The American President

Play trailer

The American President

PG-13,

1995,

1h 54m,

Romance/

Comedy/

Drama

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Stream Now

Watchlist

90%

131 Reviews

Tomatometer

77%

50,000+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

90%

Tomatometer

131 Reviews

77%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

With the end of his first term in sight, widowed U.S. President Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas) knows that overwhelming public support will guarantee his re-election. But when he falls in love with lobbyist Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening), Shepherd's supporters question the relationship, and his approval ratings drop. As a rival presidential candidate goes on the attack, Shepherd must choose between his political career and his love for Sydney.

Watch on Fandango

Stream Now

Stream

Rent The American President on Fandango, or buy it on Fandango.

Critics Consensus

A charming romantic comedy with political bite, Rob Reiner's The American President features strong lead performances and some poignant observations of politics and media in the 1990s.

Read Critics Reviews

Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

Jan 22, 2026

4/4

Director Rob Reiner has picked himself up off the floor that was his last picture, North, and created simply one of the year's best films, one filled with sparkling performances by Michael Douglas and Annette Bening and bright writing by Aaron Sorkin.

Go to Full Review

Bob Fenster

Arizona Republic

Jan 22, 2026

The American President is sophisticated, witty and wonderful, an intelligent comedy that finds a wealth of humor in the unlikely dual pursuit of the presidency and romance.

Go to Full Review

Michael Wilmington

Chicago Tribune

Jan 22, 2026

3/4

Reiner gets at least half of what he wants: the comic-romantic part. When the movie focuses on the relationship between President Andrew Shepherd and lobbyist Sydney Wade, it's a funny, sparkling show.

Go to Full Review

Mike Roberts

The Province (Vancouver)

Apr 14, 2026

4/4

What we've got here is a damn good story and some fine acting by all involved. Michael Douglas shines. Annette Bening positively glows and Martin Sheen and Michael J. Fox are downright funny.

Go to Full Review

Amy Dawes

Los Angeles Daily News

Jan 22, 2026

4/4

The American President is mainstream filmmaking at its sparkling best, a charmer of a movie bound to sweep audiences off their feet into the holiday season.

Go to Full Review

Steve Persall

Tampa Bay Times

Jan 22, 2026

A

After last year's vilified North, Reiner has shaped a comeback worthy of Richard Nixon. His deft hand, Sorkin's script and two magnetic stars should put The American President on the Oscar ballot when that "other" election rolls around next spring.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Feb 15, 2019

I enjoyed this film, but the ending didn't work for me again. I mean, does he win the election or doesn't he? I guess it's implied that he won?

See more

Hermione S

Feb 15, 2017

It's a bit of a ridiculous set-up, but like "The West Wing", it's hard for me not to be charmed by Sorkin's quippy political idealism.

See more

Abraham S

Jan 12, 2017

Your run of the mill romantic chick flicks, made difficult by political boundaries. It was fine, and cute, and all that gushy stuff. Michael Douglas made for the perfect President in this movie, and you get some nice monologues from the two Michaels (Douglas and J. Fox), some good performances from them, Annette Benning, Martin Sheen, and others, and a nice taste of a President's daily life. You really do root for this President, as you see his emotional state for matters that, to him, are more important than his political standing. Not bad.

See more

Finn R

Nov 20, 2014

Wow what a difference watching this and with whats going on with our current president Trump as far as character and family values. Made me nostalgic for some of that ceremony and certain royal like decorum of the past. Anyways I thought it was good. Movie was pretty short, however if it went any longer it'd prob become boring. It was easy to follow altho at the end it got very hammy. It was also ultra liberal and seemed a bit superficial/dumbed down but nonetheless a very good ending speech. Also there was some very good performances esp the lead actress.

See more

Harry P

Sep 12, 2012

I have no doubt that I watched this far too long after its release, and thus part of its novelty was lost. Still, the film has a nice charm and chemistry between its leading cast, though a more unique ending would have been preferable.

See more

Hermione S

Jan 25, 2011

Superbly witty and intelligent film that hits all the right notes. Stellar cast, spot-on directing and wonderful chemistry between the two leads. Everything a romantic comedy ought to be. "A. J. MacInerney: [to President Andrew Shepherd] Oh, you only fight the fights you can win? You fight the fights that need fighting!"

See more

Read all reviews

Rob Reiner

Director

Michael Douglas

President Andrew Shepherd

Annette Bening

Sydney Ellen Wade

Martin Sheen

A.J. MacInerney

Michael J. Fox

Lewis Rothschild

David Paymer

Leon Kodak

The American President: Official Clip - White House Sleepover

2:49

Now Playing

The American President: Official Clip - The President's Girlfriend

2:26

Now Playing

The American President: Official Clip - Chief Executive of Fantasy Land

2:43

Now Playing

The American President: Official Clip - People Want Leadership

3:07

Now Playing

The American President: Official Clip - Typical First Date

2:45

Now Playing

The American President: Official Clip - The Flower Shop

3:01

Now Playing

The American President: Official Clip - Character and American Values

3:04

Now Playing

The American President: Official Clip - Sending Flowers

3:02

Now Playing

The American President: Official Clip - Presidential Dating

2:54

Now Playing

View more videos

Terms of Endearment

81%

83%

Terms of Endearment

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Terms of Endearment

Sabrina

60%

64%

Sabrina

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Sabrina

Somebody Up There Likes Me

86%

86%

Somebody Up There Likes Me

Watchlist

The Four Seasons

68%

75%

The Four Seasons

Watchlist

Seven Years in Tibet

57%

73%

Seven Years in Tibet

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Alison Brie’s Five Favorite Films

View more photos

Synopsis

With the end of his first term in sight, widowed U.S. President Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas) knows that overwhelming public support will guarantee his re-election. But when he falls in love with lobbyist Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening), Shepherd's supporters question the relationship, and his approval ratings drop. As a rival presidential candidate goes on the attack, Shepherd must choose between his political career and his love for Sydney.

Director: Rob Reiner
Producer: Rob Reiner
Screenwriter: Aaron Sorkin
Distributor: Columbia Pictures, Warner Home Vídeo, Columbia Tristar, MCA/Universal Pictures [us]
Production Co: Columbia Pictures Corporation, Universal Pictures, Castle Rock Entertainment, Wildwood Enterprises
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 17, 1995, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 1, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA): $59.0M
Runtime: 1h 54m
Sound Mix: Surround

Join The Newsletter

Join The Newsletter

Cookie Settings