You'll Feel a Great Sense of American Pride After Watching These Movies
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It doesn't have to be Memorial Day or the 4th of July for you to feel proud of your country! Although, those holidays do have a way of bringing out everyone's patriotism. So if you're looking for another way to fully embrace the American spirit, why not watch a classic film?
Anyone who enjoys American cinema will want to check out this collection of patriotic movies. It includes wartime epics like Saving Private Ryan and Platoon, 4th of July movies for kids like Miracle, and even romantic comedies like The American President. And if you're looking for something that will both move you and make you move, you can't go wrong with a musical full of patriotic songs like Yankee Doodle Dandy. Many of these are even based on true stories like Hidden Figures and Apollo 13.
As you take in these thought-provoking films, you. may find yourself reflecting on critical moments throughout our history and maybe even learning a thing or two about what it truly means to be an American in the process. You'll see this by watching movies like Glory. It's an Oscar-winning film (starring one of Ree Drummond's celebrity crushes, Denzel Washington) that's all about the bravery and heroism displayed by the first all African-American regiment during the Civil War. Be moved by this onscreen story and more in the list of patriotic movies ahead.
Apollo 13
"Houston, we have a problem." A star-studded cast including Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, and Bill Paxton help make this space movie an unexpected thrill ride.
Miracle
This inspiring film tells the true story of Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell), who coached the U.S. men's Olympic hockey team to a stunning victory in 1980.
Saving Private Ryan
Widely considered one of the greatest war films ever made, this World War II epic follows a dangerous mission to save a paratrooper (Matt Damon) after his three brothers were killed in action.
Glory
This acclaimed film tells the true story of the first all-Black U.S. Army regiment during the Civil War. It includes an Oscar-winning performance by Denzel Washington that you won't want to miss.
Hidden Figures
This inspiring film tells the untold true story of Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, three Black women who overcame racial and sex discrimination to help launch astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
The American President
In this thinking person's romantic comedy, President Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglass) must choose between his political career and his budding romance with environmental lobbyist Sydney Wade (Annette Bening).
Air Force One
Get off his plane! Harrison Ford defends his family and his country in this thriller about the hijacking of Air Force One by a terrorist group.
Independence Day
It may not be based on true events, but this exciting blockbuster culminates in an epic 4th of July battle that will have you cheering for the good ol' USA.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
This classic movie follows an idealistic young senator who takes a stand against government corruption. More than just entertaining, this flick will also teach you bit about how the Senate operates and what really goes on during a filibuster.
Captain America: The First Avenger
After he's deemed unfit for World War II military service, Steve Rogers volunteers for a top secret research project that transforms him into a superhero with incredible strength.
1776
This lively musical starring Blythe Danner revolves around America's Founding Fathers and their decision to declare independence from Britain. It's based on an award-winning Broadway production.
The Right Stuff
Learn all about America's first astronauts in this 1983 epic historical drama that picked up four Academy Awards.
Yankee Doodle Dandy
This patriotic '40s fare follows the life of song and dance man George M. Cohan (James Cagney), who was known as much for his love of the country as he was for his showmanship. You'll love singing along to classic American songs like "Yankee Doodle Dandy," "You're a Grand Old Flag" and "Over There."
Private Benjamin
A pampered widow transforms her life by going into the Army in this hilarious comedy starring Goldie Hawn.
Hacksaw Ridge
This World War II hero never carried a gun, yet he saved 75 lives in battle. Andrew Garfield takes on the role of the courageous soldier in this inspiring film.
Harriet
This moving biopic follows abolitionist Harriet Tubman as she leads hundreds of enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Actress Cynthia Erivo stars as Harriet and was nominated for two Academy Awards for the film, one for best actress and another for best song.
The Sandlot
Baseball truly is the great American pastime. Join this group of boys as they fall in love with the game in the summer of 1962.
Born On The Fourth Of July
This Academy Award-winning film stars Tom Cruise as a veteran who becomes an anti-war activist after being paralyzed in the Vietnam War.
Young Mr. Lincoln
Henry Fonda stars as President Abraham Lincoln in this western drama that covers the start of his law career and romance with his future wife, First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln.
Casablanca
It may not take place in the U.S., but with a career-defining turn from Humphrey Bogart as a heroic American nightclub owner in war-torn Morocco, Casablanca will easily make your heart swell with American pride.
Platoon
This Oscar-winning film encapsulates both the rewards and struggles of being a Vietnam soldier.
Courage Under Fire
Lies and cover-ups abound in this gripping military drama starring Denzel Washington and Meg Ryan.
The Longest Day
If you know anything about the D-Day landings at Normandy, then you know just how intense this film will be. The war classic tells the story of the U.S. Army and Allied forces as they plan a huge invasion.
A League of Their Own
They're all for one, they're one for all, they're all-American! This funny, heartwarming movie tells a fictionalized story of the real-life All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which was formed amid World War II. Watch this flick for its female empowerment theme and feel-good, patriotic vibes.
Selma
Follow Martin Luther King Jr. on his historic march from Selma to Montgomery that changed the world forever. This film from acclaimed director Ava DuVernay features incredible performances by David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo, and Oprah Winfrey.
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