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When you’ve had your fill of fireworks, parades and potato salad, there’s nothing like curling up with a good movie on a warm summer evening.
Here’s 16 of the best movies about America that will put you in a patriotic mood.
“1776”
A toe-tapping rendition of the founding of our country, 1972’s “1776” brought the Broadway musical of the same name from stage to screen just in time for the bicentennial with much of the celebrated cast reprising their roles.
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Standout songs include “Sit Down, John” and “Molasses to Rum.”
“Born on the Fourth of July”
A somber portrayal of a veteran’s experience in Vietnam, “Born on the Fourth of July,” is based on Ron Kovic’s real-life story of serving in the war, becoming paralyzed and eventually turning to anti-war activism.
The movie stars Tom Cruise and Willem Dafoe and was directed by Oliver Stone.
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“Forrest Gump”
The Academy Award-winning portrayal of a simple man’s optimistic view of the world follows the titular Forrest Gump from fighting in Vietnam to going on an inspiring run around the country.
The 1994 film stars Tom Hanks and Gary Sinise.
“Independence Day”
If action — and aliens — is more in your wheelhouse this Fourth of July, 1996’s “Independence Day” says it all in the title.
Defending the country (and the world) from extraterrestrial invaders, a group of patriots band together in a reminder that freedom isn’t free.
Starring Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman, the impressive blockbuster even won an Academy Award for visual effects.
“Air Force One”
What could be more fun than watching president-turned-action-hero Harrison Ford save the country, his family and the occupants of his plane from terrorist hijackers?
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Gary Oldman, Glenn Close, Wendy Crewson and William H. Macy also star in the 1997 thriller.
“Saving Private Ryan”
An emotional story depicting the horrors of war, “Saving Private Ryan” follows a group of men during World War II who set out to bring a soldier home to his mother after she’s lost her other three sons.
It stars Tom Hanks and Matt Damon and was directed by Steven Spielberg.
The film took home five Academy Awards, including best director for Spielberg.
“National Treasure”
“National Treasure” is a non-stop thrill ride through our nation’s history that imagines a secret treasure map on the back of the Declaration of Independence.
The movie takes its stars — Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger and Justin Bartha — from the National Archives in Washington, D.C. to the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia and Trinity Church in New York City.
Its sequel, “National Treasure: Book of Secrets,” includes memorable scenes at Mount Vernon, the Library of Congress and Mount Rushmore.
“The Patriot”
Mel Gibson plays a reluctant Revolutionary War hero in this historical epic where he attempts to save his son who is captured by the British.
The movie also stars Heath Ledger and Joely Richardson and was nominated for three Oscars, including legendary composer John Williams for best score.
“Pearl Harbor”
A love story, “Pearl Harbor” recounts the events of Dec. 7, 1941 through the eyes of two fictional Army Air Corps pilots and the nurse they both loved.
The 2001 Michael Bay film stars Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett and Kate Beckinsale. Jon Voight and Alec Baldwin also play Franklin D. Roosevelt and Jimmy Doolittle.
“Flags of Our Fathers”
The movie, based on a book of the same name, depicts the 1945 Battle of Iwo Jima, the famous raising of the flag there, and the aftermath for the men shown in the picture.
Directed by Clint Eastwood, “Flags of Our Fathers” is a companion movie to “Letters from Iwo Jima,” which shows the Japanese view of the battle.
The two movies were nominated for a combined six Oscars, with “Letters from Iwo Jima” taking home one for best sound editing.
“Lincoln”
Another Steven Spielberg-directed film, “Lincoln” stars Daniel Day-Lewis as the 16th president struggling the Civil War and abolishing slavery.
The film also stars Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones.
It was nominated for 12 Oscars in 2013, and took home two, including best actor for Day-Lewis.
“A League of Their Own”
“There’s no crying in baseball!”
While much of the country’s young men were overseas fighting World War II, someone had to keep America’s favorite pastime alive.
Enter female athletes played by the likes of Geena Davis, Rosie O’Donnell and Madonna coached by Tom Hanks, a washed-up former MLB star.
The movie, directed by Penny Marshall was selected by the Library of Congress in 2012 to be preserved in the National Film Registry as “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
“Patriot Games”
Harrison Ford is back to save the country, this time as CIA agent Jack Ryan, hunting down the IRA terrorist who left his wife and daughter badly injured.
The film, based on the Tom Clancy novel, also stars Samuel L. Jackson, Sean Bean and James Earl Jones.
“Top Gun”
This 1986 action flick is a high-flying, patriotic ode to the best of our military pilots.
It follows Maverick, played by Tom Cruise, as he trains at the elite Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School, his cocky attitude rubbing others there the wrong way.
The movie also stars Val Kilmer and Kelly McGillis.
The 2022 sequel “Top Gun: Maverick” reunites Cruise and Kilmer, catching up with the titular character who is now a test pilot and flight instructor to a new generation of trainees.
“Hamilton”
Born out of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s brilliant mind and writing, “Hamilton” takes viewers on a hip-hop version of the founding of our country.
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An expensive ticket on Broadway, the filmed stage version starring Miranda is available to stream.
Top songs include “My Shot,” “Satisfied” and “Wait for It.”
“Field of Dreams”
Finishing off with a bit of nostalgia, this 1989 Kevin Costner movie will satisfy both baseball fans and those who are looking for a dose of classic Americana — or frankly, anyone who wants to feel inspired.
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The movie follows Costner’s character as he decides to build a baseball diamond in his Iowa cornfield after hearing a voice tell him: “If you build it, he will come.”
It also stars James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, Burt Lancaster and Amy Madigan.
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