Here’s a great list of patriotic movies to watch on Independence Day.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
5. Glory
Released 1989
Directed by Edward Zwich
Starring: Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes
This film that made Denzel Washington a star is the true story of the first black Union regiment in the Civil War.
4. Lincoln
Released 2012
Directed by Steven Speilberg
Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn, and Tommie Lee Jones
This movie about how Lincoln struggles during the Civil War to pass the 13th amendment to abolish slavery before the war comes to an end is inspiring and gives us a glimpse of what made this man great.
3. 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.
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. I haven’t watched the new one yet, so I don’t know how it compares to this one.
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.
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