What are your plans this 4th of July? Are you heading to the lake, a family BBQ, or are you planning on chilling at home and enjoying the day off work? Well, grab your sparklers and your popcorn, because we are diving into the most iconic 4th of July movies. They are explosive, and red-white-and-boom worthy movies to watch this holiday weekend. Whatever your plans are this weekend, these movies are guaranteed to fire up your patriotic spirit faster than a Roman candle in July!

*amazing image courtesy of ChatGPT!

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Iconic 4th of July Movies

Some of these movies are very nostalgic for me. I’ve seen all of them in the theater at some point, whether it was when they first came out, or during an anniversary re-screening of the movie. Even more exciting, all of the movies I have chosen for the iconic 4th of July movies list are able to be streamed for free on one of the available streaming services. You’ll have to check the service that you subscribe to!

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Independence Day (1996)

“We will not go quietly into the night!”

Now come on, is it really the 4th of July without Will Smith punching an Alien in the face? This classic is as American as bald eagles and BBQ ribs. I saw this movie on the 4th of July at the Quo Vadis movie theater, an iconic theater near me that was eventually torn down. Still sad about that one. Anyway, back to Independence Day. Watch as the U.S. President gives the speech of the century that unites the world in fighting off this alien invasion. There are big explosions, high stakes, and that awesome 90’s swagger I miss.

The Sandlot (1993)

“You’re killing me smalls!”

Remember how I told you I know where I was when I saw each of these movies? Well, this movie was what we watched on the bus on my 7th grade trip to Toronto! This nostalgic baseball film screams summer in America. It is set during the summer of 1962, is filled with backyard baseball, fireworks, and that one epic 4th of July night game under the glow of bursting rockets. It’s not only funny, but it will also give you all the warm and fuzzy feels. This is one your kids will love! Mine watched it over and over when they were little!

National Treasure (2004)

“I’m gonna steal the Declaration of Independence.” 

Now I will fully preface this with, I am NOT a Nicolas Cage fan. To the point that if I find out he’s in a movie, my first reaction is, “ew. No. I don’t like Nicolas Cage”. Dramatic, I know. However, this movie, where Nicolas Cage literally steals the Declaration of Independence in order to protect it, is worth watching. It’s full of history, treasure hunts, secret societies, and puzzles to keep you entertained the entire time. So, you history buffs, conspiracy theory lovers, and Nicolas Cage lovers (or not), brush up on your trivia and enjoy this film!

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Captain American: The First Avenger (2011)

“I can do this all day.”

Really, what is more American than a superhero literally named Captain America? Full disclosure, I could take it or leave it with most of the Avenger movies, but I liked this one. From the vintage vibes of WWII to modern day, shield slinging justice, Steve Rogers is the embodiment of courage, honor, and looking good in his star spangled spandex.

Forrest Gump (1994)

“Life is like a box of chocolates…”

OK…hear me out on this one. While it is not a 4th of July movie per se, Forrest Gump’s journey through the decades of American History makes it feel like a love letter to the U.S. Just like the other movies, I saw this movie in the theater. I went on a date to see this, only it wasn’t a real date (according to what I told my mom) because I was only allowed to do this in groups the summer going into 8th grade. But in my mind, it was a date! Regardless, this movie is the perfect movie to watch on the blow up screen outside (or inside…I’d watch it inside, but mainly because it’s so hot here and it’s not really cooling off at night) while sipping on your sweet tea.

Jaws (1975)

“You’re gonna need a bigger boat.” 

I’m not going to lie, this is one of my favorite movies! I’ve seen it a half a dozen times. In fact, when it was playing at our local dollar theater, I took my daughter and her friends when they were in third grade! This Spielberg thriller is set during the July 4th weekend in a beach town that should have closed due to this man eating shark. This suspenseful movie will keep you engaged, as well as provide that subtle reminder that maybe you should stay in the pool this holiday weekend! I’ve seen some local areas playing this movie on a blow up screen while everyone floats in tubes! That would be fun!

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Whether you’re in the mood for alien battles, baseball under the stars, or epic treasure hunts, one of these iconic 4th of July movies will keep you entertained this holiday weekend (or all. No judging if you marathon it). Now tell me, what is your go to 4th of July movie? Which one did I miss?