The Patriotic Movies You Should Watch on the Fourth of July

This Fourth of July, celebrate the country you love the most with one of these patriotic movie picks. This list has something for everyone: the animated family film, the comedic classic, and adrenaline pumping action. Whatever your flavor, you’ve got a compelling excuse to save party clean up for later.

1

The Sandlot

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Is there anything more American than baseball, barbecues, and backyard pool parties? This classic is perfect to watch any time during the summer but the annual Fourth of July baseball game this team participates in is about as All-American as it gets. Fireworks light up the sky and sparklers line the streets while “America the Beautiful” plays in the background.

More: 25 of the Best Summer Movies of All Time

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2

Top Gun

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What’s more American than Maverick, Iceman, and shirtless beach volleyball? Flyboys in the Navy’s Elite Fighter Weapons School compete for the top spot in the class. It’s also not bad to brush up on this classic since Tom Cruise just started filming the long-awaited sequel.

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3

The Music Man

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If you’re looking for something that’s celebratory and nostalgic, then this is your pick. In this melodious throwback, a traveling con man who’s in need of money persuades River City natives to purchase instruments and uniforms from him and start a band. Getting out of town proves to be more challenging than he thought when he starts to fall for one of the locals.

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4

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

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This one’s an excellent choice for those that love a bit of political drama. A young entrepreneur is suddenly appointed to the United States Senate and quickly learns how to stand up for himself and his strongly-held views. A classic about democracy in action and how it so crucially affects the lives of everyday Americans.

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5

A League of Their Own

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Who doesn’t love a good baseball movie? With empowered women at the center of this story, it’s one we can definitely stand behind. With most major leaguers off to fight in World War II, an all-female baseball league forms in the Midwest. With Tom Hanks as a down-on-his-luck coach and Madonna sweeping the bases, this is a fun one to watch with the important women in your life.

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6

Yankee Doodle Dandy

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As if the movie cover didn’t give it away, watching this spirited musical is about as patriotic as you can get. A Broadway star takes a trip to the White House to visit President Franklin D. Roosevelt after being honored with a special award. Through his tuneful journey, he takes a look back on his life in America and how he achieved personal success. Patriotism is combined with American history for a truly authentic July fourth experience.

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7

Independence Day

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The typically joyful festivities that take place on this national holiday take a turn for the worse when alien forces begin to seize major cities in the U.S. You get to watch the capitol building go up in flames and cheer as Will Smith punches an alien in the face. In other words, good clean, jingoistic fun.

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8

The Longest Day

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This epic war film based on Cornelius Ryan’s 1959 book covers the D-Day landings at Normandy during World War II and will surely leave you feeling grateful for everything the brave members of the greatest generation have done for America.

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9

Air Force One

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There aren’t many actors who can play both the president and an action hero at the same time, but Harrison Ford is one of them. In this action classic, the President, who also happens to be an ex-solider, boards Air Force One with his family and staff just moments after giving a speech on terrorism. Naturally, terrorists then hijack the plane and the POTUS must save everyone on board.

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10

An American Tail

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In Steven Spielberg’s first animated film, a family of rodents face some unforeseen challenges as they make their way to America. A young mouse gets separated from his parents and must make his way in an unfamiliar place. A sweet introduction to the immigrant story for children—and anyone who needs a refresher on how this country became great in the first place.

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11

Glory

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Packed full of history, this riveting account follows the Union army’s first African-American regiment. Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman star as ex-slaves hoping to prove themselves and ensure the freedom of enslaved Americans.

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