Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Where to Invade Next

Where to Invade Next is a 2015 American written, directed, produced, and narrated by . In the film, Moore adopts a satirical premise in which he is commissioned by U.S. military generals to "invade" foreign countries—not for territorial gain, but to identify and repatriate their effective policies on , , healthcare, , and other social matters as solutions to perceived American deficiencies. The documentary profiles examples including Italy's generous paid vacations and worker protections, Finland's emphasis on student well-being over standardized testing, France's and school meals, Norway's rehabilitation-focused prisons, and Portugal's drug approach. Premiering at the in September 2015 before a limited U.S. theatrical release in December, the film received an from the Motion Picture Association of America for language, violent images, drug use, and brief nudity. While some reviewers commended its humor and aspirational focus on innovation, others faulted Moore's selective emphasis on successes for glossing over economic costs, challenges, and broader contexts that might undermine the portrayed utopias. Commercially, it underperformed, earning modest returns despite Moore's established profile in filmmaking.

Overview

Synopsis

Where to Invade Next is a 2015 American documentary film written, directed, and produced by . The film premiered at the on September 12, 2015, and received a limited theatrical release in the United States on February 12, 2016. In the documentary, Moore presents a fictional scenario where he is commissioned by a panel of U.S. generals, tired of fruitless interventions, to "invade" foreign countries not for but to appropriate their effective social policies and bring them back to . Adopting a format, Moore visits nine nations, planting U.S. flags at sites exemplifying their progressive practices while interviewing locals, officials, and experts. Key segments highlight Italy's extensive paid vacations and workplace lunches for employees; France's emphasis on nutritious school meals prepared by trained chefs; Finland's student-centered education system with short school days and minimal homework; Germany's worker co-determination laws allowing employee board representation and strict limits on overtime; Portugal's 2001 drug decriminalization model treating addiction as a health issue; Norway's rehabilitative prison system prioritizing inmate reintegration; Iceland's recovery from the 2008 financial crisis through female-led governance and banking reforms; Tunisia's post-2011 revolution advancements in women's rights including anti-harassment laws; and Slovenia's provision of tuition-free higher education to all citizens. The film concludes by asserting that many of these policies trace origins to American innovations from the mid-20th century, such as the Marshall Plan's influence on labor and models, and calls for the U.S. to rediscover and implement its own forgotten ideals rather than seeking novelty abroad. frames the narrative optimistically, emphasizing solutions over critique, though selections reflect his advocacy for expanded social .

Core Thesis and Messaging

Where to Invade Next posits that the can resolve its domestic policy failures by adopting proven approaches from other nations, framed through the satirical conceit of "invading" countries to claim their successful ideas under the American flag. In the film's opening, Moore receives a directive from U.S. generals frustrated by endless wars to identify new invasion targets, prompting him to pivot toward appropriating non-military innovations in areas like , , and . This premise illustrates the core thesis: America originated progressive ideals—such as those in the Declaration of Independence and New Deal-era reforms—but has abandoned them domestically, while foreign governments have implemented them effectively to foster societal well-being. The messaging centers on and over confrontation, urging viewers to recognize that foreign "borrowed" represent a reclamation of lost American values rather than foreign imports. argues that issues like worker exploitation, substandard meals, and punitive prisons stem from U.S. choices, contrasting them with humane alternatives abroad that yield better outcomes without sacrificing productivity or security. By planting flags symbolically at sites of these , reinforces the that the U.S. military's global reach has overshadowed opportunities for positive "" through idea , potentially averting further social decay. This approach conveys a subversive , implying that internal via international could restore national vitality more effectively than continued foreign interventions, which the film critiques as resource-draining distractions. The thesis avoids direct partisan endorsement, focusing instead on empirical contrasts to highlight perceived American shortcomings, though it attributes the origins of these solutions to U.S. historical precedents for rhetorical emphasis.

Production

Development

Michael Moore conceived the central idea for Where to Invade Next during a backpacking trip across in the 1970s, when he was 19 years old and traveling with a Youth Hostel card and Eurail Pass. Observing social policies abroad, such as free emergency during a personal medical visit, Moore began noting practices he believed the could adopt, repeatedly asking, “That’s such a good idea, how come we don’t do that?” This experiential foundation evolved over decades into the film's satirical premise of "invading" foreign nations to "steal" beneficial policies for American implementation. Development accelerated after Moore's previous documentary, Capitalism: A Love Story (2009), marking a six-year hiatus in feature-length releases. He structured the project around his production company, Dog Eat Dog Films, with principal funding from contributors including Johnny Fancelli and Christina Fancelli, who supported the film's focus on international policy contrasts. Pre-production involved selecting countries based on emblematic policies—such as worker vacations in , school lunches in , and education systems in —prioritizing examples Moore viewed as successful implementations absent or deficient in the U.S. Moore emphasized the film's intent to counter by highlighting foreign innovations, framing it as a non-militaristic "" to ideas rather than . No formal or government commission inspired the narrative, despite the film's opening fiction of military generals tasking Moore; this device served to underscore critiques of U.S. spending, which exceeded $700 billion annually by the mid-2010s on interventions yielding limited domestic benefits. Development concluded with scripting a travelogue-style , avoiding U.S.-shot footage to maintain focus on external examples.

Filming and Editing

Principal photography for Where to Invade Next was handled by cinematographers Richard Rowley and Jayme Roy, both of whom had prior experience on Michael Moore's documentaries including Sicko (2007) and Capitalism: A Love Story (2009). Filming adopted Moore's characteristic guerrilla documentary style, involving a compact crew that captured on-location interviews, policy demonstrations, and Moore's performative elements—such as planting an American flag in each visited country—across sites in Italy, France, Tunisia, Germany, Portugal, Slovenia, Norway, Finland, Canada, and Iceland. Production occurred in the years leading up to the film's completion, following a six-year gap since Moore's previous feature, with principal shooting wrapping before its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2015. Editing was led by Pablo Proenza, assisted by Todd Woody Richman and Tyler H. Walk, who assembled over two hours of footage into a narrative unified by Moore's opening premise of a briefing assigning him to "invade" nations for beneficial ideas. The process emphasized seamless transitions between segments, humorous reenactments, and archival clips to underscore contrasts with U.S. policies, resulting in a of that prioritizes an upbeat, solution-oriented tone atypical of Moore's more adversarial earlier works. This editorial approach involved selective sequencing to highlight successful implementations of policies like worker profit-sharing and paid vacations, while minimizing contextual complexities, aligning with Moore's stated intent to focus on "what's working" abroad for potential American adoption.

