The Contender

Play trailer

The Contender

R

Released Oct 13, 2000

2h 6m

Mystery & Thriller

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

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.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Stream Now

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.

Read Critics Reviews

David Germain

Associated Press

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.

Jan 18, 2018

Full Review

Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Thoughtful, enjoyable film for older teens.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 28, 2010

Full Review

Lou Lumenick

New York Post

Excellent performances in an entertaining if less than totally plausible story.

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

The film’s political posturing is frequently simplistic, but the dialogue is exceptional, and the big-name cast delivers.

Rated: 3/4

Apr 2, 2024

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a slightly overlong yet mostly compelling drama...

Rated: 3/4

May 11, 2021

Full Review

Ted Murphy

Hollywood.com

Rated: 2/5

Sep 8, 2009

Full Review

Read all reviews

Garry A

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.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/29/25

Full Review

Jelisije J

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.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/23/25

Full Review

Alain E

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.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/02/25

Full Review

Yasar K

Brilliant performances by Joan Allen, Bridges, Oldman and Elliot. Mariel Hemmingway has a brilliant cameo.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/17/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Overall, considering I'm not normally one for political dramas, this one had my engagement early on, and I found myself highly entertained by the story and concept. It's a powerful film that asks whether a leader can still be reliable and perform their duty accurately even if they carry a dark and mysterious past. Performances here are highly pleasing, with actors including Jeff Bridges and Gary Oldman as the major standouts. Pacing is a delight, and elements that include a few surprising twists and turns only further heightened my enjoyment. This is certainly a film to add to your watchlist if you're unfamiliar with it.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/11/23

Full Review

a.l.jude p

Got everything to like this.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Rod Lurie

Director

Joan Allen

Laine Hanson

Gary Oldman

Shelly Runyon

Jeff Bridges

President Jackson Evans

Sam Elliott

Kermit Newman

Christian Slater

Reginald Webster

Double Jeopardy

28%

61%

Double Jeopardy

Watchlist

Bless the Child

4%

43%

Bless the Child

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Bless the Child

Proof of Life

39%

43%

Proof of Life

Watchlist

Stigmata

22%

63%

Stigmata

Watchlist

Arlington Road

62%

74%

Arlington Road

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Gary Oldman’s Best-Reviewed Movies

View more photos

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)

Most Popular at Home Now