You'll Learn So Much About America After Watching These Patriotic Movies

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It's fun to celebrate America on holidays like the 4th of July or Memorial Day, but your patriotism doesn't have to be limited. You can feel proud of your country any day of the week, which is why watching these patriotic movies is a great idea all year round! Still, if you're looking for a summer activity, throwing on any of these films will be the perfect way chill and relax when you're trying to beat the heat.

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. Be moved by this on-screen story and more in the list of patriotic movies ahead.

More Ways to Celebrate Your American Pride:

• Best 4th of July Movies That Really Show What America Is All About

• Inspirational Patriotic Songs to Add to Your 'Proud to Be American' Playlist

• Best Patriotic Decorations for an All-American Summer

Glory

If you're looking for a film that'll give you those inspirational chills, this is it. Glory is about the first all-black regiment in the Civil War, and how this passionate group fought for the greater good. This film went on to win Denzel Washington an Oscar.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Watch this classic story of a young senator who decides to stand up to some corrupt members of the government. This film is entertaining, yes, but it also teaches viewers much about how the Senate works.

Yankee Doodle Dandy

If there's anyone who loved America with great regard, it was George M. Cohan (James Cagney). His hits "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and "You're a Grand Old Flag" have become classics themselves, having the showman's patriotic legacy live on.

Apollo 13

The story behind Apollo 13 is recounted with an all star cast (Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, and Bill Paxton, just to name a few). This isn't just an ordinary space movie—it's an emotional and motivational cinematic piece that exhibits one of America's favorite stories: the rescue of American astronauts.

Hidden Figures

Three Black women—Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—and their stories working at NASA during the iconic Space Race is brought to light. Watch as they help send astronaut John Glenn into space.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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