Content Breakdown

Countries Visited and Policies Showcased

In Where to Invade Next, structures the film as a series of "invasions" into nine countries, where he symbolically plants the American flag to "claim" policies and practices for the . These segments focus on areas such as , , , healthcare, and , presenting them as models of progressive implementation. The countries visited are , , , , , , , , and , with Moore interviewing workers, officials, and citizens to illustrate the purported benefits. Italy: Moore highlights generous worker benefits, including up to 30 paid vacation days annually, extended maternity and paternity leave, and shorter workweeks that prioritize work-life balance. He contrasts this with U.S. practices, interviewing owners and employees who describe reduced and higher from mandated time off. France: The segment emphasizes public school lunches prepared by professional chefs with fresh, organic ingredients, and starting in , which Moore claims fosters healthier attitudes toward food and sexuality compared to American fast-food reliance and abstinence-focused programs. Interviews with students and educators underscore nutritional standards enforced . Tunisia: Following the 2011 Arab Spring revolution, Moore showcases constitutional protections for , including equal pay mandates, anti-harassment laws, and a with significant female representation. He meets activists and lawmakers who attribute these advances to post-revolutionary reforms prioritizing gender equity. Slovenia: Free is presented as a national policy eliminating tuition and , with Moore touring universities and speaking to debt-free graduates who argue it promotes without financial burdens common in the U.S. Germany: Moore examines strong labor protections, such as mandatory worker representation on corporate boards (co-determination), and a cultural emphasis on historical accountability for atrocities through education and memorials. He interviews executives and visits sites to illustrate reduced and societal reflection. Portugal: The of all drugs in 2001 is featured, with interviewing health officials who claim it led to lower rates, infections, and overdose deaths by treating use as a issue rather than criminal one, contrasting with U.S. incarceration approaches. Finland: reforms are showcased, including no standardized testing until age 18, minimal homework, and teacher autonomy, which attributes to high international rankings in student performance and . Classroom observations highlight play-based learning over rote memorization. Norway: Humane prison systems are depicted, with facilities resembling campuses where inmates participate in programs, , and work, resulting in recidivism rates around 20% versus higher U.S. figures. Moore tours and interviews wardens emphasizing . Iceland: Post-2008 recovery is highlighted through movements that jailed bankers, nationalized banks, and elevated women to roles, including an all-female team rewriting the constitution. Moore speaks with female executives who credit gender-balanced governance for economic resilience.

Specific Claims and Examples

In , the film asserts that workers receive eight weeks of paid vacation annually, along with extended paid maternity and paternity leave, luxurious workplace cafeterias, and 30-minute coffee breaks, portraying these as contributing to higher productivity and compared to American norms. It features interviews with workers emphasizing work-life balance, claiming such policies foster loyalty and efficiency without economic detriment. Regarding France, Moore highlights school lunch programs providing gourmet meals prepared by trained chefs, contrasting them with typical U.S. cafeteria food, and attributes lower childhood obesity rates to this emphasis on nutrition education. The documentary also claims comprehensive sex education in schools results in teen pregnancy rates half those in the United States, showcasing classroom sessions on contraception and relationships as evidence of effective public health policy. In , the film praises an education system with minimal , no standardized testing until age 18, and a focus on play and creativity, interviewing teachers who assert this approach yields superior student outcomes in global assessments like rankings. It presents Finnish schools as egalitarian environments where students receive individualized attention, claiming this model avoids the stress and inequality of U.S. high-stakes testing. For , Moore claims employee representatives hold 50% of seats on corporate boards, enabling input on decisions like layoffs, and highlights paid leave for caregiving, framing these as reducing workplace conflict and boosting . The segment also features 's memorials to Nazi victims, asserting national policies of atonement and restitution promote social cohesion absent in American historical reckonings. In , the documentary attributes a decline in drug-related deaths and HIV infections to 2001 decriminalization policies, where users are treated as patients rather than criminals, supported by interviews with officials claiming usage rates dropped below European averages post-reform. It also notes access and abolition of the death penalty as integral to this rehabilitative framework. Norway's prison system is depicted as resort-like, with offering private rooms, education, and recreation; the film claims a 20% rate versus 67% in the U.S., attributing success to rehabilitation over punishment via inmate and guard testimonies. In , showcases the 1956 Personal Status Code granting women rights to , , and access, interviewing activists who credit these with advancing in a Muslim-majority nation, contrasting it with Western perceptions of Islamic societies. Additional examples include Slovenia's tuition-free university , claimed to enable broad access without debt burdens, and Iceland's post-2008 response, where women-led governments prosecuted bankers and prioritized gender quotas in leadership, purportedly stabilizing the economy faster than male-dominated alternatives.

