27 Movies Set in Washington, D.C.
From high-stakes political thrillers to feel-good comedies and powerful historical dramas, there are plenty of unforgettable movies set in Washington, D.C. (really–I had intented on this list being around 18 movies, but there were just too many to choose from!) Whether you’re drawn to the iconic monuments, the backroom political deals, or the lesser-known neighborhoods, these films bring the city’s power, charm, and contradictions vividly to life.
As someone who lived in DC and still gets a kick out of spotting familiar locations on screen (or rolling my eyes when filmmakers get it wrong—looking at you, St. Elmo’s Fire), I put together this list with variety in mind. Some of these films spotlight the city’s grandeur, while others dig into its neighborhoods, museums, or messy political machinery.
Whether you’re planning a visit, hosting a DC-themed movie night, or simply love a story with a strong sense of place, this list has something for you.
So grab your popcorn and dive into these captivating movies set in Washington, D.C—each one revealing something a little different about our nation’s capital.
27 Movies Set in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Smith Goes To Washington
Release Year: 1939
Rating: N/A
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
It doesn’t get more classic than director Frank Capra and actor James Stewart in this 1939 film about a new United States Senator who finds himself in Washington, D.C. fighting against a corrupt political system because he believes in more. It was considered controversial when it premiered (because those in D.C. didn’t like how the government was portrayed), but it has become timeless for those interested in politics and those interested in film.
Born Yesterday
Release Date: 1950
Rating: N/A
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
Judy Holliday won the Academy Award for her portrayal of the quintessential dumb blonde in this movie, who accompanies her boyfriend (played by Broderick Crawford) to Washington, D.C. as he attempts to bribe a Congressman. Her boyfriend doesn’t think she can hold her own against the “classy” ladies of D.C. society, so he hires a journalist (played by William Holden) to help her learn the ways of the upper class…not realizing that his girlfriend will learn a lot more than just how to be speak and behave.
Note from Jen: There was a remake made in 1993 with Melanie Griffith, Jon Goodman, and Don Johnson–it’s decent, but, as is usually the case, the remake just isn’t the same.
The Exorcist
Release Year: 1973
Rating: R
Genre: Horror
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
As the first horror movie to be nominated for an Academy Award, The Exorcist holds an important place in film history. It’s about a young girl believed to be possessed by a demon and her mother’s attempts to help her, including hiring two priests to perform an exorcism. The film certainly boasts a few memorable scenes–one involves split pea soup and one involves a long stairway…which, almost 50 years later, is still one of the most visited sites in Georgetown.
Note from Jen: Not everyone realizes this movie is based on a book which is based on a true story. Find out more about The Exorcist book on my list of books set in Washington, D.C.
All The President’s Men
Release Date: 1976
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman play journalists Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward in this film (based on a book included in my list of books set in Washington, D.C.) that details the reporters’ efforts in investigating and uncovering the Watergate Scandal that changed the political landscape and ultimately led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Nominated for several awards and included on several lists from the American Film Institute, it’s a classic.
St. Elmo’s Fire
Release Year: 1985
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Romance
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
One of the defining movies of the Brat Pack genre, St. Elmo’s Fire follows a group of friends who have graduated from Georgetown University and are now adjusting to life as adults–which means dealing with family, stress, work, love, and everything in between. It’s a coming-of-age movie that features great 80s clothes, actors we all know, and, of course, a great soundtrack.
Note from Jen: I’ll be honest, this movie is pretty slow and we had a hard time watching it in the early 2020s, but it is considered an 80s classic and it does show plenty of real-life D.C. landmarks.
Being There
Release Date: 1979
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
Based on a book by Jerzy Kosinski, Being There is follows Chance, a gardener without much life experience who finds himself lost when he’s kicked out of the only home he’s ever known. The simple-minded gardener eventually finds himself serving as a confidant and advisor the President of the United States when his naive remarks are mistaken for deep wisdom. The movie was nominated for (and won) several awards, particularly for its writing.
