15 Best Fictitious Presidents

The best fictitious presidents in movies and TV make it easy to like or hate them. Of course, it kind of raises expectations.

Morgan Freeman-Deep Impact

It’s not often that the legendary Morgan Freeman is seen as menacing, but as President Tom Beck in Deep Impact, he pulled it off. Of course, he wasn’t the bad guy, but he wasn’t the hero either.

Geena Davis-Commander in Chief

It does feel as though only a select number of people will remember a female president on TV or in the movies. But Geena Davis’ role as MacKenzie Allen in this political drama was an interesting moment in her career.

Jamie Foxx-White House Down

The fact is that Jamie Foxx can do action, comedy, and drama. But with Channing Tatum, it was evident that as President James Sawyer there would be a healthy mix of the three.

Jack Nicholson-Mars Attacks!

This was a goofy movie, plain and simple. So it needed a goofy president, and with James Dale, this was accomplished since Nicholson is the type of guy who can be stone-cold serious, or absolutely nutty when the moment calls for it.

John Travolta-Primary Colors

One thing that any fictitious president needs to be is convincing, regardless if they’re heroic or, ahem, entirely political. As a guy who can swing either way, Travolta played the role of Jack Stanton perfectly since his ability to convince the viewers of his role as a politician was the best part of this movie.

Billy Bob Thornton-Love Actually

A lot of people have a dim view of the US President at times, and Thornton delivers on this trope in this movie by being a womanizer and an all-around horrible person. Whether that’s an attempt to entertain people or a director speaking their mind is kind of unclear

Jeff Bridges-The Contender

President Evans, who is a decent character, is the kind of president many might want these days since he sticks up for his choice of VP despite the opposition. But at the same time, it’s hard to see the guy who played The Dude in anything but a robe and comfortable clothing.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus-Veep

Dreyfus won several Emmys for this position and as such it’s safe to say that people liked the idea of Selina Meyer taking control for a while. To be honest, the show was entertaining.

Bill Pullman-Independence Day

This is the type of president that a lot of people would love to see, a man who takes action instead of just talking. President Thomas J. Whitmore was the type who would get into the mix when it came to saving the human race and was still a decent person. So yes, fiction is fun sometimes.

Dennis Haysbert-24

Sometimes the best thing a president can do in a show or movie is show support to the main character. President David Palmer was perfect in that role, and he helped the show to be even more enjoyable.

Peter Sellers-Dr. Strangelove

President Merkin Muffley was a bit of a bumbler that was more comedic relief than anything. But he played his part and made it work.

Kevin Kline-Dave

It all depends on what type of character Cline shows up as to whether people like him or hate him. As Dave Kovic, he was perfect since he was the type of person that people felt comfortable around, which is to say that he was a great fictitious president.

Michael Douglas-The American President

It’s very easy to feel for President Andrew Shepherd since he comes off as a decent individual who is kind of likable. But then again, Michael Douglas doesn’t usually play weak characters.

Martin Sheen-The West Wing

There’s a good reason why this show lasted as long as it did, and a big part of it is the casting was well done. President Josiah Bartlet was the type of guy who wasn’t perfect but was someone you could get comfortable with.

Harrison Ford-Air Force One

Let’s be honest, James Marshall wasn’t a perfect guy, but he was the type who said what he meant and meant what he said. As one of the best fictitious presidents ever, he was another POTUS who wasn’t about to lay down for anyone.