With Independence Day rapidly approaching, it's time for most of us to discuss our plans for the holiday. And we all may have the same question: what are the best patriotic movies to watch on the 4th of July? To answer that inquiry, HighlyUnique has compiled a list of Top 15 Patriotic Movies To Watch On The 4th Of July. These films will help you enjoy the holiday while learning a thing or two about our history.
One painful lesson we all learn from our history is that freedom is not free. So this Independence Day is an excellent chance for us to express our gratitude to the brave, who have been dedicating their lives to our liberty ever since. If you are looking for the best Independence Day presents to honor your heroes, we got you covered!
We've gathered up 10+ Best July 4th Gift Ideas To Celebrate Independence Day list. It will probably give you some aspirations to find your ideal ones!
Top 15 Patriotic Movies To Watch On The 4th Of July
Watching movies is one of the best ways to wind down or have fun. These are some of the greatest patriotic films to help you relax and learn about our history this July 4th:
#1. Forrest Gump
Take a hilarious and heartfelt journey through the late twentieth century with Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks), as he encounters some of the most famous moments of a generation and meets some of modern history's most famous figures, from teaching Elvis to dance and sitting in on an interview with John Lennon, to fighting in the Vietnam War and inadvertently inventing the smiley face symbol.
#2. Hamilton
The original Broadway production of the award-winning musical that tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, first secretary of the treasury, blending hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway styles, filmed from the Richard Rogers Theater in New York.
#3. Saving Private Ryan
Feel like a good cry? This Academy Award-winning movie about a troop of soldiers who venture behind enemy lines on D-Day to find a soldier whose brothers have all been killed in combat is just what you're looking for. The characters will make you bawl your eyes out and probably recall your respectable veteran family.
If you want to find something special for them as a July 4th gift, the list down below is for you!
#4. Jaws
Many consider Steven Spielberg's legendary creature picture to be the original summer blockbuster, and it still carries the same impact today as it did when it was released in 1975. We dare you not to feel your heart racing as the legendary soundtrack starts in as you watch this story of a deadly shark roaming the waters of a New England island on the Fourth of July.
#5. Dances With Wolves
As we remember that not all Americans were liberated on July 4, it’s also a good time to honor the country’s roots and remember what existed long before the thirteen colonies. Kevin Costner’s Academy Award-winning film, Dances With Wolves, has been credited for its portrayal of the Lakota nation as it tells the story of a Civil War soldier (Costner) who joins the Lakota way of life.
#6. The Sandlot
Is there anything more distinctly American than baseball, barbecues, and pool parties in the backyard? This classic is enjoyable to watch at any time during the summer, but the annual Fourth of July baseball game this team participates in is about as All-American as it gets.
#7. Glory
Packed full of history, this riveting account follows the Union army's first African-American regiment. Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman star as ex-slaves hoping to prove themselves and ensure the freedom of enslaved Americans.
#8. The Music Man
If you're looking for something that's celebratory and sentimental, then this is your pick. In this melodious throwback, a traveling con man in need of money persuades River City natives to buy instruments and uniforms from him and start a band. When he begins to fall for one of the locals, getting out of town proves to be more difficult than he anticipated.
#9. Hidden Figures
In this 2017 film, Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe create an inspirational team of NASA mathematicians. Set in the 1960s, Hidden Figures tells the intersectional tale of three Black women and how they helped land the first man on the moon.
#10. Selma
This Ava DuVernay-directed film about Martin Luther King Jr.'s historic fight to secure equal voting rights for Black Americans serves as a potent reminder that freedom isn't free, and patriotism can mean fighting to make America better.
#11. Gettysburg
Watch the Battle of Gettysburg, one of the most crucial moments in the Civil War, unfold. Confederate General Robert E. Lee is played by Martin Sheen, and Colonel Joshua Chamberlain is played by Jeff Daniels. The two direct their men through this deadly three-day battle. The movie was actually filmed on the Gettysburg Battlefield, where the real-life events occurred from July 1–3, 1863.
