Stay out of the Cold with an Arms Control Movie Night!

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Now that the weather is getting chillier and the holidays are around the corner, it's the perfect time to snuggle up with your favorite wonk and enjoy a cozy movie night of arms control-related classics. Below are our favorites.


Best Depiction of a Radiological Attack on London: Dirty War (2004)

Watch the terrorists as they struggle to handle radiological materials, Scotland Yard as they try to sniff out the terrorist cells, the firemen as they worry about how their equipment will protect them, and all of the confused civilians trapped in the quarantine zone trying to get out. This BBC movie is a stark depiction of how easily a terrorist cell might go unnoticed as they plan and execute a coordinated radiological attack on a major city.


Best Glorification of an International Arms Dealer: Lord of War (starring Nicolas Cage, 2005)

Follows the life of one man who decides to sell weapons to anyone who will buy. Tagline: The first and most important rule of gun-running is: never get shot with your own merchandise. Good for gratuitous explosions and soul-searching about the ethics of the arms trade.


Best Monkey Performance: Outbreak (with Dustin Hoffman, Rene Russo, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Spacey, 1995)

Government conspiracy, mutating viruses, a town under quarantine and a super cute monkey make this a fun movie! Not the greatest acting, but a great cast. Perhaps the monkey holds the key to this new strain of the Ebola virus re-discovered in Africa.


Best (and Most Graphic) Depiction of a Nuclear War: The Day After (1983)

This made-for-TV movie features unbelievable special effects in a full-scale nuclear war scenario between Soviet Union and the U.S.. Examining what "the day after" a nuclear war would look like, the film focuses on the bleak chance most civilians have for survival.


Best Nuclear Meltdown Thriller: The China Syndrome (1979)

Starring Jane Fonda and Michael Douglas, this film was coincidentally released days before the actual accident at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania, and was fraught with controversy and a public feud between Fonda and nuclear physicist Edward Teller.


Best Children’s Parody of the Arms Race: The Butter Battle (animated TV special, 1989)

Based off of Dr. Seuss’ whimsical yet penetrating rendering of the Cold War and nuclear arms race, the tale of the Zooks’ and Yooks’ rivalry over the best way to butter bread leads to each side creating a “bitsy big-boy boomeroo.”


Best non-James Bond James Bond movie: The Hunt for Red October (1990)

Sean Connery plays a dissatisfied Russian commander about to defect to the U.S. with a nuclear submarine. Even as the Soviets try to portray him as a war-monger about to launch nukes on the U.S., Alec Baldwin tries to get on the Red October and bring it safely to the U.S.. Amazing performances and lots of explosions.


Silliest Depiction of a Nuclear Weapons Effects in the History of Filmmaking: Indiana Jones and the Legend of the Crystal Skull (Harrison Ford, 2008)

Indiana Jones survives a Nevada Test Site nuclear blast by climbing into a 'lead lined' refrigerator. Really.


Best Depiction of a Cold War Coup: Seven Days in May (1964)

Watch Burt Lancaster and other members of the joint chiefs of staff agitate against the president's nuclear arms treaty with the Soviets and find out who Kirk Douglas' character decides to help.


Best Depiction of Militaries as War-Mongers: The Package (1989)

Andrew Davis’s depiction of anti-disarmament backlash circa 1989. Starring Joanna Cassidy and Gene Hackman, the Soviet and U.S. militaries are not happy that their civilian leaders are trying to eliminate nuclear weapons completely. Special cameo appearance by then-president of Physicians for Social Responsibility, Dr. Christine Cassel.


Gloomiest Doomsday Movie: On the Beach (1959)

Gregory Peck and Ava Gardner scramble for hope as they await their deaths in Australia when a nuclear war destroys the entire northern hemisphere. A fast moving anti-war thriller that could scare you back to work even on a cold winter morning.


Most Underappreciated Classic: Fail Safe (1964)

Walter Matthau plays a cold and contemptuous political scientist who strongly believes that the U.S. must end the communist menace. Henry Fonda as the President tries to save the world when a mechanical error puts the world in danger of complete destruction with an arsenal of nuclear-bomb carrying jet fighters on the ready. A fast-paced thriller with great performances.


Best Movie, well, ever: Dr. Strangelove Or How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb (1964)

No arms-control movie list would be complete without Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece, the quintessential satirical take on the inherently illogical theories of nuclear deterrence. Featuring Peter Seller's multiple performances that will make you chuckle, but you won't stop worrying!



Was your favorite arms control flick not included in our list? Add to our compilation in the comments section below! Any of these films would be a worthy addition to a home DVD-library, or a perfect gift for the arms control wonk on your holiday list. Do your holiday shopping at Amazon or Powell Books, as routed from our website, and a proceeds of your purchase will go to the Arms Control Association!
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