Factual and Analytical Scrutiny

Empirical Verification of Claims

The film's portrayal of 's worker protections and mandated paid vacations as fostering high and worker satisfaction finds limited empirical backing. Italian law requires a minimum of four weeks of paid , supplemented by collective agreements in many sectors. However, stringent employment protection legislation correlates with higher turnover rates and a proliferation of temporary contracts, which undermine long-term rather than enhance it, as evidenced by regression analyses showing increased precariousness among workers. growth in Italy has lagged behind EU peers, with GDP per hour worked at 92% of the EU average in 2023, attributable more to structural rigidities than vacation policies. In , claims of superior school lunches promoting better and outcomes are supported by compositional standards emphasizing fresh, balanced meals, which surveys indicate exceed typical home-cooked equivalents in nutritional quality. Yet, national assessments reveal persistent issues, including excessive fat content and iron deficiencies in many canteen meals as of 2013, prompting ongoing reforms like organic sourcing mandates. rates remain comparable to averages at around 7% for ages 7-9, with no causal studies linking lunches directly to divergent health metrics versus U.S. programs. Tunisia's post-2011 advancements in , highlighted for constitutional parity and reforms, include the 2017 legalization of Muslim women's marriage to non-Muslims and bans on since 1956. Empirical indicators show mixed progress: female labor participation hovered at 26% in , below regional peers, while the World Economic Forum's ranking deteriorated from 90th in 2006 to 124th in , reflecting reversals in political and economic equality amid instability. Slovenia's tuition-free for citizens correlates with high attainment rates, reaching 40% for 25-34-year-olds in 2022, exceeding the average. Outcomes include strong , but fiscal costs strain public budgets, and non-EU students face fees, limiting universality; graduation rates lag at 65% for bachelor's programs, with no evidence of superior innovation or earnings premiums over fee-based systems. Germany's low unemployment, presented as stemming from worker-friendly policies like guaranteed jobs, overlooks the causal role of 2003-2005 Hartz reforms, which eased hiring/firing and expanded temporary work, reducing the rate from 11.3% in 2005 to 5.5% by 2012. No federal jobs guarantee exists; instead, active labor market policies emphasize retraining, with unemployment at 3.1% in 2023 driven by vocational training and export-led growth rather than protections alone. Incarceration rates remain low at 75 per 100,000 versus U.S. 531, but attribute more to rehabilitation focus predating recent policies than systemic avoidance of punitiveness. Finland's education system, lauded for rigorous teacher training requiring master's degrees and minimal testing, achieved top PISA rankings in the 2000s, with 2012 science scores at 545 versus OECD 515. Scores have since declined sharply—to 484 in math (20th globally) and 511 in science by 2022—mirroring national exam drops, linked to immigration, reduced instructional time, and equity gaps rather than affirming the model's enduring superiority. Teacher autonomy persists, but causal evidence ties early success more to equitable selection and late school starts than absence of homework. Portugal's 2001 drug decriminalization, treating possession as administrative while maintaining bans on trafficking, initially reduced infections by 95% among injectors and overdose deaths from 80 to 16 annually by 2012 through expanded access. Usage rates stabilized without surge, and cocaine/heroin seizures fell, but overdoses have risen to 12-year highs (107 in 2022), doubling in since 2019 amid fentanyl emergence and uneven ; crime links persist, challenging claims of unqualified success. Iceland's post-2008 recovery under increased leadership, including a female president and board quotas, saw GDP rebound 2.9% annually by 2011 via IMF , currency devaluation, and capital controls, not gendered policies per se. Women's parliamentary representation rose to 47% by 2013, correlating with stability, but empirical studies attribute faster ( peaking at 9% versus EU 12%) to fiscal and fisheries exports; rankings remained top globally, yet no causal data isolates women-led decisions as drivers over macroeconomic measures.

Cherry-Picking and Omissions

The documentary selectively highlights beneficial policies from various countries while omitting the economic trade-offs, funding mechanisms, and contextual factors that sustain or undermine them, leading critics to describe Moore's approach as "picking the flowers, not the weeds." For instance, in portraying Italy's generous paid vacations and worker protections—such as five weeks of and protections against arbitrary dismissal—the film emphasizes enhanced work-life balance but glosses over Italy's persistent economic challenges, including a rate peaking at 42.7% in early , which some analyses link to labor market rigidities that discourage hiring and contribute to low productivity growth averaging under 0.5% annually from 2000 to . These rigidities, including high firing costs, are argued to exacerbate and stagnation in , where similar welfare-heavy models correlate with GDP per capita growth lagging the U.S. by over 1% annually since the . In 's segment on rehabilitative prisons, the film touts a rate of about 20% within two years of release, contrasting it with U.S. figures around 67%, but omits the system's high operational costs—approximately $93,000 per inmate annually versus $31,000 to $60,000 in the U.S.—funded by oil revenues and taxes exceeding 40% of GDP. Moreover, 's low baseline rates, with a rate of 0.5 per 100,000 versus 5.0 in the U.S., are attributable not solely to prisons but to sociocultural factors like ethnic homogeneity (over 80% ethnic population), stringent , and a reducing inequality, which may not translate to diverse, high- societies without similar preconditions. Critics argue this selective focus ignores scalability issues, as incarcerates only 60 per 100,000 people compared to 700 in the U.S., and evidence suggests rehabilitative models yield mixed results in higher- contexts without addressing root causes like gang violence or markets. Broader omissions include the role of and regulatory burdens in financing these policies—such as France's combined tax rates approaching 60% for high earners and at 20%—which the film does not quantify or link to downsides like frequent strikes or of skilled workers. The portrayal of European welfare also neglects tensions from and ethnic diversity, where generous benefits have strained resources and fueled social conflicts, as seen in France's riots involving North African immigrants excluded from full egalitarian access despite universalist rhetoric. For Portugal's drug decriminalization, highlighted for reducing overdoses and infections since 2001, the film attributes success to the policy alone but omits that outcomes relied on simultaneous expansions in treatment funding and that problematic use rates stabilized rather than plummeted, with prevalence rising among youth. Similarly, Slovenia's tuition-free is presented without noting brain drain, where over 20% of graduates annually, depleting in a small economy. These gaps, while notes many ideas originated in the U.S. before being discarded, leave unexamined why American adoption faltered—often due to fiscal unsustainability or distortions observed in Europe's slowdown.

Causal and Economic Critiques

Critics of Where to Invade Next contend that the documentary frequently attributes desirable social outcomes directly to highlighted policies without rigorously establishing causation, ignoring alternative explanations rooted in cultural, demographic, or historical factors. For instance, in portraying Finland's education system as superior due to practices like minimal and an emphasis on play, the film implies these elements drive high scores; however, analyses suggest Finland's past success stems more from rigorous selection, cultural reverence for education, and a homogeneous society, with scores declining since the early 2000s amid and attitudinal shifts rather than policy abandonment. Similarly, Norway's low prison rate of approximately 20% is presented as a result of rehabilitative "humane" facilities, but this overlooks Norway's baseline low rates, short sentencing norms (averaging 8 months), and societal factors like strong welfare nets that reduce reoffending incentives, with rates for serious crimes aligning closer to averages when adjusted for these confounders. Economic critiques highlight the film's omission of trade-offs and challenges in the advocated policies, which often rely on high taxation and public spending that correlate with stagnant growth and structural inefficiencies. In , the generous worker benefits showcased—such as 30+ paid vacation days and extended maternity leave—coexist with chronic rates above 25% as of 2021, attributed by economists to labor market rigidities that deter hiring amid high social contributions and dismissal costs, contributing to Italy's near-zero GDP growth over two decades. Slovenia's free , lauded for accessibility, is funded through progressive taxes in a small with GDP roughly half that of the U.S., raising concerns about long-term fiscal strain and brain drain, as graduates seek higher wages abroad without mechanisms to recapture public investment. Portugal's drug decriminalization is framed as a causal triumph reducing harm, yet long-term evaluations reveal mixed effects: while HIV infections and overdoses fell post-2001, overall drug use has risen in recent years, with critics pointing to insufficient treatment infrastructure and persistent black-market dynamics as unaddressed causal gaps, rather than policy failure alone. These examples underscore a broader analytical shortcoming: the policies' apparent successes in smaller, homogeneous nations may not translate scalably to the U.S.'s diverse economy without accounting for higher per capita costs—estimated at 40-50% of GDP in social spending for featured European models versus 30% in the U.S.—and resultant lower productivity growth.

