Pass the Popcorn—It's Time for a 4th of July Movie Marathon (2024)

With its celebration of all things American and prime spot right in the middle of summer (yay backyard barbecues!!), it's no wonder Independence Day is one of our favorite holidays. There are so many festive ways to observe it, too, from decorating the house in red white and blue, to throwing the perfect patriotic party and even screening a 4th of July movie. Because whether rain has washed out the fireworks, you need a break inside from the heat, or you're just looking for a fun way to cap off the day, watching one (or more) of the following flicks is a great activity to commemorate the USA's birthday.

As you'll discover, some of these celluloid classics, like Jaws and The Music Man, are actually set on the big day, while others—including Hamilton, All the President's Men, Selma and The Right Stuff—depict pivotal events in our nation's history. From inspiring sports stories to war dramas spotlighting American heroism, we have something for every member of the family. That includes the littles, who we're sure will love goodies like The Sandlot and An American Tale.

You'll find all of these movies, whether they're recent blockbusters or old favorites, available to stream on services like Prime and Disney+. Queue 'em up, pop some popcorn and maybe even set up an outdoor screening room using one of our nifty backyard movie night ideas. Then just sit back and enjoy the show!

More Fourth of July Fun

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• 4th of July Drinks for a Festive Holiday
• 4th of July Appetizers for a Patriotic Party

We didn't think it was possible, but this box office smash was even more thrilling than the first Top Gun. Tom Cruise stars once again as everyone's favorite fighter pilot, out this time to lead a bunch of hotshot naval aviators on a daring mission some may not survive. Rating: PG-13

For a rousing good time this Independence Day, what could be better than watching Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum kick alien butt? This 1996 flick is not only action-packed and filled with hilarious one-liners, it also features one of the most stirring speeches ever made by a celluloid president. Rating: PG-13

The film version of the boffo Broadway triumph has it all: showstopping songs, killer performances, and a gripping storyline about one of the country's lesser-known Founding Fathers. Set against the backdrop of the American Revolution, Hamilton should almost be required viewing on the 4th. Rating: PG-13

This clever and affecting romp through American history is as pleasing as a box of chocolates. Tom Hanks won his second Best Actor Oscar in 1995 for his iconic turn as the simple, sweet title character. Rating: PG-13

Is it really even summer without a rewatch of Steven Spielberg's cinematic masterpiece about an island besieged on 4th of July weekend by a great white shark? Rating: PG

Featuring a powerhouse performance by Academy Award nominee Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman, this biopic recounts the incredible life and times of the abolitionist. Rating: PG-13

We've lost count of how many Die Hard movies have been released over the years, but this entry in the series, set over the 4th, is one of the best. Bad guys are out to cripple the country's infrastructure and only John McClane (Bruce Willis) can stop them—but with stunts this cool (hellllo car crashing into copter!) who cares about the plot? Rating: PG-13

In the film that made him a legit global superstar, Tom Cruise stars as Maverick, a co*cky-but-talented fighter pilot who clashes with rival Iceman (Val Kilmer) and loves up teacher Kelly McGillis.
Rating: PG

Nicholas Cage plays a historian and code-breaker hot on the trail of a legendary treasure, but to find it he has to steal the country's most revered document: the Declaration of Independence. A fun and fast-paced adventure with locations that include some of the country's most famous landmarks. Rating: PG

As sunny and cheerful as a long 4th weekend, The Sandlot concerns a group of young friends who need to retrieve a prized baseball hit over a grumpy neighbor's fence. Bonus for Independence Day viewing—it includes a fireworks scene set to Ray Charles' moving cover of "America the Beautiful." Rating: PG

There's no superhero with a costume (or a name) quite as appropriate for the 4th as the red, white, and blue-clad Captain America. In this origin story, the frail Steve Rogers is transformed into a supersoldier and battles the evil Red Skull, with much action ensuing. Rating: PG-13

One of the country's most revered films, To Kill a Mockingbird is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name by Harper Lee. Gregory Peck, who won an Oscar for his performance, is Atticus Finch, a Southern attorney defending a Black man accused of rape. Rating: PG

Perhaps the greatest film about war ever made, Steven Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan isn't an easy watch, but it's one every American should see. Tom Hanks portrays a WWII captain who leads his troops on a mission to find a soldier whose three brothers have been killed in action. Rating: R

When you think about it, no other movie captures the can-do spirit of America quite like Rocky, an Oscar winner for Best Picture in 1976. If this underdog story about a small-time Philly boxer (Sylvester Stallone) getting an improbable shot at the title doesn't make you stand up and cheer. you better check your pulse. Rating: PG

Daniel Day-Lewis snared one of his three Best Actor Oscars for his haunting portrayal of America's greatest president in this marathon Steven Spielberg-helmed effort. Rating: PG-13

A timely reminder of the importance of a free press to democracy (and the perils of unchecked presidential power) All The President's Men chronicles the true story of the reporters who broke the Watergate story. Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman play heroic Washington Post journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein. Rating: PG

Devotion, based on the best-selling book, is the true story of the Navy's first Black fighter pilot and his enduring friendship with a fellow aviator during the Korean War. Heartfelt and inspiring, it features gangbuster performances by rising stars Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell. Rating: PG-13

A star-studded cast, including Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna and Rosie O'Donnell livens up this light-hearted but touching look at the real-life All-American Girls Baseball League. Rating: PG

Will politics or love win out when the president falls head over heels for an environmental lobbyist right before he runs for reelection? Features Michael Douglas and Annette Bening as the (somewhat) star-crossed pair. Rating: PG-13

The immigrant experience gets an animated update in this appealing feature about a young Russian mouse named Feivel Mousekewitz and his quest to find his family. Rating: G