11 Movies With Black Presidents to Help You Escape Donald Trump's Inauguration
Tomorrow, President Barack Obama will be handing over his job as leader of the free world, to ... the other guy. Many Americans are in serious mourning and refusing to watch the inauguration. So, in case you are looking for something to occupy your mind, here is a list of movies to escape the introduction to Trump's America. All films with Black presidents!
The Fifth Element (1997)
In this film, which is essentially about a battle between good vs. evil, the future is the backdrop where a taxi driver becomes the focal point in a search for a weapon used to keep evil away. While that is noteworthy on its own, the film cast actor Tom Lister Jr., an African-American man, as President Lindberg.
Deep Impact (1998)
This film boasted a slew of A-list actors ranging from Elijah Wood to Robert Duvall. However, in this heart-thumping drama about saving the world from a comet attack, the star who made his presence known most was Morgan Freeman, who played President Tom Beck in the film.
Head of State (2003)
His candidacy to become president may have been a fluke, but Chris Rock was still on track to becoming leader of the free world in the 2003 comedy Head of State. In this film, Rock's character, Mays Gilliam, is unexpectedly chosen as the previous president's replacement after he died. Somber, yet hilarious.
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Idiocracy (2006)
Imagine a nation where Terry Crews was president. Amazing, right? This was the case in the comedy Idiocracy, which follows the life of an everyday American who was selected by the Pentagon to be the tester for a top-secret hibernation program. You've got to see this one.
2012 (2009)
It's never a good time when the entire human race is in jeopardy, but with Danny Glover as president of the United States, anything's possible. 2012 follows the story of a writer who is struggling to keep his family afloat all while an onslaught of disasters around the world begin happening, simultaneously.
Hamilton's America (2016)
Our beloved president Barack Obama is featured in the 2016 documentary Hamilton's America, which delved deep into exploring how Hamilton, the musical, came to life, and how the play's star Lin-Manuel Miranda connected with his character. If you were like most Americans and was unable to get your hands on tickets to the play, this would be a great watch.
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Ali 70 from Las Vegas (2012)
The Greatest, the late Muhammad Ali, was celebrated prior to his death on his 70th birthday and it was all captured in the TV movie special Ali 70 From Las Vegas. Several A-listers from Snoop Dogg to Sugar Ray Leonard were featured, but it was our very own President Barack Obama who sang the legend's praises and stole the night.
By the People: The Election of Barack Obama (2009)
This HBO film documented Obama's journey to the White House, highlighting every major and minor detail of the process dating back to a year before he announced his candidacy for president. Watch how the next 19 months unfolded before Obama took office and relive the story of one of the greatest presidents in history. Try not to cry.
Get Schooled: You Have the Right (2009)
Yeah, it's a documentary, but he's still the president in the doc! In addition to President Obama, this film features a wide range of public figures from Kelly Clarkson to LeBron James, and highlights education challenges and breakthroughs experienced by these various big names. Get your brain pumping by giving this one a try.
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Ron and Laura Take Back America (2014)
Depressed by the Trump inauguration festivities? Here's a good laugh for you. This comedy hilariously captures the story of an easily angered man and his wife who decide to take the country back from Obamacare. While the entire cast comprises of professional actors, president Obama makes an appearance as himself: the president of the United States of America.
Labor Day (2009)
Sure, this one may not be directly president-focused, and it only features a cameo from President Obama, but anything to get you through, right?
We'll miss you, President Barack Obama!