Release and Performance

Premiere and Distribution

Where to Invade Next had its world premiere at the on September 10, 2015. The film subsequently screened at the for its American premiere on October 2, 2015, and as the Midwest premiere at the on October 9, 2015. In the United States, the documentary received a on December 23, 2015, in and to qualify for consideration. Distribution was handled by a newly formed independent company established by producers Tom Quinn and John Sloss. The nationwide rollout, originally planned for January 15, 2016, was delayed to February 12, 2016. Internationally, the film opened in on February 25, 2016, marking one of its early European releases. later acquired North American home video rights in March 2016, handling DVD and following the theatrical run. The distribution strategy emphasized festival exposure and selective theatrical markets to build audience interest amid Michael Moore's established profile in documentary filmmaking.

Box Office and Financial Outcomes

Where to Invade Next premiered in limited theatrical release in the United States on February 12, 2016, generating $897,034 from 308 theaters during its opening weekend. The film expanded to 962 locations the following week but ultimately earned $3,827,261 in domestic box office receipts. Internationally, it collected $777,426, resulting in a worldwide theatrical gross of $4,604,687. This performance represented a career low for director , whose prior documentaries such as (2004) had achieved significantly higher earnings exceeding $200 million globally. Production budget details remain undisclosed in public financial analyses, though Moore's independent filmmaking approach typically involves relatively low costs compared to studio-backed features. Home video sales data, including DVD and Blu-ray revenue released on April 29, 2016, are not publicly detailed, limiting comprehensive profitability assessments.

Reception and Debates

Critical Reviews

The documentary Where to Invade Next garnered a 79% approval rating from 194 critics on , qualifying it as Certified Fresh, with reviewers frequently praising its optimistic tone and focus on progressive policies abroad. Godfrey Cheshire of gave it four out of four stars, calling it "surprising and extraordinarily winning" for highlighting American-originated ideas implemented successfully elsewhere, while anticipating backlash from conservative outlets like . Peter Bradshaw in described Moore's portrayal of European as an "upbeat" and "welcome corrective" to , appreciating its seriocomic style despite acknowledging its one-sidedness. Critics from left-leaning publications often lauded the film's emphasis on worker rights, , and reforms in countries like , , and , viewing it as a call to adopt humane alternatives to U.S. practices. Jeffrey M. Anderson of rated it four out of five stars, commending Moore's "stealing" of foreign innovations as a blueprint for improving , though noting its length at 120 minutes. In Film Comment, the review highlighted its satisfaction as a travelogue of policy successes, comparing it favorably to Moore's for cogency, if less intricate. Conservative and skeptical reviewers, however, faulted the film for superficiality and bias. Kyle Smith in labeled it "ungenerous and condescending," arguing it degraded by ignoring economic trade-offs and cultural contexts behind the showcased policies. A critique dismissed it as Moore's "cheapest" work, critiquing the premise as cumbersome and unconvincing in linking foreign systems to revival without addressing implementation failures. Flixist noted rhetorical flaws akin to a "bad college essay," where good intentions overshadowed simplistic arguments, though the core thesis on importing ideas retained merit. Overall, while mainstream critics appreciated the film's uplifting departure from Moore's typical outrage-driven documentaries, detractors contended it cherry-picked successes without empirical scrutiny of or costs, reflecting broader divides in ideological reception. user reviews echoed positivity, with many calling it Moore's "most enjoyable" and "uncynical" effort in years, though professional scores averaged around 65 out of 100, underscoring polarized expert views.

Audience and Ideological Responses

The received a 7.5/10 average user rating on , based on approximately 26,000 votes as of recent aggregates. On , it holds a % audience score from over 11,500 verified ratings, indicating generally favorable but not overwhelming approval among viewers. These metrics reflect a polarized , with supporters highlighting its optimistic portrayal of foreign social innovations as inspirational for American policy reform, while detractors viewed it as overly simplistic advocacy. Progressive and liberal audiences often praised the film for spotlighting empirical successes in areas like paid vacation mandates in , prison rehabilitation in , and universal healthcare access, interpreting Moore's narrative as evidence that U.S. adoption of such worker- and welfare-oriented models could reduce without sacrificing . For instance, reviewers aligned with left-leaning perspectives commended its emphasis on humane drug policies in , where decriminalization since correlated with a 50% drop in infections among users and lower overdose rates, attributing these outcomes to treatment-focused approaches over punitive ones. Festival screenings, such as at the , elicited enthusiastic responses from predominantly international crowds, with shouts of support for Moore underscoring its appeal to those favoring expansive social safety nets. Conservative commentators, conversely, lambasted as propagandistic cherry-picking that ignores fiscal trade-offs, such as Europe's higher burdens—often exceeding 40% of GDP in featured nations—and stagnant rates compared to .S., arguing these policies foster rather than . A critique labeled it a "self-flattering, hate-filled imitation of ," faulting for omitting how in and strength underpins global stability that subsidizes European states. Such responses emphasized causal links between generous entitlements and issues like youth unemployment in Italy (over 30% in 2015) or Norway's oil-dependent funding, dismissing the film's thesis as naive repackaged for domestic consumption. This ideological rift mirrors broader debates, with right-leaning viewers prioritizing verifiable long-term over anecdotal "flowers" of policy, as metaphorically urged stealing.

Awards Consideration

Where to Invade Next received several nominations and awards from film critics' groups and festivals following its 2015 release. The documentary was nominated for the Critics' Choice Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2016 by the Broadcast Film Critics Association. It also earned a win for Best Documentary from the in 2015. The film was shortlisted among 15 documentaries for the on December 1, 2015, qualifying it for consideration after a strategic U.S. release adjustment to meet criteria, but it did not advance to the final nominations announced in January 2016. At the 2015 , Where to Invade Next won the audience award, reflecting positive reception from festival attendees. Overall, the film accumulated four wins and 13 nominations across various critics' and guild awards, though it lacked major industry accolades like an nomination.

