Over the years, we've had some incredible Independence Day movies released. Some have had a lasting impression that are watched every year, while others can be rewatched throughout the year at any time. Below, I share a list of Independence Day movies you should check out.
If you are like me, during the 4th of July holiday, you like to sit down on the couch and watch movies to try and not hear the massive amounts of fireworks going off throughout the day and night. As a result, leading up to the holiday, I make a checklist of movies I want to sit down and watch while ordering some Uber Eats.
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Independence Day
The 1996 science fiction action film Roland Emmerich directed featured a star-studded cast with Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, and Mary McDonnell. It follows an extraterrestrial mothership that enters Earth's orbit and deploys saucers to major cities ahead of Independence Day. It's not a holiday without this film being watched.
Where to stream it? STARZ
Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick
You didn't think I would have a list of movies to watch this holiday and not add this duo of movies? Tom Cruise as Maverick in Top Gun is iconic, and last year with his return after thirty years, he produced one of the greatest action movies ever. It's the perfect 1-2 binge for the holiday.
Where to stream it? Paramount+, Prime Video, or MGM+
Air Force One
You could still be riding a high from seeing Harrison Ford return in the icon role of Indiana Jones and need more Ford in your life. So why not catch one of his best movies, where he plays President James Marshall, who is forced to negotiate with terrorists with his family's life at stake on board Air Force One. Truly one of my favorite movies because of the intense action sequences.
Where to stream it? Tubi
Captain America: Civil War
If you are in the mood for reminiscing about the glory days of the MCU, turn on Captain America: Civil War. The battle between Iron Man and Captain America is easily one of the best-written stories the MCU has ever had. You had the writers pit two of the MCU's biggest giants against each other, leading audiences worldwide to take sides (Team Iron Man all day). It introduced many characters and an action feast worthy of watching this holiday.
Where to stream it? Disney+
Zero Dark Thirty
Kathryn Bigelow directed the brilliant film Zero Dark Thirty written by Mark Boal, which follows the story of Maya Harris, a CIA analyst tasked with finding the al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. Academy Award winner Jessica Chastain plays Harris, and the film was nominated for five Academy Awards. It's widely considered one of the greatest films of the 2010s for a reason.
Where to stream it? STARZ
Jaws
Nothing says AMERICA like watching a monster of a great white shark attacking beachgoers in the middle of summer.
Where to stream it? Rent or purchase from iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play
Rocky
If you are feeling really dangerous, I say you throw on the entire franchise Rocky and follow it up by watching all three Creed films. If you are looking to get motivated or need to feel that classic American comeback story, look no further than Sylvester Stallone's masterful Rocky. It's truly amazing to watch this film, but even more to know the blood, sweat, and tears that Stallone put into ensuring this movie got made the way he wanted it to.
Where to stream it? Netflix
Hamilton
The Broadway production brought to life by Lin-Manuel Miranda is a masterclass of story-telling, music, and entertainment. If, for some reason, you've never seen Hamilton, watch this incredibly made production that tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, the first secretary of the treasury.