D.C. Cab
Release Year: 1983
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Action
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
This raucous comedy uses Washington, D.C., as both playground and battleground for a group of misfit taxi drivers. The film portrays the capital in a grittier, less polished light, showing rundown neighborhoods, chaotic streets, and eccentric characters (the star is Mr. T!) who navigate the city’s rough edges. By focusing on the cabbies’ struggles and friendship, the film captures a blue-collar perspective of Washington rarely shown on screen.
No Way Out
Release Date: 1987
Rating: R
Genre: Action/Adventure, Mystery/Crime
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
I almost didn’t include this one on this list because there are quite a few errors in the way D.C. is pictured (trust me, we all wish there was a Metro stop in Georgetown!), but it’s a thrilling mystery with some twists and turns that keep you intrigued and shocked the whole time. Kevin Costner stars as a Navy Lieutenant investigating the murder of a woman, but Gene Hackman steals the show as the Secretary of Defense.
Note from Jen: I’m a little biased on choosing this one, too, because I’ve spent a significant amount of my career working in the Pentagon and working directly for the Secretary of Defense. In case you weren’t sure, from the “inside”, I can say I’ve never seen any of the shenanigans in this movie happening in real life…though the physical appearance of the Pentagon is actually more accurate than I would have expected.
The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear
Release Year: 1991
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
This slapstick comedy follows bumbling detective Frank Drebin (Leslie Nielsen) as he uncovers a plot by energy companies to suppress alternative energy research. Washington, D.C., provides the backdrop for much of the chaos, with the White House and other federal buildings setting the stage for sight gags and absurd stunts. Unlike serious political thrillers, the movie uses D.C.’s grandeur as comedy fodder, poking fun at the seriousness of government and the vulnerability of its leaders.
Note from Jen: Look, I admit that The Naked Gun movies are dumb, but they’re fun and sometimes that’s just what you’re looking for.
The Pelican Brief
Release Date: 1993
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Thriller, Crime/Mystery
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
When two Supreme Court justices are assassinated, law student Darby Shaw (Julia Roberts) uncovers a conspiracy that reaches into the highest levels of power. Teaming up with a journalist (Denzel Washington), she races to expose the truth before becoming the next target. Washington, D.C., serves as the setting for much of the intrigue, with scenes at the Supreme Court, political offices, and shadowy city streets. Combining legal drama with suspense, the film captures D.C. as a city where democracy’s ideals are constantly challenged by hidden forces.
In the Line of Fire
Release Year: 1993
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Thriller
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
Clint Eastwood stars as Frank Horrigan, a veteran Secret Service agent haunted by his failure to protect President Kennedy. When a brilliant assassin (John Malkovich) threatens to kill the current president, Frank is pulled into a tense game of cat and mouse across Washington, D.C. The film blends action and psychological drama, with D.C.’s landmarks—the White House, campaign rallies, and streets of the capital—serving as the backdrop for the chase.
Forrest Gump
Release Date: 1994
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Romance
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
I almost didn’t include this one since much of the movie is not actually set in Washington, D.C., but you can’t deny that some of the most iconic scenes take place in the city. The film uses the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, and the White House to anchor Forrest in the middle of defining historical moments. From his speech at a Vietnam War protest to receiving the Medal of Honor. Through Forrest’s innocent lens, D.C. is stripped of political complexity and presented as a series of iconic events.
The American President
Release Year: 1995
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Romance
Location(s) Featured: The White House, Washington, D.C.
Michael Douglas plays the widowed President of the United States, which, of course, requires a lot of time and focus, especially when trying to also pass a crime control bill that he hopes to be his legacy. He can’t help it, though, when a good-looking intriguing lobbyist (Annette Benning) catches his attention and the two begin dating. Both ambitious about their issues in a political climate that doesn’t always compromise causes problems, though, and they have to make difficult choices.
Note from Jen: This is actually a sweet feel-good story about the White House and one I’d turn to for a mood boost…especially given the current state of things in Washington, D.C.
