The Candidate (1980): cast, story & where to watch
1980 · Film · ★ 5
Released in 1980, The Candidate is a documentary film directed by Volker Schlöndorff, running about 129 minutes.
What it’s about. Made with an eye to the autumn of 1980 when the German parliamentary elections took place, The Candidate examines Germany’s history past and present and Franz Josef Strauß, the man who, as the CDU/CSU candidate, aspires to be elected to the most important political office in the land.
Who’s in it. The Candidate stars Franz Josef Strauß and Ernst Albrecht.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.0/10, The Candidate has proved divisive with audiences.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Candidate page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Candidate tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Candidate (1980)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Candidate change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Candidate worth watching?
- The Candidate holds an audience score of 5.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy documentary. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Candidate?
- The Candidate stars Franz Josef Strauß and Ernst Albrecht.
- When was The Candidate released?
- The Candidate was released in 1980, with a runtime of about 129 minutes.