10 Movies & Shows Similar to The Ides of March (2011)

Description: This romantic comedy-drama shares with 'The Ides of March' a focus on how personal life intersects with political office. Both films explore the challenges of maintaining integrity while pursuing political goals.

Fact: Written by Aaron Sorkin, serving as a precursor to 'The West Wing'. Michael J. Fox's character was originally written for a woman. The film's success helped revive the political drama genre in Hollywood.

Description: Like 'The Ides of March', this film offers a behind-the-scenes look at a political campaign, focusing on moral compromises and the gap between public image and private reality. Both are based on real political figures (Clinton for 'Primary Colors').

Fact: Based on an anonymously published novel later revealed to be by journalist Joe Klein. John Travolta's performance was a deliberate imitation of Bill Clinton. The film was rushed into production to capitalize on the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal.

Description: Like 'The Ides of March', 'The West Wing' delves into the complexities of political life, focusing on the moral dilemmas and strategic maneuvering within the corridors of power. Both explore the tension between idealism and pragmatism in politics.

Fact: Created by Aaron Sorkin, known for his fast-paced dialogue and idealistic themes. Won 26 Primetime Emmy Awards. The show's depiction of the White House was so accurate that real White House staffers reportedly used it as a training tool.

Description: This British series shares with 'The Ides of March' a satirical yet insightful look at political maneuvering, though with more comedic exaggeration. Both reveal the often absurd realities behind political decision-making.

Fact: Creator Armando Iannucci later created 'Veep'. Much of the dialogue was improvised. The character Malcolm Tucker's profanity-laden rants became legendary.

Description: While primarily a legal drama, 'The Good Wife' shares with 'The Ides of March' an exploration of political scandal and its personal consequences. Both works examine how power dynamics affect personal relationships.

Fact: Spawned a successful spin-off, 'The Good Fight'. Known for its guest stars playing fictionalized versions of themselves. The show's political storylines often paralleled real-world events.

Description: While more comedic than 'The Ides of March', 'Veep' similarly exposes the often ridiculous and cutthroat nature of politics. Both works show how political ambition can lead to moral compromise.

Fact: Julia Louis-Dreyfus won 6 consecutive Emmys for her role. The show's writers included former political staffers. Known for its improvisational style and rapid-fire insults.

Description: Like 'The Ides of March', 'Scandal' explores political corruption and the personal costs of power. Both feature protagonists who must navigate moral gray areas while working in high-stakes political environments.

Fact: Created by Shonda Rhimes, marking ABC's first drama series with a Black female lead in nearly 40 years. Popularized the 'walk and talk' dialogue technique in television. The character of Olivia Pope was inspired by real-life crisis manager Judy Smith.

Description: This series shares with 'The Ides of March' a dark, cynical view of politics, where ambition and manipulation often trump ethics. Both works showcase the ruthless strategies employed by political figures to gain and maintain power.

Fact: The first original Netflix series to gain major award recognition. Kevin Spacey's character frequently breaks the fourth wall, speaking directly to the audience. Inspired by a British series of the same name from

Description: While focused on journalism rather than politics, 'The Newsroom' shares with 'The Ides of March' a concern with how media and politics intersect, and how personal ethics can conflict with professional demands.

Fact: Another Aaron Sorkin creation, featuring his trademark rapid-fire dialogue. The pilot episode's opening monologue went viral for its critique of American exceptionalism. Many storylines were inspired by real news events from 2010-

Description: This series shares with 'The Ides of March' a focus on the ethical challenges faced by those in high political office, though with a more optimistic tone. Both examine how personal integrity interacts with political realities.

Fact: Tea Leoni's character was partly inspired by real-life Secretaries of State Madeleine Albright and Hillary Clinton. The show consulted with numerous former State Department officials for authenticity. Initially conceived as a more procedural drama before evolving into its current form.