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These Best Movies For July 4th, New And Old, Will Leave You In A Patriotic Spirit!

The Fourth of July is a time to remember all those who came before us and how they made an impact on the nation we live in today. It is a time to be with family and enjoy the freedom that we now exercise. And family time is often movie time! So here are some of the best movies for July 4th to enjoy as a family.

Love of country is a virtue after all and these films are ones that we have often enjoyed as a family that celebrate the brave men who made our nation everything that it is.

So enjoy!

01 Something To Stand For

Mike Rowe's Something To Stand For
Angel Studios

I usually don’t enjoy documentaries, but this one was an absolute exception!

This docudrama, narrated by Mike Rowe, is a humorous and engaging retelling of stories from America’s past. Through excellent visual and verbal storytelling, it captures Rowe’s signature personality—witty, grounded, and patriotic. Based on stories from his podcast and book The Way I Heard It, this film brings history to life in a truly memorable way.

Each story is acted out by performers while Mike narrates, but what makes this film stand out is its clever mystery element. The names of the historical figures aren’t revealed until the end of each segment, allowing viewers to guess who the story is about as clues unfold. Even better, some characters are depicted in settings or times that differ from what we traditionally associate with them, adding to the fun and surprise.

These twists make the movie especially enjoyable for the whole family. We were all trying to guess who the story was about before the reveal—and my younger brothers and sisters were absolutely spellbound. 

The film isn’t entirely dramatized reenactments. There are moments when Mike steps away from the stories to visit the National Mall and interview modern-day heroes—veterans and others who serve our country today. These interludes tie the past to the present and underscore the film’s central message: while no hero is perfect, their contributions are still worth remembering and honoring.

Mike Rowe makes it clear—these men weren’t saints, but they were courageous, and their actions helped shape the nation we love. It reminded me of the Johnny Cash song “Ragged Old Flag”—humble, heartfelt, and undeniably American.

This film is a powerful yet accessible tribute to our country’s heroes, and easily earns a place among the best movies for July 4th. It offers a perfect mix of humor, mystery and patriotism—ideal for sparking conversation, inspiring gratitude, and bringing the whole family together.

If you’re looking for something different this Independence Day, give this one a try—you’ll be glad you did.

My honest thoughts as a filmmaker: It was indeed a daring storytelling venture to tell the stories in the wrong time periods and using lip-syncing, but I think it worked very well.

Plus, Mike used stories that were not obvious. Instead he chose stories that are largely untold like the one about the time that a giant of a man was challenged to a duel over something he wrote in a paper by a man much less physically impressive than himself. 

Allow me one more word: Mike Rowe is a redneck (as the best people are!) That being said, there are a few rather strong redneck ideas and words used in the film. Like there is a story that completely revolves around castrating the bulls after which the characters enjoy a few "shiskaballs". Some may find this crude.

So watch it this year with your family in theaters because this film holds its own in the best movies for July 4th!

02 Beyond The Mask

John Rys-Davies in Beyond The Mask
Burns & Co

Set against the backdrop of colonial intrigue and American independence, Beyond the Mask is a gripping historical adventure that offers a powerful blend of action and faith and reconciliation—making it one of the best movies for July 4th family viewing.

William Reynolds (Andrew Cheney), a former mercenary for the corrupt East India Company, is ready to leave his violent past behind. He wants a fresh start, far from danger and deceit. But his employer, Charles Kemp (John Rhys-Davies), has no intention of letting him go free. Instead, he arranges William’s assassination and frames him for the company’s darkest crimes.

Miraculously surviving, William escapes and assumes the identity of a clergyman, seeking refuge and a new life in a small English town. There, he meets the kind-hearted Charlotte Holloway and begins to hope that love and peace might truly be possible.

But his past is not so easily buried.

When his true identity is nearly discovered, Will flees to America—where he finds a kindred spirit in none other than Benjamin Franklin. Yet even in the New World, danger follows. To fight back and protect the innocent, Will dons a mask and becomes a vigilante hero, righting the wrongs committed by his former employer.

