The All-Time Best Movies to Watch on the 4th of July

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Let's set the scene: It's Independence Day, the fireworks show is over, and plenty of delicious 4th of July barbecue food has been enjoyed by friends and family. All you want to do is kick back, relax and enjoy something simple, like watching a summer movie that centers around the holiday or has American themes. While there aren't many options that specifically involve the day itself (unless you want to get into all the action in Independence Day), there are still a plethora of great movies to watch on the 4th of July.

For starters, anything with action is usually appropriate, so you'll find plenty of flicks with stunts, physical feats and danger. And to that end, there are quite a few war-centric films that will take you back in time and wrestle with America's history. But don't worry, it's not all so intense — we threw in some movies that are just fun, too.

Now, if you want to create an entire day of watching films instead of lounging in the sun, families can enjoy the newest kid-friendly movies of 2024. There are also fun ways to elevate your movie night experience rather than just sitting on your couch. Whatever your style, these patriotic movies will help you celebrate everything it means to be an American.

Coming to America (1988)

In this comedy from Eddie Murphy, the actor stars as an African prince who celebrates his 21st birthday by getting ready to marry a woman he's never met. To make sure it doesn't happen, he ventures off to the United States so he can find the love of his life.

Devotion (2022)

Based on the true story of Black aviator Jesse L. Brown, Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell star in this powerful film documenting the camaraderie between naval officers while they fight in the Korean War.

The Right Stuff (1984)

Ever wondered how the United States was able to send the first person to space? This film explores the birth of NASA, along with the seven brave men who volunteered to be at the forefront of exploration.

Lincoln (2012)

Based on Doris Kearns' biography Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, Daniel Day-Lewis stars as the famous 16th president as he attempts to pass the 13th amendment (to abolish slavery) amid a Civil War in the United States.

Jackie (2016)

Natalie Portman stars as Jackie Kennedy, the First Lady to President John F. Kennedy. The movie explores the woman's life through living in the spotlight, including the strength she had upon the devastating death of her husband.

On the Basis of Sex (2019)

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was one of the most famous Supreme Court Justices of all time, but how did she rise to such power in her lifetime? This movie explores her journey to making it to the peak of the U.S. legal system, all while being a wife and eventual mother.

Purple Hearts (2022)

When a singer-songwriter needs to find a way to pay for her debts and medical bills, she agrees to marry a Marine in order to receive his military benefits. What starts off as a business arrangement quickly turns into more, and it's definitely a movie where viewers will need tissue boxes at their sides.

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

We have the original on this list, but naturally, we also had to put the sequel, which was named one of the best, if not the best, movies of 2022. In it, Maverick joins a young group of Top Gun graduates for a dangerous mission.

An American Tail (1986)

For a kid-friendly 4th of July movie that the whole family will enjoy, look no further than An American Tail. It's an immigration story, an Oscar-nominee and its hero is an adorable mouse named Fievel. What more could you want?

The Harder They Fall (2021)

Although the story is fictional, it highlights the Black trailblazers of the West, including Nat Love. This revisionist Western film is action-packed and filled with lines that will have you cheering for the "bad guys."

Da 5 Bloods (2020)

In this Spike Lee-directed film, four veterans a.k.a "The Bloods" return to Vietnam to find the remains of their squad leader and gold they had buried. It features the incomparable Chadwick Boseman.

Hamilton (2020)

This musicial blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway to tell the story of Alexander Hamilton, an American revolutionary, statesman and Founding Father of the United States. You'll watch a live show so riveting, you'll think you're sitting front row.

RELATED: 50 Best Musical Movies of All Time

Harriet (2019)

Cynthia Erivo stars as abolitionist Harriet Tubman. The movie tells the story of Tubman's incredible legacy, including leading the Underground Railroad and guiding enslaved people to freedom.

1776 (1972)

If you have someone in your life that won't shut up about the Hamilton soundtrack, they'll probably love 1776. It's actually a pretty accurate retelling of the first ever Independence Day — minus the catchy songs, of course.

The American President (1995)

Dating is hard, especially when you're the president of the United States. This sweet romantic comedy follows a widowed U.S. President as he falls for an environmental lobbyist — and all of the bumps along the way.

National Treasure (2004)

A treasure map on the back of the Declaration of Independence? It's not the craziest thing that happens during this story's running time. This Nicolas Cage action flick is pure campy fun.

Zero Dark Thirty (2013)

You'll be on the edge of your seat during this twisty thriller that dramatizes the hunt for Osama bin Laden following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Air Force One (1997)

Harrison Ford does what only Harrison Ford could do in this Cold War action movie — play a U.S. President who can fight off assassins with his bare hands.

Jaws (1975)

It might not stoke your inner patriot, but this film is set on July 4. A beach town is rocked when a killer shark is out for blood. Steven Spielberg's thriller, based on the novel by Peter Benchley, is a can't-miss summer flick.

