We officially have a new president in Joe Biden. As we reflect on our new leader and our past presidents, many of whom were in attendance to see President Biden's swearing in, it's fun to also reflect on some of the great fictional presidents of our time. Movies and TV shows love to go behind-the-scenes of running the country via fictional leaders — some whom are much better than others.
Fiction has also allowed writers to create scenarios that just haven't happened in regular politics yet. For instance, there have been several female and Black presidents in the TV and movie sphere — while real politics have remained very white and male-oriented.
These fictional presidents may not have been real, but they felt real to us as they dealt with all sorts of political struggles and faced each one with the American people's best interests in mind.
And who knows, maybe Biden will be commemorated with a character based on himself some day.
Merkin Muffley From 'Dr. Strangelove'
No president wants to face a nuclear war, but that's what President Muffley was up against in this 1964 film. Ultimately, he wasn't successful at saving America, but he tried really hard to place an emphasis on peace and rational thinking, and that's really all we can ask of a president these days.
Douglass Dilman From 'The Man'
James Earl Jones plays the president in this movie, who takes on the role when the president, vice president, and speaker of the house suddenly aren't able to lead. The film came out in 1972, three decades before Barack Obama would become the country's first real Black president. Obama later invited James to perform at the White House.
Mackenzie Allen From 'Commander in Chief'
This Geena Davis-led TV series only ran for one season, but in those few episodes, viewers got to see a strong woman leading the nation as the first female president of the United States. We still haven't gotten one of those in real life, but we can rewatch this series and dream of a day where that isn't just a fictional role.
Thomas J. Whitmore From 'Independence Day'
Thomas J. Whitmore is one of the most popular fictional presidents of all time. In 2020, it was found that 61% of surveyed American voters would vote for Whitmore if he was running in real life. He stood out as a leader because he was willing to face the alien invasion from the cockpit of a fighter jet, rather than hiding in a bunker.
Josiah 'Jed' Bartlet From 'The West Wing'
The West Wing is one of the most popular long-running shows that delved into what it was like to be president. The leader at the helm of the show was President Josiah "Jed" Bartlet, played by Martin Sheen. He worked tirelessly for Americans in his role, and he's already been compared to Joe Biden in the past.
Dave Kovic From 'Dave'
When President Bill Mitchell is unable to serve in his role, he's replaced by Dave — an expert impersonator and lookalike to the real president. Will the American public be able to tell? Will Dave make a good president? Will the president's wife fall for his stand-in? The funny movie addresses all that and more.
Julia Mansfield From 'Hail to the Chief'
Another short-lived TV series about a first female president, Patty Duke played the nation's leader, Julia Mansfield. She faced all kinds of trouble as acting president, including a nuclear war threat, spies in the government, and personal attacks. But she rose to meet each new challenge with great fortitude.
Tom Kirkman From 'Designated Survivor'
The premise of this TV show is "what happens when nearly everyone in the government dies in a terrorist attack?" One low-level Cabinet member gets to take over, of course. Kiefer Sutherland played this so called "designated survivor" who takes over the country following the devastating attack. And for someone with no experience, he does a great job.
Tom Beck From 'Deep Impact'
Morgan Freeman's President Tom Beck has been called "the greatest fake president of all time." His cool, calm, and collected approach to dealing with an impending comet strike made Americans feel safe, even when they weren't. It's this kind of attitude that real presidents need to embody as well.
John MacKenzie From 'First Daughter'
This comedy showed the tough balance that President John MacKenzie (Michael Keaton) faced when trying to lead the country but also be a good father to his daughter, played by Katie Holmes. Many of us can relate to that work-life balance, and although it's hard to succeed in both, we think that President MacKenzie did just that.
Mellie Grant From 'Scandal'
Spoiler alert! Mellie Grant's husband, Fitzgerald Grant, did not make the best president on Scandal. But someone else did — Mellie herself. When she finally landed the role, she was a natural. If only her husband had stepped aside for her from the beginning and let a real leader take over, America would have greatly benefited.
James Sawyer From 'White House Down'
How can we not love a president played by Jamie Foxx? In White House Down, the iconic presidential residence is infiltrated and democracy is threatened. But President James Sawyer quickly springs into action to take out the intruders himself. Channing Tatum is also in this movie, which is always a fun bonus.
James Marshall From 'Air Force One'
Another president who's not afraid to get his hands dirty in the name of saving democracy is James Marshall, played by Harrison Ford in this '90s action film. Not only is President Marshall an inspired leader, but he's willing to literally fight for the American people. A nation could only be so lucky.
Jackson Evans From 'The Contender'
Jeff Bridges plays the president in this movie. He's a respectable leader who doesn't mess around when it comes to serving the American people. And he's not about to let anyone into his administration who's there for personal gain. In short, he's a leader for the people, not the party. Always an admirable trait.
David Palmer From '24'
Recognize Dennis Haysbert from the Allstate commercials? He's also played the president before in the show 24. He's considered by many to be one of the best presidents seen in the series. That's due in large part to his platform of honesty, integrity, and a real concern for the people he's meant to represent.
Allison Taylor From '24'
Allison Taylor eventually took over as president on 24, and she was just as excellent a leader as David Palmer. Rational and level-headed, she worked hard for her country. Actress Cherry Jones also worked hard portraying the character and even earned an Emmy in 2009 for her take on the role.
Andrew Shepherd From 'The American President'
Michael Douglas' President Andrew Shepherd is an ideal leader in many ways. He's smart and charming and confident in his ability to take charge of a nation. All extremely important qualities in a president. The movie was written by Aaron Sorkin, who would later go on to write The West Wing. He has a knack for creating characters who are strong leaders.
James Dale From 'Mars Attacks!'
Jack Nicholson's President James Dale didn't stand much of a chance against the alien invaders from Mars, but he really, really tried. He was determined to save America right up until the very end when his attempts at peaceful diplomacy with the invading Martians really backfired on him. Better luck next time.
Mays Gilliam From 'Head of State'
Mays Gilliam wasn't meant to be a serious candidate for the Democratic Party in this movie, but he ended up charming a nation with his candor and ability to relate to people's struggles. Chris Rock played the everyday American who is thrust into the national spotlight and who pledges to serve the Americans, not the political system.
Leslie Knope From 'Parks and Recreation'
The final episode of Parks and Rec (spoiler alert!) insinuates that Leslie Knope becomes president in 2048. And based on her love of people and her passion for government, we all know she'd not only be the best first female president, but also just the best president, period. If only she was a real political figure and not a fictional one. America could really use her.
