If you’re like most of us right now, there’s a good chance you’ll be at home this July Fourth. Many of the festivities that would normally take place throughout the Lone Star State have been cancelled this year in the interest of social distancing. So, we thought this would be a great opportunity to share some of our favorite patriotic movies, in case you’re looking for ways to get inspired when you’re stuck indoors. Here are 10 of our favorites, listed in alphabetical order.
The American President (1995)
Enjoy the drama that ensues as the president, played by Michael Douglas, seeks reelection amid controversy over his love life in this romantic comedy-drama directed by Rob Reiner. The film was nominated for five Golden Globes.
Apollo 13 (1995)
Follow three astronauts on their perilous 1970 Apollo 13 lunar mission in this film directed by Ron Howard. After an explosion cripples their spacecraft in this space docudrama, the astronauts are forced to scrap their mission to the moon and try to make it home safely. Highly acclaimed, “Apollo 13” was nominated for nine Academy Awards—winning for best film editing and best sound.
Glory (1989)
“Glory” tells the story of the Union Army’s 54th Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry—a fighting force made of up black soldiers during the Civil War. The movie culminates with a bloody battle at a fort in South Carolina. The brave actions of the 54th that day led the Union to recruit more black soldiers—180,000 in total—who helped America win the struggle. Among the many awards it received, “Glory” was also nominated for five Academy Awards—winning three.
Hidden Figures (2016)
Follow three African American women math geniuses who helped mastermind NASA’s space launch of John Glenn in the early 1960s. Set during the Space Race, the efforts of these real-life math superstars helped restore the nation’s confidence and establish America as a heavy-hitter on the world stage. “Hidden Figures” was nominated for numerous awards, including three Oscars and two Golden Globes. The National Board of Review chose it as one of the best films of 2016, and it won the Screen Actors Guild Award for outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture.
Lone Survivor (2013)
Set during the war in Afghanistan, “Lone Survivor” follows the struggles faced by a four-man Navy SEAL team during their mission to track down a Taliban leader. SEAL Marcus Luttrell was the only one of the four to make it out alive. The movie was based on his co-authored account of the experience, published in 2007. Luttrell would also later go on to found Lone Survivor Foundation, one of Veteran Energy’s Affinity Partners. The film received two Oscar nominations and was chosen by National Board of Review as one of the top movies of 2013.
Miracle (2004)
“Miracle” tells the story of the U.S. men’s ice hockey team as they battle for the gold against the heavily-favored U.S.S.R. in the 1980 Olympics. After an initial defeat, coach Herb Brooks—played by actor Kurt Russell—manages to unite the group of rowdy American athletes in a patriotic rally for the gold in the medal round—later dubbed the “Miracle on Ice.”
Patton (1970)
“Patton” is an epic war film biography about U.S. Army General George S. Patton during World War II. Colorful, controversial and feared by German High Command, Patton was known for his aggressive style that helped lead U.S. forces to victory in Europe. In 2003, the Library of Congress selected “Patton” for preservation in the National Film Registry.
The Right Stuff (1983)
Based on the novel by American journalist Tom Wolfe, “The Right Stuff” chronicles the experience of the seven military test pilots who were selected as astronauts for Project Mercury, our country’s first manned space flight. In 2013, the Library of Congress selected the film for preservation in the National Film Registry for its cultural, historical and aesthetic importance.
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
This film, set during World War II, follows a group of U.S. Army Rangers as they set out upon war-torn France in hopes of finding—and bring home— a fellow U.S. soldier who has recently become the last-surviving brother of his family. The film is widely-considered one of the greatest war films ever made. In 2014, the Library of Congress selected the film for preservation in the National Film Registry.
Top Gun (1986)
With a cast that includes the likes of Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer and Tom Skerritt, get ready for the drama to unfold as the Navy’s top pilots go head to head for the spot of top pilot at the Top Gun Fighter Weapons School. This movie, which has maintained popularity through the years, won an Academy Award for best original song, “Take My Breath Away.”
