45 Best 4th of July Movies for Everyone to Watch This Independence Day
Some are about the holiday itself, while others touch upon important aspects of American history.
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Let's set the scene: It's Independence Day, the fireworks show is over and plenty of delicious 4th of July food has been enjoyed by friends and family. And let's be honest — at the end of the day, all you want to do is sit back, relax and watch a patriotic summer movie.
While there aren't a ton of films about the day itself, there are plenty of great movies to watch on the 4th of July. From historical movies that depict important events in our nation's history to action films that take place on Independence Day, there's a 4th of July movie on this list for everyone to enjoy. And given how you may be spending the holiday weekend with a group of people ranging in age from young children to adults, we made sure to include kid-friendly movies that are just plain fun. No matter what you choose, these movies will help you celebrate everything it means to be an American — with liberty and justice for all.
Inspired by the real-life Battle of Ramadi in 2006, this movie explores the lives of Navy SEAL platoon Alpha One as they experience a major casualty in the Iraq War. Filmed as if the viewer is experiencing the events in real-time, the movie features an ensemble cast that includes Cosmo Jarvis, Will Poulter, Charles Melton and more.
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Mandy Moore stars in this 2004 rom-com following the life of Anna Foster, a young woman whose dad happens to be the President of the United States. As she manages to escape security while on a diplomatic trip to Europe, she meets a British stranger named Ben (played by Matthew Goode) who may just teach her what it means to fall in love for the first time.
Summer isn't just a time to celebrate the Fourth of July. It's also baseball season — so why not watch a movie exploring the journey Jackie Robinson (played by Chadwick Boseman) embarked on to become the first Black player in the MLB?
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Starring Jeff Daniels, Martin Sheen and more, this 1993 historical film depicts the memorable three-day battle that occurred during the Civil War. Even though it happened more than a century before this was filmed, the movie honored its roots by making sure production occurred on the actual Gettysburg battlefield that changed American history.
As the Fourth of July celebrates the birth of the American nation, it's time we see how some of the key players helped fight during the Revolution. This film explores the fictional story of a young silversmith whose hand injury forces him to find a new way of assisting in the war. As he finds himself drawn to the real-life Sons of Liberty, he learns what sacrifice truly means when becoming an independent country.
This intense war epic chronicles the life of World War II general George S. Patton (played by George C. Scott). Focusing on his time in North Africa, D-Day and other important moments in American history, the movie explores how his military prowess and controversial behavior affected him throughout a time he'd be forever remembered for.
In this comedy from Eddie Murphy, the actor stars as an African prince who celebrates his 21st birthday by getting ready to marry a woman he's never met. To make sure it doesn't happen, he ventures off to the United States so he can find the love of his life.
Based on the true story of Black aviator Jesse L. Brown, Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell star in this powerful film documenting the camaraderie between naval officers while they fight in the Korean War.
Ever wondered how the United States was able to send the first person to space? This film explores the birth of NASA, along with the seven brave men who volunteered to be at the forefront of exploration.
Based on Doris Kearns' biography Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, Daniel Day-Lewis stars as the famous 16th president as he attempts to pass the 13th amendment (to abolish slavery) amid a Civil War in the United States.
Natalie Portman stars as Jackie Kennedy, the First Lady to President John F. Kennedy. The movie explores the woman's life through living in the spotlight, including the strength she had upon the devastating death of her husband.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was one of the most famous Supreme Court Justices of all time, but how did she rise to such power in her lifetime? This movie explores her journey to making it to the peak of the U.S. legal system, all while being a wife and eventual mother.
When a singer-songwriter needs to find a way to pay for her debts and medical bills, she agrees to marry a Marine in order to receive his military benefits. What starts off as a business arrangement quickly turns into more — and viewers will definitely need a box of tissues on hand.
We have the original on this list. But naturally, we also had to put the sequel — which was named one of the best, if not the best, movies of 2022. In it, Maverick joins a young group of Top Gun graduates for a dangerous mission.
For a kid-friendly 4th of July movie that the whole family will enjoy, look no further than An American Tail. It's an immigration story, an Oscar-nominee and its hero is an adorable mouse named Fievel. What more could you want?
Although the story is fictional, it highlights the Black trailblazers of the West, including Nat Love. This revisionist Western film is action-packed and filled with lines that will have you cheering for the "bad guys."
In this Spike Lee-directed film, four veterans a.k.a "The Bloods" return to Vietnam to find the remains of their squad leader and gold they had buried. It features the incomparable Chadwick Boseman.
This musical blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway to tell the story of Alexander Hamilton, an American revolutionary, statesman and Founding Father of the United States. You'll watch a live show so riveting, you'll think you're sitting front row.
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Cynthia Erivo stars as abolitionist Harriet Tubman. The movie tells the story of Tubman's incredible legacy, including leading the Underground Railroad and guiding enslaved people to freedom.
If you have someone in your life that won't shut up about the Hamilton soundtrack, they'll probably love 1776. It's actually a pretty accurate retelling of the first ever Independence Day — minus the catchy songs, of course.
Yaa Bofah is an editorial fellow at Good Housekeeping. She is a freelance illustrator and created original cover art for The Fashion Bomb Daily’s first e-book series. She enjoys supporting philanthropic endeavors and being an advocate for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
As the entertainment and news associate editor for Good Housekeeping, Adrianna (she/her) writes about everything TV, movies, music and pop culture. She graduated from Yeshiva University with a B.A. in journalism and a minor in business management. She covers shows like The Rookie, 9-1-1 and Grey's Anatomy, though when she’s not watching the latest show on Netflix, she’s taking martial arts or drinking way too much coffee.
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