10 Movies to Watch on the 4th of July

Whether they show historical events or delve into concepts of freedom and national pride, these 10 films convey the many facets of independence and patriotism that will keep you entertained this 4th.

1.  Independence Day (1996)

Actors: Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman

Director: Roland Emmerich

Who hasn't seen this one.  Definitely on our play list for the 4th. In the role that catapulted Will Smith into stardom.  A group of survivors, including a Marine pilot (played by Smith), a computer expert, and the President of the United States, band together to fight back and save humanity when aliens launch a devastating attack on Earth on July 4.

2.  Born on the Fourth of July (1989)

Actors: Tom Cruise, Willem Dafoe

Director: Oliver Stone

This movie, which is based on a true tale, chronicles the life of Ron Kovic, a young patriot who joins the Marines during the Vietnam War. He becomes an anti-war activist after becoming disabled in battle, questioning his nation's policies and trying to fit into society.

3.  Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)

Actors: James Cagney, Joan Leslie

Director: Michael Curtiz

While we have not seen this one, 90% on Rotten Tomatoes in nothing to sneeze at. The life of famed Broadway performer George M. Cohan is depicted in this musical biographical movie. It examines his ascent to prominence and his commitment to using his songs and performances to advance American patriotism.

4.  The Patriot (2000)

Actors: Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger

Director: Roland Emmerich

An earlier role for the legendary Heath Ledger, this movie, which takes place during the American Revolutionary War, centers on Benjamin Martin, a former soldier who reluctantly decides to take up arms in order to save his family. Gibson's character plays a significant role in the militia's defense of their freedom and homeland.

5.  Lone Star (1996)

Actors: Chris Cooper, Elizabeth Peña

Director: John Sayles

A corrupt sheriff who was notorious for his prejudice and illegal actions was killed in a border town in Texas, and the local sheriff is now looking into the case. He discovers a complicated web of secrets as he digs deeper into the past, truths that are connected to the town's history and its struggle for independence.

6.  The Sandlot (1993)

Actors: Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar

Director: David M. Evans

A bunch of youthful baseball fans gather in a tiny village during the summer of 1962. They become great friends and go on adventures together while celebrating friendship, childhood, and the spirit of independence, such trying to retrieve a prized baseball from a neighbor's yard.

7.  National Treasure (2004)

Actors: Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger

Director: Jon Turteltaub

A historian and treasure hunter set out on a mission to find a legendary treasure that has been guarded by Freemasons and dates back to the formation of the United States. This exhilarating journey takes place against the backdrop of national history and the fight for freedom.

8.  1776 (1972)

Actors: William Daniels, Howard Da Silva

Director: Peter H. Hunt

The events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence are brought to life in this musical drama. It is a political drama about the Founding Fathers' attempts to unify the American colonies against British control. It is set in Philadelphia in 1776.

9.  Glory (1989)

Actors: Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington

Director: Edward Zwick

If you love Denzel, then you have definitely seen this film and his Oscar winning performance where the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, one of the first African-American regiments in the Civil War, is followed as it forms and faces hardships in this film. The regiment fights discrimination and fights for their right to serve on the front lines under the direction of a determined white leader, Colonel Robert Shaw (played by Matthew Broderick), displaying their bravery, sacrifices, and quest of freedom.

10.  Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

Actors: James Stewart, Jean Arthur

Director: Frank Capra

Jefferson Smith, a naive and idealistic young man, is appointed to the US Senate and soon finds himself caught up in a web of political corruption. Smith struggles against all odds to preserve his beliefs and reveal the truth.