11 Patriotic Films for 4th of July Weekend

By Beau Behan, Film Critic:

As we head into Independence Day, people will undoubtedly celebrate America's birthday in all sorts of ways. From outdoor barbecues to pool parties, one thing is sure to remain constant: American pride.

Should you feel like dousing yourself in a little extra nostalgia, we've gathered a list of some of the best patriotic films you can watch this weekend.

We've got all the genres covered along with some memorable quotes below, in no particular order.

• CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER (2011)
  

Synopsis

The year is 1941, and the world is in the midst of chaos. A rejected military soldier, Steve Rogers, finally gets his chance to serve his country through an experimental program, transforming him to a super-soldier— Captain America.

Memorable Quote

Steve Rogers / Captain America: "Don't win the war til I get there!"

• 1776 (1972)
  

Synopsis

A film adaptation of a popular Broadway show of the same name, “1776” is a musical depiction of the political struggle in Continental Congress to declare emancipation from British rule.

Memorable Quote

John Hancock: "I'm concerned over the continued absence of 1/13th of this Congress. Where is New Jersey?"

John Dickinson: "Somewhere between New York and Pennsylvania."

• RED DAWN (1984)
  

Synopsis

“Red Dawn” is a portrayal of how a group of teenagers in mid-western America band together to fight against the invading Soviet army.

Memorable Quote

The Colonel: "All that hate's gonna burn you up, kid."

Robert: "It keeps me warm."

• BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY (1989)
  

Synopsis

It is a biopic about Vietnam war veteran Ron Kovic who feels betrayed by the country he fought for.

Memorable Quote

Ron Kovic: "And I think that I deserve to be treated... decent!"

• INDEPENDENCE DAY (1996)
  

Synopsis

It is the Fourth of July weekend, and aliens are coming to invade and destroy Earth. The only hope to stop total annihilation is mankind’s will to survive.

Memorable Quote

Captain Steven Hiller: I ain't heard no fat lady!

David Levinson: Forget the fat lady. You're obsessed with fat lady. Just get us out of here!

• ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN (1976)
  

Synopsis

“All The President’s Men” is a story of how two reporters uncover the epic details of the infamous Watergate scandal.

Memorable Quote

Bob Woodward: If you're gonna do it, do it right. If you're gonna hype it, hype it with the facts. I don't mind what you did. I mind the way you did it.

• THE PATRIOT (2000)
  

Synopsis

To avenge the murder of his son at the hands of a barbaric British officer, a simple peaceful man, Benjamin Martin, decides to join the American Revolution against the British Army.

Memorable Quote

Benjamin Martin: I have long feared that my sins would return to visit me, and the cost is more than I can bear.

• SAVING PRIVATE RYAN (1998)
  

Synopsis

“Saving Private Ryan” 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.

Memorable Quote

[Private Ryan’s response when he is told he can go home.]

Private Ryan: Hell, these guys deserve to go home as much as I do. They've fought just as hard.

Captain Miller: Is that what I'm supposed to tell your mother when she gets another folded American flag?

Private Ryan: You can tell her that when you found me, I was with the only brothers I had left. And that there was no way I was deserting them. I think she'd understand that.

• TOP GUN (1986)
  

Synopsis

One reckless and cocky fighter pilot, Maverick, learns that humility, and team spirit play a vital role in winning aerial combats.

Memorable Quote

Maverick: I feel the need...

Maverick, Goose: ...the need for speed!

• AMERICAN SNIPER (2014)
  

Synopsis

“American Sniper” is the story of 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.

Memorable Quote

Chris Kyle: The thing that, uh... haunts me are all the guys that I couldn't save.

• APOLLO 13 (1995)
  

Synopsis

Based on the events of the Apollo 13 lunar mission, “Apollo 13” relates the details of NASA’s strategy to return the spacecraft and its crew to Earth safely after its oxygen tank explodes.

Memorable Quote

NASA Director: This could be the worst disaster NASA's ever experienced.

Gene Kranz: With all due respect, sir, I believe this is gonna be our finest hour.