This movie will make you realize the cost of every fight is always human! So honoring those who have been protecting our freedom is important. The July 4th gift list right below may be gripping to you.
#12. A League of Their Own
Who doesn't love a good baseball movie? With empowered women at the center of this story, it's one we can definitely stand behind. With most major leaguers off to fight in World War II, an all-female baseball league formed in the Midwest. With Tom Hanks as a down-on-his-luck coach and greats like Geena Davis and Madonna sweeping the bases, this is a fun one to watch with your significant other.
#13. American Graffiti
Before George Lucas became famous for franchises like Star Wars and Indiana Jones, the director turned his eye to Americana with this coming of age classic that follows a group of 1960s teens – including Ron Howard, Richard Dreyfuss, and Harrison Ford – on their last night dating, rabble-rousing, and drag racing before heading off to college.
If you're a fan of Happy Days, Grease, or just good old-fashioned American nostalgia, this is one to add to your watch list right away.
#14. Lincoln
This 2012 film from Steven Spielberg is an obviously patriotic choice. President Abraham Lincoln is played by Daniel Day-Lewis, who is joined on screen by Sally Field, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Spader, and Tommy Lee Jones. The story follows Lincoln through the creation of the 13th Amendment during the Civil War.
#15. Zero Dark Thirty
You probably remember hearing the news of Osama bin Laden's assassination, and now you can see the film that commemorates the event. Following the September 11th attacks, US intelligence personnel and Navy SEALS embarked on a decade-long search for terrorist Osama bin Laden, which was dubbed “Zero Dark Thirty.” Maya, played by Jessica Chastain, is a pivotal figure in the mission's eventual success.
Generally, watching movies about history will probably get you into a patriotic mood one way or another. Thanks to wonderful women and men who have sacrificed themselves, we can live in liberty today. We're forever grateful to them and proud to be their descendants.
This 4th of July, grab the chance and show your heroes how admirable they are. The following list of 10+ Best July 4th Gift Ideas To Celebrate Independence Day may give you some suggestions!
10+ Best July 4th Gift Ideas To Celebrate Independence Day
#1. Roper Kids' American Patriot Western Boot, Veteran Gift, Independence Day Gift, July 4th Gift
Source: Amazon
If you're looking for the best July 4th gift ideas, look no further than this American Patriot Western boot! The side zipper makes it easier to pull on or pull off. Its padded sock insole and spacious toes can assure your all-day comfort. The best part? Your giftee can pleasantly and proudly join the parade with this comfy boot!
#2. Land Of The Free Home Of The Brave Grunge Design, Independence Day T-Shirt, Fourth Of July T-shirt, July 4th Gift
Whether you're celebrating Memorial Day or Independence Day, this Fourth of July t-shirt is probably a perfect gift to show your honor and gratitude to your recipient! This tee is available in men's, women's, and youth sizes for comfort. It is also available in a wide variety of colors. Just pick one with your giftee's preference and make them a surprise!
#3. Independence Day gift, US Flag Necklace, American Flag Pendant USA Flag Stars Stripes Red White Blue Flag Jewelry Gift
Source: Etsy
This American Flag necklace is an ideal July 4th gift to express your deep gratitude to your heroes. It will certainly add an Independence Day vibe to anyone wearing it. They can proudly wear this necklace while partaking in a parade, watching fireworks, or hanging out with friends!
#4. God Blessed America Mug, Patriotic Coffee Mug, 4th of July Mug, July 4th Gift, Independence Day Gift
Source: Etsy
The best gifts are both personal and functional, and that’s why this mug is a fantastic choice. You can also dress the mug up even more by placing additional gifts inside, such as stickers, magnets, candies, chocolates, or coffee grounds and tea bags. This high-quality mug makes both the perfect veteran gift or July 4th gift for everyone!
