5 Of The Best Movies About Journalism

Here are five of the best movies about journalism.

1. Spotlight

Spotlight (2015) starring Rachel McAdams, Mark Ruffalo, and Michael Keaton is based on the true story of how the Boston Globe uncovered the horrific and widespread cases of child molestation and their subsequent cover-ups within the local Catholic Archdiocese. Spotlight is a testament to the true powers of investigative journalism. 

2. Almost Famous

Not only is Almost Famous (2000) a fantastic coming-of-age story, but it’s also a great movie about journalism. In the 1970s, William Miller (Patrick Fugit) is a nerdy, shy high school student with a deep appreciation for rock and roll. When he gets the opportunity to write an article for Rolling Stone, he accompanies the band Stillwater on tour. His assignment is to simply write about his experience on the road. 

3. Shattered Glass

Shattered Glass (2003) tells the story of the rapid rise and eventual and shocking fall from grace of a seemingly promising young journalist. The journalist in question, Stephen Glass (Hayden Christensen), was a young writer in his 20s who landed a role at The New Republic as a staff writer. During his three years on staff, 27 of his 41 published articles were either completely fabricated or only partially true. 

4. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

One of Will Ferrel’s most iconic roles ever, Anchorman: The Legend of Rob Burgundy (2004) is pure comedic gold and honestly one of the most quotable movies of all time. Based in the 1970s, Anchorman reveals what happens when San Diego’s top news anchor Rob Burgundy (Ferrel) is joined by a new female co-anchor Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate). 

5. The Post

The Post (2017) is the true story about The Washington Post journalists trying to publish the damning, infamous Pentagon Papers. The Pentagon Papers were a set of classified documents that revealed the United States government’s 20-year involvement in the Vietnam War and the French Indochina in the 1940s.  Starring Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, The Post is an important watch.