Who would you like to see sitting behind the desk in the Oval Office? The silver screen has provided some highly impressive US Presidents, whether they’re bravely negotiating life-or-death situations or dispensing hard-earned wisdom as they go about making the nation – nay, the world – a better place. And then, of course, there are some who are just enormous fun. 

So as the American voters decide who will be the next occupant of the White House, let’s look back at some of the best fictional US Presidents. From the daring to the dignified, from the adulterous to the admirable, we’ve loved watching these Commanders-in-Chief over the years. So read on to see if you agree with our picks…

Jed Bartlet

Find The West Wing seasons 1-7 in Apps > Channel 4

Played by: Martin Sheen

Thoughtful, witty, paternal, wise, devout, well-educated, urbane, self-assured yet humble, Josiah “Jed” Bartlet isn’t just the perfect President, he’s in many ways the perfect guy. As created by master screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, Bartlet wins two elections comfortably, loves his country and his family, and is a patient and generous boss to his sometimes over-emotional staff. He’s always prepared to make tough decisions, and even battles a debilitating disease to serve the nation. And have you seen how he puts on a jacket?!

Inspiring Presidential quote: “Every time we think we’ve measured our capacity to reach a challenge, we look up and we’re reminded that capacity may well be limitless.”

David Palmer

Find 24 seasons 1-9 in Apps > Disney+ or just say “Disney+”

Played by: Dennis Haysbert

Elected after surviving an assassination attempt, David Palmer is the kind of strong, calm and effective leader you’d want not just in political office, but in your own office. Agent Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) may be the one running around foiling terrorists while barking orders down the phone (“DAMMIT CHLOE!”), but it’s Palmer’s instant understanding of every situation that enables Jack to do what Jack needs to do. His weakness? Wife Sherry (Penny Johnson Jerald), whose scheming undermines him at numerous points – and protecting her ultimately prevents him running for a second term.

Inspiring Presidential quote: “We came dangerously close to war today. That all of us reacted emotionally to the nuclear detonation is understandable. But leaders are required to have patience beyond human limits.”

Thomas Whitmore

Find Independence Day in Apps > Disney+ or just say “Disney+”

Played by: Bill Pullman

We’ve no idea what kind of platform former fighter pilot Thomas Whitmore was elected on, or what his approach to, say, economic policy was. However, when it comes to alien invasion, he’s the guy we want in charge. Faced with unprecedented challenges (to say the least), he displays empathy and decisiveness, and he has an incredible line in inspirational speeches. We like to think he harnessed his post-Independence Day popularity to become a true legend of an international statesman.

Inspiring Presidential quote: “We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to live on! We're going to survive! Today we celebrate our Independence Day!”

Fitzgerald Grant III

Find Scandal seasons 1-6 in Apps > Channel 4

Played by: Tony Goldwyn

To the American people, Fitzgerald “Fitz” Grant is a patriotic, inspiring leader who fought for his country and respects nothing more than the US Constitution. To the viewers of Scandal, he’s an obsessive freak who’s hopelessly besotted with political fixer Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) to the point that he’s prepared to lose everything – his marriage, his position, his sanity – to be with her. Just the man you want in charge of the nuclear codes! Grant might be a terrible President, brought low by his weaknesses, but the hugely entertaining shenanigans of his chaotic White House tenure kept us gripped.

Inspiring Presidential quote: “A man who isn’t President has options. A man who isn’t President can divorce his wife. A man who isn’t President can have a life. A life he wants, the life he’s always wanted, with the woman he loves.”

Ellen Claremont

Find Red, White & Royal Blue in Apps > Prime Video

Played by: Uma Thurman

In this delightful hit romcom from 2023, the son of the first female US President falls for a gorgeous British royal. While Prince Henry (Nicholas Galitzine) gets the jitters because he knows his family of stuffy traditionalists will never accept the match, Alex (Taylor Zakhar Perez) confides in his mother, who is understanding and offers sage advice… all in a butter-thick Southern accent we could listen to all day long. She’s the caring President we don’t really deserve, and she looks great in a designer suit as well.

Inspiring Presidential quote: “Elections do matter because they give you a voice, and your voice is blended tonight with the voices of millions of Americans just like you: open-hearted, fearless and alive to a bolder, brighter, braver future.”

