In this cutthroat political climate, it is not hard to imagine channeling a political thriller. But such films, whether based on true stories or mere fiction, can provide a fascinating slice of the real-life drama unfolding before our eyes. They can also serve as an escape that takes us away, even if only briefly.

Here are some of the best political thrillers available for streaming. They include award-winning journalism-inspired masterpieces and films that make us question the hidden underbelly of our society. Whether more contemporary or from a bygone era, there is something for everyone. So cast your vote. And let's watch films that remind us why we vote in the first place.

This is a classic not to be missed. Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford play the now-famous Washington Post journalists Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, respectively. With the election just around the corner, Woodward begins investigating what appears to be nothing more than a break-in at the Democratic National Headquarters. Of course, it is much more complicated than that, and their coverage uncovers something far more serious, with implications that lead all the way to the White House.

“The President's Men” is one of the most memorable films ever made about the real-life political events that ultimately led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. The film was nominated for numerous Academy Awards and won four, one of which went to Jason Robards for his portrayal of then-Post editor Ben Bradlee.

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The assassination of President John F. Kennedy is an unforgettable event for many, whether or not they watched the event unfold before their eyes on the news. 1991 political The thriller “JFK” is an adaptation of Jim Garrison's “Chasing the Assassin” and “Crossfire: The Plot That Killed Kennedy” by Jim Marrs. The film begins on the day of the Kennedy assassination. The investigation has determined that the assassination was the sole act of Lee Harvey Oswald (Gary Oldman). However, New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison (Kevin Costner) believes there is more to the case.

Despite the accusations, Garrison cannot let it go. He begins talking to witnesses who were at the scene and those who overheard conversations prior to the incident. Eventually he becomes convinced that a conspiracy involving many political figures was planned. If you like political thrillers, this is one of those unforgettable films that is a must-see.

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Directed, written, and co-starring George Clooney, “An Ideal March” is about the dirty side of politics. Ryan Gosling plays Stephen Myers, the junior campaign manager for Pennsylvania Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney), who is competing in the Democratic presidential primary. Myers is surprised when Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti), the campaign manager for his opponent, offers him a job.

The machinations and dealings don't stop there. Myers also becomes romantically involved with staff member Molly Stearns (Evan Rachel Wood). When he accidentally picks up her phone one night while she is sleeping, he realizes that she has slept with Morris and is keeping secrets from the campaign. Myers tries to rectify this situation in an attempt to protect his boss, but only goes off the deep end. This is another award-winning film that shows us that there is much more going on behind the scenes of political campaigns than we might think.

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When you start watching Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece, you won't be able to spot the political ramifications from the start. Gene Hackman stars as private detective Harry Cole, who is hired by an aide (Harrison Ford) of a client he has yet to meet. He follows and records a conversation between a young couple, Mark (Frederick Forrest) and Anne (Cindy Williams); while listening to their conversation, he overhears a cryptic conversation that reminds him of an incident.

Cole, played by Hackman, tries to get into the complicated scenario and figure out how to save the couple and prevent a possible murder. However, nothing is as it seems. The Conversation was nominated for and won several Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. It's a phenomenal film, so take a look at The Conversation you may have missed.

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In this political thriller, Will Smith stars as D.C. labor lawyer Robert Clayton Dean, who investigates restaurateur and mob boss Paulie Pintero (Tom Sizemore). Meanwhile, the political drama comes to a boil when Congressman Phil Hammersley is killed for refusing to pass a bill that would expand the surveillance powers of the U.S. intelligence community. The situation is complicated when it is leaked that someone filmed Hammersley's death.

When Dean runs into his friend Daniel Zavitz (who filmed the murder and is being hunted), Zavitz secretly plants a recording device on him. Now people are after Dean, but he doesn't know why. As his life falls apart, he decides to put everything back to normal. Then he meets “Brill” (Gene Hackman) and tries to figure out what the government wants. Twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat in “Enemy of the State”.

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If you watch “The Manchurian Candidate,” be sure to see the original 1962 version. Based on the novel by Richard Condon, this Cold War thriller stars Frank Sinatra as Major Bennett Marco, whose unit was captured by the enemy during the Korean War. He and the other men are brainwashed into believing they were saved by Sergeant Raymond Shaw (Lawrence Harvey), and Shaw is awarded the Medal of Honor.

Upon his return, Marco begins to have nightmares and learns that other soldiers in his platoon are suffering from the same problems. Trying to figure out the cause, Marco unravels a mystery involving his former sergeant, a film that still resonates today despite being over 60 years old.

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“The Pelican Brief,” starring Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington, focuses on what happens when graduate student Darby Shaw (Julia Roberts) develops a theory about why two Supreme Court justices were murdered. She shares her ideas with her professor and love interest, Thomas Callahan (Sam Shepard). He is fascinated by the theory and shares it with his FBI friends. When the bad guys find out, Shaw and Callahan's lives are in danger.

When Callahan dies in a car explosion, Shaw connects with investigative reporter Gray Grantham (Denzel Washington). It is a fight for survival, and no one wants Shaw's theories to get out to the public, especially with the president involved. The film may not be John Grisham's most famous novel-turned-movie, but it is still a memorable political thriller that you will enjoy watching.

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