The Contender

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The Contender

R

2000

2h 6m

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

76%

Tomatometer

131 Reviews

73%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

When the sitting Vice President dies, Senator Laine Hanson is chosen by the President to be the first woman to hold the office. The selection meets with opposition from members of both parties, in particular a powerful political adversary who will seemingly stop at nothing to discredit her. Her confirmation hearings set off a firestorm of controversy as shocking secrets from Hanson's past are revealed, threatening her personal life as well as her political future.

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Critics Consensus

The Contender wears its political heart on its sleeve, but strong performances and a solid screenplay help the end result add up to a gripping drama from either side of the aisle.

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David Germain

Associated Press

Jan 18, 2018

The movie has plenty going for it: a terrific cast led by Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges and Gary Oldman, a captivating story line, a sharp script. Most important, The Contender has timing.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Dec 28, 2010

4/5

Thoughtful, enjoyable film for older teens.

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Jay Carr

Boston Globe

Jan 1, 2000

Wonderfully cast and slickly directed, but so crudely written as to make its espousing of progressive principles seem crassly exploitative to the point of self-parody.

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Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

Oct 13, 2025

5/5

With a sharp script and phenomenal performances from Joan Allen and Jeff Bridges, The Contender deserves to be remembered as one of the best political films of its time.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Apr 2, 2024

3/4

The film’s political posturing is frequently simplistic, but the dialogue is exceptional, and the big-name cast delivers.

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

May 11, 2021

3/4

...a slightly overlong yet mostly compelling drama...

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Jeff T

@Jethro62 Dec 4, 2025

Had some good moments. This was definitely Clinton, he was always ordering food. "Aldo, can you put together a grilled cheese sandwich."

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Kyle M

@RT77296778 Dec 1, 2025

How the plot proceeds problematically borderline unethical, but how it was executed nonetheless still shows conversational intellect from an excellent cast that thematically fits towards a powerful political statement that some has preferentially forgotten today. (B+)

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Garry A

@heavyg Aug 29, 2025

This is a very good political drama. It was fascinating to watch how a woman nominee was torn down and humiliated. It definitely would not have happened to a man.

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Jelisije J

@jjosifovic Jul 23, 2025

A well acted political film that kept me entertained with so many well written characters that I wish this movie was a show instead because I wanted more.

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Alain E

@AlainE Jul 2, 2025

Very well done and I am surprised is not better known. The psychology of the main characters is believable. Ends in a positive note that unfortunately was not proven true in political events of our times. Has even a credible action scene which subsequently is revealed to be something different. There are no exaggerations. Cinematography is serviceable. Acting is superb. Kudos to Gary Oldman for impersonating a true a-hole. The end reminded that I have also run among the Arlington graves around the time that the movie was shot.

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Peter W

@RT12077588 Jan 1, 2023

Overall, considering I'm not normally one for political dramas, this one had my engagement early on, and I found myself highly entertained by the story and concept. It's a powerful film that asks whether a leader can still be reliable and perform their duty accurately even if they carry a dark and mysterious past. Performances here are highly pleasing, with actors including Jeff Bridges and Gary Oldman as the major standouts. Pacing is a delight, and elements that include a few surprising twists and turns only further heightened my enjoyment. This is certainly a film to add to your watchlist if you're unfamiliar with it.

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Rod Lurie

Director

Joan Allen

Laine Hanson

Gary Oldman

Shelly Runyon

Jeff Bridges

President Jackson Evans

Sam Elliott

Kermit Newman

Christian Slater

Reginald Webster

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Synopsis

When the sitting Vice President dies, Senator Laine Hanson is chosen by the President to be the first woman to hold the office. The selection meets with opposition from members of both parties, in particular a powerful political adversary who will seemingly stop at nothing to discredit her. Her confirmation hearings set off a firestorm of controversy as shocking secrets from Hanson's past are revealed, threatening her personal life as well as her political future.

Director: Rod Lurie
Producer: Willi Bär, Marc Frydman, James Spies, Douglas Urbanski
Screenwriter: Rod Lurie
Distributor: DreamWorks SKG
Production Co: Battleground Productions, Cinerenta, Cinecontender, SE8 Group
Rating: R (Strong Sexual Content|Language)
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 13, 2000, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): May 8, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $17.8M
Runtime: 2h 6m
Sound Mix: SDDS, Dolby SR, Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Stereo
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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