Happy 4th of July! Bring out those red, blue, and white decorations, and let’s celebrate America’s Independence. Time to let that patriotism out and about as you celebrate the freedom that the founding fathers fought for. While you could take the celebrations out in the streets, there is also no harm in spending time with your family and celebrating this holiday with your kids.
If you need inspiration on what to do with the little ones this Fourth of July, why not have a movie night? Plenty of films fit the spirit of America’s independence, as well as how people in our past pave the way to our present and future. If you need any ideas, here are some films that you can watch with your family that capture the spirit of this holiday.
10. Miraculous World: New York – United Heroez
If you’re a fan of the Miraculous Ladybug series, then Miraculous World: New York – United Heroez is a film for you, especially if you’ve just finished the season five finale. This 2020 TV movie takes place in New York City, where Marianette’s class goes to America to celebrate French American Friendship Week. This film also introduces an American superhero team, one of whom is also a Miraculous holder. It’s a good film if you want something familiar and patriotic, as well as something that explains some of the events that happened in the latest season.
Miraculous World: New York – United Heroez is available to stream on Disney Plus.
9. Night at the Museum
If you want a bit of comedy during your Forth of July movie evening, then Night at the Museum is a film for you. This movie stars Ben Stiller as Larry Daley, a night guard for the Museum of Natural History. Little did he know in his new gig that the statues and displays at the museum come to life. Some of the “people” that Larry befriends are Teddy Roosevelt and Sacagawea. It’s an interesting film, and while it’s not history based, it does feature significant figures in America’s history. If you want to watch it, it’s available to stream on Disney Plus.
8. Annie
Annie is a wholesome film about a young orphan hoping to find her birth parents but ends up finding happiness with her adopted parents. The film takes place leading up to the Forth of July, not to mention people are familiar with the songs that were performed in the movie. If you want to watch this classic musical film, it’s available on iTunes and Google Play.
7. A League of Their Own
Before the Amazon reboot, there was the 1992 film. A League of Their Own is a movie that starred a lot of Hollywood big-hitters like Tom Hanks, pop sensation Madonna, and 1987s Bates Motel star, Lori Petty. The film was about a female baseball team that not only wanted to be taken seriously but also wanted to enter the world series. It’s a fun patriotic film about the American spirit seen in sports and female empowerment, shown in a fun and comedic way. If you want to see this 1992 classic, it’s available to stream on Netflix.
6. Hidden Figures
Speaking of American History, Hidden Figures is another film worth watching with the kids during The 4th of July. This 2016 biographical drama is about how three African-American women played a role in NASA’s Space Race against Russia. The film shed light on racism, segregation, and sexism and how these women could defy all that so they could be taken seriously in their jobs. This is a highly acclaimed movie, also nominated during the 2017 Academy Awards for Best Picture, so if you want to stream it this holiday, you can catch it on Disney Plus.
5. An American Tail
An American Tail is an old 1986 animated film about a young Russian mouse moving to America in search of freedom and the American dream. It tells a wholesome family migrant story that unfolded in the late 1880s, showcasing depictions of America during that time period. Sadly, it’s not available on any streaming platform. So fingers crossed, someone at home has a DVD player lying around.
4. Captain America: The First Avenger
This MCU superhero blockbuster revolves around a young soldier who is given a chance to make a difference and win the war. Steve Rogers was rejected to enlist multiple times but was then selected to be part of the super soldier program and, in turn, the first Avenger. If you want an epic war movie mixed with some superhero action, then Captain America: The First Avenger is the film for you. It’s available to stream on Disney Plus.
3. National Treasure
The newer generation may be more aware of the modern reboot that was released in 2022, but there is no harm in exploring where it all began. The film National Treasure, released in 2004, introduced us to Benjamin Gates (played by Nicolas Cage), a treasure hunter on a quest for the hidden treasure left behind by America’s founding fathers. Alongside his friend, Ian Howe (played by Sean Bean), Gates delves into the depths of American history, examining artifacts like the Declaration of Independence in pursuit of this elusive treasure. If you are eager to embark on this thrilling adventure set in America, National Treasure is available for streaming on Disney Plus.
2. Independence Day
Before Will Smith became a controversial figure after the 2022 Oscar Awards, he starred in the 1996 film Independence Day. Some say that this is one of Smith’s best and most notable works to this day, to the point where one of the stars of the film’s sequel knew it would struggle without the actor. This movie is a sci-fi action film where aliens plan to invade Earth, and it’s up to humanity to save their planet. This film featured one of the best speeches made by a fictional president, encouraging everyone to unite despite their differences. Unfortunately, Independence Day isn’t available on any streaming platform but should be available to purchase on the Apple iTunes and Google Play store.
1. Hamilton
It’s not the Forth of July without a bit of Hamilton. This Broadway musical retold the story of the founders of America, the American Revolution, and the events after that. Alongside a retelling of history are songs that should keep everyone entertained, especially if they enjoyed the works of Lin-Manuel Miranda recently. If you want to watch something in the spirit of Independence Day, Hamilton is a must and is still available to stream on Disney Plus.