Vice (2018)
Kernel Score: 77% · 3,547 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Comedy
Released: 2018-12-25
Runtime: 132 minutes
Is Vice worth watching?
Depends on your taste. Adam McKay's biopic of Dick Cheney mixes dark comedy with political drama. Christian Bale is remarkable, and the film is clever and angry, but it lectures and hops around, so it only fully works if you share its view.
Watch it if you
- like political satire with an attitude
- enjoy big transformative performances
- are curious about modern US politics
Skip it if you
- want a neutral, straight biopic
- dislike films that push a viewpoint hard
Best for: Political-minded night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Vice
- Rent: Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
George W. Bush picks Dick Cheney, the CEO of Halliburton Co., to be his Republican running mate in the 2000 presidential election. No stranger to politics, Cheney's impressive résumé includes stints as White House chief of staff, House Minority Whip and Defense Secretary. When Bush wins by a narrow margin, Cheney begins to use his newfound power to help reshape the country and the world.
Vice parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Vice is an R-rated biographical drama-comedy about Dick Cheney's rise to political power and the war on terror.
- Language: Moderate — Contains strong language typical of an R-rated political drama.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Some — Some social drinking is depicted among political figures.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Vice
If you liked Vice, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Big Short (2015) — 83%: Same director, same mix of comedy and anger at how power works.
- Don't Look Up (2021) — 79%: Satire that treats a crisis with sharp, angry humour.
- The Post (2017) — 78%: Sober drama about politics, secrecy and the press.
- All the President's Men (1976) — 85%: Classic political thriller about uncovering what Washington hides.
- The Report (2019) — 78%: Serious look at government overreach after 9/11.
- Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) — 86%: Classic about an ordinary man facing the Senate.
Director
Cast
- Christian Bale as Dick Cheney
- Amy Adams as Lynne Cheney
- Steve Carell as Donald Rumsfeld
- Sam Rockwell as George W. Bush
- Alison Pill as Mary Cheney
- Eddie Marsan as Paul Wolfowitz
- Justin Kirk as Scooter Libby
- LisaGay Hamilton as Condoleezza Rice
- Jesse Plemons as Kurt
- Bill Camp as Gerald Ford
Vice FAQ
Is Vice worth watching?
Depends on your taste. Adam McKay's biopic of Dick Cheney mixes dark comedy with political drama. Christian Bale is remarkable, and the film is clever and angry, but it lectures and hops around, so it only fully works if you share its view.
Where can I watch Vice?
In the US you can rent it from Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Vice OK for kids?
Vice is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Vice is an R-rated biographical drama-comedy about Dick Cheney's rise to political power and the war on terror.
What movies are like Vice?
If you liked Vice, try The Big Short, Don't Look Up, The Post and All the President's Men.