The American President

The American President (1995)

  • 90% of critics liked it
    (51 reviews)

  • 71% of users liked it
    (53,824 ratings)

This earnest, intelligent, and well-written romantic comedy is enjoyable and optimistic in classic Hollywood style, even if its idealism doesn't seem quite so credible against the cynical political backdrop of the Nineties. President Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas), an unabashedly liberal… More

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PG-13,
Directed By
Written By
Aaron Sorkin
Genres
Drama, Romance, Comedy
In Theaters
Nov 17, 1995 Wide
Columbia Pictures

Critic Reviews

  • Geoff Andrew, Time Out

    Part romantic comedy, part Capra-corny political drama, this movie exudes so much sympathy, it sweats.

  • Janet Maslin, New York Times

    With great looks, a dandy supporting cast, a zinger-filled screenplay by Aaron Sorkin and Mr. Douglas twinkling merrily in the Oval Office, The American President is sunny enough to make the real Presidency pale by comparison.

  • Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times

    Genial and entertaining if not notably inspired.

  • , Variety

    Genial middlebrow fare that coasts a long way on the charm of its two stars.

  • Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

    Great entertainment.

Read all 17 critic reviews

See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Sanjay R


    This is a very good romantic dramedy. Douglas and Bening put on fine performances and display great chemistry. It is Sorkin's screenplay, however, that makes the movie great. Sorkin does a great job every time he picks up a pen, and this is no exception.

  • Cassie H


    From the moment that Douglas & Bening meet in the oval office you know that this is going to be a movie that you'll want to watch over & over again to watch the romance, Sheen & Douglas at their best & Michael J. Fox as Douglas's annoying partner that you… More

  • Flutie A


    Netflix said I'd give it 5 stars...They almost got it right.

  • Thomas B


    A funny and tender romance movie with a cracking script from Aaron Sorkin. Full review later.

  • Dan S


    A decent but flawed and overrated look on the idea of a widower President trying his chances at love while he's still in office during the start of his re-election campaign. While Douglas and Bening are both very, very good, the movie is completely undermined by a weak and… More

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

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