Top Fourth Of July Movies

From Sam Mendes, starring Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch, Wes Bentley
Rated R

American Beauty is a drama film about the life of Lester Burnham, a middle-aged husband and father who is unfulfilled and unhappy with his life. After Lester has a mid-life crisis, he decides to make a drastic change, which leads him to become a new person. Along the way, he meets a young girl, Angela, and begins to fall in love with her. Meanwhile, his wife and daughter are dealing with their own struggles. As his family unravels, Lester discovers himself and begins to appreciate the beauty of life. Ultimately, the film is a reflection on the power of personal beauty and the exploration of family relationships.

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

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a classic American drama directed by Frank Capra in 1939. Starring James Stewart as Jefferson Smith, an idealistic and naive young man, the film follows Smith's journey to Washington D.C. after he is appointed as a junior senator from his home state of Washington. After his appointment, Smith discovers a corrupt political system that has been manipulating the citizens of his state. Despite many attempts to undermine him, Smith manages to stand his ground, rallying public support and leading a filibuster on the Senate floor to expose the truth. His unwavering spirit and faith in democracy triumph in the end, proving that one person can make a difference. The film is a timeless classic that serves as a reminder of the power of the individual in a democracy.

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 kind-hearted debt collector for a loan shark in Philadelphia. Rocky, himself a club fighter, gets a shot at the world heavyweight championship when the planned challenger is injured. With the help of trainer Mickey Goldmill, Rocky takes on the champion Apollo Creed in a morally uplifting bout that will go the distance. Along the way, Rocky fights his self-doubt and personal demons, finds love with Adrian, and ultimately proves himself a worthy opponent for Creed.

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

JFK is a 1991 American historical legal drama film directed by Oliver Stone, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Zachary Sklar. The film stars Kevin Costner as the title character, New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison. It examines the events leading up to the assassination of John F. Kennedy and alleged cover-up through the eyes of Garrison, who believed there was a conspiracy. The film also features a large ensemble cast including Gary Oldman, Tommy Lee Jones, Jack Lemmon, Kevin Bacon, Joe Pesci, Sissy Spacek, and Donald Sutherland. The film focuses on the investigation into the assassination by Garrison, which develops into a full-scale legal investigation that leads to a groundbreaking civil trial. The trial leads to revelations of a cover-up that goes all the way to the highest levels of government. The film was a box office success, grossing over $205 million against its $40 million budget, and received mostly positive reviews from critics. It was nominated for eight Academy Awards in 1992, including Best Picture and Best Director, winning two for Best Cinematography and Best Film Editing.

From Franklin J. Schaffner, starring George C. Scott, Karl Malden, Stephen Young, Michael Strong
Rated GP

Patton (1970) is a biographical war film directed by Franklin J. Schaffner and starring George C. Scott in the titular role of General George S. Patton during World War II. The film follows the controversial and highly decorated General as he leads American forces in North Africa and Europe during the war. It follows his controversial statements and behavior, his disdain for the Nazi regime, and his drive to win at all costs. Through its riveting battle scenes, Oscar-winning screenplay, and Scott's masterful performance, Patton provides an in-depth look at one of the most notable figures of World War II.

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

Glory is an American historical drama film directed by Edward Zwick and starring Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, and Morgan Freeman. The film is about a group of African American soldiers that fought for the Union in the American Civil War. The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, one of the first all-black regiments formed in the Union Army, is led by Colonel Robert Shaw (Matthew Broderick). Shaw comes up with the idea to train the men in the regiment to become a part of the elite fighting force known as the "54th Massachusetts". Through the training, the men develop their own sense of identity and pride. They eventually prove their worth on the battlefield, and their bravery and courage leads to an inspiring victory at the Battle of Fort Wagner. The film portrays the valor and courage of the men of the 54th Massachusetts and highlights the struggles they faced in trying to gain recognition and respect.

