Top 10 Patriotic Movies

1. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Released 1939

Directed by Frank Capra

Starring: Jimmy Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains

This is one of my favorite movies of all time. Jimmy Stewart is the underdog fighting corruption in Washington D.C.

2. Independence Day

Released 1996

Directed by Roland Emmerich

Starring: Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Mary McDonnell

What’s not to love about this film? Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum have the funniest lines, and Bill Pullman is the president who fights for not just the US but for the world. In this movies, the United States saves the day.

3. Air Force One

Released 1997

Directed by Wolfgang Peterson

Starring: Harrison Ford, Gary Oldman, Glenn Close

The president of the United States will not negotiate with terrorists, and in this movie, he takes them down.

4. 1776 The Musical

Released 1972

Directed by Peter H. Hunt

Starring: William Daniels, Howard da Silva, Ken Howard

Great musical comedy about the founding fathers of America. William Daniels plays John Adams who is so passionate about independence, he ends up being a jerk.

5. State of the Union

Released 1948

Directed by Frank Capra

Starring: Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn, Van Johnson

Another movie taking on corruption in Washington D.C. What’s not to love about Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn?

6. Apollo 13

Released 1995

Directed by Ron Howard

Starring: Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon

This is the true story of the Apollo 13 space mission where 3 astronauts almost didn’t make it home. This shows the true heroism and enterprise of Americans.

7. National Treasure

Released 2004

Directed by John Turtelbaub

Starring: Nicholas Cage, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, Jon Voight

A wonderful movie laced with historical trivia that makes the point that sometimes you have to do what others consider wrong to do what’s right.

8. National Treasure: The Book of Secret

Released 2007

Directed by John Turtelbaub

Starring: Nicholas Cage, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, Jon Voight

This sequel is as good as the original.

9. The Patriot

Released 2000

Directed by Roland Emmerich

Starring: Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger

This movie gives us a taste of what people endured to fight for the independence of the United States of America.

10. Sergeant York

Released 1941

Directed by Howard Hawks

Starring: Gary Cooper

This is a true story about the reluctant hero of World War 1 and the part his faith played in his heroism. 

This entry was posted in Lists and More Lists, Movie Lists, Top 10 Lists and tagged , , by Tamera Kraft. Bookmark the permalink.

About Tamera Kraft

Tamera Kraft has been a children’s pastor for over 20 years. She is the leader of a ministry called Revival Fire For Kids where she mentors other children’s leaders, teaches workshops, and is a children’s ministry consultant and children’s evangelist. She is also a writer and has curriculum published including Kid Konnection 5: Kids Entering the Presence of God published by Pathway Press. She is a recipient of the 2007 National Children’s Leaders Association Shepherd’s Cup for lifetime achievement in children’s ministry.

6 thoughts on “Top 10 Patriotic Movies

  1. Great list! Of those, I’ve only not seen #5 & #10 (and I’m disappointed I’ve missed out on a Tracy/Hepburn flick–I LOVE those two!) #1 is in my top 5 movies, as is #6.

    Perhaps, though, you could expound on WHY each of these is on your list, as well as a brief description of the movies for the uninitiated???

  2. I took your suggestion, Liberty, and wrote a line about why I liked each movie. Sergeant York and State of the Union are both worth seeing. I hope you get a chance to watch them soon.

    • I see that! 😀 Yeah, I’m going to try to put them on the list to see if Blockbuster has them, maybe this weekend. Haven’t gotten to the point of doing the Netflix thing….

  3. “Sergeant York” is a wonderful movie. I’ve watched it at least five times. It’s patriotic, showed the reality of war, described the life of a southern man dealing with poverty, love, and salvation.

  4. A little Sergeant York trivia:

    I once lived near York’s home. Artifacts (writings left behind) show how he struggled with his Christian belief and the taking of human life.
    His faith was important to him.

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