5 patriotic movies to binge this Fourth of July, from 'Captain America' to 'Rogue One'
Get your hot dogs, apple pie, fireworks and bottles of sunscreen ready, it’s almost the Fourthof July.
The holiday celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence falls on a Thursday this year, which means you'll hopefully get a bit of an extra break from your 9-to-5 grind and daily traffic jams to soak up some fun in the sun or relax by the pool.
But if you’re looking for something to fill the time around the big fireworks show or you just need a little break from the outdoor heat, we’ve rounded up five appropriately themed patriotic movies to celebrate in style this summer.
If you want something traditional: 'Independence Day'
Why stray from a modern classic? The 1996 original sci-fi epic has everything you want for the Fourth of July: Aliens, giant explosions, patriotic speeches and Will Smith. By the time the film’s president (Bill Pullman) is shouting “Today we celebrate our Independence Day!” you’ll be shouting along with him.
Stream it on Hulu.
If you love superheroes: 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier'
Sure, Cap’s first outing in "The First Avenger" is set during World War II and recreates the iconic comic book cover of the hero punching Hitler, but the second film is a better, more nuanced portrayal of the patriotic hero, played by Chris Evans. Directed by "Endgame's" Joe and Anthony Russo, "Winter Soldier" is a thought-provoking film that's among the best Marvel has to offer.
Rent it on Amazon, Google Play, iTunes, Vudu or YouTube.
Ranked: Every Marvel superhero movie, from best to worst (including 'Avengers: Endgame')
If you love Tom Cruise: 'Top Gun'
Are you excited for the "Top Gun" sequel? Of course you are. The original film, which stars Tom Cruise as hot-shot pilot Lt. Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, is a classic for a reason. What better time to revisit the rivalry between Maverick and Tom "Iceman" Kazansky (Val Kilmer) than at a Fourth of July barbecue?
Rent it on Amazon, Google Play, iTunes, Vudu or YouTube.
If you want good, clean and cheesy fun: 'National Treasure'
There’s no better movie for an American history nerd than "National Treasure," which gives the revolutionary era an Indiana Jones-style historical scavenger hunt. Nicolas Cage and Diane Kruger star as a treasure hunter and historian, respectively, following clues to a supposed historical treasure hidden by the Founding Fathers. Come for the earnest appreciation of history from Cage’s Ben Gates, stay for Sean Bean's villainous Ian Howe and Justin Bartha's Riley Poole as comic relief.
Stream it on Netflix.
If you're a 'Star Wars' fan: 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story'
The Star Wars spin-off may take place in a galaxy far, far away rather than the U.S., but its themes are similar to any good patriotic story. Felicity Jones stars as Jyn Erso, the daughter of a scientist kidnapped by the Empire and forced to work on a nefarious weapon: the Death Star. Jyn and a team of misfits set out to steal the plans for the planet-killer and deliver them to the Rebellion.
Rent it on Amazon, Google Play, iTunes, Vudu or YouTube.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fourth of July fun: 5 patriotic movies to binge-watch
