The Top Ten Fourth of July Movies

To celebrate the fourth of July, after the barbecue ends but before the fireworks start, you might consider reflect on the meaning of the day by watching one of the following movies. Not all are about the American Revolution per se, but all are, to greater or lesser extent, commentaries on the American values and ideals, as well as the complexities and contradictions of said values and ideals that define the country.

Patton

A biopic of one of the most famous U.S. generals ever, Patton is an epic, running over three hours, tracing the life and career of a man that was truly global in scope. What is most compelling is that the film is neither pro-war, nor anti-war. Instead, it captures the complexity of a career soldier and provides deep and profound insights about the life of military officers.

Glory

Glory, a Civil War movie, about an all-black regiment of soldiers fighting for the Union, with strong performances from Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freedman, Andre Braugher, and Denzel Washington, is a powerful commentary on the transcendence of the desire for independence, and freedom.

Rocky

Epitomizing the can-do spirit and never-say-die attitude on which American has always prided itself, Sylvester Stallone's Rocky, about a small time hood turned number one boxing contender, is empowering, without being overly sentimental.

The Patriot

While The Patriot contains a number of historical inaccuracies, and completely ignores slavery, it is an extensive piece of pro-American propaganda. It is also a pretty solid Mel Gibson action flick, and while it is not too educational or insightful, it is entertaining.

Independence Day

Independence Day is not nearly as sober as most of the movies on this list, but even for an action film, it is remarkably nationalistic, with worldwide Will Smith leading the U.S. Air Force to a military victory against hostile aliens on July 4^th. It is also fun, brash, and optimistic, and quintessentially American in tone.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Both a paean to the virtues of the American democratic system and a criticism of its corruptibility, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is an iconic Jimmy Stewart vehicle that is still fresh by today's standards. It is by turns inspiring and profound, and always engrossing.

Born on the Fourth of July

A haunting reflection on the costs of war, based on a true story, Oliver Stone's Born on the Fourth of July, a biographical film about Vietnam veteran Ron Kovic is also a meditation on the meaning of patriotism, with an unforgettable performance from Tom Cruise in the lead role.

Platoon

One of the best war films ever made, Platoon inspires considerable reflection on the psychological sacrifices made in pursuit of freedom. Charlie Sheen, Willen Dafoe, and Tom Berenger captivate as Vietnam soldiers who no longer fully understand what they are fighting for.

Forrest Gump

The social upheaval of the sixties and seventies, as seen through the eyes of a developmentally disabled man in Forrest Gump, provides a unique perspective on landmark American events, such as the Vietnam War, as well as a gripping film.

The Great Escape

The 1963 Steve McQueen prisoner-of-war escape flick The Great Escape, is a classic. It is an unforgettable tale of World War II soldiers struggling to gain their freedom, and perfectly embodies the American ideal of the transcendence of the human spirit.