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Each President's Favorite Movie



Woodrow Wilson holds the distinction of being the first U.S. president to watch a feature film while in office. The movie, The Birth of a Nation, premiered in 1915 and was shown in a private screening at the White House. This event marked the beginning of a longstanding tradition where a president’s taste in movies might offer a glimpse into their personality and values.

Over the years, the movies that presidents favor have often reflected their personal experiences, ideals, and even the era in which they served. For example, Harry Truman, who led the country through the final stages of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War, was a fan of Westerns. These films, often centered on themes of justice, resilience, and the American frontier spirit, resonated with Truman’s no-nonsense, straightforward approach to leadership.

Ronald Reagan, a former actor turned president, had a soft spot for The Sound of Music.

These cinematic preferences offer more than just a peek into a president’s leisure activities—they provide a unique lens through which we can understand the men behind the office.

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38 comments
@ConnerHebert

I don't even have to watch the whole video I'm halfway in it right now I know it's Donald Trump because he's in it too

@milos.gojkovic

Fun fact: in home alone 2 where was Kevin alone in New York he was at hotel that Trump owned and even Trump was in one scene

@Lurning-disability

Omg i thought you were going to say trump sence he was in the second one

@abhishekjose1013

At first i thought it was going to be Trump

@_magnify

The Presidents who have mentioned a favorite film on record:

Woodrow Wilson – “The Birth of a Nation” (1915 / Historical Drama)

Warren G. Harding – “The Covered Wagon” (1923/Western)

FDR – “I’m No Angel” (1933/Musical) 

Harry Truman – “My Darling Clementine” (1946/Western)

Dwight Eisenhower – “High Noon” (1952/Western)

JFK – “Dr. No” (1962/Action)

LBJ – “The Searchers” (1956/Western)

Richard Nixon – “Patton” (1970/Historical Drama)

Gerald Ford – “Home Alone” (1990/Family Comedy)

Jimmy Carter – “Gone With the Wind” (1939/Historical Drama)

Reagan – “The Sound of Music” (1965/Musical)

George H.W. Bush – “Viva Zapata!” (1952/Historical Drama)

Bill Clinton – “High Noon” (1952/Western)

W. – “Field of Dreams” (1989/Fantasy Sports)

Obama – “The Godfather” (1972/Historical Drama)[has also mentioned Lawrence of Arabia as his favorite] .   

Trump – “Citizen Kane” (1941/Historical Drama)

Biden – “Chariots of Fire” (1981/Historical Drama)