All-American movies to watch on July 4th
It’s nearly impossible to find a holiday more American than Independence Day.
The Fourth of July often falls in the middle of the week, and it gives many Americans a day off from work. There are fireworks, gatherings of family and friends, copious amounts of eating and drinking and just a general, all-around celebration of everything that’s good about America.
But, like most things, the Fourth of July has its drawbacks. Sometimes the weather can be hot enough to make you feel like you will burst into flames when you step outside. And in spite of many city ordinances, it seems like there is always someone who wants to celebrate America’s birth by blowing up some M-80s in their backyard. Try explaining that to a frightened house pet.
Because of that, you might want to just stay indoors, crank up the air conditioner and spend part of the holiday watching a movie. This is America, after all. But on Independence Day, if you’re going to watch a movie, you should watch something that says “America.”
That could include something from one of the numerous streaming options at your disposal. There’s no shortage of options out there, so allow us to help you find some oh-so-American movies to watch on the Fourth of July.
“Lincoln” (2012) If there is any American president worthy of deification, it is Abraham Lincoln. But in his Oscar-winning role, Daniel Day-Lewis emphasizes Lincoln’s humanity; and for every minute of the film you feel the 16th president’s kindness, sorrow and determination as he strives to end the Civil War, ensure the abolition of slavery and rebuild the nation
How to watch: “Lincoln” is currently streaming on Netflix.
“Miracle” (2004) You know the “USA! USA! USA!” chant: The sporting event that chant originated from was “Miracle On Ice” — Team USA’s Olympic hockey win over the Soviet Union in 1980. Watching this version of how coach Herb Brooks brought together a team of college kids and pulled off the greatest sporting victory in U.S. history could have you wanting to tattoo the stars and stripes across your back. It also remains a crime of cinematic history that Kurt Russell (sporting an awesome hairdo) wasn’t nominated for an Oscar for his gold medal-winning turn as Brooks.
How to watch: “Miracle” currently is streaming on Netflix, and it can be rented through other online video services.
“1776” (1972) By now you’ve surely heard of “Hamilton.” The wildly popular musical is playing in San Francisco until January, but two tickets could set you back more than the price of a car payment. So if you’re looking for a less expensive way to experience the Founding Fathers singing and dancing their way through some of America’s earliest days, “1776” might be the movie for you.
How to watch: “1776” is available to rent and stream on iTunes.
“Independence Day” (1996) Sure, it’s full of scenery chewing, corny lines (Will Smith’s “Now, that’s what I call a close encounter” is a standout) and more explosions than a July Fourth fireworks show. But when the bad-guy aliens attack, we do what we do best and come together to triumph over evil. It’s the American Way. Besides, it’s called “Independence Day” — we couldn’t leave it off this list.
How to watch: Get inspired by President Bill Pullman by streaming “Independence Day” on Hulu.
“Apollo 13” (1995) When Jim Lovell — as wonderfully portrayed by Tom Hanks — says, “Houston, we have a problem,” you know he’s not messing around. Thus begins the tale of the greatest rescue mission in the history of mankind. Apollo 13 happened almost 50 years ago; “Apollo 13” came out almost 25 years ago. You know the story. You know how it ends. And yet, until that spacecraft splashes down …
How to watch: Stream “Apollo 13” with a subscription to the Starz app, or rent it through iTunes and other services.