The 4th of July is a great time to share a movie with your family. Whether you’re planning to stay in because of rain or just catching a flick together before the main event outdoors, there is no better way to celebrate Independence Day than hanging out with family and friends watching a great movie. Check out some of the best family movies to watch on the 4th of July.
Family Movies to Watch on the 4th of July
Independence Day– 1996- This is probably one of the best family movies to watch on the 4th of July. It is kind of an out-there movie since it tells the story of an alien invasion on Earth. The human race makes a last chance effort to save Earth by July 4th. The movie stars Bill Pullman, Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum and one of the best scenes in the movie is where the President of the United States flies a fighter jet in the war against the aliens.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBx5Jrs9eGc
Born on the 4th of July– 1989- While this was a pretty controversial film when it first was released, the message of the movie reminds us that while we celebrate with parties and parades, we must also celebrate not only our freedom but the ideals of our country as well. The movie stars Tom Cruise, who plays the character of Ron Kovic, a Vietnam veteran who is in a wheelchair and is a pro-human rights political activist and anti-war activist.
Apollo 13– 1995- This film, directed by Ron Howard, stars Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Gary Sinise and Bill Paxton. The movie is about the Apollo 13 NASA mission, while on a mission to land on the moon, the spacecraft began to be depleted on power and oxygen. The movie continues on as the astronauts on board make it a mission to land home safely.
Glory– 1989- This movie depicts a group of brave soldiers from the Civil War, the 54th Regiment of Massachusetts. These African American men fought tooth and nail so their enslaved brothers would win liberty. This movie is based on the movies Lay This Laurel by Lincoln Kirstein and One Gallant Rush by Peter Burchand as well as the letters of Robert Gould Shaw.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NieVt4D75I
Saving Private Ryan– 1998- Saving Private Ryan is one of the most touching stories that every family should watch. A mother has lost three of her sons in the Allied Invasion of Normandy while her third son was killed while battling the Japanese. When an Army General Staff discovers that her fourth son is missing, he makes it a rescue mission to find this soldier and bring him home safely.
All of these would make great family movies to watch on the 4th of July. Pick one, or make it a movie marathon day until the fireworks show! Another fun idea: rent a projector and show one of these movies on a big screen outside during your nighttime party! There are so many ways to enjoy these family movies on the 4th and leading up to it.
For more fun patriotic entertainment ideas visit a few of my favorite bloggers.
- Patriotic Board Games by In Our Spare Time
- Summer Reading Across the US by Pretty Opinionated
- Outdoor Games to Play at Your 4th of July BBQ by Mom Does it All
- Games for Canadians by Gaggle of Gamers
- Top 10 US History Movies by Upstate Ramblings
- Popular Patriotic Songs for 4th of July Parties by Mom on the Side
- Patriotic Movies to Enjoy at Home by Day by Day in Our World
- Patriotic Picture Books by Better in Bulk
What are your favorite patriotic movies? Share in the comments!
These are all great movies! I just saw Glory about a month ago for the first time. I thought it was a wonderful portrayal of a time in history that I didn’t know much about.
Awesome list! I love independence day
I like Saving Private Ryan, and movies like that always get me emotional. I especially cry at ‘We Are Soldiers’ – that movie is sooo sad. Independence Day is a fun movie to watch – seen it a million times.
These are some great movies in here for sure. Saving Private Ryan really gets me every time.
I love all those movies! One I also love it The Longest Day! Great war movie!!
I have actually seen all of the movies and I love them. Especially Independence Day. I love that movie!
Born on the 4th of July is a great movie, but definitely not for kids. I walked out of it in the theater because the foul language was incessant and I had my baby with me. I’m sure it went over her head, but I couldn’t take that chance. My hubs and I watched it later at home on video.
great list, agreed
though Saving Private Ryan movie would probably need to come with a warning that its not suitable for younger viewers. from what i remember, the opening scene is pretty gory.
Sensitivity to these kind of things has changed, but still…
What a great list of patriotic movies – enjoy!
Great list. These are good movies that I will enjoy watching again.
My hubby just loves watching movies! Great list! Going to check this out! Thanks!
Independence Day is one of our favorites. I need to watch a few of these again.