Legacy

Broader Cultural Influence

The documentary reinforced niche discussions within circles on comparative social policies, portraying foreign systems as models for addressing U.S. shortcomings in areas like paid leave, , and , though without sparking measurable shifts in mainstream attitudes or behaviors. Its cheerful format, a departure from Moore's earlier confrontational style, was credited with broadening appeal to audiences skeptical of overt , potentially softening critiques of by framing them as aspirational rather than accusatory. References to the film in later media, such as Moore's own 2018 Fahrenheit 11/9, positioned it as part of a critiquing domestic failures amid rising , but it generated few pop echoes or elements beyond documentary enthusiasts. The absence of attributable momentum or cultural memes underscores its limited permeation into broader public consciousness, aligning with observers' views that by , Moore's interventionist narratives felt increasingly dated against nationalist backlashes.

Policy and Discourse Impact

The documentary Where to Invade Next, released in 2015, aimed to advocate for the adoption of foreign social policies in the United States, such as extended paid vacations from , equitable school lunches from , and rehabilitative prison systems from , by framing them as superior alternatives to American practices. Despite this intent, no verifiable instances of direct policy changes or legislative actions in the U.S. can be attributed to the film; for example, federal mandates for universal paid family leave or comprehensive worker protections akin to those highlighted remained unadopted in the years following its release, with ongoing reliance on state-level variations and employer discretion. Economic analyses post-2015 indicate that U.S. outpaced many of the European nations featured, suggesting limited causal impetus for wholesale policy emulation. In public discourse, contributed to heightened conversations on comparative systems, particularly within circles, by challenging narratives of and prompting discussions on work-life balance and during the 2016 U.S. cycle. Proponents, including Moore himself, argued it illuminated overlooked successes abroad, influencing activist rhetoric on issues like , though empirical follow-up studies on foreign models revealed trade-offs such as higher taxpayer burdens and slower GDP growth in showcased countries—details often absent from the film's selective portrayals. Critics from conservative outlets contended it propagated an overly optimistic view, ignoring structural incentives like Europe's demographic homogeneity or pre-existing cultural norms that facilitated the policies, thereby fostering polarized debates rather than . This backlash underscored broader toward documentary-driven , with audience responses on platforms like highlighting factual inaccuracies in policy outcomes, such as inflated claims about recidivism rates in prisons when adjusted for crime severity. Long-term, the film's discourse impact appears confined to reinforcing ideological silos, with minimal crossover into mainstream policy formulation; for instance, while it echoed themes in ' 2016 campaign platform, subsequent legislative efforts like the Build Back Better agenda incorporated partial elements (e.g., expanded child tax credits) driven more by domestic precedents than Moore's foreign exemplars. and think-tank analyses post-release emphasized the challenges of transplanting policies without accounting for causal factors like labor market rigidity, which the film downplayed, leading to its marginal role in evidence-based reform debates.