#5. America 1776 Land Of The Free Because Of The Brave, Fourth Of July T-shirt, Independence Day T-shirt
America 1776 Land Of The Free Because Of The Brave, Fourth Of July T-shirt, Independence Day T-shirt
If you're looking for an Independence Day t-shirt to wear or give as a gift on the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Veterans' Day, this is the shirt for you! This beautiful tee will let everyone know that you support our troops and pay tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives for freedom. This shirt is made of 100% cotton and has a comfy fit. It's great for layering up with a jacket or cardigan or wearing by itself on warmer days.
#6. USA Hat, 4th Of July Hat, Camo Camouflage Hat, Independence Day Gift, July 4th Gift, 4th Of July Celebrations
Source: Etsy
Why not celebrate the USA in this camo camouflage baseball hat. The classic dad hat shape complements most styles and the curved visor protects the eyes from direct sunlight. Plus, this hat has an officially licensed MultiCam® pattern that’s practical for those exploring wildlife because it helps to stay unnoticed in nature. This hat definitely makes a perfect July 4th Gift!
#7. Home Of The Free Because Of The Brave White Shirt, Independence T-shirt, Fourth Of July T-Shirt, Veteran Gift
Home Of The Free Because Of The Brave White Shirt, Independence T-shirt, Fourth Of July Shirts
What better way to celebrate our nation's independence than with this Independence Day t-shirt! This shirt is perfect for those who love their country and want to show it proudly. Plus, it's a great way to start conversations about what it means to have freedom and the importance of showing respect to our active military members and veterans who fight hard for that freedom every day!
#8. 4th of July Table Runner, Fourth of July Gnomes On Red Truck Table Runners, Independence Day Runner, 4th Of July Party, 4th Of July Decor
Source: Etsy
This high-quality table runner is made of durable cotton linen cloth material. It's soft and durable. It also has sturdy sewing to protect your table's surface from hot pans, scratches, and spills. This table runner with themed party decoration certainly makes an ideal July 4th gift to add flair to the home decor on holidays and special celebrations.
#9. Be Strong Be Brave Be Humble Be Badass Veteran Canvas, Veteran Landscape Canvas, Veteran Gift
Be Strong Be Brave Be Humble Be Badass Veteran Canvas, Veteran Landscape Canvas, Veteran Gift
This veteran gift might be of interest to you. Why don't show your honorable veterans how proud you are of their sacrifices to protect our freedom with this veteran landscape canvas. Featuring meaningful quotes this canvas is awesome for any room in their home or office! This artwork can be either hung on the wall or simply stand on its own.
#10. Land Of The Free Home Of The Brave US Flag, Fourth Of July Shirts, Independence Day T-shirt, July 4th Gift
There's nothing more American than a good old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration. The fireworks, the barbecues, the good company – it's always a good time. Giving this shirt as an Independence Day gift is also a joyful and patriotic way to celebrate the people who make America great!
#11. Home Of The Free Because Of The Brave Shirt, July 4th Gift, Independence T-shirt, Fourth Of July T-shirt
Let's make this Independence Day one to remember. They say freedom isn't free, and it isn't—it comes with a price. So let's all make sure that we never forget those who paid it with their lives so that we can celebrate the birth of our nation each year. This Fourth of July t-shirt is a great way to honor them and their sacrifice. Plus, it's perfect for family picnics, barbecues, and parades!
In Summary
This time of year always ignites a sense of patriotism in the hearts and minds of Americans. We hope the Top 15 Patriotic Movies To Watch On The 4th Of July give you a few ideas for patriotic movies to watch on the 4th of July.
Also, there are many ways to celebrate the Fourth of July this year whether it's with friends and family, in person, or online. We hope that you've enjoyed our suggestions of 10+ Best July 4th Gift Ideas To Celebrate Independence Day for some of the best gift ideas available this year. Happy Independence Day!