July 4 is fast approaching, and while we start planning trips to the beach and family barbecues, let's not forget what the day is truly about: celebrating the United States' independence from Great Britain! It's also the day that we get to watch amazing fireworks displays around the country and the chance to munch on a hot dog or two. But as we get ready to celebrate Independence Day, it's also nice to take a moment to remind ourselves that the day is of great importance to our nation.
What better way to do that than with a patriotic movie?
Sure, we have a slew of summer blockbusters to look forward to, but it's nice to take a look back at all the films that were made to honor America. Whether they're action flicks, comedy, historical dramas, romances, or musicals, it seems that no genre is off limits when it comes to honoring the US. Many of these films were also classics in the '80s and '90s, and we just love taking a trip down memory lane with some of our favorite movie stars from that era.
Tom Cruise and Will Smith are still making movies and are considered Hollywood elites, but there's just something about them in past decades that we love!.
In honor of Independence Day, here's a list of 20 of the most patriotic films to watch. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!
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'Yankee Doodle Dandy'
Hollywood legend James Cagney portrays composer George M. Cohan in this classic biopic. Cohan produced, directed, wrote, and starred in his own musical shows and was invited to the White House to receive a Congressional Gold Medal from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He composed patriotic songs such as "Yankee Doodle Dandy," "You're a Grand Old Flag," and "Over There."
'Saving Private Ryan'
This award-winning film follows a group of soldiers who help to rescue Private James Ryan (Matt Damon) after the battle of Normandy during World War II. (Ryan's three brothers have all perished in the war.) The rescue team has to go through Nazi territory, and the mission is perilous to say the least.
'Hidden Figures'
Hidden Figures stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe as three mathematicians who helped NASA during the early days of the space program. The women were known as "human computers" and were essentially the brains behind these historic missions!
'Patton'
George C. Scott plays famed WWII General George S. Patton Jr. in this film. Patton starts in North Africa and follows the general as he and his troops invade Europe. Scott won an Oscar for his work in this film at the 1971 Academy Awards.
'The Patriot'
The film follows farmer Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson) at the start of the Revolutionary War. After the vicious passing of his young son, Martin starts a militia against the British army and eventually helps turn the tides in this pivotal war.
'Apollo 13'
"Houston, we have a problem."
With those five words, an epic film was born. This retelling of a true story follows three US astronauts during their failed mission to the moon. NASA must return them home safely, but not without some serious nail-biting obstacles to overcome first.
'Lincoln'
Daniel Day Lewis stars as Abraham Lincoln during the end of the Civil War. Lincoln gives us an inside look at the president's fight to end slavery as well the war. He's torn in his own inner battle of which is better and must race against the clock before the decision is made for him.
'Zero Dark Thirty'
Zero Dark Thirty takes us on the 10-year hunt for terrorist Osama Bin Laden and his eventual demise at the hands of Navy SEALs in 2011. Jessica Chastain and Kyle Chandler star in the film.
'Independence Day'
Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum are tasked with saving the world from an alien invasion in this '90s classic. There are some comedic moments in Independence Day, as well as heartfelt ones.
And, of course, the film is jam-packed with action!
'Top Gun'
Val Kilmer and Tom Cruise star as students in the US Navy's fighter weapons school. They compete to be the best, and of course, there are some fun and totally '80s moments throughout this classic film.
A long-awaited sequel titled Top Gun: Maverick premiered in May 2022.
'Miracle'
We love a good underdog story, especially when it's based on real events, and especially when it stars Kurt Russell! Russell plays Herb Brooks, an ex-hockey player turned coach of the US Olympic team. He managed to lead the team to victory in the 1980 Olympics against Russia.
'Pearl Harbor'
There's nothing like war to seriously up the ante in a new romance — or in this case, a love triangle. Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, and Kate Beckinsale star in this film about WWII and the infamous day Pearl Harbor was attacked.
'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington'
James Stuart plays Jefferson Smith, a man who's appointed to the Senate on a whim and knows nearly nothing about the job. When he uncovers an internal scandal, fellow government officials try to corrupt Smith, but he stays true to his moral beliefs. The same people then try to take Smith down with a scandal, but he puts up a serious fight in this classic film.
'1776'
It's the Revolutionary War set to music!
Historical figures — such as Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin — are all portrayed in 1776 as they attempt to craft the Declaration of Independence and sway Americans to fight for their independence.
'Captain America: The First Avenger'
The first Captain America film follows Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) who, in an attempt to become a US soldier, takes a "Super-Soldier serum," giving him crazy strength, speed, and agility. The serum turns him into Captain America.
'American Sniper'
Before he was Jackson Maine in A Star Is Born, Bradley Cooper played real-life Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle. He had legendary accuracy when it came to his rifle skills, and the movie follows Kyle as he enlists and eventually does four tours overseas.
'Rocky IV'
In this film, Rocky is well-established as a boxing legend and is the current heavyweight title holder. When his best friend and fellow boxer Apollo Creed dies in the ring while fighting Ivan Drago, Rocky vows to avenge him at all costs!
'Gettysburg'
Tom Berenger and Martin Sheen star in this film based on the true battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War. The showdown raged on for three days, and in this movie, we get to see both sides of the war.
Beware: Gettysburg is over four hours long.
'The American President'
Michael Douglas stars as President Andrew Shepard, who finds himself in the middle of a scandal once he strikes up a romantic relationship with a lobbyist, played by Annette Bening. We watch as their relationship develops in the public eye in American President while Shepard is up for re-election.
'Argo'
CIA operative Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) devises a daring plan to get six American hostages out of Iran. He disguises himself as a Hollywood movie producer set to film a movie in Iran as he attempts to smuggle out the hostages.