References

  1. [1]
    Where to Invade Next - Michael Moore - IMDb
    Rating 7.5/10 (26,335) In this his eighth feature documentary (but first in six years), Moore travels to Europe where he visits countries that seem to have captured the American dream ...
  2. [2]
    A film by Michael Moore » WHERE TO INVADE NEXT
    PROVOCATIVE, HILARIOUSLY FUNNY...MOORE'S LATEST FILM IS HIS MOST BOLD AND MOST SOPHISTICATED. Instead of pointing out our flaws, he imagines our possibilities.
  3. [3]
    [PDF] Where to Invade Next Discussion Guide | Influence Film Club
    They are controversial, divisive, fascinating, unexpected, and surprising. They can be thrillers, dramas, comedies, romance, tear-jerkers, and horror films.<|control11|><|separator|>
  4. [4]
    Where to Invade Next and What to Translate Next | Lyn Miller ...
    Jun 18, 2016 · In Portugal, he learns of the positive impact of decriminalizing drugs. In Norway, he travels to humane prisons that focus on rehabilitation, ...
  5. [5]
    WHERE TO INVADE NEXT (2015) review - Keeping It Reel
    Feb 13, 2016 · runtime: 110 min. U.S. release date: December 23, 2015 (NY/LA) & February 12, 2016 (limited). Who's afraid of question marks?
  6. [6]
    Michael Moore on 'Where to Invade Next' R Rating: 'I Will Make No ...
    Nov 2, 2015 · The organization cited “language, some violent images, drug use and brief graphic nudity” in making its decision. Moore acknowledged that all of ...
  7. [7]
    Where to Invade Next | Rotten Tomatoes
    Rating 79% (194) Filmmaker Michael Moore visits various countries to examine how Europeans view work, education, health care, sex, equality, and other issues.
  8. [8]
    Michael Moore's Where to Invade Next Is a Smart Idea Excuted ...
    Dec 24, 2015 · Michael Moore is going to head over to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (in an embarrassingly staged little montage) and recommend new places for us to invade.
  9. [9]
    'Where to Invade Next' Review: Michael Moore Discredits Himself in ...
    Dec 21, 2015 · Moore starts with the notion that America is broken, and in this documentary he rambles around Western Europe (with a quick detour to Tunisia), ...Missing: controversies | Show results with:controversies
  10. [10]
    Where to Invade Next (2016) - Box Office and Financial Information
    Michael Moore, playing the role of “invader,” visits a host of nations to learn how the U.S. could improve its own prospects. Metrics. Opening Weekend: $897,034 ...
  11. [11]
    Michael Moore's new documentary is his biggest flop yet
    Feb 16, 2016 · Where to Invade Next, Michael Moore's documentary in which he travels the globe in search of inspirational legislation which might be adopted by ...<|separator|>
  12. [12]
    Michael Moore's 'Where to Invade Next' Release Pushed ... - Variety
    Dec 11, 2015 · The national release of Michael Moore's documentary “Where to Invade Next” has been pushed back a month to Feb. 12 from Jan. 15.
  13. [13]
    Where to Invade Next Movie Review | Common Sense Media
    Rating 4.0 · Review by Jeffrey M. AndersonIn WHERE TO INVADE NEXT, filmmaker Michael Moore imagines that he's been asked by Washington to come up with some new ideas for America, so "steals" ideas from ...Missing: synopsis | Show results with:synopsis
  14. [14]
    Where to Invade Next movie review (2015) - Roger Ebert
    Rating 4/4 · Review by Godfrey CheshireOne of his most accomplished and entertaining films, “Where to Invade Next” is rich in ideas that deserve to be discussed by liberals, conservatives and ...
  15. [15]
    Where to Invade Next - Dogwoof Releasing
    Academy Award®-winning director Michael Moore is back with WHERE TO INVADE NEXT: a provocative and hilarious comedy in which Moore will stop at nothing to ...
  16. [16]
    "Where to Invade Next": Michael Moore's Most Subversive Film
    Feb 10, 2016 · On its surface, Where to Invade Next seems to be a cheerful travelogue as Moore enjoys an extended vacation, “invading” a passel of European ...
  17. [17]
    Review: Where to Invade Next | Michael Moore - Film Comment
    When Michael Moore's new documentary is titled Where To Invade Next, you can be sure to expect another exposé on America's failed and destructive foreign ...
  18. [18]
    Michael Moore on His Movie, 'Where to Invade Next'
    Dec 20, 2015 · Mr. Moore recently spoke about the film's origins (it began with a 1970s backpacking trip) and why he thinks Democrats are like Chihuahuas.
  19. [19]
    Michael Moore: 'Trump inspires his side. It's like Munich in 1932'
    Jun 5, 2016 · But there's been a six-year gap since his last documentary and Where to Invade Next feels like a return to some of his earlier work. There's ...
  20. [20]
  21. [21]
    MICHAEL MOORE: WHERE TO INVADE NEXT (INDIEWIRE ...
    Oct 6, 2015 · Moore: “My film is about us. I just decided to tell a story about America without shooting a single frame of the movie in the United States.”.Missing: creating | Show results with:creating
  22. [22]
    WHERE TO INVADE NEXT - DOC NYC
    WHERE TO INVADE NEXT ; Director: Michael Moore ; Producer: Michael Moore, Tia Lessin, Carl Deal ; Cinematographer: Richard Rowley, Jayme Roy ; Editor: Pablo Proenza ...
  23. [23]
    [PDF] WHERE TO INVADE NEXT - Amazon S3
    Where to Invade Next is an expansive, rib-tickling, and subversive comedy in which Moore, playing the role of “invader,” visits a host of nations to learn how ...<|separator|>
  24. [24]
  25. [25]
    Where to Invade Next | The List
    Thus he embarks on an enlightening odyssey through Italy, France, Germany, Norway, Iceland, Finland, Portugal, Slovenia and even a Muslim North African country, ...
  26. [26]
    Michael Moore's <i>Where to Invade Next</i> - HuffPost
    Dec 11, 2015 · As the film hasn't been released, I won't give away many "spoilers," though Where to Invade Next is hardly a Who-Dun-It. Even the title is ...
  27. [27]
    In Newest Doc, Michael Moore asks "Where to Invade Next?"
    Nov 14, 2015 · In Where to Invade Next, Oscar-winning director Michael Moore's first film in six years, Moore takes viewers on a journey to various ...Missing: production | Show results with:production
  28. [28]
    Where to Invade Next | Charlotte Sometimes
    Jun 12, 2016 · Italy: labor rights and workers' well-being · France: school meals and sex education · Finland: education policy · Slovenia: debt-free/tuition-free ...Missing: segments | Show results with:segments
  29. [29]
    Where to Invade Next (2015) - Michael Moore shows where ... - Reddit
    Jan 14, 2021 · Where to Invade Next (2015) - Michael Moore examines how Europeans live, inadvertently discovering just how different America is from the rest ...Where to Invade Next (2015) - Michael Moore examines ... - Reddit“Where To Invade Next?” Documentary.....Is It True Or Not? - RedditMore results from www.reddit.com
  30. [30]
    Film Review: Where to Invade Next - TheHumanist.com
    Feb 25, 2016 · Moore visits all the usual suspects of social-democratic prosperity—Norway, Finland, and Germany—in addition to a few surprise stops—Italy, ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  31. [31]
    Michael Moore's 'Where To Invade Next' Asks, What Are Other ...
    May 31, 2016 · For his latest documentary, 'Where To Invade Next', Michael Moore has invaded Europe (aka visited a series of countries, cherry-picking ...
  32. [32]
    Michael Moore's "Where to Invade Next" is Very Much a Travel Film,…
