Movies About The 4th Of July

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field
Rated PG-13

Forrest Gump is a 1994 American romantic comedy-drama film based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom. The film was directed by Robert Zemeckis and stars Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Mykelti Williamson, and Sally Field. The story follows Forrest Gump, a naïve and slow-witted but kind-hearted man from Alabama, who experiences adventures in his life, such as battles in the Vietnam War, meeting famous people, and becoming a millionaire through wise investments. Along the way, he finds love and true friendship with Jenny, his childhood sweetheart. Through his experiences, Forrest teaches the valuable lessons of life and the power of true love.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns
Rated R

Saving Private Ryan follows a group of US soldiers in the 2nd Ranger Battalion as they embark on a dangerous mission to locate and bring home Private James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon), whose three brothers were killed in combat. Led by Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks), the Rangers battle enemy forces in the Normandy countryside while struggling to stay alive as they search for Ryan. Along the way, they encounter great courage and hope, as well as brutal violence and tragedy. Ultimately, the Rangers make the ultimate sacrifice for their country and for each other. Ultimately, Saving Private Ryan is a moving and powerful tribute to the bravery of those who fought and died for freedom during World War II.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, John Rhys-Davies
Rated PG

"Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark" is a 1981 action-adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg. The film follows the adventures of Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones Jr. (Harrison Ford), an archaeologist who is tasked with finding the lost Ark of the Covenant before it falls into the hands of the Nazis. After a series of thrilling adventures, Indy is able to locate the Ark and return it to the U.S. government. Along the way, he must battle against dangerous villains, such as the Nazi commander Rene Belloq (Paul Freeman) and the leader of the Thuggee cult, Mola Ram (Amrish Puri). The film also features memorable performances from Karen Allen, John Rhys-Davies, and Denholm Elliott, among others. A thrilling, action-packed adventure, "Raiders of the Lost Ark" is considered a classic of the genre and a benchmark for future films to come.

From John G. Avildsen, starring Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers
Rated PG

Rocky is a 1976 American sports drama film directed by John G. Avildsen and written by and starring Sylvester Stallone. It tells the rags to riches American Dream story of Rocky Balboa, an uneducated but good-hearted debt collector for a loan shark in Philadelphia. Rocky gets a shot at the world heavyweight championship when reigning champion Apollo Creed visits Philadelphia in honor of the nation's Bicentennial. While training with grizzled former boxer Mickey Goldmill, Rocky ultimately finds glory in the ring and comes to terms with his relationship with Adrian, the love of his life. The film also stars Talia Shire as Adrian, Burt Young as Adrian's brother Paulie, Burgess Meredith as Mickey, and Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed. It won three Oscars in 1977, including Best Picture, and spawned five sequels.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, Lorraine Gary
Rated PG

Jaws is a 1975 American thriller film directed by Steven Spielberg and based on Peter Benchley's novel of the same name. The movie follows a police chief, a marine scientist, and an old seafarer as they set out to hunt down a great white shark that has been terrorizing the small island community of Amity. In a series of thrilling scenes, they attempt to track the shark and destroy it before it can cause any more damage. Along the way, they face danger, suspense, and thrilling moments as they battle the giant predator. Ultimately, the trio is successful in destroying the shark, but not without significant cost to the community.

From Frank Capra, starring James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains, Edward Arnold
Rated Passed

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a classic 1939 American political drama directed by Frank Capra. The film stars James Stewart as Jefferson Smith, an idealistic and naive man who is appointed to the United States Senate. Smith must battle powerful and corrupt political forces in Washington D.C. and is relentless in his pursuit of justice and truth. The film is a testament to the power of the individual to affect change, as Smith ultimately triumphs against immense odds. The movie also serves as a criticism of the American political system and its susceptibility to corruption.

From Oliver Stone, starring Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau
Rated R

JFK is a 1991 American political thriller film directed by Oliver Stone that explores the events leading up to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the alleged conspiracy involving the involvement of high-level officials. The film stars Kevin Costner as New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison, who investigates the JFK assassination and discovers a web of government cover-ups and lies. Along with Garrison, the film follows several other characters whose paths cross with the investigation, including a mysterious informant (Donald Sutherland), an ex-CIA agent (Gary Oldman), and an alleged assassin (Joe Pesci). Through Garrison's investigation, the film examines the various theories surrounding the assassination and its aftermath, ultimately concluding that a conspiracy was involved.

