It’s that time of year in America when we’re all feeling patriotic! It’s the 4th of July, and maybe you’re looking for some movies or tv shows to watch in celebration. Well, you’ve come to the right place!
The best 4th of July movies include:
- The Sandlot
- Independence Day
- Born on the Fourth of July
- Lincoln
- Hamilton
- John Adams
- Harriet
- Smith Goes to Washington
- The West Wing
- Band of Brothers
- All the Way
- A Few Good Men
- Patriot Games
- Air Force One
- The Patriot
- Tuskegee Airman
- Parks & Recreation
- Olympus Has Fallen
- Captain America: The First Avenger
- Act of Valor
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Below, find the most notable quotes from these patriotic films and television shows, and learn more about the screenwriters responsible for the scripts. Then, get set for a July 4th movie marathon!
Best Patriotic Movies and TV to Watch This July Fourth Weekend
The 20 best 4th of July movies and TV shows to watch are:
The Sandlot
“You’re killin’ me, Smalls.”
— Ham Porter
“The Sandlot” is a baseball and neighborhood friends-focused coming-of-age tale that brings the nostalgia of childhood summers. With a memorable fireworks sequence, this classic film is my favorite to watch every July 4th. Written by David Mickey Evans and Robert Gunte, you can rent “The Sandlot” on Prime Video.
Independence Day
“Welcome to Earth!”
— Captain Steven Hiller
This alien invasion blockbuster starring Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, and Will Smith is a 4th of July fan favorite and a perfect movie to watch if you want a little science fiction action over the holiday weekend! Written by Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin, you can stream “Independence Day” on Prime Video.
Born on the Fourth of July
“People say that if you don’t love America, then get the hell out. Well, I love America.”
— Ron Kovic
Directed and co-written by Oliver Stone and starring Tom Cruise, this biographical film follows the life of Vietnam veteran turned antiwar activist co-writer Ron Kovic. Rent it on Prime Video.
Lincoln
“Do you think we choose the times into which we are born? Or do we fit the times we are born into?”
— Abraham Lincoln
“Lincoln” is a historical biographical drama written by Tony Kushner, directed by Steven Spielberg, and starring Daniel Day-Lewis. This award-winning film follows President Lincoln’s struggles as the Civil War nears its end. “Lincoln” streams on Prime Video.
Hamilton
“I am not throwing away my shot.”
— Alexander Hamilton
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit Broadway musical uses hip-hop to tell the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton. Stream it on Disney+.
John Adams
“Liberty will reign in America!”
— John Adams
Try watching this historical miniseries if you’ve got time on your hands this fourth of July weekend! Directed by Tom Hooper, written by Kirk Ellis, and starring Paul Giamatti, this series follows the life of the second president, John Adams. It is streaming on HBO MAX.
Harriet
“I’m gonna be free or die.”
— Harriet Tubman
Written by Gregory Allen Howard and Kasi Lemmons, Harriet enlists a star-studded cast of Cynthia Evrivo, Leslie Odom Jr., and Janelle Monáe to tell the incredible story of abolitionist Harriet Tubman. It’s available to rent on Prime Video.
Smith Goes To Washington
“I can promise you one thing; I’ll do nothing to disgrace the office of the United States Senate.”
— Jefferson Smith
This political comedy-drama film is directed by Frank Capra and written by Sidney Buchman. It follows a newly appointed senator (Jimmy Stewart) as he encounters corruption in Washington. Rent it on Prime Video.
The West Wing
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful individuals can change the world.”
— President Bartlet
“The West Wing” is another series to tackle this fourth of July if you’re feeling ambitious! The show was masterfully created by Aaron Sorkin and provided a glimpse into the lives of those working in the West Wing of the White House. Stream it on HBO MAX.
Band of Brothers
“We’re not lost, Private… we’re in Normandy.”
— Richard Winters
“Band of Brothers” is a war miniseries created by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg that follows “E” Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, from training through to the end of World War II. Stream it on HBO MAX.
