What To Watch July 4 Weekend: 'Hamilton,' 'Captain America,' More

Your Fourth of July plans this year might look a bit different from what you'd anticipated, but you can still have an amazing time watching some patriotic movies this weekend. We have compiled a list of our favorite Independence Day-inspired flicks that truly capture the indomitable strength of the American spirit.

Fans of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s famed Broadway musical “Hamilton” are in for a treat as Disney Plus debuts the filmed version on July 3, one year ahead of schedule.

Get excited for the quiet heroism of “Hidden Figures,” the infectious thrills of “Top Gun” and the unshakable spirit of “Lincoln.”

And for those looking for some family-friendly movies can check out “National Treasure,” “The Sandlot” and “Captain America: The First Avenger.”

Here’s our full list of movie picks that shine the spotlight on America’s birthday.

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“Hamilton” — Lin-Manuel Miranda, Daveed Diggs; directed by Thomas Kail

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s world-famous hip-hop musical about American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton premieres July 3 on Disney Plus. Filmed entirely at New York’s Richard Rodgers Theater in 2016, this live-stage production recording stars original Broadway cast members including Daveed Diggs, Leslie Odom Jr., Phillipa Soo, Okieriete Onaodowan, Anthony Ramos and Miranda in the title role.

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“1776” — William Daniels, Howard Da Silva; directed by Peter H. Hunt

Hoping for a musical other than “Hamilton”? “1776” also enthralls through song and dance. Based on Sherman Edwards’ 1969 Broadway musical, Peter H. Hunt’s 1972 musical drama depicts the American Revolution’s political struggle in the Continental Congress to declare independence from Great Britain in 1776, immersing audiences in the events that led up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

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“Hidden Figures” — Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe; directed by Theodore Melfi

Based on Margot Lee Shetterly’s 2016 nonfiction book, “Hidden Figures” brings to life the true story of three pioneering Black female NASA mathematicians — Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson ), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) — who made crucial contributions during the space race. Catch all the thrills and excitement of this cinematic gem as our heroines become instrumental in launching astronaut John Glenn (Glen Powell) into orbit.

“Lincoln” — Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field; directed by Steven Spielberg

Steven Spielberg’s 2012 biopic chronicles the turbulent final months of Abraham Lincoln’s life, focusing on the American Civil War and Lincoln’s 1863 Emancipation Proclamation. A box office smash, “Lincoln” paints a moving and dignified portrait, garnering 12 Oscar nominations and a Best Actor win for Daniel Day-Lewis for his powerful performance as the 16th U.S. President.

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“Born on the Fourth of July” — Tom Cruise, Kyra Sedgwick; directed by Oliver Stone

A film adaptation of Ron Kovic’s autobiography, Oliver Stone’s 1989 classic stars Tom Cruise as the war hero who returns home from the Vietnam War paralyzed from the chest down. His emotional scars will take a toll on his spirits, fueling bouts of alcoholism and despair. However, Kovic eventually prevails with renewed hope and mission in life as an anti-war activist.

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“Captain America: The First Avenger” — Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Hayley Atwell; directed by Joe Johnston

Marvel’s 2011 superhero film brims with star-spangled patriotism. Watch Chris Evans as he tirelessly transforms into a super soldier to fight for his country during World War II. No doubt, you’ll feel the true grit and resilience of the American spirit. Need we say more?

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“National Treasure” — Nicholas Cage, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha; directed by Jon Turteltaub

What if you were a die-hard historian, and suddenly you discovered clues to the location of the world’s most-coveted treasure? That’s the premise of this heart-pounding family action adventure. Benjamin Franklin Gates (Nicholas Cage) is a third-generation treasure hunter searching for the long-lost “national treasure” believed to have been hidden by our Founding Fathers. Benjamin’s tenacity soon pays off when he discovers a map of clues on the back of the Declaration of Independence, but danger looms ahead.

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“Top Gun” — Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis; directed by Tony Scott

Catch all the vertigo-inducing aerial sequences as Navy aviators Lt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) and Lt. Tom “Iceman” Kazansky (Val Kilmer) compete for the coveted award of “Top Gun” while training at a flying school in California. Since the sequel “Top Gun: Maverick” is due to be released this December, now might be the best time to brush up on Lt. Maverick’s backstory about his father who was a pilot in the Vietnam War.

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“The Sandlot” — Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar; directed by David Mickey Evans

The coming-of-age cult classic has baseball, barbecues, fireworks, pool parties — serving up a great recipe for an all-American tradition. Watch a group of childhood friends — Scott (Tom Guiry), Benjamin (Mike Vitar), Squints (Chauncey Leopardi) and Ham (Patrick Renna) — celebrate the Fourth of July with a game of baseball in a local sandlot. It’s a star-spangled delight!

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