A Guide to Presidential Speeches in Movies

Superfan

As we near the end of President Obama’s eight years in the White House, one thing about him that even his biggest detractors might agree on is that the man could deliver a speech. It’s with this in mind, and a fairly big speech coming our way from President-elect Trump on Inauguration Day, that we present a quick guide of sorts to presidential speeches in cinema.

Inspirational

Bill Pullman in 'Independence Day' (Photo: 20th Century Fox)
Bill Pullman in Independence Day. (Photo: 20th Century Fox)

It seems that inspirational movie speeches show up a lot in action movies, whether it’s Harrison Ford as James Marshall in Air Force One pledging that terror won’t win the day or Bill Pullman as Thomas Whitmore rallying his troops in Independence Day, these ones get you pumped.

The Big Speech

Michael Douglas in 'The American President'
Michael Douglas in The American President. (Photo: Universal Pictures)

This is different from the previous category, because it’s less a rallying cry and more an example of the president using his or her platform to try to save the day, politically.

Just for Laughs

Terry Crews in Idiocracy. (Photo: Twentieth Century Fox)
Terry Crews in Idiocracy. (Photo: Twentieth Century Fox)

Not every movie features a president (or would-be president) delivering a serious speech. Who could forget President Camacho in Idiocracy assuring his people, “I understand everyone’s s— is emotional right now. But I’ve got a three-point plan that’s going to fix EVERYTHING.”

The Best Interview Moments of 2016:

Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, or leave your comments below. And check out our host, Khail Anonymous, on Twitter.