The American President” if you are looking for a good romantic film to celebrate Presidents Day.
"The Butler"
In “The Butler,” Cecil Gaines is a butler at the White House who ends up serving eight different presidents in his tenure. During his long tenure, Gaines is a witness to the civil rights movement, Vietnam and numerous other major changes that deeply affect him and the rest of America. “The Butler” is an interesting tale of an ever-changing nation through the eyes of a servant at the White House. See “The Butler” if you are particularly interested in the turbulent times when the film takes place.
What are your favorite movies about presidents? Dylan Cannon is a regular KSL.com contributor and can be reached at DylanCannon86@gmail.com or via Twitter @DylanCannon11. Listen to his weekly podcast, "Cougar Talk," on iTunes.
