Fireworks? Sure. A patriotic cookout? Maybe. A good movie lineup? Non-negotiable. Whether you’re staying cool indoors or winding down after a day in the sun, nothing beats kicking back with a film that captures the spirit—or spectacle—of the Fourth of July. From nostalgic blockbusters to timeless dramas, these are the titles worth pressing play on during the long weekend.Independence Day (the 1996 version, you heathens)View full post on YoutubeI mean, it's kind of all right there in the name.Watch Now on Prime VideoHamilton (2020)View full post on YoutubeNow that Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway hit is on Disney+, you can watch this Tony-winning musical right from home.Watch Now on Disney+Cheaper by the Dozen 2 (2005)View full post on YoutubeThe maxi-sized Baker family (Steve Martin, Bonnie Hunt, Hilary Duff, Tom Welling, and more) trek to Lake Winnetka to celebrate Labor Day, but watching little Mark Baker (Forrest Landis) set off an entire backpack full of fireworks and causing their boat to explode is much more entertaining than seeing it happen to your cousin.Watch Now on Disney+Born on the Fourth of July (1989)View full post on YoutubeThe Vietnam War tale, based on a veteran’s true story, gets automatic inclusion on this list.Watch Now on Prime VideoHarriet (2019)View full post on YoutubeCelebrating our country’s Independence Day means remembering the dark days in our nation’s history too. This 2021 film does just that—it follows abolitionist Harriet Tubman (played by Cynthia Erivo) who led hundreds of enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad.Watch Now on Prime VideoAmerican Graffiti (1973)View full post on YoutubeIt doesn’t get much more American than this coming-of-age comedy with a strong dose of ‘60s nostalgia.Watch NowJaws (1975)View full post on YoutubeThe action goes down on a Fourth of July weekend, but this horror movie might make you too afraid of sharks to ever celebrate July 4 on a beach again. This classic celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, so it might be time to brave the waters.Watch NowGirls Trip (2017)View full post on YoutubeThis comedy doesn’t scream Fourth of July, but the four main characters are heading to New Orleans on July 4th weekend for the Essence Festival. Independence Day films don’t always have to be about outright patriotism and freedom—a nice laugh on the holiday works too.Watch Now on Prime VideoYankee Doodle Dandy (1942)View full post on YoutubeA musical classic about the man who wrote “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”Watch Now on Prime VideoCaptain America: The First Avenger (2011)View full post on YoutubeMustache-less Chris Evans. Need I say more?Watch Now Disney+Moonrise Kingdom (2012)View full post on YoutubeFor the more eclectic celebrators, Moonrise Kingdom is the ultimate summery Wes Anderson Americana flick—and probably the only film that could actually make you actually want to go camping.Watch Now on Prime VideoSelma (2014)View full post on YoutubeAva DuVernay directs this Civil Rights film that follows Martin Luther King Jr.’s (David Oyelowo) journey to securing voting rights for Black Americans. A biopic that truly demonstrates patriotism and freedom.Watch Now on Paramount+Top Gun (1986)View full post on YoutubeThis is the second Tom Cruise combat movie on this list, and it helped make “Maverick” a part of the American pop-culture lexicon.Watch Now on Paramount+Top Gun: Maverick (2022)View full post on YoutubeSure, it’s another Tom Cruise film, but this one’s a sequel that was 36 years in the making. With a new generation of rising stars (hi, Glen Powell), high-speed jets, and shirtless beach football, what more could you want in a summer movie?Watch Now on Paramount+The Cabin in the Woods (2011)View full post on YoutubeCorn on the cob and a dip in the pool for Independence day? Boring. Instead, try a summer lake-house romp that explores all of America’s scariest lore in one fell swoop.Watch Now on Prime VideoA League of Their Own (1992)View full post on YoutubeFew things are more American than baseball. Feminist film A League of Their Own shows a women-led team breaking the glass ceiling in the male-dominated league.Watch Now on Prime VideoNational Treasure (2004)View full post on YoutubeNicolas Cage turns into a historian obsessed with finding a hidden treasure with links to his family history. His fixation leads him to steal the Declaration of Independence, where a coded message to a map lies. Will he find the treasure or is he just another victim of a good ole conspiracy theory? Watch and you’ll see!Watch Now on Disney+Air Force One (1997)View full post on YoutubeThe ultimate action actor, Harrison Ford, plays a former soldier turned president who must save his family and staff from terrorists after they hijack his plane.Watch Now on Prime VideoLincoln (2012)View full post on YoutubeAcclaimed filmmaker Steven Spielberg (who also helmed Jaws above) directed and produced this biopic about former president Abraham Lincoln, with Daniel Day-Lewis delivering a stunning performance in the titular role. This 2012 film has become a staple of American cinema, which makes it a perfect 4th of July film.Watch Now on Prime VideoGlory (1989)View full post on YoutubeCelebrate the Black veterans who risked their lives fighting the Confederacy in the Civil War.Watch Now on Prime VideoRemember the Titans (2000)View full post on YoutubeThis film brings all the feels. Starring Denzel Washington and a 20-year-old Ryan Gosling, this sports film is based on a true story of a newly integrated high school football team and their Black coach. The performances are spectacular, but it’s the soundtrack that’ll give you goosebumps.Watch Now on Disney+Zero Dark Thirty (2013)View full post on YoutubeThis thriller follows U.S. intelligence officers and Navy SEALS on their decade-long search for Osama bin Laden. Enter: Maya, a CIA intelligence analyst who might have answers to all of their questions.Watch Now on Prime VideoHidden Figures (2016)View full post on YoutubeThe untold story of three courageous Black women who helped NASA journey to space is the perfect film to reminisce about America’s history. Add the stellar performances of Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae, Hidden Figures might become one of your favorites.Watch Now on Disney+Pearl Harbor (2001)View full post on YoutubeA love triangle and a historical drama all in one? Pop the popcorn, please.Watch Now on Prime VideoSaving Private Ryan (1998)View full post on YoutubeIf Remember the Titans will make you tear up, then Saving Private Ryan will make you bawl. This war film follows a group of soldiers who venture behind enemy lines to rescue a lone soldier whose brothers have all been killed in combat.Watch Now on Prime VideoComing to America (1988)View full post on YoutubeOkay, technically it’s not about the Fourth—but Eddie Murphy arriving in Queens in search of true love is a tribute to the American Dream story if we’ve ever seen one. Packed with iconic lines and peak ’80s style, it’s patriotic in its own way.Watch Now on Pluto TVThe Sandlot (1993)View full post on YoutubeFew movies capture the freedom of summer quite like this nostalgic coming-of-age classic. There’s baseball, fireworks, s’mores, and just the right amount of childhood chaos.Watch Now on HuluRelated StoryThe Best Movies to Watch This Summer