From Alan J. Pakula, starring Dustin Hoffman, Robert Redford, Jack Warden, Martin Balsam
Rated PG

All the President's Men is a 1976 American political thriller film directed by Alan J. Pakula. It is based on the 1974 non-fiction book of the same name by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, two journalists investigating the Watergate scandal for The Washington Post. The story centers on their efforts to uncover the criminal activities of President Richard Nixon and members of his administration, and the subsequent attempts to cover up the wrongdoing. The film stars Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman as Woodward and Bernstein, respectively, and features an ensemble cast including Jack Warden, Martin Balsam, Hal Holbrook, and Jason Robards. It was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won four, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for Jason Robards. The film remains a classic and is widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever made.

From Jon Favreau, starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges
Rated PG-13

Iron Man is a 2008 superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. It follows the story of Tony Stark, a billionaire industrialist and genius inventor who is kidnapped and forced to build a devastating weapon. Instead, using his intelligence and ingenuity, Tony builds a high-tech suit of armor and escapes captivity. Once back home, he decides to use his new technology to fight against evil and protect the world as Iron Man. Along the way, he must battle his business rival Obadiah Stane, who is a villain determined to take over Tony's company and use its resources for his own sinister plans. With his newly created Iron Man armor, Tony must learn how to be a hero and ultimately save the world.

From Philip Kaufman, starring Sam Shepard, Scott Glenn, Ed Harris, Dennis Quaid
Rated PG

The Right Stuff, directed by Philip Kaufman and released in 1983, is an adaptation of Tom Wolfe's 1979 book of the same name. It tells the story of the original seven Mercury astronauts, America's first manned space program. The movie follows the pilots from their selection and training, through their subsequent accomplishments, as well as their personal lives and relationships with their families, colleagues, and the press. It illustrates the competition between them and the Russians for space exploration supremacy, as well as their courage and determination. The movie culminates in the success of astronaut John Glenn's orbital flight, highlighting their incredible accomplishments and the spirit of the space race.

From Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, starring Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Redford
Rated PG-13

Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a 2014 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Captain America. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, the film is the sequel to 2011's Captain America: The First Avenger and the ninth installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film follows Steve Rogers, better known as Captain America, as he is thrust into a world of political intrigue in Washington D.C. and is forced to team up with the Black Widow and Falcon in order to battle a mysterious enemy known only as the Winter Soldier who is targeting S.H.I.E.L.D. and its agents for reasons unknown. With the fate of the world and the future of S.H.I.E.L.D. in the balance, Captain America must take on his most dangerous mission yet in order to save the day.

From Edward Zwick, starring Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, Morgan Freeman
Rated R

Glory is an American war drama film directed by Edward Zwick, starring Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, and Morgan Freeman. The film tells the story of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the first African-American regiment in the United States to fight in the American Civil War. Robert Gould Shaw (Broderick) is put in charge of the regiment and must face adversity from both sides of the conflict. He and his men must battle against physical and emotional exhaustion, racism, and the disapproval of the Union Army. Through perseverance, they ultimately prove themselves worthy of the cause they are fighting for. The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor (Washington) and Best Cinematography.

From Ron Howard, starring Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon, Gary Sinise
Rated PG

Apollo 13 is a 1995 American biographical drama film directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton, Gary Sinise, and Ed Harris. The film tells the story of NASA's ill-fated 1970 Apollo 13 lunar mission and the struggles of the astronauts—Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks), Fred Haise (Bill Paxton), and Jack Swigert (Kevin Bacon)—to return to Earth safely after an explosion in an oxygen tank on the spacecraft causes it to lose power and air. With the help of mission control, the astronauts are able to land safely despite the fact that they have limited time and resources. The film received critical acclaim and went on to become one of the most successful films of 1995, earning nine Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor in a Leading Role for Tom Hanks.

From Ridley Scott, starring Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Tom Sizemore, Eric Bana
Rated R

Black Hawk Down is a 2001 war drama directed by Ridley Scott. The film is based on a 1993 raid in Mogadishu, Somalia by US Army Rangers and Delta Force soldiers in an attempt to capture a Somali warlord. The mission quickly goes awry when a Black Hawk helicopter is shot down and the US soldiers are pinned down in a city full of dangerous militia. The US forces must battle their way through the city in order to make it out alive. The film follows the courage and determination of the soldiers as they fight for survival and honor.