    Mar 2, 2016 · Michael Moore's "Where to Invade Next" is Very Much a Travel Film, Introducing Americans of All Political Persuasions to Provocative European ...Missing: conception | Show results with:conception
  33. [33]
    Michael Moore's New Film Features Portugal's Groundbreaking ...
    Feb 9, 2016 · Moore highlights Portugal's policy of all-drug decriminalization and also features Norway's humane and effective rehabilitative-focused prisons.
  34. [34]
    Where To Invade Next Fact Sheet — Hold Onto This
    There are two prisons shown in the film, both of them in Norway. One is on an island, and the other is the maximum security Halden prison.
  35. [35]
    Where To Invade Next (Tunisia) | Women's Rights - YouTube
    Sep 5, 2025 · In this clip from Michael Moore's Where to Invade Next, Tunisia shows how a Muslim-majority nation advanced women's equality and built ...
  36. [36]
    The law on employee holidays in Italy and other 5 countries
    Aug 7, 2019 · In Italy employees are entitled to a minimum holiday period of four weeks, provided for by law. On top of this, collective agreements can grant additional days ...
  37. [37]
    The impact of employment protection on temporary employment
    Employment protection increases turnover among workers in Italy, thereby reducing rather than increasing worker security on average.
  38. [38]
    [PDF] French Republic - Global Child Nutrition Foundation
    Results of the Third French Individual and National Food. Consumption (INCA3) Survey 2014-2015 indicate that meals served in schools are of higher nutritional ...Missing: outcomes | Show results with:outcomes
  39. [39]
    School meals | Anses - Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l ...
    Jan 23, 2013 · Over 7 million children in France eat school meals weekly, but they are often nutritionally unbalanced, with too much fat and lacking in iron ...<|separator|>
  40. [40]
    [PDF] Why Did Women's Rights Expand in Post- Revolutionary Tunisia?
    Oct 1, 2019 · In September 2017, a radical amendment to the. Personal Status Code (PSC) made it legal for Tunisian. Muslim women to marry non-Muslim men.1.Missing: empirical data
  41. [41]
    Is the status of women in Tunisian society endangered?
    Dec 23, 2020 · Tunisia's ranking in terms of gender equality dropped from 90th to 124th between 2006 and 2020. The trend in the overall index is reflected ...Missing: empirical | Show results with:empirical
  42. [42]
    [PDF] Women's Rights in Tunisia Before and After the 2011 Revolution
    Tunisia has consistently expanded women's rights throughout its post-independence history, both before and after the 2011 revolution, and has a reputation as ...Missing: data | Show results with:data
  43. [43]
    Improving Educational Outcomes in Slovenia - OECD
    Overall, the education system fares well by international comparison. Slovenia has one of the highest shares of the population aged 25 to 64 to have completed ...Missing: college | Show results with:college
  44. [44]
    Higher education funding - What is Eurydice? - European Union
    Mar 18, 2024 · The agreement-based funding aims to support quality and efficient education, as well as improve the efficiency of studies, and achieve study goals.Missing: outcomes | Show results with:outcomes
  45. [45]
    The Hartz employment reforms in Germany - Centre for Public Impact
    Sep 2, 2019 · Though the reforms remain unpopular with large parts of the German population, by 2012, Germany's unemployment rate had fallen to 5.5 percent.<|separator|>
  46. [46]
    Labour and Competitiveness in Germany: Embracing the ...
    Although the unemployment rate is much lower than the OECD average, it is now rising, too. The combination of falling vacancies and rising unemployment has ...
  47. [47]
    Michael Moore's "Where To Invade Next" - Ira Rabois
    Nov 27, 2016 · (One fact check shows this policy and reduction in recidivism began in 1995 with a new policy focusing on rehabilitation and in 2007 with ...
  48. [48]
    Finland - Student performance (PISA 2022) - Education GPS - OECD
    In Finland, the average performance in science of 15-year-olds is 511 points, compared to an average of 485 points in OECD countries. Average 2022 results were ...
  49. [49]
    The rise and fall of Finland mania, part two: Why did scores plummet?
    Jan 18, 2024 · As of 2022, Finland was no longer ranked number one in math among PISA participants. It was twentieth. And in reading, while Finland still ...
  50. [50]
    Finland • NCEE - National Center for Education and the Economy
    The recent decline in PISA scores mirrors a decline in performance on national exams. ... Primary school teacher training programs are four years. Students must ...
  51. [51]
    How Portugal got the number of fatal overdoses in the country ... - NPR
    Feb 13, 2024 · During that same period, Portugal cut drug-related HIV/AIDS cases in half. People here now are 45 times less likely to die from a drug overdose ...<|separator|>
  52. [52]
    Is Portugal's Drug Decriminalization a Failure or Success? The ...
    Sep 5, 2023 · Overdose rates now stand at a 12-year high and have doubled in Lisbon since 2019. Crime, often seen as at least loosely related to illegal drug ...
  53. [53]
    [PDF] The Impact of Drug Decriminalization in Portugal
    The results suggest that a policy change implemented in Portugal contributed to a decrease in the number of heroine and cocaine seizures, a decrease in the ...
  54. [54]
    After the crash, Iceland's women lead the rescue - The Guardian
    Feb 21, 2009 · Although there is a group of self-confident women taking centre stage in Iceland, the country is still far from being a businesswoman's Utopia.Missing: data | Show results with:data
  55. [55]
    Iceland is the best, but still not equal - Scandinavian University Press
    May 8, 2018 · After reaching a high of 88 % in 2007, it fell to 83 % in 2012, but has now recovered to the pre-crisis level. Women's labor force participation ...
  56. [56]
    “Where to Invade Next” - Michael Moore (2015) - The Film Sufi
    Aug 19, 2019 · Michael Moore's Where to Invade Next (2015) is another one of his personal cinematic essays about American society, but it has some ...Missing: origin conception
  57. [57]
    Europe's productivity weakness: Firm-level roots and remedies - CEPR
    Feb 24, 2025 · Europe's labour productivity gap with the US has widened since the mid-1990s and again since the Covid pandemic.
  58. [58]
    [PDF] Norway's Prison System: Investigating Recidivism and Reintegration
    Although very violent crimes are rare in Norway, the case of Anders Breivik is one of the exceptions. The Norwegian prison system is vastly different from many ...
  59. [59]
    How Law and Order Came to Norway - jstor
    The Scandinavian system of punishment is a product of a system of postwar social democracy, which emphasized reintegration of former inmates through counseling, ...
  60. [60]
    How Some European Prisons Are Based on Dignity Instead of ...
    Nov 29, 2021 · Prisons in Northern Europe are actually supportive, and they see lower rates of violence and recidivism.
  61. [61]
    Where to Invade Next: Stealing Europe's Best Ideas
    Feb 27, 2016 · In his positive depiction of European welfare programs, Moore, however, tends to ignore issues of race and immigration which cause considerable ...
  62. [62]
    Finland's education system is failing. Should we look to Asia?
    Feb 28, 2019 · Critics argue that Finland's success came from earlier education models, not from headline-making features like late start times, lack of ...
