These movies on Netflix will help you understand American politics

• Some of the most pivotal moments in American political history — from social movements to war — are best retold in dramatic cinematic accounts. 
• Here are four of Netflix's best offerings. 

If you're looking for reprieve from the constant barrage of political news, you may consider diving into a fictional version of events.

Check out these political movies on Netflix:

SEE ALSO: The 22 best political movies ever, ranked

"Milk"

Sean Penn earned an Oscar for his 2008 performance as Harvey Milk, California's first openly gay politician to be elected to public office. The movie chronicles Milk's struggle as a gay activist in San Francisco in the late 1970s and ends with his shocking assassination.

Jason Guerrasio contributed reporting. 

"War Machine"

In this satirical take on the real story of Gen. Stanley McChrystal's political downfall, Brad Pitt depicts a charismatic four-star general and his attempt to lead NATO troops in Afghanistan before being brought down by a media exposé. 

"Barry"

This 2016 film documents a year in the life of Barack Obama during his junior year at Columbia University, where he transferred in 1981. Actor Devon Terrell depicts 20-year-old Obama's struggle to navigate the mostly white world of Columbia and the black community he wishes to be part of.