Where to Invade Next? (English: Where to Invade Next?) is a documentary film written, directed, and produced by Michael Moore in 2015. The film examines social and political systems in various countries, presenting their policies and practices as potential models for improving American society. Moore uses a humorous narrative device of ‘invading’ countries to illustrate and adopt their progressive social policies. The film explores themes including education, healthcare, workers' rights, and the criminal justice system.

Production and Release

The film was produced by Dog Eat Dog Films, with Michael Moore serving as the main creative force behind the project. Filming took place in various countries, including Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, and Tunisia.

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, with a limited theatrical distribution by Bluegrass Films and IMG Films. Subsequently, the film was released on online platforms and in home media formats.

Background and Concept

Moore developed the film's concept as a satirical critique of American interventionist policies. The documentary humorously reverses America's “invasion” policies, focusing on the concept of “borrowing” social practices from other countries. Unlike Moore's previous works, such as Bowling for Columbine (2002) and Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004), this film emphasizes solution-oriented practices abroad rather than exposing systemic flaws.

Filming Locations and Themes

The film is structured around Moore's visits to various countries, with each country representing a specific social policy:

• Italy: Workers' rights, generous vacation policies, and paid maternity leave.
• France: School lunch programs and comprehensive sex education.
• Finland: Progressive education system focused on less homework and shorter school hours.
• Slovenia: Free higher education for all citizens.
• Germany: Worker representation on corporate boards and Holocaust education.
• Portugal: Decriminalization of drug use and reduction in addiction rates.
• Norway: Humane prison systems and focus on rehabilitation.
• Tunisia: Advancements in women's rights post-Arab Spring.
• Iceland: Gender equality in politics and corporate leadership.

Each segment includes interviews with local experts, policymakers, and citizens, demonstrating how these systems operate and their societal benefits.

^{A Scene from Where to Invade Next? ( IMDB)}

Reception and Impact

Where to Invade Next? received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its presentation and thought-provoking comparisons. However, some critics noted that the film showcased only the positive aspects of foreign systems, disregarding their challenges. According to data compiled by Rotten Tomatoes, a Fandango Media subsidiary, the film holds a 78% approval rating based on 188 reviews, reflecting a generally positive critical reception.

The film has been a topic of discussion on social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where users debated the applicability of foreign policies in the U.S. Academic institutions particularly in the U.S., have used the film for comparative policy analysis in sociology, political science, and global studies courses.