5 patriotic movies to watch this Independence Day Weekend (2024)

Every American holds great significance for the 4th of July on their calendar and in their hearts since it is the Independence Day of the US. This year the Americans gathered to celebrate 248 years of their country's independence, which they achieved way back in 1776.

Whether you choose to celebrate Independence Day (2024) at home or throughout the next weekend, here are five films listed below that will help you better understand the culture, history, and populace of the United States of America.

---

5 movies to watch this Independence Day Weekend (2024)

1) The Patriot (2000)

A still from the film The Patriot (Image by Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers)

The plot of this historical drama war film revolves around Benjamin Martin, a peaceful farmer. He is forced to join the American Revolution when a British officer kills his son. The movie shows Benjamin's heroism, bravery, patriotism, and hardships.

The official synopsis of the film as per Rotten Tomatoes reads as -

"Mel Gibson portrays Benjamin Martin, an unassuming man who is forced to join the American Revolution when the British threaten to take his farm away from him. Together with his patriotic son, Gabriel, the pair faces the vicious Redcoats with a heroism that reflects the stubborn pride of a young country's most dedicated supporters."

This film is directed by Roland Emmerich. It stars Mel Gibson as Benjamin Martin, Heath Ledger as Gabriel Edward Martin, and Joely Richardson as Charlotte Selton among others. Add this film to your watchlist this Independence Day weekend watch it with friends and family to relive the story of Benjamin Martin.

---

2) Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

A still from Top Gun: Maverick (Image by Paramount Pictures)

This Tom Cruise-led film is about hotshot pilot Maverick. After years of service, he goes to train a bunch of Top Gun elite graduates for a special mission. This mission requires an ultimate sacrifice from the candidates who will choose to fly in it and is risky.

The official synopsis of this film as per Rotten Tomatoes reads as follows -

"After more than thirty years of service as one of the Navy’s top aviators, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is where he belongs, pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him. When he finds himself training a detachment of Top Gun graduates for a specialized mission the likes of which no living pilot has ever seen..."

Directed by Joseph Kosinski, this movie stars Tom Cruise as Pete Maverick, Jennifer Connelly as Penny Benjamin, Miles Teller as Bradley, and Val Kilmer as Tom among others. Add this film to your list of mega-action films for this Independence Day weekend and grab a snack along.

---

3) Independence Day (1996)

A still from Independence Day (Image by 20th Century Fox UK)

This sci-fi film directed by Ronald Emmerich revolves around aliens who are on their way to destroy and invade planet Earth. To tackle the advanced technology and save the planet from aliens, a geek, paired with a few survivors, a pilot, and the US president team up to fight the aliens and stop the destruction over the Fourth of July weekend.

The film stars Will Smith as Captain Steven Hiller, Bill Pullman as The President, Jeff Goldblum as David Levinson, and Mary McDonnell as Marilyn Whitmore among others.

---

4) Hamilton (2020)

A still from Hamilton (Image by Walt Disney Studios)

The plot of this 2020 biographical music drama narrates the real-life story and legacy of Alexander Hamilton. Alexander Hamilton was an ex-American military officer, who served as the first secretary of the treasury from 1789-1795.

Directed by Thomas Kail, the movie stars Lin-Manuel Miranda as Alexander Hamilton, Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton, and Chris Jackson as George Washington among others. Hamilton holds a commendable IMDb rating of 8.3/10 which makes it a perfect pick from Independence Day weekend.

---

5) National Treasure (2004)

A still from National Treasure (Image by Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers)

Directed by Jon Turteltaub, this action film is about a treasure hunter named Ben Gates, who is a historian and code-breaker by profession.

The official synopsis of the film as per Rotten Tomatoes reads as-

"Historian and code-breaker Ben Gates (Nicolas Cage) has been searching his whole life for a rumored treasure dating back to the creation of the United States.....finds an ice-locked Colonial ship in the Arctic Circle that contains a clue linking the treasure to the Declaration of Independence. But when Howe betrays him, Gates has to race to get to the document ahead of his so-called colleague."

The movie stars Nicholas Cage as Ben Gates, Diane Kruger as Abigail Chase, and Justin Bartha as Riley Poole among others.

---

Which of the above films would you watch on the 4th of July? Also, drop in names of films and shows that you might have on your mind for the Independence Day weekend. Happy Independence!