From Rob Reiner, starring Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon
Rated R

A Few Good Men is a courtroom drama directed by Rob Reiner and starring Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore, and Kevin Bacon. The movie follows the story of Lt. Daniel Kaffee (Tom Cruise), a Naval lawyer who is assigned the case of two Marines accused of murder. Kaffee must battle the military establishment to uncover the truth behind the crime and prove the innocence of the accused Marines. Along the way, Kaffee unearths a conspiracy of power and corruption, and puts his career and life on the line to do justice. The movie also stars Kevin Pollak and Kiefer Sutherland in supporting roles. In the end, Kaffee is ultimately successful in his quest, resulting in a dramatic courtroom finale.

From Ben Affleck, starring Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman, Alan Arkin
Rated R

Argo is a historical thriller set in 1979 during the Iran hostage crisis. It follows the story of CIA operative Tony Mendez (played by Ben Affleck) and his daring mission to rescue six U.S. diplomats by posing as a Hollywood film crew scouting locations in Tehran. With the help of his Hollywood contacts, Mendez creates a fake movie production and smuggles the diplomats out of the country, while managing to evade the Iranian authorities. Argo is the thrilling and suspenseful story of how this elaborate ruse succeeds in saving lives.

From Paul Greengrass, starring David Alan Basche, Olivia Thirlby, Liza Colón-Zayas, J.J. Johnson
Rated R

United 93 is a 2006 American docudrama directed by Paul Greengrass. The film is a dramatization of the September 11, 2001 hijacking of United Airlines Flight 93, which was the fourth plane hijacked that day and crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The film follows the events on board the plane and the response from the air traffic controllers on the ground. The passenger and crew bravely attempted to take control of the plane from the hijackers, but were ultimately unsuccessful. The film portrays their heroism and courage, as well as their tragic end.

From Michael Curtiz, starring James Cagney, Joan Leslie, Walter Huston, Richard Whorf
Rated Passed

Yankee Doodle Dandy is a 1942 biographical musical film about the life of George M. Cohan, one of America's most beloved entertainers. Directed by Michael Curtiz, the film stars James Cagney in the titular role. It follows Cohan from his childhood at the turn of the twentieth century to his rise to fame as a Broadway star, songwriter, and entertainer. Along the way it includes musical numbers from several of Cohan's most popular songs, including "You're a Grand Old Flag," "Give My Regards to Broadway," and "Over There." The film ends with a wartime tribute to the American Armed Forces, with Cohan singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" on a ship sailing in the Pacific Ocean. The film was a box office success and won three Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Cagney and Best Director for Curtiz.

From John McTiernan, starring Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin, Scott Glenn, Sam Neill
Rated PG

The Hunt for Red October is a 1990 action-thriller film directed by John McTiernan and based on the novel of the same name by Tom Clancy. The film stars Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin, Scott Glenn, James Earl Jones, and Sam Neill. It follows a rogue Soviet submarine captain, Marko Ramius (Connery), who is intent on defecting to the United States with his state-of-the-art nuclear missile submarine. In an effort to prevent his escape, the Soviets send a task force to hunt for him. The Americans, led by Jack Ryan (Baldwin), must race against time and the Russians to locate and secure the submarine before it reaches US waters. With tension mounting on every side, the fate of the world rests in the balance. The Hunt for Red October is an intense and exciting story of international espionage and nuclear brinkmanship.

From Kathryn Bigelow, starring Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty, Guy Pearce
Rated R

The Hurt Locker is an intense drama set during the Iraq War. It follows Sergeant William James of an elite US Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit as he and his team navigate their way through the dangerous streets of Baghdad, trying to defuse bombs and survive the numerous attacks from enemies. Sergeant James is an intense soldier who takes risks that endanger his own life and those of his team. As his team's missions become increasingly dangerous, James must confront his own personal demons and the ethical dilemmas of his profession. It is an intense and suspenseful story of the human cost of war, and a meditation on courage and sacrifice.

From Barry Levinson, starring Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, Kim Basinger
Rated PG

From Gavin O'Connor, starring Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Nathan West, Noah Emmerich
Rated PG

From Roger Donaldson, starring Kevin Costner, Bruce Greenwood, Shawn Driscoll, Drake Cook
Rated PG-13

From Steven Spielberg, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Rated PG-13

From Oliver Stone, starring Tom Cruise, Bryan Larkin, Raymond J. Barry, Caroline Kava
Rated R