SOME OF THE BEST MOVIES TO WATCH FOR JULY FOURTH
Curating lists centering on seasonal events or moments is something I have done often around here. Naturally this means lists centering on Fourth of July movies has already been a featured subject, but it’s been a few years, and so this year, in 2026, it seems like the ideal time to give this collection a little facelift.
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SOME OF THE BEST MOVIES TO WATCH FOR JULY FOURTH. Looking at the #FourthofJuly movies you may enjoy. #IndependenceDay #JulyFourth #MoviesList #Movies Share on XFrom historical epics to lighter watches, there are hopefully some great titles to feature. Some of these use Independence Day as its center, while others just have a pretty firework scene and sequence set on the Fourth of July. All of this means is that there is variety, which I quite like. So, here we go, let’s see what familiar (and maybe a new addition or two) titles we can remind each other of.
Note; If some titles seem to be missing from this list, this is a revamp of the original Fourth of July list I published here. You can also check out the later list from 2021.
BEST MOVIES to WATCH for THE FOURTH of JULY
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. Some of the humor is quirky, but just also fitting and fun, too. PG-13 for innuendo, sexual content, language
Synopsis: A military contractor (Bradley Cooper) goes to Hawaii and reconnects with a lost love while falling for his Air Force watchdog (Emma Stone). – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with Netflix; or find digitally on Prime Video
AN AMERICAN STORY aka AFTER the GLORY
This is a Hallmark Hall of Fame title, and it’s been years since I watched it, but I remember thinking it was a solid drama that has some good morals. Because of this, it’s also one of those films that is a bit “darker” than some of its peers. Note: on Hallmark+, this is titled After the Glory.
Synopsis: A group of WWII veterans returning to their small midwestern town , find in the strong-arm tactics of local politicians, the same tyranny they went off to fight against and band together to defeat it at home. – via Hallmark+
Stream with Hallmark+; or find digitally on Prime Video
BANNER 4TH of JULY
This one is also known as A Family Reunion and Star Spangled Banners. It’s a Hallmark film that is pretty cute if you like sibling stories. The plot is about three siblings who used to be a popular band. Now, years later after hurt feelings, they must reunite when a family situation forces them under the same roof.
Synopsis: In their youth, the Banner siblings made it big as a rock group, but at the height of their fame, the group fell apart. Now, fifteen years later the siblings reunite in their hometown to take care of their mother. – via Hallmark+
Stream on Hallmark+ or Plex; or find digitally on Prime Video
CAPTAIN AMERICA: the FIRST AVENGER
Do I put this on a lot of lists? Pretty sure that yes I do place it on multiple lists. I feel like *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? The story is one of noble choices and sacrifices and yes, a bit of romance, too. PG-13
Synopsis: After being deemed unfit for military service, Steve Rogers volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into Captain America. – via Prime Video
Stream on Disney+ or Hulu; 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
Synopsis: Teen sensation Mandy Moore stars as the U.S. president’s 18-year-old daughter who gives the Secret Service the slip to go on a road trip unsupervised by the earpiece set. – via Prime Video July Fourth Movies
Digitally purchase on places like Prime Video; or find streaming on Howdy
THE DEVIL’S TEARDROP
One of those B-movie titles that no one hears about in the way we do the latest blockbuster, this one has a decent cast (Tom Everett Scott, Natasha Henstridge and Gabriel Hogan) and the plot is about a former FBI analyst who left the bureau after tragedy vowing to never again put his family in danger like that. When he is pulled back in, danger finds his kids again. The film is decent and is set during the Fourth of July weekend.
Synopsis: When a gunman shoots seven dead at a Washington DC train station, the FBI calls upon a forensic document analyst to find the killer through their only piece of evidence: a ransom note promising to strike again in 24 hours unless $20 million is paid. – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with Roku or Tubi
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. And I think there are some pretty summer-y scenes including fireworks. PG-13 for sexual content, language, thematic elements, most of which involves teens
Synopsis: The beautiful daughter of a wealthy doctor falls madly in love with the hunky son of a mechanic from the wrong side of the tracks. – via Prime Video
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. Plus, this is a must see if you saw the Netflix dramedy Voicemails for Isabelle with the leading from from Everything, Everything Nick Robinson. PG-13 for sexual content, language, all involving teens
Synopsis: A teenager who cannot leave home due to an illness, falls for the boy next door. Their deep bond leads them to risk everything to be together…even if it means losing everything. – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with Cinemax; or 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
Synopsis: Samantha Mackenzie wants what every college freshman desires: to experience life away from home and parents. It’s not going to be easy, however, because home for Sam is the White House. – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with Prime Video; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
JOHN ADAMS (MINISERIES)
This is an interesting mini-series about the founding of America and its earliest days. It features a stellar cast and storytelling (surprising given its network), but is definitely an adult production. As a result I rarely watch this because its an intense watch. TV-MA
Stream with HBO Max; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
MISS FIRECRACKER
Not one I ever saw, Holly Hunter features in this appropriately titled movie about a woman trying to win a Fourth of July pageant. I have zero idea if this is a good watch, but its user ratings are pretty high, which perhaps speaks well for Miss Firecracker.
