Whether they are an aspiring journalist, a writer for the school newspaper or working at a major publication. Every passionate journalist should watch the films on this list.

(List is in no particular order)

1.       Shattered Glass- 2003- Hayden Christensen, Hank Azaria

This film, based on a true story, features Steven Glass, an accomplished reporter for The New Republic. Throughout the movie, Glass has numerous hit articles published in the printed magazine, but his editor soon realizes that Glass always fails to provide sources. “Shattered Glass,” is sure the movie for anyone to see and be aware of the severe punishments that surround plagiarism.

2.       All the President’s Men- 1976- Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman

Constructed from a book written by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, this feature follows two journalists from The Washington Post. The real story of Bernstein and Woodward circulates around their investigation of the Watergate Scandal. To this day, “All the President’s Men,” is the one of most highly regarded movies within the journalism community.

3.       Capote- 2005- Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener

This is an outstanding performance by, Philip Seymour Hoffman, where he depicts writer, Truman Capote. The movie reveals the events involving Capote and his interviews used to write his, Edgar Award, winning book, In Cold Blood.

4.       Frost/ Nixon- 2008- Frank Langella, Michael Sheen

The film is historically based on the Richard Nixon and David Frost interviews. “Frost/ Nixon,” takes place a few years after the Watergate Scandal, which lead to the end of Nixon’s power. The movie is a perfect interpretation of this hard news and revealing interview.

5.       Page One: Inside the New York Times- 2011

This documentary follows the daily lives of three reporters at The New York Times. Viewers get an inside look at what it is like working for a major newspaper in a changing world with new technology and innovation.

6.       Almost Famous- 2000- Patrick Fugit, Kate Hudson, Philip Seymour Hoffman

This drama/ comedy follows a fifteen- year old aspiring journalist, who lands an assignment for Rolling Stone magazine. He soon finds himself on tour with an up and coming band and gets involved with the affairs of roadies and bandmates. All while balancing his work, an overbearing mother and a typical teenage life.

7.       The Killing Fields- 1984- Sam Waterston, Haing S. Ngor, John Malkovich

Academy Award winning, “The Killing Fields,” features a reporter for The New York Times and his covering of the Cambodian Civil War. The film gives viewers an inside look into the dangerous experiences faced by two journalists during this violent time.

8.       Good Night, and Good Luck- 2005- David Strathairn, George Clooney

This film portrays Edward R. Murrow, a broadcast journalist, and his CBS news crew, during their investigations of Senator Joseph McCarthy. They search for the lies surrounding McCarthy and his campaign.

9.       Journalism Is Not A Crime- 2014

This documentary, which premiered in Dec. of 2014, hosted by John Siegenthaler, describes the role of journalism around the world. It features three journalists who were arrested in Egypt for spreading false news. This factual film brings about awareness for the journalists who are being killed and detained in other countries.