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The Contender

Play trailer Poster for The Contender R 2000 2h 6m Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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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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The Contender

The Contender

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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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Critics Reviews

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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. Go to Full Review Nell Minow Common Sense Media Dec 28, 2010
4/5
Thoughtful, enjoyable film for older teens. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews May 11, 2021
3/4
...a slightly overlong yet mostly compelling drama... Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Robert P @Superbad Oct 19, 2026 The Contender is a *4* star Movie! See more 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." See more 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+) See more 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. See more 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. See more 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. See more Read all reviews
The Contender

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Cast & Crew

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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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The Contender

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Movie Info

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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