James Marshall

Find Air Force One in Apps > Disney+ or just say “Disney+”

Played by: Harrison Ford

When James Marshall’s Presidential plane is hijacked by terrorists – just after he announced a zero-tolerance policy on terrorism! The irony! – his advisors are keen to get him into the escape pod, ASAP. But Marshall won’t go anywhere if it means leaving his wife and daughter in danger. He’s a decorated military veteran – plus he’s fully imbued with Harrison Ford’s signature grumpy tenacity. The hijackers, led by an extravagantly accented Gary Oldman, don’t stand a chance.

Inspiring Presidential quote: “Atrocity and terror are not political weapons and to those who would use them: your day is over. We will never negotiate. We will no longer tolerate, and we will no longer be afraid.”

Dwayne Elizondo Mountain Dew Herbert Camacho

Find Idiocracy in Apps > Disney+ or just say “Disney+”

Played by: Terry Crews
 

In the year 2505, when average IQ has declined dramatically, you’d still expect the President to be a reasonably smart guy. Right? Meet President Dwayne Elizondo Mountain Dew Herbert Camacho, a former pro wrestler and adult film star, who won the Presidency basically by yelling a lot and firing a machine gun into the air. He does prove to have a glimmer of sense, though, when he appoints time traveller Joe Bowers (Luke Wilson) – officially now the cleverest man in the world – secretary of the interior. But he does then throw Joe in jail for suggesting crops should be watered with, er, water, rather than electrolyte-packed energy drink Brawndo.

Inspiring Presidential quote: “So you’re smart, huh? I thought your head would be bigger. Looks like a peanut!”

Thomas Kirkman

Find Designated Survivor seasons 1-3 in Apps > Netflix

Played by: Kiefer Sutherland

After an explosion in Congress takes out most of the government, housing secretary Thomas Kirkman finds himself catapulted into the role of President with zero preparation and at a time of huge crisis. In part because he’s free from the baggage of running for President, Kirkman proves popular and competent – enough to win another term at any rate. And because he’s played by Kiefer Sutherland, you can never quite shake the sneaking suspicion that he’s going to go rogue and start screaming in the faces of terrorism suspects. Which would be amazing.

Inspiring Presidential quote: “We’re not defined by our difficulties. We’re defined by how we respond to them.”

James Sawyer

Find White House Down in Apps > Netflix

Played by: Jamie Foxx

When James Sawyer signs a groundbreaking treaty aimed at bringing peace to the Middle East, he hopes it will define his Presidency. Hmmm… seems more likely that the disgruntled, heavily armed ex-military types breaking into the White House might do that. Fortunately, nothing-to-lose former Marine John Cale (Channing Tatum) is on a tour of the building and the President is pretty handy himself: together they beat the bad guys, save the hostages and uncover the conspiracy behind the attack, in an intoxicating mix of violence, life lessons and handsomeness. Hail to the Chief!

Inspiring Presidential quote: “I don’t give a damn about what you think is wise! You get that tank, you put a hole in the goddamn fence right now!”

Lisa Simpson

Find The Simpsons seasons 1-34 in Apps > Disney+ or just say “Disney+”

Played by: Yeardley Smith

In the 2000 episode “Bart To The Future”, a Native American elder shows Bart a vision of the unimaginably far-off future – um, 2030 – where Bart’s a deadbeat loser but Lisa has just been elected President. Her problem? The economy’s been crashed by the lunatic policies of her predecessor… President Trump. Lisa despairs when Bart exposes her “temporary refund adjustment” as a tax hike, but he proves himself useful by expertly stalling the other world leaders who are trying to collect on their debts. The future is in safe hands… ish?

Inspiring Presidential quote: “My administration will focus on the three Rs: reading, writing and refilling the ocean.”

How can I watch the US election coverage?

The US Presidential election is on Tuesday 5 November and here’s how you can follow it on Virgin TV. Bear in mind that it’s not like the UK system and it may not be clear who has won by Wednesday morning.

America Decides: US Presidential Election

10pm, Channel 4 HD (CH 104)

America Votes: US Election Night Live

10pm, Sky Showcase HD (CH 109)

BBC US Election 2024

10.40pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)

ITV News: US Election Night

10.45pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)