Matthew Wilson
USA TODAY
Published 11:35 p.m. UTC Jun 26, 2018
It’s the time of the year to throw some burgers on the grill, annoy your neighbors with bottle rockets and get in the Fourth of July spirit with these binge-worthy classics. Whether you are looking for a light and breezy adventure film or an in-depth look at American history, celebrate your independence with these five picks.
If you are a war-movie buff: ‘Saving Private Ryan’
Often dubbed one of the greatest war films of all time, Steven Spielberg’s classic explores the bonds of brotherhood and the futility of war. Matt Damon may play the titular role, but it is Tom Hanks’ soulful yet hardened portrayal of Capt. Miller that drives the film. Whether it’s the opening sequence on Normandy’s blood-soaked beaches or the final act of a lone soldier facing down a German tank, “Saving Private Ryan” earns its spot in the patriotic pantheon.
Stream it on Youtube, Amazon, Google Play, Vudu, Starz or iTunes.
If your kids keep asking about the fireworks: ‘An American Tail’
This 1986 animated film depicts the classic pursuit of the American Dream but with more cartoon mice, singing and dancing. Issues as weighty as immigrant hardships may not seem like the basis for a movie the whole family can enjoy, but “An American Tail” pulls it off with a cast of colorful characters and an optimistic tone.
Stream it on Netflix.
If you want a history lesson: ‘The Untold History of The United States’
If you spend your time pondering how we got to this point in history, this 10-part series has you covered. Best known for films like his conspiracy thriller “JFK,” director Oliver Stone leaves no stone unturned in his re-examination of modern America. Beginning with World War I and the Russian Revolution, Stone works through the past 100 years of American history leading up to the Obama Era.
Stream it on Netflix.
If you are trying to decide if Nicolas Cage is a good actor or not: ‘National Treasure’
What’s Independence Day without secret government societies and hundred-year-old riddles? The 2004 film starring Nicolas Cage (who else would be brazen enough to steal the Declaration of Independence?) plays like a modern and Disney-fied “Indiana Jones” film with more Uncle Sam and less Ark of the Covenant. While it won’t be winning points for originality, it’s a breezy, action-packed look at the Founding Fathers. .
Stream it on Netflix.
If you want to start the fireworks early: ‘Independence Day’
There may never be a more patriotic movie about aliens destroying the White House. It’s right there in the name, the definitive film to watch before the fireworks. Starring Will Smith in his prime and Jeff Goldblum at his Goldblum-iest, the 1996 disaster film is a celebration of dogged American pride. With one of the most inspirational speeches ever to grace cinema screens, it refuses to “go quietly into the night” even 22 years later. Just be sure to avoid the ill-advised and ham-fisted sequel, 2016’s “Independence Day: Resurgence.”
Stream it on Youtube, Amazon, Google Play, Vudu, iTunes or Starz.
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