With explosive action sequences, thoughtful character development, and a clear moral center, Beyond the Mask explores whether a man haunted by his past can ever truly change. As Will strives to become a man worthy of love and trust, viewers are drawn into a story of reconciliation, justice, and sacrificial courage.

Whether you’re celebrating with fireworks or a quiet evening at home, this film is a worthy addition to your July 4th traditions.

Points to Consider: This is a clean romance so there are a few kisses. They are not prolonged or uncomfortably passionate however. Will is in the role of a "clergyman" and is having a romance with the girl in the story. A brief discussion on the differences between Catholic clerical celibacy and Protestant understandings of clergymen's roles will help children understand why this is allowed.

03 National Treasure

Nicholas Cage in National Treasure
Disney

I'm gonna steal the Declaration of Independence.

Ben Gates (Nicolas Cage) has spent his entire life chasing a legend—the lost treasure of the Knights Templar, rumored to have been hidden somewhere on American soil. Passed down through generations of his family, the mystery becomes personal when Ben learns of a final clue entrusted to one of his ancestors by Charles Carroll, the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence.

The cryptic clue, “The secret lies with Charlotte,” sets Ben and his tech-savvy friend Riley on a quest that leads them to a ship buried in the Arctic ice. They find The Charlotte, but instead of treasure, they uncover yet another riddle. As excitement turns to disappointment, Ben faces betrayal from his financier—who turns out to be more mercenary than ally. A fallout ensues, forcing Ben and Riley to escape with their lives while the others continue the hunt without them.

The next clue? Hidden behind the Declaration of Independence.

Realizing the historical document is in danger of being stolen and possibly destroyed, Ben makes a bold decision—he’ll steal it himself to keep it safe. Enter Abigail Chase, a sharp and skeptical historian who works at the National Archives. Initially horrified by Ben’s actions, Abigail finds herself caught in the middle of the chase and ultimately joins the team when she realizes the treasure—and Ben’s motives—are real.

What follows is a high-stakes adventure filled with clever clues, narrow escapes, and deep dives into American history. From the Liberty Bell to hidden messages on colonial artifacts, National Treasure takes viewers on an exhilarating journey through the foundations of the United States.

This film stands out for its unique blend of action, mystery, and patriotism. While the plot is packed with suspense, it also leans into fun, family-friendly humor and plenty of moments about our nation’s founding. The characters are likable, the pace never lags, and the historical references make it feel like an educational thrill ride.

Naturally, National Treasure earns its place on any list of the best movies for July 4th. With its focus on the Declaration of Independence, the founding fathers, and the birth of the United States, it’s the perfect mix of entertainment and American heritage for Independence Day viewing.

Points to Consider: It is an undeniable truth that our country was founded by Masonic men. That being said, this movie does refer to many Masonic symbols and beliefs. The clues are all very embedded in Masonry. In the beginning, the last survivor of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence is Charles Carroll and he is the one who passes off the last clue. He is portrayed as being a Mason here. We, of course, know that this cannot be true because he was, in fact, a strong Catholic. Although it is not the case, when Ben goes to his dad, tells him he is in trouble, and has a woman with him, the first thing his dad asks is "Is she pregnant?" This is quickly denied, but it is in the film.

04 The Patriot

Mel Gibson in The Patriot (2000)
Sony Pictures

The war will be here, among our homes. Our children will learn of it with their own eyes.

After serving in the brutal French and Indian War, Ben Martin (Mel Gibson) wants nothing more to do with fighting. Haunted by a past so dark he won’t even speak of it—not even to his children—Ben has resolved to live a quiet life as a widowed father raising his seven children in South Carolina.

