Watching any of these? The Top 10 Independence-Themed Movies
Independence Day (1996)
The ultimate July 4th blockbuster. The world unites to fight off an alien invasion, with epic speeches and massive explosions.
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Directed by Steven Spielberg, this harrowing World War II epic follows a unit on a mission to bring home a paratrooper whose brothers have all been killed in action. [1]
The Patriot (2000)
Set during the American Revolution, this film follows a reluctant South Carolina farmer (Mel Gibson) who is swept into the war after his family is threatened by the British. [1, 2]
1776 (1972)
A musical adaptation of the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, bringing history to life with iconic songs. [1]
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
A classic Frank Capra film where an idealistic everyman (Jimmy Stewart) is appointed to the U.S. Senate and takes on political corruption. [1, 2, 3]
Glory (1989)
The powerful Civil War drama detailing the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, one of the Union Army's earliest African-American regiments. [1, 2, 4, 5]
Top Gun (1986) & Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
These adrenaline-pumping films celebrate U.S. Navy fighter pilots, precision, and the American spirit of excellence. [1, 2]
Miracle (2004)
The inspiring true story of the 1980 U.S. Men's Olympic Ice Hockey team and their underdog triumph against the dominant Soviet team. [1]
Apollo 13 (1995)
Tells the incredible true story of the Apollo 13 lunar mission, highlighting American ingenuity, engineering, and teamwork in the face of disaster. [1]
Hidden Figures (2016)
A celebration of unsung heroes—the brilliant African-American female mathematicians at NASA who were pivotal in launching astronaut John Glenn into orbit