Films that deal with ethical issues
Nothing brings concepts and events to life more vividly than a good movie. We are pleased to present our Ethics on Film series which consists of full reviews that deal with ethical issues within Carnegie Council's focus areas.
These reviews include an overview, ethical issues and discussion questions, and related resources. Whether you are a teacher, a student, or a concerned citizen, we hope that these films will stimulate thoughtful and enjoyable debate. See you at the movies!
Most Recent Reviews
MAR 10, 2026 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "One Battle After Another"
OCT 24, 2025 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "A House of Dynamite"
This review of "A House of Dynamite" discusses the many ethical decisions facing leaders when a nuclear missile is launched at the United States.
JUL 11, 2025 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Mountainhead"
This review of HBO's "Mountainhead" discusses ethical issues around emerging tech and the power and influence of billionaires.
More Reviews
SEP 1, 2015 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Schindler's List"
It's almost impossible to grasp the enormity of the Holocaust, and there's also the danger of regarding it as a one-time occurrence in the distant ...
AUG 30, 2016 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Food, Inc."
This documentary takes a close look at the U.S. food industry and finds that cheap food is costly and sometimes deadly to the environment, ...
AUG 22, 2016 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Selma"
This stirring film gives a behind-the-scenes look at the Selma-to-Montgomery march and illustrates how and why King's strategy worked. It also shows the devastating consequences ...
AUG 29, 2017 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Malcolm X"
Malcolm X is seen by some as a symbol of the enduring struggle for equal rights for all human beings; but for others his legacy ...
OCT 21, 2013 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Iron Man 3"
So what can a blockbuster movie about a superhero tell us about current American attitudes towards U.S. foreign policy, PTSD, racial stereotypes, the War ...
JUL 14, 2008 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Hotel Rwanda"
Based on the true story of a Rwandan hotel manager who saved the lives of over 1,200 refugees during the 1994 genocide, this film points blame at ...
MAY 5, 2009 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "The Battle of Algiers"
Shot in documentary style, this classic about the Algerian struggle for independence from France in the 1950s has become a learning tool both for rebel ...
DEC 19, 2013 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Dirty Wars"
"Dirty Wars" chronicles the undeclared shadow wars fought across the globe in the name of American national security--as well as the highly secretive agencies who ...
MAR 10, 2026 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "One Battle After Another"
This review of Paul Thomas Anderson's Oscar-winning "One Battle After Another" discusses gender roles, white supremacy, and the motivations of revolutionaries.
OCT 24, 2025 • Article
Ethics on Film: Discussion of "A House of Dynamite"
This review of "A House of Dynamite" discusses the many ethical decisions facing leaders when a nuclear missile is launched at the United States.