These Are the All-Time Best Movies To Watch on the 4th of July (2025)

Let's set the scene: It's Independence Day, the fireworks show is over and plenty of delicious 4th of July food has been enjoyed by friends and family. And let's be honest — at the end of the day, all you want to do is sit back, relax and watch a patriotic summer movie.

While there aren't a ton of films about the day itself, there are plenty of great movies to watch on the 4th of July. From historical movies that depict important events in our nation's history to action films that take place on Independence Day, there's a 4th of July movie on this list for everyone to enjoy. And given how you may be spending the holiday weekend with a group of people ranging in age from young children to adults, we made sure to include kid-friendly movies that are just plain fun. No matter what you choose, these movies will help you celebrate everything it means to be an American — with liberty and justice for all.

Starring Jeff Daniels, Martin Sheen and more, this 1993 historical film depicts the memorable three-day battle that occurred during the Civil War. Even though this occurred more than a century before this was shot, the movie honored its roots by making sure production occurred on the actual Gettysburg battlefield that changed American history.

As the Fourth of July celebrates the birth of the American nation, it's time we watch how some of the players helped fight during the Revolution. This film explores the fictional story of a young silversmith whose hand injury forces him to find a new way in assisting in the war. As he finds himself drawn to the real-life Sons of Liberty, he learns what sacrifice truly means to become an independent country.

This intense war epic chronicles the life of World War II general George S. Patton (played by George C. Scott). Focusing on his time in North Africa, D-Day and other important moments in American history, the movie explores how his military prowess and controversial behavior affected him throughout a time he'd be forever remembered for.

In this comedy from Eddie Murphy, the actor stars as an African prince who celebrates his 21st birthday by getting ready to marry a woman he's never met. To make sure it doesn't happen, he ventures off to the United States so he can find the love of his life.

Based on the true story of Black aviator Jesse L. Brown, Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell star in this powerful film documenting the camaraderie between naval officers while they fight in the Korean War.

When local hero Jefferson Smith is surprisingly appointed to serve in the United States Senate, he becomes even more shocked when he learns what he's up against. The fictional story of a young idealist entering the Senate was met with positive reviews from viewers and is even featured in the Senate's history.

Dating is hard, especially when you're the president of the United States. This sweet romantic comedy follows a widowed U.S. President as he falls for an environmental lobbyist — and all of the bumps along the way.

Natalie Portman stars as Jackie Kennedy, the First Lady to President John F. Kennedy. The movie explores the woman's life through living in the spotlight, including the strength she had upon the devastating death of her husband.

Ever wondered how the United States was able to send the first person to space? This film explores the birth of NASA, along with the seven brave men who volunteered to be at the forefront of exploration.

Based on Doris Kearns' biography Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, Daniel Day-Lewis stars as the famous 16th president as he attempts to pass the 13th amendment (to abolish slavery) amid a Civil War in the United States.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was one of the most famous Supreme Court Justices of all time, but how did she rise to such power in her lifetime? This movie explores her journey to making it to the peak of the U.S. legal system, all while being a wife and eventual mother.

When a singer-songwriter needs to find a way to pay for her debts and medical bills, she agrees to marry a Marine in order to receive his military benefits. What starts off as a business arrangement quickly turns into more, and it's definitely a movie where viewers will need tissue boxes at their sides.

For a kid-friendly 4th of July movie that the whole family will enjoy, look no further than An American Tail. It's an immigration story, an Oscar-nominee and its hero is an adorable mouse named Fievel. What more could you want?

Although the story is fictional, it highlights the Black trailblazers of the West, including Nat Love. This revisionist Western film is action-packed and filled with lines that will have you cheering for the "bad guys."

Cynthia Erivo stars as abolitionist Harriet Tubman. The movie tells the story of Tubman's incredible legacy, including leading the Underground Railroad and guiding enslaved people to freedom.

In this Spike Lee-directed film, four veterans a.k.a "The Bloods" return to Vietnam to find the remains of their squad leader and gold they had buried. It features the incomparable Chadwick Boseman.