To Live In and Watch Movies About DC

There are a few places in America that are like no other place in this country.  New York, of course, is one of those places – so is New Orleans, Boston, Seattle, Las Vegas (to name a few)…and Washington DC.  Ever since I attended my first political rally in 1976 at the ripe old age of 5, I’ve been intrigued with politics and life in DC.  Now that I live here (well, in Northern VA), I will state unapologetically that living here is pretty damn awesome!

I am all the more proud of living here when I see the DC Metro area captured on screen.  I really like watching movies set in and around Washington DC.  If the scene is of someone flying into the airport, I try to figure out which airport they’re flying into, either Reagan National or Dulles.  If someone gets on the subway, is it a general (read substitute) subway or our very own Metro?  When driving around, are they passing building and streets I know?  …and I’m sure if you live here, you do the same thing!

So, here’s a list of movies set in or set around the shenanigans that happen in the Nation’s Capital.  Some of these are classic films that you MUST see and some are personal favorites.  Either way, I’m sure there’s a movie on the list that you haven’t seen but should.  Before you sit down with the kiddies for popcorn and bonding, do your due diligence to be sure the movie rating is appropriate for the audience.

In no particular order, I give you JBM-HH's  Family & MWR Marketing Office's favorite DC movie pics.  Be sure to leave a comment and let us know if you agree or what we missed!

1. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) – about an idealistic man who believes in democracy and triumphs over corruption.  This movie will definitely motivate and inspire you into believing you can make a difference! Starring James Stewart

2. Wag The Dog (1997) – Hollywood producer is hired to fake a war to boost the President’s ratings.  …not sure this hasn’t happened (just joking J).  Starring Dustin Hoffman and Robert DeNiro

3. Charlie Wilson’s War (2007) – Playboy congressman secretly funds anti-Russian rebellion in Afghanistan.  Great movie!  Starring Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and Phillip Seymour Hoffman. 

4. The Exorcist (1973) – A little girl is possessed by a demonic entity.  Ok.  I haven’t actually watched this movie with my own eyes but it’s famous because the story (and movie) happened in Georgetown.  People actually make a pilgrimage to the famous stairs every Halloween.  Me, I can’t walk down the block to the house...but that's me. Starring Linda Blair

5. Absolute Power (1997) – During a break-in, a thief sees the President cover up a crime.  Super suspenseful movie! Starring Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, and Ed Harris

6. Arlington Road (1999) – Terrorism Studies professor suspects his neighbors of shady dealings.    Starring Jeff Bridges, Tim Robbins, and Joan Cusack.

7. Breach (2007) – The F.B.I. uncovers a damaging leak…a true spy story!  Starring Chris Cooper, Laura Linney and Ryan Phillipe

8. Thirteen Days (2000) – The Kennedy White House during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Starring Kevin Costner

9. Protocol (1984) – A clueless cocktail waitress prevents an Emir’s assignation. Yes, this is a cheesy 80’s film but such clean-cut American fun!  Starring Goldie Hawn and Chris Sarandon

10. The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) – Aliens visit Washington DC and threaten to destroy Earth.  Rude.

If one of your favorite movies set in or about DC isn’t listed, leave us a comment and let us know which one we forgot.  …that’ll be just the thing to do on our next rainy day!