Synopsis: Carnelle Scott is best-known in her hometown of Yazoo City, MS, for her unrepentant promiscuity. An orphan taken in by her genteel relatives, she idolizes her older cousin, Elain Rutledge, a former Fourth of July “Miss Firecracker” contest winner who is taking time out from her life as a pampered wife in Atlanta to give a speech on “My Life as a Beauty” at this year’s pageant. – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with Roku or Tubi; or find streaming on 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 July Fourth Movies
Synopsis: A con man, masquerading as a music professor, convinces a small town to form a brass band as a way for him to pocket some money. – via Prime Video
Stream with Plex or 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
Synopsis: MY GIRL is an irresistible story of first love and loss. Anna Chlumsky makes her acting debut as Vada, a precocious 11-year-old tomboy obsessed with death. Dan Aykroyd is her widowed father, the town mortician, and Jamie Lee Curtis is the sexy cosmetician he employs. Macaulay Culkin is Thomas J., the boy next door who idolizes Vada. Their summer adventures from first kiss to last farewell. – via Prime Video
Stream with Netflix; 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
Synopsis: A college student (Scarlett Johansson) goes to work for an affluent but dysfunctional family. – via Prime Video
Stream with Plex or find streaming, at publication, with Howdy; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
NATIONAL 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
Synopsis: Treasure hunter must steal America’s most guarded document. – via Prime Video
Stream with Disney+ or Hulu; 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 because my fuzzy memory says this one is pure delight. G
Synopsis: Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra star in this fun-filled spectacular musical about three sailors who wreak havoc as they search for love during a whirlwind 24-hour leave in New York City. – via Prime Video
Stream with Plex or 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
Synopsis: A reluctant South Carolina farmer (Mel Gibson) is forced to fight the British in this epic adventure of the American Revolution. – via Prime Video
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
Synopsis: Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough star in this spellbinding romantic drama based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks (The Notebook). After a mysterious woman (Hough) moves to a small town and falls in love with a handsome widower (Duhamel), a dark secret from her past threatens their happiness. – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with Netflix or Prime Video; or digitally purchase on places with Prime Video
SISTER of the BRIDE
From 20219, this is a title from Hallmark and honestly I have no memory of the Fourth of July trend in this movie. This said, I do remember the promotion is red, white and blue and it is a summer set flick. Its about a couple whos short dating period becomes an engagement which then worries the parents of the bride.
Synopsis: After only 6 months of dating, Stephanie and Ben get engaged and are delighted to share the news. However, they hit a road bump when Stephanie’s parents show concern that the couple has moved too fast. – via Hallmark+
Stream, at publication, with Hallmark+
TO PHILLY with LOVE
This one is far from Fourth of July or Independence Day obvious but it does have a story set in Philadelphia and involves not just the Liberty Bell but also decoding love letters. The sense of cute adventure is also fun as is the little romance that blossoms.
Synopsis: A teacher and an archivist decode Revolutionary War-era love letters, taking them on a thrilling journey through Philadelphia where they uncover history and discover a love story of their own. – via Hallmark+
Stream, at publication, with Hallmark+
WHEN SPARKS FLY
Meghan Markle (am I the only one who thinks it’s funny to realize that a member of the royal family once featured 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 movie 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.
Synopsis: Fireworks go off when Amy Peterson comes home to help save her family’s annual 4th of July celebration and discovers she loves the man she left behind years ago to pursue her dreams of becoming a journalist. – via Hallmark+
Stream with Hallmark+
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. Channing Tatum plays a cop who’s dream of being Secret Service for the President has been dashed only for him to then unexpectedly be the only one who can protect Jamie Foxx’s president when armed men take over the White House. Like I said, the movie belies reality, but is still fun. PG-13 for action violence, language July Fourth Movies
Synopsis: Capitol Policeman John Cale (Channing Tatum) has just been denied his dream job with the Secret Service of protecting President James Sawyer (Jamie Foxx). Not wanting to let down his little girl with the news, he takes her on a tour of the White House, during which the complex is overtaken by a heavily armed paramilitary group. – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with Hulu; or digitally purchase the film on places like Prime Video
X-MEN
Reportedly this one doesn’t have some traditional Fourth of July moment, but does have a Statue of Liberty battle scene. Plus, superhero movies seem to always be synonymous with summertime. It also has an impressive cast which includes Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen and marks the start of Hugh Jackman playing the iconic Logan aka Wolverine.
Synopsis: The X-Men, a group of mutants with extraordinary powers, wage a fight against both intolerance, and a fellow band of radical mutants intent on exterminating the human race. – via Prime Video
Stream with Disney+; or digitally purchase the film on places like Prime Video
YOUNG WASHINGTON
This film is set to release on July 3 of this year. It’s from Angel Studios (the smaller studio that has had a surprise hit or two) and tells the story of George Washington in his years as a young man in the military. The premise is that this will chronicle his life before he become president. Wonder Project is also listed as a production company.
Synopsis: Before he was the Father of a Nation, he was a soldier fighting to survive. A single misstep thrusts young George Washington into the center of a global conflict, testing his honor, loyalty, and courage. As alliances crumble and the frontier erupts into war, he must confront not only his enemies but the man he’s becoming. – via Wonder Project
See Young Washington in theaters on July 3; check local showtimes
Photos: Alamy | Hallmark Media
MORE to consider
- All for Love (a sweet Hallmark film that features a veteran for a hero)
- Anchors Aweigh (a Gene Kelly musical!)
- Dear John (Nicholas Sparks romance about a soldier)
- Forrest Gump
- G.I. Joe
- 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 (an impressive drama, albeit sad and adult – gritty!, about a military man who volunteers to bring home a fallen soldier)
- Yankee Doodle Dandy
looking for more? browse our collection of titles from 2021 or browse the TV episode list
Photos: Alamy
Let’s hear your thoughts! How many of these have you seen? Which ones would you watch? What did I miss? Share your thoughts on this Fourth of July movies list down in the comment section below. Let’s talk.
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Fist Daughter and Chasing Liberty were such perfect 90’S teen romcoms! Oh the nostalgia!
Right? So much nostalgia! :)