But when whispers of rebellion turn into the full roar of the American War for Independence, Ben is torn. He believes his duty now lies with his family, not the battlefield. His oldest son, Gabriel (Heath Ledger), thinks otherwise and is eager to enlist and defend the colonies' cause. Despite Ben's desperate pleas and forbidding orders, Gabriel joins the fight.

Ben’s worst fears are soon realized when the war literally reaches his doorstep. In a brutal raid led by the ruthless British Colonel Tavington (Jason Isaacs), Ben’s young son is killed and Gabriel is captured. The moment breaks him. Ben can no longer remain neutral. Driven by grief and a fierce desire to protect what remains of his family, he picks up his weapon again—this time not for a king, but for his homeland.

As Ben joins the fight for independence, he struggles not just against the British, but against his own demons. The guerilla tactics that served him in the past now disturb his fellow soldiers—especially Gabriel, who is idealistic and noble. Ben must walk the line between revenge and righteousness, all while leading a ragtag militia against a powerful enemy.

The Patriot is a powerful, emotional film that showcases the very human cost of war. It doesn't glamorize violence but highlights the price of freedom and the sacrifices made by ordinary people. With sweeping cinematography, gripping performances, this film paints a stirring portrait of what the fight for independence looked like.

Though the film contains intense battle scenes and moments of emotional depth, it remains a compelling and inspiring watch for mature audiences. At its heart, The Patriot is about a father's love, a nation's birth, and the high cost of liberty.

With its themes of sacrifice, heroism, and America’s founding, The Patriot more than earns its place among the best movies for July 4th. 

Points to Consider: This film is definitely made for mature audiences as it is quite violent, including images of somebody being hacked to pieces. Ben has a very hot temper which gets the best of him and he takes it too far. Not a family-friendly film, but definitely worth watching for a group of teenagers or adults. It is also quite sad, so not for sensitive audiences. On another note, it is a romance with kissing. From a morality point of view, it is a little something to think about that Ben, being widowed, is in love with his wife's sister, a relationship condemned by the Catholic Church. Although nothing comes of it, there is also a scene where a young man is visiting the girl he likes and her mother sews him into a burlap bag so that they can be alone together with the mother feeling peace of mind. 

05 Ben And Me

Amos and Benjamin Franklin as portrayed in Ben and Me
Disney

For it was Amos who was really responsible for great deeds that are attributed to Benjamin Franklin. And here's the proof in his own words.

One of the most charming animated shorts I remember from childhood is Ben and Me, a delightful tale that blends history with heart. This sweet little film introduces us to Benjamin Franklin and his unlikely companion—a clever and curious mouse named Amos.

As the story goes, Amos is more than just a tagalong. He becomes Franklin’s assistant, confidant, and even the inspiration behind some of his most famous inventions and experiments. From discovering electricity to printing pamphlets, the two make an unforgettable team. Their friendship brings a warm and lighthearted touch to the grand sweep of history.

But the film isn’t just about scientific discovery. As the American colonies grow restless under British rule, Franklin and Amos find themselves in the midst of the rising call for independence. Amos, ever loyal and brave, gets drawn into the cause in his own small but meaningful way. In fact, when Thomas Jefferson struggles to begin drafting the Declaration of Independence, it’s Amos who ends up lending a paw to help get things started.

Running just under 30 minutes, Ben and Me is short, simple, and deeply memorable. It’s a lovely introduction to the Founding Fathers for young viewers and a nostalgic watch for adults who grew up with it. The animation is classic Disney, and the storytelling manages to be both humorous and historically informative.

With its patriotic themes, historical setting, and gentle storytelling, Ben and Me earns a special spot on any list of the best movies for July 4th. Whether you’re watching it with children or simply revisiting a childhood favorite, this short offers a whimsical tribute to America’s founding and the legendary Benjamin Franklin.

Check Out Our Best Movies For July 4th Runners Up:

• Gods and Generals
• Gettysburg

We’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite best movies for July 4th to watch with family and friends? Drop your picks in the comments below and let’s build the ultimate Independence Day movie list together!