My Top 10: Performances As President Of The United States

The role of the American president has become one of the most popular characters in the industry. Whether it be a biopic, or a blockbuster, the American president is a great device that can work in many genres.

There's been a solid amount of good portrayals of actual presidents, as well as performances of fictional ones.
One thing's for sure, is that I'm looking forward to the first person that portrays President Trump.

While I wait on that phenomenal event to happen, here is my top 10 list. I must mention that this is based on the performance alone, and not the quality of the film.

10) Benjamin Walker (Abraham Lincoln) (Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter) - Abraham Lincoln discovers that vampires are planning on taking over the United States, and he plans to eliminate them.

I know, I'm as shocked as you are. But I thought the film was surprisingly good fun for the most part.

Also, Benjamin Walker's performance was pretty good, and well developed throughout.

9) Jack Nicholson (fictional James Dale) (Mars Attacks!) - While this Tim Burton sci-fi comedy is really silly, it manages to work.

Jack Nicholson plays a fictional president, and it is clear to see that he is having fun.
So much fun in fact that he play a second role as a land developer.

8) Gene Hackman (fictional Alan Richmond) (Absolute Power) - A solid and fun action crime drama that sees Clint Eastwood direct and star as a thief who witnesses a crime involving the U.S President.

Gene Hackman plays the president, and is as good as you would expect from Hackman.

I am surprised that this is his only role as the President Of America.

7) Tom Selleck (Dwight D. Eisenhower) (Ike: Countdown To D-Day) - For a TV movie, this is certainly one of the best ones around.

A tashless Tom Selleck plays President Eisenhower during the build-up the Normandy landings at the end of World War II.

It is a very well told story and gives us a great character study of Eisenhower.

6) Harrison Ford (ficitional James Marshall) (Air Force One) - When hijackers seize Air Force One during a flight, the President uses his experience in the army to try and defeat them.

It may be silly, but it manages fun viewing. Harrison Ford plays the President, and he does a bad-ass job of it, as well as giving one of the best lines in 90's action films.

5) Tom Wilkinson (Lyndon B. Johnson) (Selma) - A powerful history drama that shows the time of Martin Luther King's to secure the rights of equal voting.

With David Oyelowo leading as King, we see a very solid supporting performance by the always great Tom Wilkinson as President Johnson.

4) Morgan Freeman (ficitional Tom Beck) (Deep Impact) - One of the most popular performances and by many peoples ideal choice of playing the President, Morgan Freeman.

While a comet is hurtling towards Earth, a group of astronauts are trying to destroy it and citizens are finding there best chance of survival.

A very entertaining 90's action drama.

3) Bill Pullman (ficitional Thomas J. Whitmore) (Independence Day) - I can probably say this on behalf of everyone, this is the best performance of a fictional President of all-time.

One of the most popular films of the 90's sees Bill Pullman play the President during a time where aliens are invading earth.
His inspirational speech alone trumps everyone else.

2) Daniel Day-Lewis (Abraham Lincoln) (Lincoln) - The only performance as an American President that won an Oscar.

The incredible Daniel Day-Lewis leads this Steven Spielberg biographical drama about the events that occurred during the Civil War while the decision to abolish slavery was also happening.

1) Frank Langella (Richard Nixon) (Frost/Nixon) - A gripping and highly entertaining drama about the build-up and interview itself between then former President Richard Nixon and talk-show host David Frost.

Frank Langella completely transforms into Nixon and his chemistry with Michael Sheen as Frost was the key to the success of this Best Picture Oscar nominee.