Top 10 Action Films About Coups

Description: A classic film about brainwashing and political manipulation, where a U.S. soldier is programmed to assassinate a presidential candidate, leading to a potential coup orchestrated by his own mother.

Fact: The film was remade in 2004 with Denzel Washington, but the original remains a chilling depiction of Cold War paranoia.

Description: Although not strictly an action film, this Italian-Algerian film depicts the Algerian struggle for independence from France, including the tactics of guerrilla warfare and the French response, which can be seen as a form of coup against colonial rule.

Fact: The film was banned in France for several years due to its sensitive political content.

Description: This film follows a professional assassin known only as the Jackal, hired to kill French President Charles de Gaulle after several failed assassination attempts by the OAS. It's a gripping tale of political intrigue and the lengths to which people will go to change the course of history.

Fact: The film was based on the novel by Frederick Forsyth, which was inspired by real assassination attempts on de Gaulle. The Jackal's character was so iconic that it influenced many subsequent films and even video games.

Description: This film explores the assassination of a U.S. Senator and the subsequent investigation that uncovers a shadowy organization, The Parallax Corporation, which seems to be orchestrating political assassinations to manipulate power.

Fact: The film's plot was inspired by the real-life assassinations of the 1960s, including those of JFK and Robert F. Kennedy.

Description: Set in New York City, this film explores the aftermath of a series of terrorist attacks, leading to the imposition of martial law. It delves into the themes of civil liberties versus national security, with a coup-like atmosphere as the military takes control of the city.

Fact: The film was controversial for its depiction of the military's role in civilian areas, sparking debates about its political implications.

Description: Set in a dystopian future Britain, this film features a masked vigilante named "V" who seeks to overthrow a totalitarian regime through acts of terrorism and a coup-like revolution.

Fact: The film was adapted from a graphic novel by Alan Moore, who famously disowned the movie adaptation.

Description: This film, while focusing on the life of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, showcases the political upheaval and the coup that brought him to power, as well as the subsequent reign of terror.

Fact: Forest Whitaker won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Idi Amin.

Description: While not a traditional coup film, this thriller involves a ghostwriter who uncovers a political conspiracy involving a former British Prime Minister, hinting at a potential coup or manipulation of power.

Fact: The film was directed by Roman Polanski, who himself was embroiled in a legal controversy at the time of the film's release.

Description: A South Korean film about a coup attempt in the 1980s, focusing on the military's internal power struggles and the political machinations behind the scenes.

Fact: The film was based on real events during the Gwangju Uprising in South Korea.

Description: While primarily a drama, this Chinese film includes elements of a coup as an elderly street performer adopts a young girl, leading to a confrontation with the authorities and a power struggle within his own family.

Fact: The film was a critical success, winning several awards at international film festivals.