Political Comedies To Cleanse Your 2020 Election Palate

As polls begin to close and the data rolls in, so does anxiety for voters on both sides of the aisle. Who will win? How will the country react? Will we even know the results by the end of the night? So much uncertainty as the most polarizing election cycle in modern history comes to a close. So what can you do to ease the anxiety while staying in the political spirit? Watch one of these films where politics are simply a vehicle for romance, laughter, and fuzzy feelings.

Long Shot (2019) - Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen star in this pseudo-raunchy romcom about a presidential candidate (Theron) who hires an unemployed journalist as her speechwriter as she makes her run for the White House. Abandoning most of the romcom tropes for NSFW shock moments, the film remains relatable, poignant, and hilarious. Bonus points for showcasing Rogen in a role where his goofiness doesn't negate him as a romantic leading man. The chemistry between him and Charlize is electric.

The American President (1995) - We can thank writing genius Aaron Sorkin, for this gem. Known for his more serious political fiction (The Newsroom, The West Wing), The American President focuses on the love life of a widowed president (Michael Douglas) seeking reelection. When an environmental lobbyist (Annette Bening) enters his life with an agenda of her own, sparks fly and the two face public scrutiny and professional conflict as they try to navigate love in a political landscape. The writing is so clever you forget you're watching a romantic comedy but you definitely laugh and feel the warm and fuzzies.

Election (1999) - As funny as it is dark, the story of a high school election riddled with corruption lead by a history teacher with a vendetta against one of his students, is brought to life brilliantly by the talents of Matthew Broderick and Reese Witherspoon. You'll almost feel guilty for finding it funny, but not enough to stop laughing or watching.

Veep (2012-2019) - Not a movie, but definitely worth bingeing. Julia Louis-Dreyfus stars as Selina Meyer, a former senator turned Vice President of the United States...and she hates it. The series chronicles her quest to become POTUS and all the misadventures that go along with it. What makes it hilarious? Selina is genuinely not a very good person. At all. Yet you find yourself rooting for her if only out of respect for the hustle, no matter how crooked. Supported by a cast of comedy geniuses in their own right, Veep will have you in stitches from beginning to finale.

So take a break from the real election and slip away to political fantasy land for a bit. You performed your civic duty. Now rest, breathe, and laugh a little.