Popcorn and Patriotism: Top Movies for Your Independence Day Binge

Looking to celebrate the Fourth of July with something a little more chill than fireworks and cookouts? Fire up the popcorn and your favorite streaming service—because patriotic movie marathons are in season. Whether you’re in the mood for action, history, or a little old-fashioned Americana, ThePioneerWoman.com has you covered with a list of festive flicks perfect for the holiday.

Here are 30 standouts to help set the red, white, and blue mood:

1. “Jaws” (1975) – Nothing says “Fourth of July” quite like a beach town being terrorized by a great white shark. Classic.
2. “Top Gun” (1986) – Jet-fueled action, volleyball, and Tom Cruise in aviators. Instant USA vibes.
3. “The American President” (1995) – Presidential romance meets political idealism.
4. “Rocky” (1976) – An underdog story that’s all heart and Philadelphia grit.
5. “The Sandlot” (1993) – Summertime nostalgia and baseball—need we say more?
6. “An American Tail“ (1986) – A sweet animated tale of immigration and the American dream.
7. “Live Free or Die Hard“ (2007) – Cyber-terrorism vs. Bruce Willis. USA wins, obviously.
8. “National Treasure” (2004) – History class meets heist movie with Nicolas Cage doing peak Nicolas Cage things.
9. “Captain America: The First Avenger” (2011) – A literal superhero wrapped in a flag. Perfect.
10. “Apollo 13” (1995) – Real-life NASA drama that reminds you of American ingenuity.
11. “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” (1939) – Jimmy Stewart delivers peak civic virtue.
12. “Air Force One” (1997) – “Get off my plane.” – Harrison Ford, American icon.
13. “Forrest Gump” (1994) – A Forrest-through-the-decades view of modern U.S. history.
14. “Hamilton” (2020) – If you haven’t watched it yet, now’s the perfect time.
15. “1776” (1972) – Founding Fathers sing their way through independence.
16. “The Six Triple Eight” (2022) – Tells the powerful true story of the only all-Black, all-female battalion in WWII.
17. “Captain America: Brave New World” (2025) – Sam Wilson takes up the shield in this latest Marvel chapter.
18. “Purple Hearts” (2022) – A military romance that dives into the complexities of love and service.
19. “Argo” (2012) – Tense and heroic, Ben Affleck’s film spotlights a daring hostage rescue.
20. “First Daughter” (2004) – Life in college gets tricky when you’re also the president’s kid.
21. “Johnny Tremain” (1957) – A Disney classic that revisits Paul Revere’s midnight ride.
22. “U-571” (2000) – A gripping WWII submarine thriller.
23. “Mr. 3000“ (2004) – Baseball and redemption mix in this sports comedy.
24. “Gettysburg“ (1993) – An epic Civil War retelling that leans heavily into historical drama.
25. “Lone Survivor” (2013) – A harrowing Navy SEAL mission based on real events.
26. “Night at the Museum” (2006) – History comes alive (literally) in the most fun way possible.
27. “The Post” (2017) – A newsroom drama steeped in First Amendment battles.
28. “The Right Stuff” (1983) – A high-flying story of NASA’s earliest pioneers.
29. “We Are Marshall” (2006) – A college town rebuilds after tragedy, grounded in grit and unity.
30. “The Great American Fourth of July and Other Disasters” (1982) – A nostalgic TV special about one family’s chaotic holiday.

But seriously, where is “Independence Day” on this list? Alien invasions, exploding monuments, Will Smith punching an extraterrestrial? We demand justice.

Whether you’re into historical dramas, family fun, or full-blown fireworks on screen, there’s something on this list to suit every kind of patriot. So if you’re staying in this weekend, grab some snacks, crank up the A/C, and let the stars and stripes fly on screen.