16 best 4th of July movies to watch including ‘Top Gun’ and ‘The Patriot’
Kelsey Grammer offers an inside look at the inspiring story behind America’s founding
Kelsey Grammer, host of Fox Nation’s “Patriot War,” discusses the new series exploring America’s fight for independence, airing ahead of the nation’s 250th birthday. Grammer highlights the faith and perseverance of George Washington and the enduring importance of freedom for people he never met. The program aims to reconnect viewers with the fundamental principles and historical figures that shaped the United States.
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When you’ve had your fill of fireworks, parades, and potato salad, there’s nothing like watching a good movie on a warm summer evening.
Here are the 16 best movies about America that will get you in a patriotic mood.
“1776”
A stunning representation of our nation’s founding, 1972’s “1776” brought the Broadway musical of the same name from stage to screen just in time for the bicentennial, with most of the famous cast reprising their roles.
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Standout songs include “Sit Down, John” and “Molasses to Rum”.
Actors Howard Da Silva and William Daniels on the set of “1776.” (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
“I was born on the 4th of July”
A somber depiction of a veteran’s experience in Vietnam, “Born on the Fourth of July” is based on Ron Kovic’s real-life story of serving in combat, becoming paralyzed, and eventually turning to anti-war activism.
The film, starring Tom Cruise and Willem Dafoe, is directed by Oliver Stone.
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Tom Cruise does pull-ups in a scene from the movie “Born on the Fourth of July.” (Photo: Universal Pictures/Getty Images)
“Forrest Gump”
The Academy Award-winning portrayal of a simple man’s optimistic worldview follows the famous Forrest Gump as he goes from fighting in Vietnam to an inspiring run across the country.
The 1994 movie stars Tom Hanks and Gary Sinise.
Tom Hanks in “Forrest Gump.” (Sunset Boulevard/Getty Images)
“Independence Day”
If action — and aliens — are more in your wheelhouse this July 4, 1996, 1996’s “Independence Day” says it all in its title.
Defending the country (and the world) against extraterrestrial invaders, a group of patriots come together to remind us that freedom is not free.
The impressive blockbuster starring Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman even won an Academy Award for visual effects.
A scene from “Independence Day”. (20th Century Fox/Alamy)
“Air Force One”
What could be more fun than watching president-turned-action hero Harrison Ford save the country, his family, and the passengers on his plane from terrorist hijackers?
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The 1997 thriller also stars Gary Oldman, Glenn Close, Wendy Crewson and William H. Macy.
Harrison Ford and Gary Oldman in a scene from “Air Force One.” (Colombia Images/Getty Images)
“Saving Private Ryan”
An emotional story about the horrors of war, “Saving Private Ryan” is about a group of men who set out to bring a soldier who lost his three other sons to his mother during World War II.
The film, starring Tom Hanks and Matt Damon, is directed by Steven Spielberg.
The film won five Academy Awards, including best director for Spielberg.
Tom Hanks and Matt Damon in “Saving Private Ryan.” (CBS via Getty Images)
“National Treasure”
“National Treasure” is a non-stop thrill ride through our nation’s history, imagining a treasure map hidden behind the Declaration of Independence.
The film takes its stars — Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger and Justin Bartha — from the National Archives in Washington, D.C., to the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia and Trinity Church in New York City.
The sequel, “National Treasure: Book of Secrets,” includes unforgettable scenes at Mount Vernon, the Library of Congress and Mount Rushmore.
Nicolas Cage in front of the Reflecting Pool in “National Treasure”. (Robert Zuckerman/Touchstone/Kobal)
“Patriotic”
Mel Gibson plays a reluctant Revolutionary War hero in this historical epic as he attempts to save his son captured by the British.
The film also stars Heath Ledger and Joely Richardson and was nominated for three Oscars, including for best score for legendary composer John Williams.