From David Mickey Evans, starring Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, Art LaFleur, Patrick Renna
Rated PG

The Sandlot is a 1993 coming-of-age film directed by David Mickey Evans. It follows a group of young baseball-loving boys in the early 1960s, who come together to form a team and play sandlot baseball in a small neighborhood park. The group of boys, led by Scotty Smalls, must overcome their fears of a legendary beast that has been rumored to inhabit the area around the sandlot. With the help of the neighborhood's "reprofessional" baseball legend, they learn the fundamentals of the game and go on to face off against a rival team in a climactic championship game. Along the way, the boys have fun, experience growing pains, and form strong friendships. The film has become a classic of its genre, and is beloved by members of the generation who grew up with it.

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

Apollo 13 is a 1995 American science fiction drama film directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton, Gary Sinise and Ed Harris. It is based on the true story of the ill-fated 1970 Apollo 13 lunar mission. The film follows the astronauts Jim Lovell, Fred Haise, and Jack Swigert, who, with ground control, battle a desperate race against time after their spacecraft suffers severe damage en route to the Moon. Despite extreme hardship, the crew are ultimately successful in overcoming the crisis and returning to Earth. The film was a critical and commercial success and was nominated for nine Academy Awards, winning two for Best Film Editing and Best Sound.

From Trey Parker, starring Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Mary Kay Bergman, Isaac Hayes
Rated R

South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut is a 1999 adult animated musical comedy film based on the popular Comedy Central animated television series South Park. In the film, Stan, Kyle, Cartman, Kenny, and the rest of the South Park gang attend an R-rated movie featuring Canadian comedians Terrence and Phillip that leads to an outburst of profanity in the children. When the United States military retaliates by invading Canada, the boys must save the world by going to Canada and stopping an impending war. Along the way, the boys learn valuable lessons about friendship, freedom of speech, and the power of music. Featuring original songs written by Trey Parker and Marc Shaiman, South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut is a satirical look at censorship, media, and politics.

From Ron Howard, starring Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Kevin Bacon, Sam Rockwell
Rated R

Frost/Nixon is a 2008 drama film directed by Ron Howard and written by Peter Morgan. The film tells the story of the 1977 television interviews between British journalist David Frost and former President Richard Nixon. The interviews took place after Nixon's resignation, following the Watergate scandal. During their interviews, Frost attempts to get a full confession from Nixon on his actions during the scandal and the President's subsequent cover up. The film stars Frank Langella as Richard Nixon and Michael Sheen as David Frost and chronicles the behind-the-scenes negotiations and arguments between the two men and their teams. Despite Nixon's initial resistance, Frost ultimately manages to get a full confession from the disgraced President. The film received critical acclaim, with praise for the performances of Frank Langella and Michael Sheen as well as the direction by Ron Howard.

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

Yankee Doodle Dandy is a 1942 American biographical musical film starring James Cagney as legendary American entertainer George M. Cohan. The story follows Cohan's life from his early days in vaudeville, through his success as a Broadway star, to his emergence as one of the premier songwriters in early 20th century America. Along the way, he meets and marries his wife, and forms his own successful production company. The film features a number of Cohan's most famous songs, including “Give My Regards To Broadway,” “You’re A Grand Old Flag,” and “Over There.” The film was directed by Michael Curtiz and won him the Academy Award for Best Director at the 1942 Oscars.

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

From Penny Marshall, starring Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Lori Petty, Madonna
Rated PG

From Alexander Payne, starring Matthew Broderick, Reese Witherspoon, Chris Klein, Jessica Campbell
Rated R

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

From Roland Emmerich, starring Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, Joely Richardson, Jason Isaacs
Rated R

From Trey Parker, starring Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Elle Russ, Kristen Miller
Rated R

From Barry Levinson, starring Dustin Hoffman, Robert De Niro, Anne Heche, Woody Harrelson
Rated R

From Roland Emmerich, starring Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Mary McDonnell
Rated PG-13

From Tony Scott, starring Tom Cruise, Tim Robbins, Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer
Rated PG

From Don Bluth, starring Dom DeLuise, Christopher Plummer, Erica Yohn, Nehemiah Persoff
Rated G

From Ivan Reitman, starring Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver, Frank Langella, Kevin Dunn
Rated PG-13

From Jon Turteltaub, starring Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, Sean Bean
Rated PG

From Joe Johnston, starring Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Samuel L. Jackson, Hayley Atwell
Rated PG-13