Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
It’s Independence Day! A time to let freedom ring and drinks flow and fireworks glow. A time to celebrate the stars and stripes. And for some of us, a time to stay inside, away from the heat, and watch movies that remind us what it means to be an American. I’m not talking about the best Fourth of July movies – we’ve been around that bend enough times to know that Independence Day and Born on the Fourth of July are some quality picks if you want to be really on-theme.
We’re here to celebrate the films as American as apple pie, the quintessential U.S.A. movies that evoke all the things that make our country what it is. Some of the most-quoted lines in cinema history come from these films; from “Run, Forrest, run!” to “You’re gonna need a bigger boat!”, these iconic movies paint pictures of different facets of our country and our culture – perhaps the best and worst parts of it.
In honor of the Fourth of July, we rounded up five essential American movies for your viewing pleasure. We’re talking iconic blockbusters, moving tearjerkers, and all-around American heroes. Grab a cold one and get comfortable. Let’s pour one out for movies that ooze the most red, white, and blue.
RELATED: Decider’s Favorite Flicks To Watch On The Fourth Of July
'Jaws'
It’s hard to imagine anything more star-spangled-summer-infused-awesome than Steven Spielberg’s Jaws; it essentially gave birth to the new summer blockbuster, a thoroughly American phenomenon. With its idyllic Amity Island (Martha’s Vineyard) setting and those iconic two-notes, this giant shark flick has haunted our beach outings since our very first encounter.
'Star Wars'
Okay, so there may not be any American flags (or mention of the U.S.A. in general) in Star Wars, but few things have infiltrated the American cultural zeitgeist the way George Lucas’ legendary franchise has. We’ve got thoroughly iconic characters that people will be dressing up as for Halloween for years to come, scenes we’re still reenacting, and perhaps the best battle of dark versus light the world has ever known. The Star Wars movies are an American tentpole.
Where to Stream Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
'Rocky'
Do I even have to explain this one? Rocky Balboa is the encapsulation of the American dream, a true rags to riches story of one man who gave his all to the one thing he knew how to do. The rest of the films in the franchise are equally as patriotic, with Rocky IV standing out in particular. (Just ask my colleague, Josh Sorokach). We dare you not to get hyped watching the training montage. Seriously.
'The Rocketeer'
If you put all of the American adjectives and concepts you could think of into a blender and turned it into a movie, you’d have The Rocketeer. Seriously, this flick has everything: Old Hollywood glamour! A passionate young romance! Howard Hughes! Mobsters! Nazis! Nazi punching! A showdown at the Griffith Observatory! Mildly predictable but totally enjoyable plot twists! The line, “I may not make an honest buck, but I’m 100% American – and I don’t work for no two-bit Nazi,” delivered by Paul Sorvino’s no-nonsense gangster!
Seriously, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more perfect amalgamation of all the factors that make an American classic. The Rocketeer is definitely more fun than you remember, and boasts all the cheesy, earnestly American qualities that makes these kinds of plays on Old Hollywood great.
'Forrest Gump'
America’s sweetheart��Tom Hanks is a legend in more ways than one, and Forrest Gump is a showcase of exactly why he’s a household name around the world. Forrest Gump is another symbol of the American dream; a man with a below-average IQ attends college on a football scholarship, saves his platoon in Vietnam, embarks on a run across the country for three and a half years, and stays true to his childhood sweetheart. It’s a story of the power of courage and the ability to overcome any obstacle with just a little bravery and kindness – what’s more American than that?
