There’s never a bad time to throw on a good ol’ fashioned American movie. That said, it’s hard to argue that summer isn’t the peak time to lean into that patriotic spirit. The hotdogs have been pulled off the grill, the kids are drying off from the pool, and that spot on the couch in front of the television has never looked more appealing. Is there a better feeling than watching the opening credits while the air conditioner battles that heat you just brought indoors?

But choosing a good patriotic movie isn’t so simple, because patriotism can mean different things to different people. Perhaps you want to turn your brain off and venture to the moon, like Armstrong and Aldrin once did. Maybe that American spirit comes in the form of a film that honors those who’ve served the country in combat. Patriotism can also mean cheering from your couch while American athletes showcase their talents in front of the world.

No matter what gets your flag flying this Fourth of July (or any other time of year), there’s a film waiting for you — and this list has 10 of them to choose from. Get to streaming, soldier.

American Graffiti

There’s something quintessentially American about this George Lucas–directed classic from 1973 — and not just because it’s right there in the title. Featuring actors including Ron Howard, Harrison Ford, and Richard Dreyfuss, the film follows four friends as they burn the daylight of the final day of their 1962 summer vacation, before adulthood begins and the excitement of mid-century Americana youth fades. Lucas’ film captures something that hadn’t really been conceived yet: the nostalgia of an era, before it’d even passed them by. 

American Graffiti

1973

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Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood

Richard Linklater shoots for the stars in this stylistic coming-of-age drama set around a landmark American moment. Set in 1969 Houston, Linklater’s story follows Stan, a young boy who imagines himself as part of the events leading up to the historic Apollo 11 moon landing. Oh, and it’s animated — the voice cast includes Glen Powell, Jack Black, Zachary Levi, and Josh Wiggins — once again proving that thoughtful storytelling, animation, and a bit of daydreaming isn’t restricted to any one age group.

Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood

2022

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Born on the Fourth of July

Some of the most thoughtful critiques of war come in the form of war movies — feats of filmmaking that tell an important story through the lens of unthinkable acts. That’s where Born on the Fourth of July comes in. Starring Tom Cruise and directed by Oliver Stone, the 1989 film follows Cruise’s character, Ron Kovic (whose autobiographical novel was the basis for the film), across 20 years as he tells the tale of his involvement in the Vietnam War. Its message is as powerful as it is poignant, helping to explain why the film locked in eight Oscar nominations and two wins, including Stone for Best Director. Born on the Fourth of July is a moving look at one of America’s most complex eras.

Born on the Fourth of July

1989

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Da 5 Bloods

Da 5 Bloods is included on this list because of its depiction of the Vietnam War, but that’s far from the only reason. This 2020 Spike Lee joint follows four friends who return to Vietnam decades after the war ends, telling the group’s origin story and the reason they’ve come back now: to find the remains of their squadron leader and to uncover the treasure they buried there years ago. Starring Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Clarke Peters, Isiah Whitlock Jr., and the late, great Chadwick Boseman.

Da 5 Bloods

2020

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Hacksaw Ridge

While films about war often take viewers into the throes of combat, Hacksaw Ridge subverts expectations by following a man who serves his country without firing a single shot. The 2016 film is based on the real-life story of Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield), a Seventh-Day Adventist Christian whose beliefs led him to refuse to carry a weapon as a combat medic in World War II. One of only two conscientious objectors to ever be awarded a Medal of Honor, Doss wades into the horrors of war, saving his fellow servicemen from the battlefield while remaining true to his deepest beliefs. 

Hacksaw Ridge

2016

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Mudbound

In Dee Rees’ sweeping 2017 drama Mudbound, the setting is a character all its own, bringing to life the rich landscape of post–World War II Mississippi. The film follows two returning servicemen, one white and one Black, as they reenter civilian life. But the story is hardly the same for either man, as they both realize that the PTSD from war is more complicated than they could have imagined. The film stars Garrett Hedlund, Carey Mulligan, Jason Mitchell, and Mary J. Blige, who was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance. 

Mudbound

2017

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NYAD

Patriotic films don’t always have a flag waving in the foreground. They don’t always take place on a battlefield. The American spirit defies any one type of genre. Take NYAD, for example. The 2023 film follows the incredible story of long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad, who at the age of 60 becomes determined to finish an epic swim that’s always eluded her: the 110-mile journey from Cuba to Florida. Starring Annette Bening as Diana and Jodie Foster as her friend and coach Bonnie Stoll (both received Oscar nominations for their portrayals), NYAD highlights what’s beautiful about the human psyche — perseverance, strength, and the belief that, against all odds, any challenge can be overcome.

NYAD

2023

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Our Great National Parks

Some days you’re looking for the boom and bang of a war film, and then sometimes you just want to marvel at the beauty of what our world has to offer. Cut to Our Great National Parks, narrated by the notoriously comforting voice of former President Barack Obama. The five-part series takes viewers around the world, including Episode 4’s focus on the US, which showcases the California coastline. The Emmy-winning show boasts incredible views and sights to marvel at, all from the ease of your living room. 

Our Great National Parks

2022

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Purple Hearts

Take the intrinsic patriotism of a young serviceman’s story, marry it with the Americana of young love, and you’ll get Purple Hearts. The film, based on a novel by the same name, stars Sofia Carson and Nicholas Galitzine as Cassie and Luke, respectively. Cassie, a singer-songwriter, marries Luke, a Marine, so they can lock in military benefits and pay off their debts. But as you’d expect, the ruse gets complicated when real feelings start to blur the couple’s original intent. Keep a box of tissues around for this one.

Purple Hearts

2022

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The Redeem Team

There’s something about cheering on your home country on the international stage, and this sports documentary is a comeback story of Olympic proportions. The film follows the 2008 US men’s basketball team as they head to the Summer Games in Beijing, four years after being ousted in a shocking upset. With basketball greats Dwayne Wade, LeBron James, and Carmelo Anthony coming together under the leadership of team captain and sports legend Kobe Bryant, The Redeem Team takes you along on their quest for greatness — and gold. With the 2024 Olympic Games kicking off in Paris this month, there’s no better time to watch.

The Redeem Team

2022

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