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.
12. 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.
11. 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.
10. Red Dawn (2012)
Amid an economic crisis and the possibility of cyber attacks, North Korean forces attack America in Dan Bradley’s war action ‘Red Dawn.’ A team of rebels calling themselves the Wolverines, led by U.S. Marine Jed Eckert, decides to fight back. Whether the humongous feat is achieved is addressed in a heavily action-laced manner, fueled by the performances of Chris Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Josh Peck, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan. A reimagining of a foreign invasion on America, ‘Red Dawn’ is a remake of the 1984 film of the same name, directed by John Milius. It can be streamed on Max. The original movie is available on Max as well.
9. 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.
8. Patton (1970)
‘Patton,’ as the title suggests, is based on the life of General George S. Patton, an enigmatic figure in American military history. The movie is a dramatic compilation of Patton’s valor and strategic decision-making skills and how he navigates World War II. However, those under his command must endure his wrath, which in turn affects his reputation. With a gripping performance by George C. Scott as General Patton, the film was nominated for 10 Oscars, out of which it won seven. A true-to-form biographical war drama shot across over 70 locations in six countries, ‘Patton’ serves as a gripping representation of one of America’s heroes. The movie can be streamed on Prime Video.
7. 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.
6. Independence Day: Resurgence (2016)
‘Independence Day: Resurgence’ is a sequel to ‘Independence Day,’ and its events take place 20 years after the original flick. The movie shows an alien mothership invading Earth to harvest fuel from its core, which will destroy the planet. David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum, who reprises his role from the first movie), head of the Earth Space Defense program, frantically searches for a way to stop the invasion and prevent Earth’s destruction. This is when an artificial intelligence is revealed, which proposes a way to stop the attack by killing the “Harvesters.” However, the AI must be kept safe from falling into the hands of the Harvester Queen if it needs to be killed. Co-starring Liam Hemsworth, Bill Pullman, William Fichtner, Maika Monroe, and Jessie T. Usher, ‘Independence Day: Resurgence’ is an entertaining sci-fi flick showcasing how America has to once again claim independence from an overpowering foreign enemy. You can watch it on Max.
5. 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.
4. Dances with Wolves (1990)
Set during the American Civil War, perhaps the most significant period in American history, ‘Dances with Wolves’ is a Western drama directed by Kevin Costner, who also stars as the lead. The story follows 1st Lieutenant John J. Dunbar of the Union Army, who manages to avoid death and reaches the American frontier. The rest of the drama deals with his interactions with the Native Indian tribe of Sioux, who are hostile at first but slowly begin to bond with him. As glad as he is to be able to know the Sioux, he knows that the white settlers are coming. Which side will he choose? ‘Dances with Wolves’ won 4 Oscars and was honored by the Lakota Sioux Nation due to its representation of the tribe and its language, the Lakota. The film can be found in the National Film Registry and can be watched on Max.
3. Independence Day (1996)
Roland Emmerich’s ‘Independence Day’ is a cult classic sci-fi action movie that upped the ante of alien invasion flicks big time. The story shows the American government choosing two guys who will make their way inside an alien warship that has begun attacking America, to destroy it with a nuclear missile. The decision to send the guys, one a pilot squadron leader and the other a satellite engineer, comes after the air force fails to break through the shields of the alien mothership. The movie deals with family dynamics, duty, and sacrifice, all of which contribute to the very fabric of America. It is also known for the speech given by President Thomas J. Whitmore on the dawn of the 4th of July, right before the final battle on Earth begins, which ends with the line “Today, we celebrate our Independence Day!” The movie stars Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Judd Hirsch, Robert Loggia, Vivica A. Fox, and Margaret Colin. It can be streamed on Hulu.
2. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Steven Spielberg’s epic war drama ‘Saving Private Ryan’ is a true-to-form representation of an American soldier’s sense of patriotism that entails sacrifice, duty, freedom, and brotherhood. The multiple-Oscar-winning drama is set during the Normandy invasion of World War II. It follows Captain John H. Miller and his team, whose objective is to rescue Private James Francis Ryan from the battlefield and bring him back safe and sound. With a gripping and moving depiction of war, ‘Saving Private Ryan’ stands tall as one of the greatest war dramas ever made. Starring Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns, Jeremy Davies, and Vin Diesel, the movie is a must-watch on the occasion of Independence Day. It can be streamed on Prime Video.
1. 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 Tubi for free.
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