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The Final Days

The Final Days

TV movie1989150 minPGMidcredits score: 74th percentile of all films
Director
Richard Pearce
Starring
Lane Smith, Richard Kiley, David Ogden Stiers, Ed Flanders

The Final Days concerns itself with the final months of the Richard Nixon presidency.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Final Days?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Final Days streaming on Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Final Days?

The Final Days earns 3 badges, led by Standout acting and Crowd Pleaser.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is The Final Days worth watching?

The Final Days' Midcredits score is the 74th percentile of all films, from 881 ratings across 4 sources. 69% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

74th percentile

Better received than 74% of films

58th percentile among Biography76th percentile among 1980s
Acclaim (how much people like it)69th
Approval (how many liked it)77th

67 /100

69th percentile of all films

53rd percentile among Biography72nd percentile among 1980s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.0 — solid but not unanimous.

69% liked it

77th percentile of all films

61st percentile among Biography78th percentile among 1980s
69% rated it 7–1031% rated it 1–6

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 7 noms overall

  • NominatedGolden Globes· Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television

Reach

How many have seen it

52nd percentile

881 ratings across platforms

29th percentile among Biography48th percentile among 1980s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 33% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film offers a sympathetic portrait of Nixon as a deeply flawed human being rather than a monster, but is limited by low budget and made-for-TV production values.

Fans praised

  • Lane Smith's performance as Nixon is flawless and avoids caricature
  • compassionate and humanly tragic portrait without excusing crimes
  • historically accurate and faithful to the Watergate meltdown

Detractors panned

  • paints a sympathetic victim narrative absolving Nixon's criminality
  • flat pacing and lack of dramatic tension despite detailed source
  • low production values and amateurish casting choices

What stands out

ActingDivisive85

Lane Smith's Nixon is widely lauded as immersive and physically accurate; detractors call it puppet-like

CharactersDivisive72

Nixon drawn as complex tragic figure; supporting roles unevenly cast

AtmosphereDivisive72

Captures melancholy and paranoia of the final months

Emotional impactDivisive70

Deeply sympathetic and moving for fans; manipulative and dishonest for detractors

Plot and storyDivisive65

Fast-forward through book details works for those already familiar with Watergate

PacingDivisive40

Drags at 2.5 hours with repetitive indoor office scenes

Watch experience

What is The Final Days like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Tense and gripping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready to pay close attention and feel heavy feelings, and you want something tense that holds you to the end.

It is intense, never lets up and leaves you bittersweet. Skip it when you want an easy night or you can only half-watch.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Your full attention and room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Tense and gripping.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseMelancholicContemplative
Heaviest: late
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Tender · 13% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Multiple perspectives · 2% of films: The same events retold from different characters' points of view.
ToneThe film treats its subject with gravity and compassion, playing the historical events straight without irony or heightened dramatic flourishes, though some scenes are designed for emotional impact.
The rideThe film builds tension as Nixon's position deteriorates, with a melancholic and contemplative tone throughout, culminating in a heavy emotional load in the final act.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically from the post-Watergate period to Nixon's resignation, with brief narrated segments from different characters to convey passage of time and internal states.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

BittersweetThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayViewers are left with a complex, contemplative feeling about Nixon's tragic downfall and the fallibility of power.
How it ends · evidence
Tragic ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Tragedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9% (this title): Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% (this title) · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Tragedy: A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin. · Corruption arc: Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).

9% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe film follows Richard Nixon's final months in office, tracking his desperate attempts to avoid impeachment as the Watergate scandal closes in, ultimately portraying the collapse of his presidency as a result of his own moral decay.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfCorruption
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7% (this title): Power 2% · Corruption 3% (this title) · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Power

Corruption · 3% of filmsJustice · 13% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film examines how Nixon's obsession with power and control led to his administrative corruption and eventual downfall, while also exploring the legal and ethical mechanisms that held him accountable.
StanceThe film interrogates Nixon's character and the system that allowed his abuses of power, examining the human tragedy without taking a partisan stance.

The world

Late 20th centuryInstitutionalDomesticRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · Cliff Eidelman
SettingWashington D.C. during the final months of Nixon's presidency, 1974
MusicCliff Eidelman's score supports the dramatic tension without overpowering the dialogue.

Content guide

Is The Final Days okay for kids?

PG

The Final Days is rated PG.

No detailed content scores for this title yet.

What content warnings does The Final Days have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Final Days?

Cast

Lane Smith
as Richard Nixon
Richard Kiley
as J. Fred Buzhardt
David Ogden Stiers
as General Alexander M. Haig Jr
Ed Flanders
as Leonard Garment
Theodore Bikel
as Henry Kissinger
Graham Beckel
as Ron Ziegler
James B. Sikking
as Elliot Richardson
Richard Venture
as James St. Clair
Alan Fudge
as Gerald Ford
Gregg Henry
as John Dean

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Final Days?

Movies like The Final Days include Frost/Nixon (2008), Nixon (1995) and Mark Felt: The Man Who Brought Down the White House (2017). Of the 4 closest matches, all are political films, and most are stories about US presidents.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

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What else shares a premise, people or place with The Final Days?

560 other films share the rarest tag below, follows: politician. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.