Happy Fourth of July to all those who celebrate! Hopefully, your day is full of food, family, and fun. When you decide to wind down for the night and hit the couch, perhaps stream a movie related to the holiday or summer. Some of these picks are rather obvious, including the 1996 action movie named after July 4.
My top recommendation is Steven Spielberg’s seminal blockbuster that still holds up over 50 years later. Other movies to consider include a legacy sequel, a romantic summer adventure, and a charming family film.
7
The Sandlot
A coming-of-age tale through the eyes of young baseball players
The Sandlot must have nearly universal approval among families. I know people who hate watching baseball, but they love watching The Sandlot. Even if you don’t like the sport, there’s something nostalgic about growing up and spending long summer days with your friends.
In 1962, Scotty Smalls (Tom Guiry) moves to a new neighborhood and eventually makes friends with a group of kids who eat, sleep, and breathe baseball. Led by Benny Rodriguez (Mike Vitar), the group plays ball every day at the local sandlot, and they invite Smalls to be their ninth player. When Smalls borrows a ball from his stepdad that’s hit over the fence, the boys must come up with a way to retrieve it from “the Beast,” the guard dog overlooking the yard.
The Sandlot is streaming on Disney+.
6
The Patriot
The Revolutionary War becomes a blockbuster
Since America is celebrating its 250th anniversary, I needed to include a movie set during the Revolutionary War. The Patriot has been dramatized for entertainment purposes, so there is a lot of misinformation. It is a Hollywood blockbuster, not a documentary. Historical inaccuracies aside, the battle scenes are epic, and Mel Gibson delivers a riveting performance at the center of the film.
Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson) is a widower who lives with his seven children in South Carolina. When called upon to support the Continental Army, Benjamin declines. When his oldest son (Heath Ledger) joins the army against his wishes, Benjamin reluctantly joins and forms a militia that proves to be a thorn in the British Army’s side. Again, treat The Patriots as a summer blockbuster, not a history lession.
The Patriot is streaming on Peacock.
5
Adventureland
Young love at the amusement park
What an impressive two-year run for director Greg Mottola. In 2007, he directed Superbad, a brilliant coming-of-age comedy that happens to be my favorite in the genre. Two years later, Mottola helmed Adventureland, a charming romantic dramedy starring Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart.
After his college graduation, James Brennan (Eisenberg) plans to go on a European vacation. However, that trip is canceled ater James’ father loses his job, forcing the family into a tough financial situation. In need of money, James gets a job at Adventureland amusement park, where he meets Em (Stewart), his co-worker and crush. Adventureland’s true genius is its relatability — who hasn’t had a summer fling they wished could last forever?
Adventureland is streaming on MGM+. Watch it for free on Pluto TV.
4
Born on the Fourth of July
One of our greatest actors gives his best performance to date
It’s truly a shame that Tom Cruise does not have an acting Oscar. This is Tom Cruise we’re talking about, the man who arguably saved Hollywood by bringing audiences back to theaters post-COVID. Cruise is now known for his action prowess, but he came up in the 1980s as a stellar dramatic actor. Born on the Fourth of July might be the greatest dramatic performance of his illustrious career.
Directed by Oliver Stone, Born on the Fourth of July depicts the story of Ron Kovic (Cruise), a Long Island teenager who enlists in the Marines in the 1960s. Years later, Kovic suffers an injury during the Vietnam War that leaves him paralyzed. While recovering in the U.S., Kovic witnesses the country turn its backs on veterans, leading him to become a critic of the war. Like many Stone movies, Born on the Fourth of July is not an easy watch, but it’s an ambitious anti-war film with a powerful Cruise performance.
Born on the Fourth of July is streaming on Netflix.
3
Independence Day
Welcome to Earth
“Today, we celebrate our Independence Day.” That famous line closed off an emphatic speech by President Thomas J. Whitmore (Bill Pullman) in Independence Day, Roland Emmerich’s sci-fi movie. On July 2, 1996, aliens invade Earth and deploy flying saucers over major cities.
These extraterrestrials are not friendly, launching attacks on the cities, killing millions. The creatures even blow up the White House. With the aliens preparing for an invasion of Earth, humanity’s only hope lies with a ragtag group of survivors, including pilot Steven Hiller (Will Smith) and engineer David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum). Independence Day is unapologetically ridiculous in all the best ways. Embrace the loud explosions, corny one-liners, and an epic conclusion.
Independence Day is now streaming on Hulu.
2
Top Gun: Maverick
Once again, Tom Cruise has a need for speed
In a career that dates back to the early 1980s, Cruise is best known for two characters: Ethan Hunt and Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. You can’t go wrong with either, but I’ve always had a soft spot for Maverick, the protagonist of the Top Gun franchise. Cruise first played Maverick in 1986’s Top Gun, and 36 years later, he reprised the role for the excellent sequel, Top Gun: Maverick.
When the movie begins, Maverick is a test pilot who refuses to advance in rank for fear of being grounded. With his career in peril, Maverick’s last chance comes in the form of a teaching position at Top Gun, where he must train a new crop of recruits for a life-or-death mission. Top Gun: Maverick is the rare legacy sequel that exceeded expectations and surpassed the original. Prepare to be entertained.
Top Gun: Maverick is streaming on Paramount+.
1
Jaws
You’re gonna need a bigger boat
When I first pitched this list, I immediately knew Jaws would be No. 1. Every other movie was fighting for second. I mean, can you blame me? Jaws is the definition of a masterpiece — a movie that, no matter how much time has passed, remains as invigorating as ever. It’s a thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat for over two hours.
In the beach town of Amity Island, a shark attack puts police chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) on high alert as he fights to close the beaches. The mayor’s refusal to listen to Brody only leads to more deadly attacks. Brody finally gets approval to kill the beast, and he recruits oceanographer Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) and ship captain Quint (Robert Shaw) to hunt the shark at sea. The resulting voyage is cinematic magic.
Jaws is streaming on Peacock.
More movies and shows to watch this weekend
I’m assuming many of you might be searching for more Fourth of July programming. If so, check out these documentaries to celebrate America 250, including Washington and The American Revolution. If you’re looking for more summer-friendly content, check out new shows like Elle on Prime Video.
