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Trailer

The Candidate

1972Movie1 h 50 minPG

73
GoodGoodWatch score

A layered, intriguing comedy movie about politics and society.

Good for date night · friends night · teens

Skip it if you want to half-watch while scrolling

Where to watch

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Not for laughs or scares.

Movies with

Story

Bill McKay has a lot going for him...but nothing compared to what's coming.

Bill McKay is a candidate for the U.S. Senate from California. He has no hope of winning, so he is willing to tweak the establishment.

Feels like

  • Political Satire
  • Cynical Campaign Trail
  • Character-Driven Drama
  • 1970s American Politics
  • Sharp Dialogue
  • Topical Commentary
  • Complex Characters
  • Realism
  • American Cinema

Cast

Crew

Directed by
Michael Ritchie
Written by
Jeremy Larner
Produced by
Walter Coblenz

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

June 29, 1972 · 1 h 50 min · PG

Released
June 29, 1972
Runtime
1 h 50 min
Age rating
PG
Genres
Comedy, Drama
Original language
English
Also spoken
Spanish
Made in
United States
Budget
$2 million
Box office
$3 million
Available in
33 countries

Tropes

Election Day Episode, Hitler Cam, Lens Flare +9

  • Election Day Episode
  • Hitler Cam
  • Lens Flare
  • Trade Your Passion for Glory
  • Your Approval Fills Me with Shame
  • Politicians Kiss Babies
  • Hypocritical Humor
  • Running Gag
  • So What Do We Do Now?
  • No Party Given
  • Door-Closes Ending
  • Attack of the Political Ad

12 of 28 tropes. From TV Tropes.

Q&A

5 questions, like "Where can I stream The Candidate?"

Questions about The Candidate

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Candidate?

In the United States, The Candidate streams on YouTube TV, and it is free with ads on YouTube, Hoopla, and Tubi TV. You can rent or buy it from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and Spectrum On Demand. It also streams in 2 other countries.

Is The Candidate worth watching?

73
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly, it's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 73 (IMDb 7, Rotten Tomatoes 89%, and Metacritic 66).

Is The Candidate okay for kids?

PG

Not for young kids: it's rated PG in the United States, and the viewing guide lists it for teens and adults.

Will The Candidate make me laugh?

Light

Now and then: the humor is mostly satire (7 of 10) and sharp wit (6 of 10).

What tropes does The Candidate use?

Election Day EpisodeHitler CamLens FlareTrade Your Passion for GloryYour Approval Fills Me with ShamePoliticians Kiss BabiesHypocritical HumorRunning GagSo What Do We Do Now?No Party GivenDoor-Closes EndingAttack of the Political Adand 16 more

TV Tropes lists 28 tropes for it, including Election Day Episode, Hitler Cam, and Lens Flare.