Wag the Dog (1997)
Kernel Score: 77% · 1,032 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Comedy, Drama
Released: 1997-12-25
Runtime: 97 minutes
Where to watch Wag the Dog
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
During the final weeks of a presidential race, the President is accused of sexual misconduct. To distract the public until the election, the President's adviser hires a Hollywood producer to help him stage a fake war.
Wag the Dog parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Wag the Dog is an R-rated political satire about staging a fake war to distract from a presidential sex scandal.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — The plot centers on a presidential sex scandal, including references to sexual misconduct, though not depicted graphically.
- Language: Moderate — R rating and political satire content suggest frequent strong language.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Wag the Dog
If you liked Wag the Dog, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Seven Days in May (1964) — 82%
- Official Secrets (2019) — 83%
- JFK (1991) — 85%
- All the President's Men (1976) — 85%
- Three Days of the Condor (1975) — 82%
- A Wolf at the Door (2013) — 79%
- Blow Out (1981) — 84%
Director
Cast
- Dustin Hoffman as Stanley Motss
- Robert De Niro as Conrad Brean
- Anne Heche as Winifred Ames
- Woody Harrelson as Sergeant William Schumann
- Denis Leary as Fad King
- Willie Nelson as Johnny Dean
- Andrea Martin as Liz Butsky
- Kirsten Dunst as Tracy Lime
- William H. Macy as CIA Agent Charles Young
- David Koechner as Director
Wag the Dog FAQ
Is Wag the Dog good?
Wag the Dog has a 77% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,032 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Wag the Dog?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Wag the Dog OK for kids?
Wag the Dog is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Wag the Dog is an R-rated political satire about staging a fake war to distract from a presidential sex scandal.
What movies are like Wag the Dog?
If you liked Wag the Dog, try Seven Days in May, Official Secrets, JFK and All the President's Men.