The Contender

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The Contender

R,

2000,

2h 6m,

Mystery & Thriller

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Watchlist

76%

131 Reviews

Tomatometer

73%

5,000+ Ratings

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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Rey R

Mar 1, 2017

Witty and smart, The Contender is an engaging political thriller, although it lacks some depth on its screenplay.

Abraham S

Jul 26, 2016

Been waiting for ages for a blu-ray or digital of this... still waiting :'(

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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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