Independence Day
Release Date: 1996
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action, Science Fiction
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
Few blockbusters have burned Washington, D.C., into movie history like Independence Day. When alien ships attack Earth, one of the most unforgettable moments comes as the White House is obliterated in a fiery explosion. The capital is depicted as the symbolic heart of America, making its destruction both shocking and emotional. D.C.’s monuments and institutions appear under siege, reflecting the vulnerability of even the most powerful nation. But the city also becomes a rallying point for resistance, as leaders and ordinary citizens fight back. Its use of D.C. settings remains one of the most iconic disaster sequences in film.
Primary Colors
Release Year: 1998
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
A fictionalized version of Bill Clinton’s first presidential campaign, Primary Colors follows Southern governor Jack Stanton (John Travolta) as he runs for office. While much of the story unfolds on the campaign trail, Washington, D.C., looms as the final goal. The film balances comedy and drama, showing the energy, compromises, and personal scandals of modern politics. By the time the capital enters the picture, it represents both ambition fulfilled and ideals tested.
Dick
Release Date: 1999
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
This comedy reimagines the Watergate scandal by inserting two teenage girls (Kirsten Dunst and Michelle Williams) at its center. While sneaking out of their home to enter a contest, the girls unwittingly cause the Watergate break-in to be discovered. The city’s political culture is depicted as chaotic and corrupt, while the girls’ ditzy personas show there can be levity in serious events.
Minority Report
Release Year: 2002
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action, Thriller, Science Fiction
Location(s) Featured: XX
Set in Washington, D.C., in the year 2054, Minority Report imagines a future where crimes can be stopped before they happen. Tom Cruise stars as John Anderton, head of the PreCrime unit, who finds himself accused of a murder he hasn’t committed yet. As he races to clear his name, the movie shows a sleek, high-tech version of the capital with futuristic transportation, surveillance, and security systems. The story is both an action-packed chase and a thought-provoking look at free will, accountability, and how much power society should give its government.
Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde
Release Date: 2003
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
Elle Woods heads to Washington, D.C., determined to pass legislation against animal testing after discovering her dog’s mother is used in a lab. Trading law school and California sunshine for congressional hearings and Capitol Hill politics, Elle’s charm and optimism clash with D.C.’s stuffy traditions. The movie mixes comedy with satire, showing her pink style and enthusiasm standing out against the marble halls of Congress. Along the way, she makes unlikely allies and proves that sincerity and determination can change even the most rigid political systems. While lighthearted and funny, the film uses its D.C. setting to highlight the challenges—and possibilities—of bringing fresh ideas into the heart of government.
Note from Jen: You can impress your friends with the fun fact that the scenes supposedly set at the Capitol Building were actually filmed in Salt Lake City. (You can find out more fun facts like that in my Movie Lover’s Guide to Salt Lake City.)
National Treasure
Release Year: 2004
Rating: PG
Genre: Action/Adventure, Children’s/Young Adult, Mystery/Crime
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
Some might call this a kids’ movie and some might call this silly–I don’t disagree with them, but it is also fun, exciting, and, well, classic Nicolas Cage. He plays Benjamin Franklin Gates (I know), a historian, in search of a “national treasure.” The clues to this treasure are hidden on the back of the Declaration of Independence–and of course he’s not the only one looking for it–so it’s a race to find the treasure AND protect the nation’s artifacts.
Note from Jen: On one of my visits to the National Archives, I actually worked up the courage to ask a security guard about what filming there was like—I was intrigued!
State Of Play
Release Date: 2009
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Mystery/Crime
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
Another thriller that involves corrupt politicians and investigative journalists (who even needs a movie for that these days?) In this one, Russell Crowe plays the journalist investigating the murder of a congressional aide…who is also the mistress of a Congressman expecting to be a future presidential nominee (played by Ben Affleck). Of course, there are secrets and cover-ups and lies, so it’s a thrilling ride.
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
Release Year: 2009
Rating: PG
Genre: Family, Adventure
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
Continuing the magic of the first movie where museum exhibits magically come to life, this sequel has former night guard Larry (Ben Stiller) traveling to Washington, D.C., to help his friends now on display at the Smithsonian Institution. The film turns DC’s museums into a lively adventure, with historical figures, artworks, and artifacts springing to action. Amelia Earhart, Abraham Lincoln’s statue, and other icons join the fun, creating a playful mix of history and fantasy. With humor and heart, the movie is a great way to introduce younger audiences to the city’s museums while emphasizing the importance of curiosity and preserving history.
