Some of the Best Independence Day Movies to Enjoy
I’m one of those people who loves their country, its colors and the flag, too. Mostly this is probably because it’s where I grew up and what I know, but also there’s a sense of pride that comes with it. As Independence Day rapidly approaches, let’s take a look at some of the patriotic fourth of July movies to enjoy.
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Some of the Best Independence Day Movies to Enjoy. How many of these summer-y flicks have you seen? #FourthofJuly #GoodMovies #FunMovies Share on XTo be honest, I thought this would be a super easy list to compile. But it wasn’t. Perhaps in part because I didn’t want to bog it down with depressing titles, which is often the case with solid patriotic films since many focus on wars. I wanted there to be a variety, and so while some of these may seem like unusual choices, I wanted to put in some titles that offset those with heavier themes like John Adams.
FOURTH OF JULY MOVIES 2020
Aloha
Yes, I know I just put this one on my Armed Forces Day list, but I decided it may fit better on this list because it’s more of a “silly,” easy to enjoy kind of comedy and therefore feels very summer-y even if it’s not a Fourth of July title. PG-13 for innuendo, sexual content, language
Digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
An American Story
A Hallmark Hall of Fame title, it’s been years since I watched this one, but I remember thinking it was a good, solid drama.
Stream with Hallmark+, Plux or Roku
Banner 4th of July
This one is also known as A Family Reunion and Star Spangled Banners, this Hallmark film is pretty cute if you like sibling stories. This one follows three siblings who used to be a band. Now, years later after hurt feelings, they must reunite when a family situation forces them under the same roof.
Stream on Plex, Pluto TV or Tubi
Some of the Best Independence Day Movies to Enjoy. A collection of #FourthofJuly movies. #4thofJuly #IndependenceDay #Movies #MovieList Share on XCaptain America
Do I put this on a lot of lists? I feel like I put this on multiple lists. *shrugs* For starters, I love this character, and also, how can I exclude a film titled Captain America? I mean it has to be included, right? PG-13
Stream on Disney+; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
Chasing Liberty
This isn’t patriotic per se, but it IS cute, and back when it released, its promo material was all about the stars. The plot follows Mandy Moore’s first daughter (to Mark Harmon’s president) looking for an independent adventure, which she thinks she finds with the hunky Matthew Goode. PG-13 for sexual content and language
Digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
Endless Love (2014)
This one isn’t an Independence Day title either, like so many on this list, but my memory is that it’s a summer-time story. PG-13 for sexual content, language, thematic elements, most of which involves teens fourth of july movies
Stream with Netflix; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
Everything, Everything
Pretty sure there’s a cute (aka romantic) scene in this one about fireworks, and that always makes me think of the Fourth of July. Based on the novel by Nicola Yoon, this forbidden romance film is sweet. PG-13 for sexual content, language, all involving teens
Digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
First Daughter
Like Chasing Liberty, this Katie Holmes titles isn’t a “fourth of July” film (in fact, I think its setting is in the fall), but it is a version of patriotism given it’s about a first daughter. PG
Stream with Plex or Prime Video
Forrest Gump
This is a film I think I saw years ago, but cannot remember much if anything about it. It’s one of my dad’s old favorites though, and I saw it mentioned in a Google search, so I decided to go ahead and add it in. PG-13
Stream with MGM+, Paramount+ or Prime Video
John Adams (Miniseries)
This is an interesting mini-series about the founding of our country. It features a stellar cast and storytelling (surprising given its network), but is definitely an adult production. TV-MA
Stream with HBO Max; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
The Music Man
I’m not entirely sure why but the 1962 adaptation of this beloved musical cropped up in my “research” of potential titles. Is there a 4th of July scene? I cannot remember as it’s been years since I watched this, but either way, this one seems fitting for such a list as it’s a jovial film! PG fourth of july movies
Stream with Tubi; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
My Girl
Never seen this beloved movie, but I hear it does boast a fourth of July scene. Do I need to watch this one? PG
Stream with Roku or Tubi; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
The Nanny Diaries
The Independence day bit in this one is small, but also kinda fun and cute given Scarlett Johansson’s costume, and how it carries through on her meet-cute with Chris Evans’ character. PG-13 for language, innuendo
Stream with Paramount+ or Prime Video; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
Some of the Best Independence Day Movies to Enjoy. Talking some fourth of July movies to enjoy over the holiday weekend! #IndependenceDay #WhattoWatch #Movies #4thofJuly #FourthofJuly Share on XNational Treasure
One I haven’t seen in years, but I love this film about a treasure hunter who must protect the Declaration of Independence. PG
Stream with Disney+; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
On the Town
Saw parts of this Gene Kelly musical years ago (while staying at a hotel), and don’t think I’ve ever gone back and re-watched it. Someday I should remedy this. G
Stream with Tubi; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
The Patriot
This isn’t a happy film, but it is quite good. It’s about a man fighting during the revolutionary war, and all that he suffers during his fight for what he believes in. R for violence
Stream with Pluto TV or Roku; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
Safe Haven
A Nicholas Sparks adaptation that’s an angsty (but still likable) romance, this one takes place over the summertime complete with a Fourth of July scene.
Julianne Hough plays a woman running from a dark and abusive past and Josh Duhamel plays the guy she meets, and let’s her guard down with during a time when she is looking for safety. PG-13 for sexual content, thematic elements (abuse) and language
Stream with Starz; or digitally purchase on places with Prime Video
When Sparks Fly
Meghan Markle (am I the only one who thinks it’s odd that a now duchess starred in Hallmark films…??) stars in this Hallmark rom-com, and it’s adorable. As far as promotional material goes, they don’t come much more Fourth of July movies festive than this one. It follows a woman who returns to her hometown where she reunites with her former sweetheart. There’s all the sappy cuteness intact, and I love it.
Stream with Hallmark+, Plex, Pluto TV, Roku or Tubi
White House Down
This is a big action-er that’s kind of “silly” in its action sequences but it’s also fun. Sometimes that’s all you need. PG-13 for action violence, language
Stream with Prime Video or Tubi
Yankee Doodle Dandy
Tagged as a story about “the man who owned Broadway,” this one is supposed to be all-American with its song numbers, and plus, the title just “screams” ideal as a Fourth of July movie for those who enjoy classic films.
Digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
Photos: Alamy | Hallmark Media
MORE CHOICES: All for Love (a sweet Hallmark film that features a veteran for a hero); Anchors Aweigh (another Gene Kelly musical!); Dear John (Nicholas Sparks romance about a soldier); Love & Sunshine (yet another Hallmark romance about a man who returns from overseas); Molly: An American Girl on the Homefront (I mean, who doesn’t think these are darling family movies?); Taking Chance (a really impressive drama, albeit sad and adult – gritty!, about a military man who volunteers to bring home a fallen soldier); and likely many others I missed!
What are some Fourth of July movies you enjoy? Do you have a list to share? Have you seen any of these? Do you like or dislike them? Comment all of your thoughts down below!
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Note; this list was updated June 5, 2025 with updated information
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