In my humble opinion, the Fourth of July is one of the best times to watch a movie, whether you’re with your friends, your family, or you’re spending the holiday far away and you just want a little taste of home.
But then the question is, what do you watch?
Have no fear. Through many years, I have refined my list of movies to watch Independence Day weekend down to five great films (and some television if you’re feeling ambitious).
5. 1776 (1972)
This movie is on my list for one very simple reason: 1776 portrays the events leading to the signing of the Declaration of Independence at the Second Continental Congress. Adapted from the Tony Award-Winning musical, 1776 is at times funny and irreverent and at others somber and emotional as John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson try to maneuver the resolution for independence through an increasingly stubborn congress. Though not entirely historically accurate, 1776 is still fun to watch.
4. Independence Day (1996)
Roland Emmerich’s 1996 take on the alien invasion movie is one of the most memorable of the genre, not only for its striking images of a superior alien spacecraft hovering above the White House and other famous landmarks, but for Bill Pullman’s rousing speech as President Thomas Whitmore. It’s not a complex movie by any means, but it is a fun sci-fi disaster romp that focuses on human ingenuity in the face of adversity.
Plus, the final battle takes place on the Fourth of July.
Today we celebrate our Independence Day, indeed.
3. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
Strictly speaking, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington doesn’t take place on the Fourth of July, but it does feature the most famous Senate filibuster scene in cinema history so I think it still counts. Jimmy Stewart is in top form as Jefferson Smith, an idealist appointed by his governor to fill a vacancy in the Senate. He quickly discovers that everything in DC is not what it appears to be, but that doesn’t stop him from staying true to his principles. He’s the kind of man we want to have in Washington, and in a time where politics and social media divides us and corruption seems rampant, it is nice to remember that there are still Jefferson Smiths out in the world.
2. Hamilton (2020)
Strictly speaking, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington doesn’t take place on the Fourth of July, but it features the most famous Senate filibuster scene in cinema history, so it still counts in my book. Jimmy Stewart is in top form as Jefferson Smith, an idealist appointed by his governor to fill a vacancy in the Senate. He quickly discovers that everything in DC is not what it appears to be, but that doesn’t stop him from staying true to his principles. He’s the kind of man we want to have in Washington, and in a time where politics and social media divide us and corruption seems rampant, it’s good to remember that there are still Jefferson Smiths out in the world.
1. Jaws (1975)
What can I say about Jaws that hasn’t already been said? Steven Spielberg’s 1975 classic is a near-perfect movie. John William’s pitch perfect score and the teases of the shark—a shadow here, a fin there—build up the tension to a fever pitch over the Fourth of July Weekend at Amity Island. Add in some colorful characters: a police chief afraid of the ocean, a smart aleck oceanographer, and an expert Shark hunter with a traumatic past, and a mayor who refuses to close the beaches when there’s a killer shark on the loose, and you have the recipe for a fantastic time. While the film doesn’t deal with the founding of the United States like in 1776 or Hamilton, or the United States government like Independence Day or Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, it’s still my favorite pick to watch on the Fourth of July.
Plus, since it just celebrated its 50th Anniversary in June, now is the perfect time to watch it!
Bonus: Stranger Things Season 3
If you are perhaps feeling ambitious this Fourth of July weekend, or you have a lot of time on your hands, why not try Season 3 of Stranger Things on for a spin? Each season of Stranger Things follows a few days of the lives of the citizens of Hawkins, Indiana, as they take on secret government conspiracies and otherworldly creatures. Season 3 takes place in early July of 1985, and is perfect for a Nostalgic Fourth of July thrills. It even features a politician more concerned with the town’s image than his constituents—just like in Jaws. And since the final season is coming out later this year, now is the perfect time for a rewatch.
Where to Watch
You can find my suggestions on the following streaming services:
- 1776, Independence Day, and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington are all available for free on Tubi
- Independence Day and Hamilton are available to paid subscribers of Disney +
- Jaws is available to subscribers of Peacock Premium
- all films except Hamilton are available to rent or purchase at most online retailers
That’s all folks! Hope you found something that suits your taste to watch this weekend. Now, if you need me, I’ll be singing Hamilton tunes all week long.
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