The Presidents we need!

What are the prerequisites of an American President? He must be as good-looking as a movie star, be able to stand for his fellow countrymen in their hour of need, and always put America first, no matter what. Whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris can fit the criteria remains to be seen. However, Hollywood has been fulfilling this criterion for a long time.

Big stars have portrayed American Presidents in their unique style, sometimes as the most intelligent and daring person on the planet and sometimes as someone who cares. Until the commander-in-chief is selected, let's go back in time and look at such presidents and consider their impact on the silver screen.

Harrison Ford, Air Force One

Think of the President of the United States of America, and the iconic dialogue from Air Force One comes to mind, uttered by Harrison Ford. In the 1997 Wolfgang Peterson film, Ford played President James Marshall, who finds himself trapped on a hijacked Air Force One.

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His daring rescue of every hostage mesmerized audiences, setting a high bar for actors who’ve portrayed the President since.

Bill Pullman, Independence Day

Before James Marshall, Thomas J. Whitmore—Bill Pullman's iconic President on Independence Day (1996)—inspired humanity to stand against aliens and win. Bill Pullman embodied a President who looked the part and gave audiences a robust template for leadership.

His 'Today we celebrate our Independence Day!' speech still gives us goosebumps—a moment no film or sequel could top.

Michael Douglas, The American President

Then came the President, who fell in love. Michael Douglas’ President Andrew Shepherd, a widower, pursues a romance with environmental lobbyist Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening), newly arrived in Washington, D.C.

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On the sidelines of this romance, he has to make crucial decisions that only the Commander in Chief can take. Martin Sheen (who went on to play the President in The West Wing), Michael J. Fox, and Richard Dreyfuss star in supporting roles in this Rob Reiner classic.

Dennis Haysbert, 24

If there were a list of the coolest Heads of State, Dennis Haysbert's President David Palmer would top it. The actor played the American President in the hit TV series 24, who stood tall despite threats against his life and even his position.

In the first season, David Palmer is a presidential candidate; by the second, he’s the President, making tough decisions. Impressively, this character was conceived well before Barack Obama ran for office, arguably foreshadowing future representation.

Danny Glover, 2012

Danny Glover also played the American President in the 2009 disaster flick 2012 and is one of the few Heads of State to die on screen.

His portrayal of President Thomas Wilson was one of the film's highlights. He depicted him as a compassionate leader who chose to stay in the White House rather than seek safety.

Morgan Freeman, Angel Has Fallen

Morgan Freeman has played everything on screen, from God to Batman’s mentor. That’s when no one was surprised when he played the American President Allan Trumbull in the third film of the Fallen series.

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Though his role is primarily that of a President who needs protection, Freeman brings gravitas to the part, surviving a coma and multiple assassination attempts thanks to his loyal Agent, Mike Banning (Gerard Butler).

Andy Garcia, Geostorm

Andy Garcia has the distinction of playing the American President suspected of betraying his country for a few minutes in Geostorm.

The film revolves around two brothers, Jake Lawson (Gerard Butler) and Max (Jim Sturgess), who have to defy the odds to save President Andrew Palma (Andy Garcia), but not after suspecting him of being the bad guy. Ultimately, the assassination attempt is foiled by unexpected allies on Earth and in Space.

Lynda Carter, Supergirl

Although the American Presidency may not have seen a female president yet, American TV has been there and done that. Supergirl brought in none other than Wonder Woman actress Lynda Carter to play the American President.

Sharon Stone, Agent X

Who wouldn’t want to live in the world where Sharon Stone plays an American President? She begins the series Agent X (2015) as Vice President of the United States and, for a brief moment, assumes charge as the Head of State in the absence of the President.

If sitting Vice President Kamala Harris were to assume the presidency, she’d have a high standard of class to live up to, at least in Hollywood’s portrayal.