Mel Gibson in the movie “The Patriot”. (Columbia Tristar/Kobal/Shutterstock)
“Pearl Harbor”
A love story, “Pearl Harbor” tells the events of December 7, 1941, through the eyes of two fictional Army Air Force pilots and the nurse they both love.
The 2001 Michael Bay film stars Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett and Kate Beckinsale. Jon Voight and Alec Baldwin also portray Franklin D. Roosevelt and Jimmy Doolittle.
Ben Affleck and Kate Beckinsale in “Pearl Harbor.” (Buena Vista/Getty Images)
“Flags of Our Fathers”
Adapted from the book of the same name, the film tells the story of the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945, the raising of the famous flag there, and the aftermath of the men shown in the picture.
Directed by Clint Eastwood, “Flags of Our Fathers” is a companion film to “Letters from Iwo Jima”, which shows the Japanese perspective on the war.
The two films were nominated for a total of six Oscars, with “Letters from Iwo Jima” winning for best sound editing.
A shot from “Flags of Our Fathers” of soldiers raising the American flag on Iwo Jima. (Dreamworks Skg/Warner Bros/Kobal)
“Lincoln”
In “Lincoln”, another film directed by Steven Spielberg, Daniel Day-Lewis plays the 16th president who fought in the Civil War and abolished slavery.
The film also stars Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones.
In 2013, he was nominated for 12 Oscars and was nominated for two, including best actor for Day-Lewis.
Daniel Day-Lewis dressed as Lincoln on set with Steven Spielberg. (Thomas Hoffman/ZUMA Press Wire)
“A League of Their Own”
“There’s no crying in baseball!”
While most of the country’s young men were fighting abroad in World War II, someone had to keep America’s favorite pastime alive.
The female athletes, played by the likes of Geena Davis, Rosie O’Donnell and Madonna, also include coaching by former MLB star Tom Hanks.
Directed by Penny Marshall, the film was selected by the Library of Congress in 2012 for preservation in the National Film Registry as “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
The “A League of Their Own” squad. (Lori Van Buren/Albany Times Union via Getty Images)
“Patriotic Games”
Harrison Ford, this time as CIA agent Jack Ryan, returns to save the country by going after the IRA terrorist who seriously injured his wife and daughter.
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Adapted from Tom Clancy’s novel, the film also stars Samuel L. Jackson, Sean Bean and James Earl Jones.
In a scene from the movie “Patriot Games,” Anne Archer is thrown to the ground by Harrison Ford. (Paramount/Getty Images)
“Best Weapon”
This 1986 action movie is a high-flying, patriotic tribute to the best of our military pilots.
The film follows Maverick, played by Tom Cruise, as he trains at the elite Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School, where his arrogant attitude leads others astray.
The film also stars Val Kilmer and Kelly McGillis.
The 2022 sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick,” reunites Cruise and Kilmer, catching up with the title character, now a test pilot and flight instructor for the next generation of trainees.
Tom Cruise in “Top Gun.” (Corbis via Getty Images)
“Hamilton”
Born from the brilliant mind and writing of Lin-Manuel Miranda, “Hamilton” transports viewers to a hip-hop version of our nation’s founding.
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The filmed stage version starring Miranda, a pricey ticket on Broadway, is available to watch online.
The most popular songs include “My Shot”, “Satisfied” and “Wait for It”.
Lin-Manuel Miranda stars as Alexander Hamilton on stage on Broadway. (WireImage)
“Field of Dreams”
Finishing with a touch of nostalgia, this 1989 Kevin Costner movie will satisfy both baseball fans and those looking for a dose of classic Americana or, frankly, anyone looking for inspiration.
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The film follows Costner’s character, who decides to build a baseball diamond in his cornfield in Iowa after he hears a voice telling him, “If you build it, he will come.”
Also starring James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, Burt Lancaster and Amy Madigan.
Kevin Costner holds Gaby Hoffmann in a scene from the movie “Field Of Dreams”. (Getty Images)