  63. [63]
    How Norway turns criminals into good neighbours - BBC
    Jul 6, 2019 · Twenty years ago, Norway started focusing on rehabilitating prisoners, and sharply cut reoffending rates.
  64. [64]
    Is your prison system really as glamorous as they say ? : r/Norway
    Oct 21, 2022 · For more serious crimes, the recidivism rate is mostly comparable to other European countries. Here's an article about it: https://www.nrk ...
  65. [65]
  66. [66]
    The labor market in Italy, 2000–2024 - IZA World of Labor
    Yet, persistent challenges remain. Youth unemployment and labor market duality remain high, and wages and productivity have stagnated for over two decades.<|separator|>
  67. [67]
    European Countries With Free College for 2025: Key Factors to ...
    Slovenia, located in Central Europe, provides free college tuition to E.U. citizens and citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, and the ...European Countries With Free... · How European Countries...
  68. [68]
    Drug Decriminalization in Portugal: Challenges and Limitations
    Portugal's decriminalized drug policy has been cited as proof that softening drug laws does not increase illicit drug use or the consequences of drug use.
  69. [69]
    Michael Moore's Chucklehead Itinerary | National Review
    Feb 12, 2016 · In Where to Invade Next, Michael Moore has created yet another self-flattering, hate-filled imitation of political satire.<|separator|>
  70. [70]
    Review: Where to Invade Next - Flixist
    Where to Invade Next Director: Michael Moore Rating: R Release Date: December 23, 2015 (NY/LA); February 12, 2016 (wide). We start the invasion in Italy ...
  71. [71]
    Michael Moore's Documentary to be Distributed by Tom Quinn ...
    Sep 30, 2015 · In Where to Invade Next, which had its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, Moore tours various countries in Europe as well as Tunisia ...
  72. [72]
    Where to Invade Next? (Documentary) | KÜRE Encyclopedia
    Where to Invade Next? premiered on September 10, 2015, at the Toronto International Film Festival and was released in the United States on December 23, 2015, ...
  73. [73]
    'Where to Invade Next': Release Date Set for Michael Moore Doc
    Oct 23, 2015 · The film had its American premiere at the New York Film Festival on Oct. 2. “Where to Invade Next” won the audience award at the Hamptons ...<|separator|>
  74. [74]
    Michael Moore's Latest Film Added As Centerpiece to Chicago Film ...
    Oct 2, 2015 · The 51st Chicago International Film Festival will present the Midwest Premiere of Michael Moore's latest film, Where To Invade Next on Fri, Oct ...
  75. [75]
    Michael Moore's 'Where to Invade Next' Gets Release Date
    Oct 23, 2015 · Michael Moore's hot-button documentary Where to Invade Next will hit theaters in Los Angeles and New York on Dec. 23 for an Oscar-qualifying ...
  76. [76]
    Michael Moore's 'Where to Invade Next' Gets Release Date - TheWrap
    Oct 23, 2015 · Michael Moore's 'Where to Invade Next' Gets Release Date. Documentary from Academy Award winner will open Dec. 23, after premiering at 2015 ...
  77. [77]
    'Where To Invade Next' Release Date Set From New Distributor
    Oct 23, 2015 · Michael Moore's Where To Invade Next will be released December 23 in New York and Los Angeles before rolling out nationwide in January.<|control11|><|separator|>
  78. [78]
    'Where to Invade Next' To Be Released By Brand New Indie Distributor
    The press release announcing the distribution of Michael Moore's new documentary Where to Invade Next is also the announcement of a brand new indie distributor.
  79. [79]
    'Where to Invade Next': Anchor Bay Buys Michael Moore Movie Rights
    Mar 2, 2016 · “Where to Invade Next” opened in Germany on Feb. 25. It's Moore's first film since 2009's “Capitalism: A Love Story.” Read More About: Anchor ...
  80. [80]
  81. [81]
    Box Office: Michael Moore's 'Where to Invade Next' Marks Career Low
    Feb 14, 2016 · A week later, it expanded into a total of 962 locations, grossing $4.4 million for a location average of $4,263. Related Stories. Box Office ...Missing: budget | Show results with:budget
  82. [82]
    Where to Invade Next review – Moore's upbeat socialism is a ...
    Jun 9, 2016 · Invading various countries to bring their socially responsible ideas back to the US, Michael Moore's bracing new doc is doggedly simple, and valuable.
  83. [83]
  84. [84]
    Where to Invade Next user reviews - Metacritic
    Engaging and thought-provoking, Where to Invade Next is Moore's best film in years. Remarkably uncynical and positive, and often hilarious, Moore's utopian ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  85. [85]
    Where to Invade Next | Reviews - Rotten Tomatoes
    Where to Invade Next is a bit overlong and slightly overkill, but it is also fascinating and utterly depressing in a ...
  86. [86]
    In Where to Invade Next, Michael Moore Reminds Us How ... - Vogue
    Dec 21, 2015 · The filmmaker talks about his quietly provocative new documentary, why he got an R rating, and that letter to Donald Trump.
  87. [87]
    TIFF 2015: Michael Moore Unveils New Doc 'Where to Invade Next ...
    ... Where to Invade Next late Thursday night, and he found a warm reception from the mostly Canadian crowd of 1700 moviegoers. Shouts of “Michael Moore for ...
  88. [88]
    'Where to Invade Next' exposes liberal delusions - MyNorthwest.com
    Feb 16, 2016 · “Where to Invade Next” highlights a fundamental difference between left and right in this country: Liberals want America to be more like the ...
  89. [89]
    Critics Choice Awards nominees announced - NON FICTION FILM
    Dec 15, 2015 · Michael Moore, Where to Invade Next, Amy Winehouse, Asif Kapadia ... Critics Choice Awards: Michael Moore, Matthew Heineman films among Best Doc ...
  90. [90]
    Where to Invade Next (2015) - Awards - IMDb
    Guild of Music Supervisors Awards (1). 4 wins & 13 nominations. Critics Choice Awards. Where to Invade Next (2015). 2016 Nominee Critics Choice Award. Best ...
  91. [91]
    Hamptons International Film Festival Announces 2015 Award Winners
    Oct 14, 2015 · Brie Larson's "Room" and Michael Moore's "Where to Invade Next" won the Hamptons International Film Festival's audience awards.
  92. [92]
    Best Movie of 2016: Michael Moore skewers US Inequality in "Where ...
    Feb 29, 2016 · Best Movie of 2016: Michael Moore skewers US Inequality in “Where to Invade Next” ... impact of riding along with Moore's travelogue is un ...
  93. [93]
    Review: Michael Moore's 'Where To Invade Next' Is An Ironic Ode To ...
    Nov 13, 2015 · In the end, Where to Invade Next is something of an ode to the notion that the world saw once saw America as an idealistic place of community ...Missing: conception | Show results with:conception
  94. [94]
    “Where To Invade Next?” Documentary.....Is It True Or Not? - Reddit
    Jun 4, 2019 · In Michael Moore's documentary, he talks about the good aspects of Europe (and a bit of North Africa). He acknowledges that there are bad parts.Where to Invade Next (2015) - Michael Moore examines ... - RedditWhere To Invade Next (2016) -Documentary by Michael MooreMore results from www.reddit.comMissing: awards | Show results with:awards
  95. [95]
    'Where to Invade Next' | Commonweal Magazine
    Feb 25, 2016 · In Where to Invade Next, Michael Moore sets out to rectify this misconception with a one-man seriocomic assault on American smugness.<|separator|>