10 Top 4th of July Movies & How to Watch Them

Fourth of July weekend celebrations across America involve lots of sun, grilling, and fireworks. What better way to end the day by having a movie night with your family and friends? To help you decide what to watch, we gathered a list of popular patriotic films that are sure to leave a lasting impact.

Ways to Watch Your Favorite Patriotic Movies

All the movies in our list are available to buy, rent, or stream with a subscription to at least one of the following streaming services:

• Amazon Prime Video
• Apple TV
• Disney+
• Hulu
• Max
• Netflix
• Paramount+
• Showtime
• Starz
• Vudu
• YouTube TV

Prepare for a July 4th movie marathon by subscribing to a streaming service plan now. Subscribing is easier and more affordable than ever.

The 10 Best Movies for the 4th of July

The movies below feature stories about war, real-life American heroes, and American history, as well as some action-packed summer blockbusters. Whether you are looking for a movie that captures the spirit of independence and patriotism or a funny flick to keep the mood light after a long day, we have you covered.

Here’s our top 10 countdown of the ultimate 4th of July movies, ranked based on their Rotten Tomatoes rating.

10. American Sniper (2014) - 72% Rating

Based on the autobiography of Chris Kyle, American Sniper depicts the life of the legendary Navy SEAL sniper, his four tours in Iraq, and the toll it took on his mental health and personal life.

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller

Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu

9. On the Basis of Sex (2018) - 72% Rating

Inspired by the true story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a trailblazing lawyer and mother, the movie depicts Ginsburg’s fight for equal rights. It focuses on a groundbreaking case that helped shape her future as a Supreme Court justice.

Starring: Felicity Jones, Armie Hammer, Justin Theroux

Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu

8. Live Free or Die Hard (2007) - 82% Rating

Directed by Len Wiseman, the fourth installment of the Die Hard series features John McClane joining forces with a young hacker to battle a group of cyber-terrorists determined to bring down the entire U.S. infrastructure.

Starring: Bruce Willis, Justin Long, Timothy Olyphant

Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Hulu, Vudu

7. Hacksaw Ridge (2016) - 84% Rating

This gripping war drama follows the extraordinary true story of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector who saves lives during the Battle of Okinawa without firing a single shot, showcasing bravery and compassion amidst the chaos of war.

Starring: Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey

Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Hulu, Vudu

6. Good Morning, Vietnam (1987) - 89% Rating

An unorthodox and humorous radio DJ lifts the spirits of American soldiers in the Vietnam War with his daily broadcasts while confronting the realities of war in this funny, yet poignant, drama.

Starring: Robin Williams, Forest Whitaker

Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu

5. Zero Dark Thirty (2012) - 91% Rating

The movie chronicles the decade-long hunt for Osama bin Laden and the dedicated female operative who proved instrumental in locating him, leading to the raid on his compound.

Starring: Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke, Joel Edgerton

Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Peacock, Vudu

4. Glory (1989) - 93% Rating

Set during the American Civil War, this Oscar-winning film tells the true story of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, one of the Union Army's first African-American regiments.

Starring: Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman

Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Hulu, Vudu

3. Hidden Figures (2016) - 93% Rating

From 20th Century Fox, this film highlights the real-life contributions of three African-American female mathematicians who played pivotal roles in NASA's early space programs that helped America win the space race.

Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kevin Costner

Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney+, Vudu

2. The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) - 97% Rating

Following World War II, three veterans return to their hometown and struggle to adjust to civilian life, dealing with personal and societal challenges along the way.

Starring: Myrna Loy, Fredric March, Dana Andrews

Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

1. Selma (2014) - 99% Rating

This film is based on the actual events of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights march. Martin Luther King Jr. and his followers press forward with their equality efforts, culminating in the passage of the Voting Rights Act.

Starring: David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Carmen Ejogo

Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Paramount+, Vudu

More July 4th Movies to Enjoy

There are plenty more movies to keep you entertained and inspired over Independence Day. See our full 4th of July Movie Guide for information about other classics, including:

• Independence Day
• Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick
• Forrest Gump
• Apollo 13
• Saving Private Ryan
• Jaws
• National Treasure
• Captain America
• Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
• And many more!

Looking for other holiday-themed movies? SmartMove has you covered with the best movies for every holiday.