Since fireworks festivities can’t get underway until that blasted sun goes down, you may be planning on watching a movie or two during the 4th of July weekend—in between hot dog grillings and swimming pool visits, of course. But with such limited time available on this national holiday, which movie do you choose? What’s theperfectmovie to watch on the 4th of July? Well, not to worry, we here at Collider have you covered. We’ve assembled a pretty swell (and diverse) list of films that would make for fine Independence Day viewing. Whether you’re in the mood for something light, something patriotic, or a more sober encapsulation of our nation’s history, you’re sure to find something to here.
Behold, the best movies to watch on the 4th of July.
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Jawsis pretty much the perfect summer movie. I mean, it started the summer movie season for pete’s sake, but sunshine and leisure activities abound inSteven Spielberg’s thriller classic—in between terrifying shark attacks, that is.Jawsperfectly captures the feeling of summer vacation time at the beach, with a strong tie to Independence Day as Mayor Vaughn won’t let Chief Brody forget that the 4th of July is a very important business time for Amity, shark attacks be damned. So if you’re in the mood for something along the lines of pure entertainment with a sweet summer-y bent, you’re able to’t go wrong withJaws.
The Sandlot
The 4th of July not only marks our nation’s Independence Day, but it also serves as something of a halfway marker for summer vacation. Kids aren’t likely to neglect the fact that this means school is starting again soon, but the 1993 coming-of-age filmThe Sandlotdoes a tremendous job of capturing that feeling of being a kid on summer vacation, when whatever was happeningright then and therewas the most important thing in the world, and you were sure that you were with the folks who would be your best friends for life.The Sandlotchronicles that freewheeling feeling without being pedantic or cliché, from playing chicken with the scary dog in the neighborhood to crushing on the lifeguard at the local pool (I’ll love you forever, Wendy Peffercorn). And what solidifies it as a solid 4th of July movie is the terrific Independence Day sequence with fireworks galore. Ah, nostalgia.
Independence Day
Obviously. It’s not 4th of July weekend withoutRoland Emmerich’s 1996 disaster epic, and while the sequel was apparentlyof little interestto general audiences 20 years later,Independence Daystill holds up as a goofy, fun 90s throwback with a hefty dose of American patriotism.Will Smithis the shining star of this one, with a swagger that works as a terrific foil toJeff Goldblum’s brainy David Levinson, and the story doesn’t gettooobsessed with all the sci-fi and keeps a solid focus on the humans directly affected by the alien invasion. But what solidifies this as a great 4th of July watch is, of course,Bill Pullman’s rousing speech. Shine on, President Whitmore.
If you’re in the mood for somethingreallypatriotic but also loads of fun, look no further thanPeter H. Hunt’s 1972 musical1776. Based on the Broadway musical of the same name, the film recounts the events surrounding the signing of the Declaration of Independence, complete with musical breaks involving a singing Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. It’s a wonderfully amusing film with some seriously catchy tunes, and it holds up quite well. Think of it as areallywhite version ofHamiltonwithBoy Meets World’s Mr. Feeny playing John Adams.
Born on the Fourth of July
America’s history as a nation is not all sunshine and rainbows that’s for sure, so if you want to celebrate this country’s great history while also acknowledging some of its serious missteps,Oliver Stone’s epic Vietnam War character pieceBorn on the Fourth of Julyis your film.Tom Cruiseturns in one the best performances of his career as he chronicles the life of Ron Kovic from young patriot eager to serve his country to disgruntled veteran mistreated by the very nation to which he sacrificed the ability to walk. Stone is, undoubtedly, a controversial filmmaker, butBorn on the Fourth of Julyis surprisingly straightforward, and as a Vietnam veteran himself, Stone brings a degree of expertise to the table. It’s not necessarily an easy watch, but it is in some ways a necessary one. As great as the United States of America can be, it’s also important to acknowledge our failures, lest we’re destined to repeat them.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we haveFrank Capra’s idealistic, upliftingMr. Smith Goes to Washington. The story of a Junior Senator trying todo somethingin the world of American politics speaks to the “voice of the people” aspect of America, and onlyJimmy Stewartcould play Jeff Smith with such verve, passion, and optimism.Mr. Smith Goes to Washingtonis about the goodness that can come about from good people trying to do good things (see also:The West Wing), although upon its release in 1939, it was attacked as anti-American for its depiction of corruption in American politics (“well, I never!"). It has since become a tried and true classic, and for a reminder of the good side of American politics on our nation’s birthday, makes for a fine watch.
