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Patriotism doesn’t have to be saved for parades and cookouts. While the 4th of July and Memorial Day tend to steal the spotlight, you can tap into that American spirit any time you like. One of the easiest (and most entertaining) ways? Press play on one of the best patriotic movies! Whether you opt for a powerful true story or a classic crowd-pleaser, the most iconic patriotic movies celebrate the heart, grit, and history of the nation—no holiday required.
Anyone who enjoys American cinema will want to check out this collection of patriotic movies. It includes wartime epics like Saving Private Ryan and Platoon, 4th of July movies for kids like Miracle, and even romantic comedies like The American President. And if you’re looking for something that will both move you and make you move, you can’t go wrong with a musical full of patriotic songs like Hamilton or Yankee Doodle Dandy. Many of these are even based on true stories, like Hidden Figures and Apollo 13. And some, like National Treasure, are…well, just that! As you take in these thought-provoking films, you may find yourself reflecting on critical moments throughout our history and maybe even learning a thing or two about what it truly means to be an American in the process.
More ways to celebrate your American pride:
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Best 4th of July Movies That Really Show What America Is All About
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Inspirational Patriotic Songs to Add to Your ‘Proud to Be American’ Playlist
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Best Patriotic Decorations for an All-American Summer
Hamilton
This groundbreaking musical brings the story of Alexander Hamilton and the birth of America to life with a modern twist. Featuring a diverse cast and a genre-blending soundtrack, it’s based on the Tony Award–winning Broadway sensation that redefines how history is told.
at disneyplus.com
National Treasure
A fast-paced blend of history and adventure, this modern patriotic favorite follows a daring historian (Nicolas Cage) as he races to uncover a hidden treasure linked to the Founding Fathers. With secret codes, Revolutionary War lore, and a plot to steal the Declaration of Independence (for a good cause), it’s a thrilling tribute to America’s past, with plenty of exciting twists along the way.
at amazon.com
Glory
If you’re after a film full of powerful, spine-tingling moments, Glory more than delivers. It tells the heroic true story of the first all-black regiment in the Civil War and their fight for justice, dignity, and freedom. With unforgettable performances—especially from Denzel Washington, who earned an Oscar for his role—this is a stirring tribute to courage against the odds.
at amazon.com
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
This timeless classic follows an idealistic young senator who dares to challenge corruption at the highest levels of government. While it’s undeniably entertaining, the film also offers a surprisingly insightful look into the inner workings of the Senate and what it takes to stand alone for what’s right.
at amazon.com
Yankee Doodle Dandy
Few embodied patriotic spirit quite like George M. Cohan, brilliantly portrayed by James Cagney. With rousing hits like “Yankee Doodle Dandy” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” Cohan’s flair for showmanship and deep love for America helped define a generation.
at apple.com
Flags of Our Fathers
The Battle of Iwo Jima pretty much changed the game during World War II, and there are six men to thank for that. This movie tells the historic and riveting story—through the lens of filmmakers Clint Eastwood and Steven Spielberg.
at amazon.com
Top Gun
What’s more patriotic than a movie about a couple of over-confident American fighter pilots? Especially one that is played by Tom Cruise, aka the king of cinema in the USA. As you may know, there’s lots of action and romance in this one, which makes it a summer classic.
at amazon.com
Miracle
Anyone who knows the story about the 1980s USA Olympic hockey team knows just how emotional and inspiring it is. This movie tells the story of the players, and how they won the intense game against the Soviet team with the help of coach Herb Brook.
at amazon.com
Gettysburg
What’s so fascinating about this retelling of the Battle of Gettysburg is that it was shot on the exact location where it happened. You’ll learn a lot and you might even feel more connected to the story after watching this one.
at amazon.com
Sergeant York
This heartwarming story about an actual Sergeant in World War I is enough to draw anyone in. Sergeant York was known for being a pacifist, so he’s put into a sticky situation when he enters the scene.
at amazon.com
Apollo 13
The story behind Apollo 13 is recounted with an all star cast (Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, and Bill Paxton, just to name a few). This isn’t just an ordinary space movie—it’s an emotional and motivational cinematic piece that exhibits one of America’s favorite stories: the rescue of American astronauts.
at amazon.com
Hidden Figures
Three Black women—Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—and their stories working at NASA during the iconic Space Race is brought to light. Watch as they help send astronaut John Glenn into space.
at amazon.com
The American President
In this thinking person’s romantic comedy, President Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglass) must choose between his political career and his budding romance with environmental lobbyist Sydney Wade (Annette Bening).
at amazon.com
Air Force One
Get off his plane! Harrison Ford defends his family and his country in this thriller about the hijacking of Air Force One by a terrorist group.
at amazon.com
Independence Day
It may not be based on true events, but this exciting blockbuster culminates in an epic 4th of July battle that will have you cheering for the good ol’ USA.
at amazon.com
The Right Stuff
Learn all about America’s first astronauts in this 1983 epic historical drama that picked up four Academy Awards.
at amazon.com
Private Benjamin
A pampered widow transforms her life by going into the Army in this hilarious comedy starring Goldie Hawn.
at amazon.com
Hacksaw Ridge
This World War II hero never carried a gun, yet he saved 75 lives in battle. Andrew Garfield takes on the role of the courageous soldier in this inspiring film.
$4.99 at amazon.com
Harriet
This moving biopic follows abolitionist Harriet Tubman as she leads hundreds of enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Actress Cynthia Erivo stars as Harriet and was nominated for two Academy Awards for the film, one for best actress and another for best song.
$14.99 at amazon.com
Born On The Fourth Of July
This Academy Award-winning film stars Tom Cruise as a veteran who becomes an anti-war activist after being paralyzed in the Vietnam War.
$14.99 at amazon.com
Young Mr. Lincoln
Henry Fonda stars as President Abraham Lincoln in this western drama that covers the start of his law career and romance with his future wife, First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln.
$3.79 at amazon.com
Platoon
This Oscar-winning film encapsulates both the rewards and struggles of being a Vietnam soldier.
$3.99 at amazon.com
Courage Under Fire
Lies and cover-ups abound in this gripping military drama starring Denzel Washington and Meg Ryan.
$13.89 at amazon.com
The Longest Day
If you know anything about the D-Day landings at Normandy, then you know just how intense this film will be. The war classic tells the story of the U.S. Army and Allied forces as they plan a huge invasion.
$14.99 at amazon.com
Selma
Follow Martin Luther King Jr. on his historic march from Selma to Montgomery that changed the world forever. This film from acclaimed director Ava DuVernay features incredible performances by David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo, and Oprah Winfrey.
at amazon.com
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