Running a country is a tough task — especially when Hollywood is involved.

The actors who've played the Commander-in-Chief must portray courage under the most harrowing circumstances, from Martian invasions to asteroids barreling for earth. Though some issues they encounter are more believable than others — such as John Travolta's deceptive practices and infidelity playing a character much like President Clinton in "Primary Colors" — it takes a great deal of charisma and poise to get the role of a fictional president just right. Most recently, Daniel Day-Lewis won the Best Actor Oscar for his spot-on portrayal of a real president — Abraham Lincoln.

Which actors nailed their made-up presidential characters? Click through our slideshow below for the 10 best fictional presidents.

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  • President James Marshall - "Airforce One"

    Harrison Ford played a president who regained control of his plane hijacked by terrorists.

  • President Tom Beck - "Deep Impact"

    With his commanding voice, Morgan Freeman was the perfect president to lead a nation facing the impending doom of an earth bound asteroid.

  • President David Palmer - "24"

    As one of the most beloved fictional presidents on T.V., David Palmer (played by Dennis Haysbert) was a great example of a world leader.

  • President James "Jimmy" Dale - "Mars Attacks"

    As earth was being attacked by Martians, President Dale (Jack Nicholson) attempted to reason with the invaders and form a peace treaty. Though his efforts ultimately lead to his death, it is still commendable that he continued to work for the betterment of all men -- and Martians -- right until the end.

  • President Dwayne Elizondo Mountain Dew Herbert Camacho - "Idiocracy"

    Presidential foolishness at its best came in the form of President Camacho, played by Terry Alan Crews.

  • President Andrew Shepherd - “The American President”

    Michael Douglas plays a widowed president who falls in love with a lobbyist.

  • President Josiah "Jed" Bartlet – "The West Wing"

    Martin Sheen was the epitome of a liberal leader and his jacket flip was one to remember.

  • President Jack Stanton - "Primary Colors"

    President Stanton lived a twisted life full of deception and lies. But who doesn't enjoy a little fictional White House drama <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/movies/article/Shades-of-Clinton-Primary-Colors-comes-across-3011535.php">based on real White House drama</a>--with John Travolta playing the Clinton character?

  • President Thomas J. Whitmore - "Independence Day"

    Bill Pullman plays another president faced with an unexpected alien invasion and he actually beats the monsters. Not too bad of an accomplishment leading into the next election.

  • President Mays Gilliam - "Head of State"

    Chris Rock wasn't the most presidential in this role but any candidate with Bernie Mac for a brother is definitely destined for greatness.

Earlier on HuffPost: