Most people might be spending their Fourth of July weekend at a barbecue or submerged in the nearest body of water, but it’s also the perfect time to stay inside in the air conditioning and put on a big, splashy summer movie. And whether you want to watch a movie that’s set on July 4, a film that perfectly captures summertime vibes, a patriotic action film that will pump your adrenaline, or a musical that literally dramatizes just what went down in 1776, we’ve got you covered.
Of course, there’s something like “Hamilton,” which serves as a not-always-historically-accurate – but still fun – history lesson. But maybe you want to relax with a romance like “Safe Haven,” which totally nails those summer-love vibes. Or maybe what you’re really looking for is action and adventure, in which case movies like “Live Free or Die Hard” might just be perfect. Might we also suggest that 1986’s “Top Gun” followed by 2022’s box office–smashing sequel would be the perfect movie marathon to celebrate the fourth with?
Ahead, here are 19 of the best movies to watch this Fourth of July, plus where you can find them streaming right now.
Related: 27 Movies You Should Watch This Summer For the Ultimate Staycation
Everett Collection / 20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection
"The Sandlot"
Not only is the whole film about America’s favorite pastime, but that iconic fireworks scene on the ballpark is perfect for the Fourth.
Watch “The Sandlot” on Starz.
©Corsair Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
"Miss Firecracker"
Just in case the title didn’t give it away, the whole movie is about a Fourth of July beauty pageant.
Watch “Miss Firecracker” on Amazon Prime with a Shout! Factory TV subscription.
Courtesy Everett Collection
"Jaws"
You’ll definitely be seeing red after watching this thriller about a group of men who search for a deadly shark over the Fourth of July weekend.
Watch “Jaws” on TNT.
©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection
©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection
"Top Gun"
The original “Top Gun” stars Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, and Val Kilmer in this story about an elite Navy aircraft school. It’s a patriotic bonanza full of incredible stunts and iconic songs.
Watch “Top Gun” on Paramount+.
©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection
©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection
"Born on the Fourth of July"
This Oscar-winning film tells the real-life story of an American antiwar activist and former United States Marine Corps sergeant, Ron Kovic, who just so happens to be born on the national holiday.
Rent “Born on the Fourth of July” on Netflix.
Courtesy Everett Collection
"1776"
If you were never required to watch the film adaptation of this Tony-winning musical about the American Revolution in history class, now is the time. Not only is it perfect for a little holiday education, but it also features William Daniels, or Mr. Feeny from “Boy Meets World”.
Watch “1776” on Fubo.
©Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection
"We're the Millers"
A small-time pot dealer creates a fake family in order to smuggle drugs from Mexico to the US over the Fourth of July weekend in this comedy.
Watch “We’re the Millers” on Netflix.
©Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection
©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
"My Girl"
This movie may wreck your soul, but it does feature a sweet carnival scene in honor of the patriotic holiday.
Watch “My Girl” on Showtime.
Relativity Media/courtesy Everett Collection
"Safe Haven"
Not only is there a spark between the two lovers in this Nicholas Sparks film, but there are also literal fireworks in the small beach town’s Independence Day celebration.
Watch “Safe Haven” on Hulu.
©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
"Grown Ups"
If you’re looking for a good laugh this holiday, you should check out Adam Sandler‘s comedy about a group of childhood friends who rent out a lake house with their families for the Fourth of July.
Watch “Grown Ups” on Hulu.
©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
"I Know What You Did Last Summer"
It’s the ultimate summer slasher film as a group of friends are reminded of the crime they committed a year ago when a crazed killer begins stalking them over the Fourth of July weekend.
Watch “I Know What You Did Last Summer” on Netflix.
Everett Collection / 20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection
"Live Free or Die Hard"
In the fourth installment in the Die Hard film series, John McClane works to track down computer hackers in Washington DC on the Fourth of July.
Watch “Live Free or Die Hard” on Max.
©TriStar Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
"Steel Magnolias"
Not only does Shelby’s son’s birthday celebration take place on Independence Day, but it’s also complete with an outdoor picnic and festive hats.
Watch “Steel Magnolias” on Netflix.
The Weinstein Company / Weinstein Company/Courtesy Everett Collection
©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
"A League of Their Own"
There’s nothing as American as baseball, which makes “A League of Their Own” the perfect movie for July 4th. The 1992 film follows the real-life All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which cropped up during World War II when Major League Baseball sent most of its players to the war effort. The film follows fictional players and their manager, played by Tom Hanks.
Watch “A League of Their Own” on Netflix.
