When the fireworks fade, the parades end, and the potato salad is gone, there is no better way to cap off a Fourth of July celebration than with a movie that captures the spirit of America. From Revolutionary War epics to modern blockbusters, a wide range of films can put viewers in a patriotic mood. Here are 16 of the best movies about America to watch this Independence Day.
For those who enjoy a musical twist on history, the 1972 film «1776» brings the Broadway musical of the same name to the screen. It offers a toe-tapping rendition of the founding of the United States, featuring standout songs like «Sit Down, John» and «Molasses to Rum.» The film was released just in time for the bicentennial and includes much of the celebrated original stage cast.
A more somber portrayal of American history comes with «Born on the Fourth of July,» directed by Oliver Stone. Based on Ron Kovic's real-life story, the film follows a veteran's experience in the Vietnam War, his paralysis, and his eventual turn to anti-war activism. Starring Tom Cruise and Willem Dafoe, the movie provides a powerful look at the cost of conflict.
For a lighter yet equally patriotic tale, «Forrest Gump» (1994) follows the titular character from fighting in Vietnam to an inspiring run across the country. Starring Tom Hanks and Gary Sinise, the Academy Award-winning film portrays a simple man's optimistic view of the world. If action and aliens are more appealing, 1996's «Independence Day» delivers a blockbuster story of defending the planet from extraterrestrial invaders. Starring Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, and Bill Pullman, the film won an Academy Award for visual effects.
Thriller fans can enjoy «Air Force One,» where Harrison Ford plays a president-turned-action-hero who saves his family and the occupants of his plane from terrorist hijackers. The 1997 film also stars Gary Oldman, Glenn Close, and William H. Macy. For a deeply emotional war story, «Saving Private Ryan» follows a group of World War II soldiers who risk their lives to bring a soldier home to his mother after she loses her other three sons. Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Hanks and Matt Damon, the film won five Academy Awards, including best director.
«National Treasure» offers a non-stop thrill ride through American history, imagining a secret treasure map on the back of the Declaration of Independence. The movie 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. Its sequel, «National Treasure: Book of Secrets,» includes scenes at Mount Vernon, the Library of Congress, and Mount Rushmore.
Mel Gibson stars in «The Patriot» as a reluctant Revolutionary War hero who attempts to save his son from the British. The historical epic also features Heath Ledger and Joely Richardson and was nominated for three Oscars, including best score by John Williams. «Pearl Harbor» recounts the events of Dec. 7, 1941, through the eyes of two fictional Army Air Corps pilots and the nurse they both loved. The 2001 Michael Bay film stars Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, and Kate Beckinsale.
«Flags of Our Fathers,» directed by Clint Eastwood, depicts the 1945 Battle of Iwo Jima and the famous raising of the flag there. The film is a companion to «Letters from Iwo Jima,» which shows the Japanese perspective of the battle. Both movies were nominated for a combined six Oscars. «Lincoln,» another Spielberg-directed film, stars Daniel Day-Lewis as the 16th president struggling with the Civil War and the abolition of slavery. The film also stars Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones and won two Oscars, including best actor for Day-Lewis.
For a lighter take on patriotism, «A League of Their Own» tells the story of female baseball players who kept America's pastime alive while men fought overseas in World War II. Starring Geena Davis, Rosie O'Donnell, and Madonna, with Tom Hanks as a washed-up former MLB star, the film was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry. «Patriot Games» brings Harrison Ford back as CIA agent Jack Ryan, hunting down an IRA terrorist. Based on the Tom Clancy novel, the film also stars Samuel L. Jackson, Sean Bean, and James Earl Jones.
«Top Gun» (1986) is a high-flying, patriotic ode to military pilots, following Maverick (Tom Cruise) as he trains at the elite Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School. The film also stars Val Kilmer and Kelly McGillis. Its 2022 sequel, «Top Gun: Maverick,» reunites Cruise and Kilmer, catching up with the character as a test pilot and flight instructor. Finally, «Hamilton,» born from Lin-Manuel Miranda's brilliant mind, offers a hip-hop version of the founding of the United States. The filmed stage version, originally an expensive Broadway ticket, is available to stream, with top songs including «My Shot,» «Satisfied,» and «Wait for It.»
