If you were inspired by 'Time for Ilhan' (2018), a compelling documentary about Ilhan Omar's groundbreaking political journey, you'll love these 10 similar films and shows. This article explores stories of trailblazing leaders, political underdogs, and powerful documentaries that capture the spirit of resilience and change. Dive into narratives that challenge the status quo and celebrate diverse voices in politics and beyond.

The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996)
Description: A biographical drama about the controversial publisher's First Amendment battles. It shares themes of free speech and challenging societal norms.
Fact: The film was initially given an NC-17 rating but was later re-rated R after cuts, which director Milos Forman later restored for the DVD release.


The Fight (2020)
Description: This documentary follows ACLU lawyers battling the Trump administration's policies. It shares a focus on legal battles and the fight for civil rights.
Fact: The filmmakers were granted unprecedented access to the ACLU's inner workings during some of the most contentious legal fights of the era.


All In: The Fight for Democracy (2020)
Description: This documentary examines voter suppression in the U.S. and the ongoing fight for voting rights. It aligns with themes of democratic participation and systemic injustice.
Fact: The film features Stacey Abrams as both a subject and an executive producer, marking her first major documentary project.


The Janes (2022)
Description: This documentary tells the story of a clandestine group providing safe abortions before Roe v. Wade. It mirrors themes of activism, resilience, and fighting for reproductive rights.
Fact: The film includes firsthand accounts from members of the Jane Collective, some of whom had never spoken publicly before.


She's Beautiful When She's Angry (2014)
Description: A powerful documentary about the women's liberation movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s, highlighting activism and social change. It resonates with themes of advocacy and grassroots organizing.
Fact: The film features rare archival footage and interviews with key figures of the feminist movement, many of whom had never been documented before.


Citizenfour (2014)
Description: A gripping documentary about Edward Snowden's revelations of NSA surveillance. It explores themes of whistleblowing, government accountability, and individual courage.
Fact: The film was shot in real-time as Snowden's story unfolded, with director Laura Poitras communicating with him under intense secrecy.


The Hate U Give (2018)
Description: A narrative film about a young Black girl navigating activism after witnessing police violence. It shares themes of racial justice and finding one's voice.
Fact: The film's title comes from Tupac Shakur's THUG LIFE acronym, which stands for 'The Hate U Give Little Infants F---s Everybody.'


Whose Streets? (2017)
Description: This documentary captures grassroots activism and the fight for justice, focusing on the Ferguson uprising. It shares a similar tone of resistance and community empowerment.
Fact: The film was co-directed by Sabaah Folayan, who was inspired to make it after participating in the Ferguson protests herself. It uses raw, unfiltered footage to immerse viewers in the events.


The Post (2017)
Description: A historical drama about the Pentagon Papers and the fight for press freedom. It resonates with themes of truth, power, and journalistic integrity.
Fact: The film's production was fast-tracked to release during a time of heightened tensions between the media and the U.S. government.


RBG (2018)
Description: A biographical documentary about Ruth Bader Ginsburg, showcasing her lifelong fight for gender equality and justice. It aligns with themes of perseverance and legal activism.
Fact: The film was released while Ginsburg was still serving on the Supreme Court, making it one of the few documentaries about a sitting justice.
