26 Movies to Watch on the Fourth of July
Fireworks? Sure. A patriotic cookout? Maybe. A good movie lineup? Non-negotiable. Whether you’re staying cool indoors or winding down after a day in the sun, nothing beats kicking back with a film that captures the spirit—or spectacle—of the Fourth of July. From nostalgic blockbusters to timeless dramas, these are the titles worth pressing play on during the long weekend.
Independence Day (the 1996 version, you heathens)I mean, it's kind of all right there in the name.
Hamilton (2020)Now that Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway hit is on Disney+, you can watch this Tony-winning musical right from home.
Cheaper by the Dozen 2 (2005)The maxi-sized Baker family (Steve Martin, Bonnie Hunt, Hilary Duff, Tom Welling, and more) trek to Lake Winnetka to celebrate Labor Day, but watching little Mark Baker (Forrest Landis) set off an entire backpack full of fireworks and causing their boat to explode is much more entertaining than seeing it happen to your cousin.
Born on the Fourth of July (1989)The Vietnam War tale, based on a veteran’s true story, gets automatic inclusion on this list.
Harriet (2019)Celebrating our country’s Independence Day means remembering the dark days in our nation’s history too. This 2021 film does just that—it follows abolitionist Harriet Tubman (played by Cynthia Erivo) who led hundreds of enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad.
It doesn’t get much more American than this coming-of-age comedy with a strong dose of ‘60s nostalgia.
Jaws (1975)The action goes down on a Fourth of July weekend, but this horror movie might make you too afraid of sharks to ever celebrate July 4 on a beach again. This classic celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, so it might be time to brave the waters.
Girls Trip (2017)This comedy doesn’t scream Fourth of July, but the four main characters are heading to New Orleans on July 4th weekend for the Essence Festival. Independence Day films don’t always have to be about outright patriotism and freedom—a nice laugh on the holiday works too.
Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)A musical classic about the man who wrote “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)Mustache-less Chris Evans. Need I say more?
Moonrise Kingdom (2012)For the more eclectic celebrators, Moonrise Kingdom is the ultimate summery Wes Anderson Americana flick—and probably the only film that could actually make you actually want to go camping.
Selma (2014)Ava DuVernay directs this Civil Rights film that follows Martin Luther King Jr.’s (David Oyelowo) journey to securing voting rights for Black Americans. A biopic that truly demonstrates patriotism and freedom.
Top Gun (1986)This is the second Tom Cruise combat movie on this list, and it helped make “Maverick” a part of the American pop-culture lexicon.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)Sure, it’s another Tom Cruise film, but this one’s a sequel that was 36 years in the making. With a new generation of rising stars (hi, Glen Powell), high-speed jets, and shirtless beach football, what more could you want in a summer movie?
The Cabin in the Woods (2011)Corn on the cob and a dip in the pool for Independence day? Boring. Instead, try a summer lake-house romp that explores all of America’s scariest lore in one fell swoop.
A League of Their Own (1992)Few things are more American than baseball. Feminist film A League of Their Own shows a women-led team breaking the glass ceiling in the male-dominated league.
National Treasure (2004)Nicolas Cage turns into a historian obsessed with finding a hidden treasure with links to his family history. His fixation leads him to steal the Declaration of Independence, where a coded message to a map lies. Will he find the treasure or is he just another victim of a good ole conspiracy theory? Watch and you’ll see!
Air Force One (1997)The ultimate action actor, Harrison Ford, plays a former soldier turned president who must save his family and staff from terrorists after they hijack his plane.
Lincoln (2012)Acclaimed filmmaker Steven Spielberg (who also helmed Jaws above) directed and produced this biopic about former president Abraham Lincoln, with Daniel Day-Lewis delivering a stunning performance in the titular role. This 2012 film has become a staple of American cinema, which makes it a perfect 4th of July film.
Glory (1989)Celebrate the Black veterans who risked their lives fighting the Confederacy in the Civil War.
Remember the Titans (2000)This film brings all the feels. Starring Denzel Washington and a 20-year-old Ryan Gosling, this sports film is based on a true story of a newly integrated high school football team and their Black coach. The performances are spectacular, but it’s the soundtrack that’ll give you goosebumps.
Zero Dark Thirty (2013)This thriller follows U.S. intelligence officers and Navy SEALS on their decade-long search for Osama bin Laden. Enter: Maya, a CIA intelligence analyst who might have answers to all of their questions.
Hidden Figures (2016)The untold story of three courageous Black women who helped NASA journey to space is the perfect film to reminisce about America’s history. Add the stellar performances of Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae, Hidden Figures might become one of your favorites.
Pearl Harbor (2001)A love triangle and a historical drama all in one? Pop the popcorn, please.
Saving Private Ryan (1998)If Remember the Titans will make you tear up, then Saving Private Ryan will make you bawl. This war film follows a group of soldiers who venture behind enemy lines to rescue a lone soldier whose brothers have all been killed in combat.
Coming to America (1988)Okay, technically it’s not about the Fourth—but Eddie Murphy arriving in Queens in search of true love is a tribute to the American Dream story if we’ve ever seen one. Packed with iconic lines and peak ’80s style, it’s patriotic in its own way.
The Sandlot (1993)Few movies capture the freedom of summer quite like this nostalgic coming-of-age classic. There’s baseball, fireworks, s’mores, and just the right amount of childhood chaos.
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