The Patriot
I wouldn’t exactly have peggedRoland Emmerichas the de facto 4th of July filmmaker, but here he is with two films on this list that make for swell Independence Day watches. The second is his 2000 Revolutionary War epicThe Patriot, starringMel Gibsonas a veteran of the French and Indian War who comes face to face with the British army and subsequently turns to bloody revenge after his family falls victim to the enemy.The Patriotis, by most accounts, wildly inaccurate when it comes to the actual history of the American Revolution, but it is incredibly entertaining and features a swell supporting performance byHeath Ledgerand some top-notch world building. So if you like your 4th of July historical epics with minimal accuracy but maximum firepower,The Patriotis your movie.
Lincolnis also about the American political process, albeit with a bit more nuance. StevenSpielberg worked for over a decade to bring one of our nation’s greatest presidents to the big screen, and whileLincolnwas met with solid reviews, it feels like one of those films that’s going to be reconsidered as one of Spielberg’s masterpieces in due time. It avoids hagiography, not shying away from the many contradictions in Lincoln’s life and the difficulty (and care) with which he approached the issue of slavery. But it’s also a wildly compelling procedural about the American political process as itactuallyworks, not as we’d like to think it works. Yes, there’s a fair amount of wheeling and dealing involved, but sometimes the ends justify the means, and watching Lincoln work tirelessly to bring slavery to an end and solidify his legacy, through a phenomenally possessed performance byDaniel Day-Lewis, is at once sobering and awe-inspiring. So if you’re planning an indoors-day for the 4th of July, giveLincolnanother watch as a reminder of the great things that can happen in American politics when passion meets compromise and diligence.
John Adams
If you’rereallyin for an indoor day on the 4th of July, why not go all-in with the HBO miniseriesJohn Adams? Technically this isn’t a movie, but I think it qualifies.The King’s SpeechandLes MiserablesdirectorTom Hooperhelms all seven parts of this all-encompassing chronicle of the life of John Adams, beginning with the Boston Massacre in 1770 and concluding with Adams’ death in 1826.Paul Giamattiis perfectly suited to play our nation’s second President, and one who struggled to get out of George Washington’s shadow. Adams was a fascinating character, one with plenty of peculiarities but a love for America nonetheless, and the miniseries wonderfully hones in on his relationship with wife Abigail (Laura Linney)—which was more of a partnership when it came to his political career—and his contentious relationship with Thomas Jefferson, plays byStephen Dillane. Obsessed withHamilton? GiveJohn Adamsanother spin and begin the letter-writing campaign to HBO to continue on with miniseries installments for the rest of the founding fathers.
Top Gunis not a traditional 4th of July movie, but it captures the spirit of America nonetheless.Tony Scott’s terrific film is, of course, the story of U.S. Navy fighter pilots, but it’s not too concerned with the politics of aerial warfare or even military service.Top Gun, at heart, is about the intensity and complexity of male friendship, withTom CruiseandAnthony Edwardsgiving us one of the best “bromances” in Hollywood history. There’s also, of course,Val Kilmer’s antagonizing (and flirtatious) Iceman, and the passion with which Scott chronicles all of these relationships is impressive. It’s also the fist-pumpiest movie in the history of fist-pump-y movies, and ifTop Gundoesn’t leave you feeling triumphant, you may lack the human spirit. Kick the tires and light the fires.
