10 Iconic American Films to Celebrate Independence Day

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

Frank Capra was a really complicated guy. His autobiography is one of my favorites, He was an immigrant who grew up poor and sort of stumbled into becoming one of the most important filmmakers of all time.

This timeless classic champions the ideals of American democracy. Led by Jimmy Stewart, he plays a naive and idealistic young man appointed to the U.S. Senate who single-handedly takes on a corrupt political machine. The passionate filibuster scene is inspiring.

1776 (1972)

Before Hamilton, there was 1776. It was a Broadway hit that took on the signing of the Declaration of Independence with wit, humor, and a surprising amount of historical accuracy for a musical.

The Patriot (2000)

Look, I know this Mel Gibson and Roland Emmerich movie is not historically accurate. But when Mel takes out those red coats and saves his son in act one, how can you not just like rise up and cheer?

Set during the American Revolution, this historical drama tells the story of a reluctant farmer who is drawn into the fight for independence.

It really amps you up and makes you believe in the country so many people died to create.

Forrest Gump (1994)

I often get into arguments with people about this movie. It was one of the favorites of my late friend Mike Chobot, who always used to say he thought this was a movie about how amazing America could be if we took care of each other.

That has always stuck with me.

This Oscar-winning film weaves its titular character, played by Tom Hanks, through pivotal moments in American history, from the Vietnam War to the Watergate scandal. We see a lot of history and a lot of the ugliness and beauty of our young country.

Lincoln (2012)

Directed by Steven Spielberg, this powerful historical drama focuses on President Abraham Lincoln's political struggle to pass the Thirteenth Amendment and formally abolish slavery.

It's maybe the most important thing to have happened since the Declaration of Independence (at the time of the young country) and it shows how the union can be held together in really turbulent times.

Daniel Day-Lewis's transformative performance anchors a film that brilliantly showcases the messy, complicated, and essential work of freedom for all.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

This is America, so we have to go with back-to-back Spielberg movies. This masterpiece tells the story of the sacrifices made by American soldiers during World War II in order to save one life.

While there are many things that were still bad during this time, at least we knew the bad guys were worse, and the sacrifices our soldiers made were not because they thought America was perfect, but because they knew it had the ability to get better in times of peace.

The price of liberty is high.

National Treasure (2004)

Alight, I know a lot of these movies are maybe not as fun as you want, so I have some on here that just are bangers.

Nic Cage playing a historian adventurer is just inspired. There are so many clues cleverly embedded in iconic American artifacts and documents, and lots of cool facts you would never know without a movie like this one.

Of course, there is no better trailer moment than someone saying "we have to steal the Declaration of Independence," which is so darn fun.

Do the Right Thing (1989)

You cannot talk about American movies without talking about Spike Lee. The guy is one of the most important filmmakers of our time. and he has an uncanny ability to diagnose and speak about America in ways no one else dares.

This is one of his masterpieces, set in a Brooklyn neighborhood on the hottest day of the summer, the film masterfully builds the simmering racial and social tensions that erupt into tragedy.

The movie takes on race, class, prejudice, cops, and community. It shows how we can survive together or kill each other until nothing is left.

The whole theme is in the title...DO THE RIGHT THING.

The question is, are you brave enough to?

Independence Day (1996)

No Fourth of July movie list would be complete without this quintessential blockbuster.

Roland Emmerich's movie changed blockbusters and sort of invented the July 4th weekend release. Aside from capitalism, which is a great reason to have this movie on the list, the never-say-die American spirit is front and center in this story.

The film's iconic speech by the fictional President encapsulates the defiant and hopeful attitude that defines the holiday.

Field of Dreams (1889)

I knew we needed a sports movie on here. And it was hard to pick anything aside from baseball. and to me, this is the best baseball movie ever, and just one of the best movies of all time.

Whispers in the corn, middle America, something more powerful than us telling us to appreciate our past? Second chances? Fathers?

America is a place it can be hard to believe in, but sometimes, she earns your trust.

Summing It All Up 

For me, these are the best movies to watch this Independence Day. They're full of emotion, complicated feelings, and they show us an America we recognise or one we want to be.

On this holiday weekend, I hope you feel inspired to make this country a better place however you see fit.