All the Way
“Everybody wants power, Walter. Everybody. If they say they don’t, they’re lying.”
— Lyndon B. Johnson
Written by Robert Schenkkan, “All the Way” stars Bryan Cranston as Lyndon B. Johnson. This biographical film picks up after President John F. Kennedy’s assignation and focuses on LBJ’s fight to pass the Civil Rights Act. Stream it on HBO MAX.
A Few Good Men
“You can’t handle the truth!”
— Col Jessup
Aaron Sorkin makes the list again with this film adaptation of his stage play. “A Few Good Men” features an impressive cast in this courtroom drama, with Tom Cruise playing a military lawyer defending his client who has been charged with murder. Stream it on Prime Video.
Patriot Games
“I’m sorry.”
— Jack Ryan
“It’s all right. You’re alive. I forgive you.”
— Cathy Ryan
Peter Iliff and Donald E. Stewart adapt Tom Clancy’s novel into this action thriller starring Harrison Ford. “Patriot Games” tells the story of a CIA analyst whose family is targeted following his interference with an assassination attempt. Rent it on Prime Video.
Air Force One
“Get off my plane!”
— President James Marshall
Another Harrison Ford-led action-packed film, “Air Force One” is written by Andrew W. Marlowe. It’s about what happens when a group of terrorists hijacks the President’s plane, and he must fight to rescue hostages and regain control of the plane. Stream it free on Tubi.
The Patriot
“A shepherd must tend his flock. And, at times … fight off the wolves.”
— Reverend Oliver
“The Patriot” is the story about a colonial farmer who must lead a militia during the American Civil War. Robert Rodat wrote it. The film, starring Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger, can be streamed on Netflix.
The Tuskegee Airmen
“The four elements: earth, air, water, and fire. Of these, I call your attention to two: air and fire. Though it is your privilege to live in the air, you will die by fire.”
— Major Sherman Joy
“The Tuskegee Airmen” is based on the true story of a group of African American pilots who overcame racist antagonism to go on and become a renowned fighter squad in World War II. The film is directed by Robert Markowitz and stars Lawrence Fishburne. “The Tuskegee Airmen” can be streamed on HBO MAX.
Parks and Recreation
“Treat yo’self.”
— Donna Meagle
“Parks and Recreation” is a political mockumentary sitcom about the parks and recreation department in the small town of Pawnee, Indiana. This show is highly binge-able with a strong ensemble cast led by Amy Poehler. Created by Greg Daniels and Michael Schur, you can stream “Parks and Recreation” on Peacock.
Olympus Has Fallen
“Olympus has fallen, Olympus has fallen, Olympus has fallen!”
— Agent Roma
“Olympus Has Fallen” is an action-thriller written by Creighton Rothenberger and Katrin Benedikt, starring Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman, and Aaron Eckhart. The story is about a secret service agent trapped in the White House during a terrorist attack and how he fights to rescue the President. Stream it on Netflix.
Captain America: The First Avenger
“I don’t want to kill anyone. I don’t like bullies; I don’t care where they’re from.”
— Steve Rogers
“Captain America: The First Avenger” is Captain America’s origin story, written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely. This film introduces audiences to a determined but sickly Steve Rogers, played by Chris Evans, and features an all-star cast. After being rejected for military service, Steve decides to undergo an experimental super-soldier procedure to fight in World War II. Watch Steve Rogers transform into Captain America in this classic superhero movie on Disney +.
Act of Valor
“I couldn’t really tell you much about him other than I’d rather take a knife into a gunfight than have to be interrogated by him.”
— Chief Dave
“Act of Valor,” written by Kurt Johnstad, is an action film about a team of navy seals as they undergo a mission to rescue a kidnapped CIA agent. Watch “Act of Valor” on Starz.
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There you have it, 20 of the best 4th of July movies and TV shows to watch this season! From action movies to classic films, there’s something for everyone to watch on your 4th weekend. Enjoy!
