Votes are still being counted. Everyone is excited and anxious; Scared and Energized. Who knows how it will all play out by the final vote count? So, while we wait, here is a list of some of the best political films to watch!

1. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
If you have not seen this film and enjoy politics, then make it your mission to watch this film. It tells the story of a small-town naïve senator, played by James Stewart. He makes it to Washington to deal with the self-dealing politicians. This film shows this small town nobody as a senator combating jaded and corrupt politicians. While simultaneously offering the audience that good can come from the senate’s halls—a timeless classic in the political genre.

2. All the President’s Men (1976)
Boy, does this film speak volumes in today’s political culture. A film with a journalistic theme, starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman, features two reporters stumbling upon a story that could shake up Washington’s foundation. This film is all about holding our political leaders accountable and how crucial and vital a free press is today. A film worth checking out today.

3. Election (1999)
If you ever went to high school with Tracy Flick, then you will appreciate this film. Tom Perrotta’s novel’s adaptation follows an overachiever, played by Reese Witherspoon, who will stop at nothing to win an election for student body president. Also starring Matthew Broderick as a social studies teacher who comes into conflict with Tracy Flick. A dark comedy with political maneuvering and unethical decisions shows that politics can indeed be just as dirty as Washington’s politics, even in high school elections.

4. Milk (2008)
Based upon the life of Harvey Milk, played by Sean Penn, the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in California. Becoming a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, this film is even more than just about the man; it’s about the movement ( the LGBTQ) that melds with Milk as its leader. The film is a triumphant biopic, not just showing the life and career of Harvey Milk, but the movement as well, and how it gives people hope.

5. V for Vendetta (2005)
Based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore, this film takes place in a dystopian future. In a totalitarian Great Britain, a masked vigilante played by Hugo Weaving plans to topple this oppressive government with the help of a young woman played by Natalie Portman. Even though, based on a graphic novel, this film goes to great lengths to show what a totalitarian government can look like and what happens when the people feel oppressed enough to revolt. Full of action and suspense, this film still hits home today, regardless of the political climate.