You’ll be pleased to put your flip-flops away for the evening and watch the best 4th of July movies after having your fill of 4th of July BBQ and red, white, and blue snacks.
Our 4th of July ideas have inspired you: planning an Independence Day event was as simple as pie with our 4th of July recipes.
But you’re undoubtedly exhausted from the festivities by now, and viewing a patriotic film is a perfect way to cap off a fantastic weekend. Furthermore, they’re an absolute must-have!
What exactly does “Fourth of July film” imply? It’s a vibe, to be sure. There’s something about it, but it’s not quite French.
The 16 films below convey something about America, whether it’s its heroism, perseverance, or the naughty things it’s done throughout its 400-year history. Additionally, there are layers and flaws in every country.
In addition, the Big American line, on the other hand, is aware of the highs and lows. If you’re feeling nostalgic or want to be inspired, check out one of these action or drama films.
However, not all of the movies are about the holiday. However, all of the films on our list are about patriotism, freedom, or summer.
You’ll be happy with the diversity of movies in our selection, whether you’re looking for a romantic comedy or a summer thriller to make you laugh or cry.
Here are some of the best 4th of July movies to watch on Independence Day.
1. First Man (2018)
From 1961 until 1969, a biopic follows the iconic American astronaut Neil Armstrong on his adventure to become the first human to walk on the moon.
They were exploring the sacrifices and costs incurred by the United States and Neil Armstrong during one of the most challenging missions in space history.
The top cast includes Ryan Gosling plays Neil Armstrong, Claire Foy, Jason Clarke, and Kyle Chandler.
2. Independence Day (1996)
Independence Day is one of the must-watch and best 4th of July movies. An unusual atmospheric disturbance throws communications systems worldwide into disarray on July 2nd.
The military quickly discovers that several massive objects are on their way to collide with Earth.
Initially mistaken for meteors, they are eventually found to be enormous spaceships piloted by an unknown extraterrestrial species.
After failing to speak with the aliens, David Levinson, a former scientist working as a cable technician, discovers that the aliens plan to attack major cities worldwide in less than a day.
Additionally, the aliens nearly destroyed New York, Los Angeles, Washington, Paris, London, Houston, and Moscow on July 3rd.
Furthermore, the survivors formed convoys to travel to Area 51, a weird government testing facility where it is said that the military possesses its own abducted extraterrestrial spacecraft.
However, the survivors formulate a strategy to combat the enslaved aliens, and July 4th becomes the day humanity fights for its freedom.
Their Independence Day is July 4th. 4th of July has an ensemble cast of Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Mary McDonnell, and Judd Hirsch.
3. Harriet (2019)
Harriet narrates the incredible story of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and metamorphosis into one of America’s greatest heroines, based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter.
Her bravery, creativity, and tenacity resulted in the liberation of hundreds of enslaved people and altered the course of history. The top cast includes Harriet Tubman and Cynthia Erivo.
4. National Treasure (2004)
Benjamin Franklin Gates is a descendant of a family of treasure hunters who hears of a national treasure from his grandfather.
The treasure is hidden in the land, and the clue to the treasure chest has been encrypted and dispersed around the country.
Benjamin’s father despises treasure hunting, having spent 20 years searching for it without success.
Furthermore, the plot twists when Ben’s accomplice Ian chooses to steal the ‘Declaration of Independence’ for the next clue.
And Ben refuses to go through with Ian’s plan, the two grow enraged. In addition, Ben reported the possible theft to the FBI, but they refused to believe him.
However, to preserve the ‘Declaration of Independence’ from Ian, Ben decides to steal it. Ben meets the archives curator, ‘Abigail Chase.
The top cast includes Nicolas Cage, Harvey Keitel, Jon Voight, Diane Kruger, Sean Bean, and Justin Bartha.
5. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Top Gun: Maverick is one of the best 4th of July movies to binge-watch. After more than thirty years, Pete Mitchell is where he belongs as one of the Navy’s greatest aviators, pushing the edge as a brave test pilot.
However, avoiding the advancement in rank that would ground him. The top cast includes Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer, Anthony Edwards, and Tom Skerritt.
