SimilarScreen
The Second Civil War

The Second Civil War

A very uncivil comedy

19976.01h 37m

Overview

When a planeload of Pakistani orphans are shipped to his state for permanent relocation, the governor of Idaho defies the president and closes the state's border. News Net Television, a cable news program that makes hay by reporting on political scandals, quickly spins the racist act into an overnight media sensation, creating a divide in national opinion over the issue.

Directed by Joe Dante
Written by Martyn Burke
Produced by Guy Riedel
0

Top Cast

Beau Bridges

Beau Bridges

Governor Jim Farley

Joanna Cassidy

Joanna Cassidy

Helena Newman

James Coburn

James Coburn

Jack Buchan

Kevin Dunn

Kevin Dunn

Jimmy Cannon

Phil Hartman

Phil Hartman

The President

Dan Hedaya

Dan Hedaya

Mel Burgess

James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones

Jim Kalla

Denis Leary

Denis Leary

Vinnie Franco

Elizabeth Peña

Elizabeth Peña

Christina Fernandez

Ron Perlman

Ron Perlman

Alan Manieski

Themes & Keywords

civil warpoliticsmilitiajournalismillegal immigrationbaffled

About The Second Civil War

The Second Civil War is a drama, comedy, tv movie, war film released in 1997 exploring themes of civil war, politics, militia, journalism, illegal immigration, baffled. Directed by Joe Dante, it stars Beau Bridges, Joanna Cassidy, James Coburn. When a planeload of Pakistani orphans are shipped to his state for permanent relocation, the governor of Idaho defies the president and closes the state's border. News Net Television, a cable news program that makes hay by reporting on political scandals, quickly spins the racist act into an overnight media sensation, creating a divide in national opinion over the issue.

Movies Similar to The Second Civil War

Discover titles like The Second Civil War — ranked by similarity and community votes

We found 15 movies similar to The Second Civil War

If you enjoyed The Second Civil War, you'll love these handpicked recommendations. Each title below shares similar themes, tone, and storytelling style. Our algorithm analyzes genres, keywords, director filmography, and cast connections to find the closest matches. Whether you're looking for the same emotional depth, narrative structure, or visual style, these picks are curated to deliver the best viewing experience for fans of The Second Civil War.

Full Metal Jacket
24% Match

A pragmatic U.S. Marine observes the dehumanizing effects the U.S.-Vietnam War has on his fellow recruits from their brutal boot camp training to the bloody street fighting in Hue.

Ella McCay
23% Match

Ella McCay(2025)

Movie5.5/10

An idealistic young politician juggles familial issues and a challenging work life while preparing to take over the job of her mentor, the state’s longtime incumbent governor.

The Post
22% Match

The Post(2017)

Movie7.0/10

A cover-up that spanned four U.S. Presidents pushed the country's first female newspaper publisher and a hard-driving editor to join an unprecedented battle between journalist and government. Inspired by true events.

The Wind That Shakes the Barley
21% Match

In 1920s Ireland young doctor Damien O'Donovan prepares to depart for a new job in a London hospital. As he says his goodbyes at a friend's farm, British Black and Tans arrive, and a young man is killed. Damien joins his brother Teddy in the Irish Republican Army, but political events are soon set in motion that tear the brothers apart.

Spanglish
21% Match

Spanglish(2004)

Movie6.0/10

Mexican immigrant and single mother Flor Moreno finds housekeeping work with Deborah and John Clasky, a well-off couple with two children of their own. When Flor admits she can't handle the schedule because of her daughter, Cristina, Deborah decides they should move into the Clasky home. Cultures clash and tensions run high as Flor and the Claskys struggle to share space while raising their children on their own, and very different, terms.

The Devil Wears Prada
21% Match

A young woman from the Midwest gets more than she bargained for when she moves to New York to become a writer and ends up as the assistant to the tyrannical, larger-than-life editor-in-chief of a major fashion magazine.

Hotel Rwanda
20% Match

Inspired by true events, this film takes place in Rwanda in the 1990s when more than a million Tutsis were killed in a genocide that went mostly unnoticed by the rest of the world. Hotel owner Paul Rusesabagina houses over a thousand refuges in his hotel in attempt to save their lives.

Ride with the Devil
20% Match

Ride with the Devil follows four people who are fighting for truth and justice amidst the turmoil of the American Civil War. Director Ang Lee takes us to a no man's land on the Missouri/Kansas border where a staunch loyalist, an immigrant's son, a freed slave, and a young widow form an unlikely friendship as they learn how to survive in an uncertain time. In a place without rules and redefine the meaning of bravery and honor.

Vice
19% Match

Vice(2018)

Movie7.0/10

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.

The Killing Fields
19% Match

New York Times reporter Sydney Schanberg is on assignment covering the Cambodian Civil War, with the help of local interpreter Dith Pran and American photojournalist Al Rockoff. When the U.S. Army pulls out amid escalating violence, Schanberg makes exit arrangements for Pran and his family. Pran, however, tells Schanberg he intends to stay in Cambodia to help cover the unfolding story — a decision he may regret as the Khmer Rouge rebels move in.