7 Movies That Will Make You Feel Extra Patriotic This July 4th

Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or marching in the local parade, the Fourth of July is all about showing your American pride. There's no question that Independence Day is a chance to bring out your red, white and blue and have fun with family and friends. But it's so much more than that.

The Fourth of July is also a day to honor our country's birthday as well as all those who serve to protect our freedom to celebrate. So this year, don't forget to do a little of both. We rounded up a few classic films and recent blockbusters that highlight our nation's history, ingenuity and people to set you off in the right direction.

So go ahead. Cozy up on the couch and prepare to get all misty-eyed — after you've had your fill of fireworks, of course.

# 1 “Patton” — George C. Scott, Karl Malden, directed by Franklin J. Shaffner

The 1970 Oscar-winning biopic “Patton” is a character study of Gen. George S. Patton, who was hailed as America’s greatest World War II combat general. With Oscar-winning script, direction and Scott’s performance in the titular role, it celebrates Patton’s courage and genius in the battlefield. The actor’s six-minute monologue alone in the beginning of the film is worth your time to watch this movie gem.

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#2 “Glory” — Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, directed by Edward Zwick

As Col. Robert Shaw, Matthew Broderick navigates viewers to the lionhearted story of his infantry unit, 54th Massachusetts Regiment— one of the first black fighting units to be enlisted in the Union during the Civil War. The period war drama beautifully captures the chaos, discipline and valor in engagements throughout the war.

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#3 “Saving Private Ryan” — Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, directed by Steven Spielberg

The film relates the story of one platoon’s determination, courage and honor to go behind enemy lines to retrieve Private James Ryan, whose three brothers have been killed in combat. An extraordinary achievement in filmmaking, “Saving Private Ryan” is absolutely compelling. The film may be excruciatingly painful to watch, but the discomfort is all worth it, as the screenplay unfolds with passion, grief, brutality and integrity.

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#4 “American Sniper” — Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, directed by Clint Eastwood

Bradley Cooper stars as U.S. Navy S.E.A.L. Chris Kyle, one of the most lethal snipers in American history. Having served four tours of duty in Iraq, he finally returns home, but he cannot leave the war behind. Intensely powerful, “American Sniper” is harrowing and extremely affecting as it delves deeply into the perils of war. You’ll be left wondering why Kyle felt compelled to re-enlist time after time.

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#5 “Hacksaw Ridge” — Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, directed by Mel Gibson

"Hacksaw Ridge" is a biopic about the war experiences of Army medic Desmont T. Doss (Andrew Garfield), the first American in history to be awarded with the Medal of Honor after refusing to carry any weapons in combat. In spite of a great deal of graphic violence, "Hacksaw Ridge" is piercingly thought provoking. Mel Gibson's brilliant directorial vision and exposition are reminiscent of his movie "Apocalypto."

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#6 “Apollo 13” — Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, directed by Ron Howard

Based on the events of the Apollo 13 lunar mission, the historical epic drama tells the story of NASA’s delicate and risky plan to return the spacecraft and its crew to earth safely after its oxygen tank explodes. The language may be too scientific and mathematical, but the tone is exact and realistically alarming. By the end, you’d be relieved to hear “This is Apollo 13, we’re signing off.”— after the spacecraft’s safe trip back to earth.

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#7 The Hunt for Red October — Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin, directed by John McTiernan

A film adaptation of one of Tom Clancy’s best-selling novels of the same name, “The Hunt for Red October” follows the story of Soviet submarine commander Ramius (Sean Connery) as he steers his sub Red October toward American waters, hoping to defect. In the process, the CIA thinks his goal is to create World War III. Enter CIA analyst Ryan (Alec Baldwin), who thinks Ramius mission is not that doom-and-gloom. Chilling and tense as it is, this cold war suspense-thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Watch "The Hunt for Red October" official trailer:

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Top photo courtesy YouTube