Top Gun (1986)

Training to become a Navy fighter pilot, Maverick (Tom Cruise) certainly has his work cut out for him. But with a new bestie named Goose and a crush on his flight instructor, we see just how much this young pilot can accomplish. It went on to win the People's Choice Award for Favorite Movie and reigns as one of the most popular Halloween costumes of all time.

Independence Day (1996)

In this movie released the day before the 4th of July in 1996, Captain Steven Hiller (Will Smith) and President Whitmore (Bill Pullman) are on a mission to save the United States... from an alien invasion. This sci-fi action film is a twist on your classic war movie.

Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)

If you want to sing and dance your way through the 4th of July, just turn on this musical starring James Cagney. Looking back at the life of Broadway icon George M. Cohan, you'll hear all the patriotic tunes you know and love (like "You're a Grand Old Flag" and "Over There").

Born on the Fourth of July (1989)

Just three years after Top Gun, Tom Cruise starred in the movie based on former Marine Ron Kovic's life. You'll see how he transforms from dedicated soldier to a critic of the war that left him paralyzed.

Young Mr. Lincoln (1939)

We all know about President Abraham Lincoln's accomplishments in the White House, but this dramatized version of his early life takes us back to his time as a lawyer in Illinois. Starring Henry Fonda, we see how Lincoln rose to power and found love (twice) in a film that is 100% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

RELATED: 20 Photos of U.S. Presidents Before and After the White House

Mr. Smith Goes To Washington (1939)

When local hero Jefferson Smith is surprisingly appointed to serve in the United States Senate, he becomes even more shocked when he learns what he's up against. The fictional story of a young idealist entering the Senate was met with positive reviews from viewers and is even featured in the Senate's history.

Glory (1989)

You'll feel all the feels watching this movie about the first African-American regiment, led by Col. Robert Gould Shaw (Matthew Broderick). With famous faces like Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman, we honor and celebrate the men who risked their lives during the Civil War.

The Longest Day (1962)

John Wayne takes the helm as Lt. Col. Benjamin Vandervoort in this film about D-Day. Presenting the perspectives of the Allies storming the Normandy beaches and the Germans, this film shows what happened in 1944 from all angles.

A League of Their Own (1992)

Geena Davis and Lori Petty play a competitive pair of sisters in this film, loosely adapted from the real-life All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. During World War II, these women came together to play ball after so many men went off to war.

The Sandlot (1993)

Ideal for the whole family, no one can forget the epic 4th of July scene in The Sandlot. The gang of adventurous, baseball-loving boys will make your kids (and you!) laugh out loud.

Forrest Gump (1994)

Tom Hanks' iconic character Forrest Gump lives a life full of adventure as history unfolds. Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, the Vietnam War, and Watergate are all shown in this fictional story. We bet everyone will be yelling, "Run, Forrest!" long after the credits roll.

RELATED: Tom Hanks and His Wife Rita Wilson's Love Story Will Make You Swoon

Apollo 13 (1995)

Just a year later, Hanks played one of the three astronauts aboard NASA's spacecraft Apollo 13. The movie about the near-disastrous true story changed up the real quote, but it brought us the memorable line, "Houston, we have a problem."

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

In this heart-wrenching film, you'll see Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks) go behind enemy lines in the hopes of locating missing soldier, Private James Ryan (Matt Damon). All three of Ryan's brothers have been killed in combat, and Miller makes it his mission to save him.

The Patriot (2000)

After his son is murdered, a peaceful farmer is forced to fight the British to avenge his death. Mel Gibson's performance earned him the People's Choice Award for Favorite Movie Actor.

Pearl Harbor (2001)

The real-life event is depicted in this period romance drama following two best friends (Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett) who fall for the same woman (Kate Beckinsale). It was nominated for three Oscars, and won for Best Sound Editing.

Miracle (2004)

If you're like us, you're a sucker for an emotional sports drama. Telling the true story of Herb Brooks, Kurt Russell stars in this moving film about the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team defeating Russia to earn the gold.

Hidden Figures (2016)

This movie is about three formerly unsung heroes, NASA's Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe). Together, they worked to launch astronaut John Glenn into orbit. The film was nominated for three Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress for Octavia Spencer.

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) turns into the ultimate superhero after he's rejected from the military because of his small stature. His transformation ultimately helps him combat the Nazis in this fictional portrayal of World War II.

RELATED: How to Watch All the Marvel Movies In Order

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)

Fourth of July weekend takes a dramatic turn when four friends are stalked by an evil fisherman in a small beach town. Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe and Freddie Prinze Jr. comprise the cast of terrified teens.

RELATED: These Teen Movies on Netflix Will Either Have You Swooning or Cringing

Selma (2015)

Spend the holiday with a 4th of July movie honoring Dr. King's legacy and his vision for our freedom. David Oyelowo stars as the civil rights leader in Ava DuVernay's film chronicling the iconic Selma, Alabama march for peace.

Rocky (1976)

Celebrate the 4th of July holiday with Rocky and a movie marathon! Watch the fireworks fly across your screen with Sylvester Stallone's classic American tale about the ways strength and grace lead us to heroic victory.

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