6. Hamilton (2020)
“Hamilton” has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in the theater.
It is a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education—with a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and show tunes.
Furthermore, Captured at the Richard Rodgers Theater on Broadway in June 2016. The film transports its audience into the world of the Broadway show in a unique way.
The top cast includes Philipa Soo, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., and Daveed Diggs.
7. Team America: World Police (2004)
In Paris, Team America, a North American counter-terrorism unit, strikes a gang of terrorists.
Later, Spottswoode, the organization’s commander, invites Gary Johnston, a well-known Broadway actor, to join his world police.
And also operate undercover in Cairo, infiltrating a terrorist organization hoping that they will reveal their plan to destroy the globe.
Team America defeats the terrorist cell, but the criminals retaliate by attacking the Panama Canal.
Furthermore, Gary departs the counter-terrorism organization because he feels he is responsible for the deaths of many innocent people.
Additionally, team America strives to prevent the world from being destroyed when North Korean leader Kim Jong Il joins a gang of pacifist actors and actresses to utilize weapons of mass destruction.
The top cast includes Parker, Stone, Kristen Miller, Masasa Moyo, Daran Norris, Phil Hendrie, Maurice LaMarche, Parker, Stone, Masasa Moyo, and Daran Norris.
8. Hidden Figures (2016)
Hidden Figures is one of the best 4th of July movies to watch. NASA discovered untapped ability in a group of African-American female mathematicians who acted as the brains behind one of the most extensive operations in US history. The US raced against Russia to put a man in space.
We follow three of these women, known as “human computers,” as they quickly advanced through the ranks of NASA alongside some of history’s greatest brains.
He is primarily tasked with calculating the historic launch of astronaut John Glenn into space and ensuring his safe return.
Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Katherine Goble Johnson overcame gender, racial, and professional barriers.
While their intellect and drive to dream big, beyond anything the human race had ever accomplished, solidified them.
The top cast includes Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons, and Taraji P. Henson.
9. The Patriot (2000)
In colonial South Carolina, the year is 1776. A French-Indian military hero haunted by his past, Benjamin Martin now wishes to live happily on his modest plantation.
And also avoid involvement in a conflict with the world’s most powerful nation, Great Britain. Meanwhile, Gabriel and Thomas, his two eldest sons, are eager to join the newly constituted “Continental Army.”
Gabriel instantly signs up to fight when South Carolina decides to join the revolt against England…without his father’s approval.
But tragedy strikes when Colonel William Tavington, a British dragoon known for his ruthless tactics, arrives and burns the Martin Plantation to the ground.
Furthermore, Benjamin is rapidly divided between protecting his family and seeking vengeance while remaining part of the group.
The top cast includes Tchéky Karyo, Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, Joely Richardson, Jason Isaacs, and Chris Cooper.
10. Selma (2014)
Spend the Fourth of July watching a film about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and vision for our freedom.
The riveting true narrative followed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during a tumultuous three-month period in 1965 when he led a dangerous campaign to obtain equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition.
Additionally, the historic march from Selma to Montgomery resulted in President Lyndon B. Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the civil rights movement’s significant triumphs.
Furthermore, “Selma,” directed by Ava DuVernay, depicts the tale of how Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., his beloved leader and visionary, and his brothers and sisters in the civil rights movement sparked transformation that changed history forever.
The top cast includes David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, George Wallace, Tim Roth, and Carmen Ejogo.
11. Lincoln (2012)
The last on our list of best 4th of July movies is Lincoln. As the American Civil War drew to a close in 1865, President Abraham Lincoln worked to pass a historic constitutional amendment to abolish slavery in the United States.
His work, however, is a race against the clock, for peace could come at any time, and if it does, the returning southern states will block the amendment from becoming law.
Before peace arrives and it is too late, Lincoln must secure enough votes from a resistant Congress by virtually any means necessary.
The president is split because a quick settlement would save thousands of lives.
However, as the country wrestles with its conscience over the freedom of its entire population, Lincoln is confronted with his moral dilemma.
The top cast includes Sally Field, David Strathairn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Spader, and Hal Holbrook.
