If you enjoyed the gripping political drama of 'Race for the White House' (2016), you're in for a treat! This article highlights 10 similar movies and shows that delve into the high-stakes world of political campaigns, power struggles, and behind-the-scenes machinations. Whether you're a history buff or a fan of intense storytelling, these recommendations will keep you hooked.

The West Wing (1999)
Description: A political drama that delves into the inner workings of the White House, focusing on the personal and professional lives of the staff. It shares a deep exploration of political strategy, policy-making, and the ethical dilemmas faced by those in power.
Fact: The show was praised for its fast-paced, walk-and-talk dialogue style, which became one of its trademarks. It won multiple Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series for four consecutive years.


Commander in Chief (2005)
Description: A drama that centers on the first female President of the United States and her struggles to lead the country while balancing personal and political challenges. It highlights themes of gender, power, and leadership in a male-dominated arena.
Fact: The show starred Geena Davis, who won a Golden Globe for her performance. It was one of the first network dramas to feature a female U.S. president as the main character.


The Good Wife (2009)
Description: A legal and political drama that follows the life of a woman who returns to her law career after her husband's political scandal. It intertwines personal redemption with the complexities of law and politics.
Fact: The series was praised for its strong character development and intricate plotlines. It spawned a spin-off, The Good Fight, which continued to explore political and legal themes.


Veep (2012)
Description: A satirical comedy that provides a humorous yet sharp critique of the vice presidency and the absurdities of political life. It shares a focus on the behind-the-scenes chaos and personal ambitions of those in power.
Fact: The show was known for its rapid-fire, improvised dialogue and won multiple Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series. It was created by Armando Iannucci, who also worked on the British political satire The Thick of It.


Scandal (2012)
Description: A political thriller that combines drama, romance, and high-stakes intrigue, focusing on a crisis management firm and its entanglement with the White House. It emphasizes the personal and professional conflicts of those in or near power.
Fact: The show was created by Shonda Rhimes, who is also known for other hit series like Grey's Anatomy. It was notable for its fast-paced, twist-filled storytelling.


House of Cards (2013)
Description: A dark political thriller that explores the ruthless machinations of power, ambition, and betrayal in Washington, D.C. It highlights the manipulation and strategic maneuvering behind the scenes of political leadership.
Fact: The series was one of the first major successes for Netflix, helping to establish its reputation for high-quality original content. It was adapted from a British miniseries of the same name.


The Newsroom (2012)
Description: A drama that examines the intersection of media and politics, showcasing the challenges of reporting news in a high-pressure environment. It shares themes of idealism, integrity, and the impact of media on public perception.
Fact: The series was created by Aaron Sorkin, known for his sharp, dialogue-driven writing. It was inspired by real-life news events and often incorporated them into its storyline.


Madam Secretary (2014)
Description: A political drama that follows a former CIA analyst turned Secretary of State as she navigates international diplomacy and domestic politics. It highlights the balance between personal ethics and professional demands in high-stakes governance.
Fact: The show was praised for its strong female lead and its realistic portrayal of diplomatic challenges. It often drew parallels to real-world political events.


Designated Survivor (2016)
Description: A political thriller that explores the sudden ascent of a low-level cabinet member to the presidency after a catastrophic attack. It focuses on leadership under pressure and the challenges of rebuilding trust and governance.
Fact: The series was initially developed by ABC but was later revived by Netflix for a third season. It was inspired by the real-life designated survivor protocol in U.S. government continuity plans.


The Politician (2019)
Description: A dark comedy-drama that follows the ambitious journey of a wealthy student running for student body president, with parallels to real-world political campaigns. It explores themes of ambition, manipulation, and the performative nature of politics.
Fact: The series was created by Ryan Murphy, known for his stylized and often satirical storytelling. It features a star-studded cast and a unique blend of humor and drama.