Note from Jen: Ever since I first read From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler as a young child, I’ve been obsessed with the idea of spending the night IN a museum and Smithonian museums actually offer that for certain museums through their Smithsonian Sleepovers program! Through that program, some friends and I stayed in the Baltimore Aquarium–it was so fun!
Lincoln
Release Date: 2012
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Biography
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln focuses on President Abraham Lincoln’s push to pass the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery. Set in the closing months of the Civil War, the film shows Lincoln navigating political battles, personal struggles, and moral choices. Daniel Day-Lewis’s performance captures Lincoln’s resolve and humanity as he balances wartime leadership with the fight for equality. The movie avoids sweeping battle scenes, instead emphasizing the gritty, behind-the-scenes negotiations that defined the capital at that time.
The Butler
Release Year: 2013
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Historical, Drama, Biography
Location(s) Featured: The White House, Washington, D.C.
Inspired by a true story, The Butler follows Cecil Gaines, an African American man who serves as a White House butler for decades. Through his eyes, we witness changing presidencies, shifting policies, and the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement. Washington, D.C., is shown both in the grand halls of the White House and in the protests that unfold on the National Mall. The film balances the personal with the political, highlighting how major decisions in DC rippled into everyday lives. By centering the story on someone behind the scenes, it offers a unique perspective on history, showing the capital as not just a seat of power but a place of gradual social transformation.
Olympus Has Fallen
Release Date: 2013
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Thriller
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
In this action thriller, terrorists launch a devastating attack on the White House, capturing the president and holding him hostage. Gerard Butler stars as a disgraced Secret Service agent who becomes the last line of defense, fighting through the city to retake the building. Packed with intense action sequences, the movie uses DC’s most iconic landmarks to amplify suspense. It’s a high-stakes story about loyalty, sacrifice, and protecting the heart of American leadership.
White House Down
Release Year: 2013
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action, Thriller
Location(s) Featured: The White House, Washington, D.C.
A police officer (Channing Tatum) brings his daughter to tour the White House just as terrorists attack, taking over the building and targeting the president (Jamie Foxx). What follows is a high-octane rescue mission filled with explosions, shootouts, and tense escapes. The action spills across the National Mall and Capitol, reminding viewers of the stakes when the capital itself is under threat. Blending blockbuster spectacle with buddy-movie humor, the film mixes patriotism with popcorn thrills. D.C. provides the ultimate stage for its story of courage, survival, and unlikely heroes.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Release Date: 2014
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action, Superhero
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
The second movie of the Captain America series (and the ninth in the Marvel Cinematic Universe) finds our hero, played by Chris Evans, living in Washington, D.C., working at S.H.I.E.L.D. when one of his colleagues is attacked. He teams up with another Avenger, Black Widow (played by Scarlet Johanssen), to find the threat. As you probably expect, the movie is exciting and action-packed with some glimpses of Washington, D.C. throughout.
Wonder Woman: 1984
Release Year: 2020
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Superhero
Location(s) Featured: Washington, D.C.
Set in the 1980s, this superhero sequel places Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) in Washington, D.C., where she works at the Smithsonian by day and protects the world as Wonder Woman by night. When an ancient artifact grants dangerous wishes, chaos spreads, and Diana must face new enemies, including Cheetah and businessman Maxwell Lord. By setting the story here, the film emphasizes Wonder Woman’s role not just as a global hero but also as a protector of the heart of democracy.
Final Thoughts: Power and Passion
Washington, DC isn’t just the backdrop for political intrigue—these films prove it has much more to offer other than just political drama (though there is a lot of that, too). From the marble steps of the Lincoln Memorial to hidden alleyways in Georgetown, movies set in Washington, D.C. bring the city to life in ways that history books and news headlines can’t.
Whether you’re dreaming of visiting D.C., reminiscing about time spent there, or simply love films with a strong sense of place, I hope this list helped you discover a few new favorites—or reminded you of a few classics.
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