Shubhabrata Dutta
What does the 4th of July stand for? The years and years of American history, right back to the founding fathers, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the freedom from British rule, the many wars America fought and struggles it underwent, the soldiers who defend the country, the Native American roots, a place where people come to make their dreams come true, American culture- the list goes on and on. Thankfully, many movies exist that put together the various aspects of Independence Day and make us feel proud of being an American. In this list, we bring you such patriotic movies that you can watch on Max, Prime, and Hulu.
7. When Every Day Was the Fourth of July (1978)
Dan Curtis’s ‘When Every Day Was the Fourth of July’ explores an unlikely friendship between a young girl named Sarah and World War I veteran Albert Cavanaugh, who is accused of murder. Sarah seeks the help of her attorney father, Ed, who takes up Cavanaugh’s case and defends him in a court that is already biased against Cavanaugh. As the plot proceeds, discrimination raises its head, locking horns with truth and giving the latter a tough time establishing itself. The title refers to a time when truth prevailed until a day comes when it doesn’t. The story stresses the title by showing how Sarah was waiting for the 4th of July celebration when the issue arose. Starring Katy Kurtzman as Sarah, Geoffrey Lewis as Albert Cavanaugh, and Dean Jones as Ed Cooper, ‘When Every Day Was the Fourth of July’ is a classic made-for-TV drama that certainly qualifies as a personal Independence Day binge. You can do so on Prime Video.
6. 1776 (1972)
“The issue here is independence.” Peter H. Hunt’s historical musical drama ‘1776’ shows how America’s founding fathers navigated their way to free the country from the rule of Great Britain in the titular year. Viewers get to see Benjamin Franklin, Richard Henry Lee, Caesar Rodney, John Hancock, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, Thomas Jefferson, and the others as they plan to present the Declaration to Congress. The cult film has an ensemble cast includes William Daniels, David Ford, Ken Howard, Ron Holgate, and Howard da Silva. Perhaps the first movie that needs to be watched when looking up an Independence Day movie, ‘1776’ can be streamed on Tubi for free.
5. Young Mr. Lincoln (1939)
‘Young Mr. Lincoln’ covers the early years of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. The cult film shows how Lincoln began his career as a lawyer in Illinois. It then delves into the first case he fought, which involved homicide. Henry Fonda plays the role of Abraham Lincoln, a performance that is remembered for its appeal and charm. Directed by John Ford, who is considered one of the most influential filmmakers of all time, ‘Young Mr. Lincoln’ today sits among the movies in the National Film Registry for being culturally significant. An apt watch for Independence Day, the film can be watched on the Roku Channel for free.
4. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
In Frank Capra’s ‘Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,’ a newly appointed United States Senator takes on a corrupt political system. The film doesn’t hold back from addressing the corruption that often lies under the “Star-Spangled Banner” and the oaths a government official takes, only to be forced to become a shadow in the dark underbelly of politics. With Washington as the symbol of liberty and democracy, the film follows young Jefferson Smith, leader of the Boy Rangers, who was chosen to be doll at the hands of higher powers but stands tall as a crusader for rights and justice and fights back. Starring James Stewart as Jefferson Smith, ‘Mr. Smith Goes to Washington’ is considered one of the greatest American movies, especially due to its political stance. A must-watch for the 4th of July, the film can be streamed on Tubi for free.
3. Superman (1978)
‘Superman,’ starring Christopher Reeve as the titular superhero, is a cornerstone of American culture. This makes the Richard Donner directorial a bingeworthy flick on the 4th of July. The movie tells the origin story of Kal-El, hailing from the planet Krypton, who is sent to Earth as a baby by his parents before the latter perish during the planet’s collapse. The ship carrying the baby crash-lands in Smallville, Kansas, and the baby is adopted by a couple who bring him up as Clark. The rest of the movie shows his growing-up years and how he becomes Superman, helping all those in need and keeping society safe from criminals while giving it hope. Reeve’s immortal performance still brings tears to the eyes and smiles to the faces of cinephiles across the country. You can celebrate the classic with your family on Max.
2. Forrest Gump (1994)
Robert Zemeckis’ ‘Forrest Gump’ is no less than a chapter on 20th-century American history. Starring Tom Hanks, the story follows Forrest Gump (Hanks), a man with an IQ of 75, hailing from Alabama, who wants to be reunited with his childhood sweetheart, Jenny (Robin Wright). As he waits at a bus stop, he recounts his life story to a stranger. His story takes the viewers on a rollercoaster ride, showing them various American personalities he has interacted with, who have played significant roles in American history, including King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley, football icon Bear Bryant, former US President John F. Kennedy, political activist Abbie Hoffman, and Vivian Malone Jones, the first black woman to graduate from the University of Alabama. ‘Forrest Gump’ won many Oscars and many other accolades, and is a captivating story of resilience, innocence, and optimism. It can be streamed on Prime Video.
1. Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
Set before and during the Battle of Okinawa in the Pacific Theater (World War II), ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ tells the true story of American combat medic Desmond Doss. Doss didn’t pick up any weapon while serving, but performed his job by saving over 70 lives on the battlefield. The Mel Gibson-directed film honors American service, faith, and duty while also serving as an anti-war film highlighting the horrors of battle. Garfield’s moving performance as Desmond Doss received critical acclaim, while the movie itself won two Academy Awards, among other accolades. ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ can be streamed on Hulu.
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