
The Top 4th of July Movies to Watch This Independence Day
Nothing says 'Happy 4th of July' like fireworks, grilled food, and a great movie night.
Whether you're winding down after a day of celebration or keeping the patriotic vibes going, these movies are perfect for your Independence Day lineup.
Here are some of the top picks that scream red, white, and blue:
The Top 4th of July Movies to Watch This Independence Day was originally published on b1057.com
1. Independence Day
You can't have a 4th of July movie list without this one. Aliens invade Earth, and it's up to a ragtag group (led by Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum) to save the planet. It's got action, drama, and a killer speech from President Whitmore. Iconic. 2. The Sandlot
Set in the early '60s, this nostalgic coming-of-age film is summer in a bottle. The legendary 4th of July night game under the fireworks? Pure magic.
3. Born on the Fourth of July
Tom Cruise stars in this powerful biopic about Vietnam veteran Ron Kovic. It's a moving story that dives deep into the meaning of patriotism.
4. Forest Gump
Though not exclusively about Independence Day, Forrest Gump is an American classic that touches on key moments in U.S. history. Plus, who doesn't love quoting it?
5. Top Gun
Jets. Aviators. American pride. Need we say more?
6. National Treasure
Nicolas Cage trying to steal the Declaration of Independence? Wildly entertaining and full of historical nuggets, this movie is perfect for the occasion.
7. Yankee Doodle Dandy
This old-school musical tells the story of patriotic songwriter George M. Cohan. It's classic Hollywood—and pure Americana.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Vogue
11 minutes ago
- Vogue
Nobody Is Wearing Red, White, and Blue Like Beyoncé
It is very rare that I find myself overthinking an outfit. While I do put ample thought into what I wear—checking the weather, getting dressed with important meetings and after-work commitments in mind, and asking myself how long I can really walk in a pair of platforms—I'm not one to spiral like Cher in Clueless looking for her white, collarless shirt from Fred Segal, or make a mess of my room, trying on everything I own while bemoaning that I have nothing to wear! There are two exceptions, though: If I'm going to a game and cheering for a team with red, white, and blue team colors, or, if it's the Fourth of July. A few months ago, while in Philadelphia for a 76ers vs. Golden State Warriors game, I opted for a blue crop top, a white faux fur coat, and a bold red lip. I wanted to look like I was supporting the Sixers, but I did not want to look like a walking American flag; I know I'm not alone in that trepidation. American history is marred by atrocities against Black people: Slavery, Jim Crow, lynching, centuries of systemic racism that has permeated everything from public education and the justice system to housing and healthcare. All of this has transpired, and much of it continues to, despite the fact that the United States as we know it would not exist without the contributions of Black people. I was born and raised here. I could not be more proud of my ancestors. I have lived a comfortable and privileged life in America. But given all the ways the country has mistreated and disenfranchised Black people, I've never been compelled to wear patriotism on my sleeve. That sentiment is especially strong today, as I find myself increasingly enraged by this country's current political and social landscape. This Fourth of July I will likely be in black; to me, it feels more like America's funeral than its birthday.


Fox News
11 minutes ago
- Fox News
PETA plans to make presence at Joey Chestnut's comeback in Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
Joey Chestnut's return to Coney Island on the Fourth of July may come with somewhat of a wrinkle. Chestnut was ineligible to compete in last year's Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest following a dispute stemming from his signing with Impossible Foods. However, with weeks to spare, the sides all worked out a deal to get the GOAT of competitive eating back in Brooklyn on Independence Day. However, Chestnut will be joined by the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). In a press release sent to Fox News Digital, PETA said that "Tommy Tofu and his PETA pals will be right there at Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, distributing hundreds of tasty vegan hot dogs as they challenge hungry spectators to enjoy a free, flavorful Fourth that is also animal-friendly." "Vegan hot dogs are delicious and kind, and who really wants to support slaughterhouses -- the word is enough -- by buying what comes out of them," PETA executive Tracy Reiman said to TMZ. "PETA encourages everyone to let freedom ring for all by leaving animals in peace this Fourth of July and beyond." Chestnut has actually dealt with a protester during the competition before. About halfway through the 2022 event, protesters rushed the stage — at least one wearing a Darth Vader mask — while carrying signs that read "Expose Smithfield Deathstar." Smithfield is a major food processing company out of Smithfield, Virginia, specializing in pork products. Nathan's Famous is an all-beef frank. All with a cast on his leg from a ruptured tendon, Chestnut put a protester in a headlock and dropped him to the ground. He still managed to put down 63 dogs and win the event convincingly, although he claimed it cost him five wieners. Last year, PETA planned to "bombard the competition's spectators" and brought a truck to encourage fans to go vegan. Chestnut is, obviously, the overwhelming favorite for Friday's event, as he has won 16 of the last 17 contests he has competed in, only losing to Matt Stonie in 2015. His record is 76 dogs and buns. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Yahoo
35 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Will Target Be Open on Fourth of July?
Will Target Be Open on Fourth of July? originally appeared on Parade Pets. When it comes to shopping for our furry friends, there are few places more stylish than Target. Sure, you might have to visit a specialty store to find a t-shirt for your cockatoo, but at least Tar-zhay has our cutesy four-legged friends covered. They've got clothing, chew toys, and even a few specialty treats that Milo is sure to love, and with the Fourth of July coming up this Friday, we might need to add an extra stop to our weekly grocery route. 🐾 SIGN UP to get 'pawsitivity' delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends along with expert advice from veterinarians and pet trainers🐾 Fido deserves to look their red, white, and blue very best too, after all, and if you find yourself wondering if Target is open on the Fourth of July, then sit tight for the answer. As much as Independence Day is all about the fireworks and barbecue, our furbabies deserve to show up to the party in style—even if they are a little bit afraid of all the ruckus. Depending on your pup's temperament, you might be in the market for treats to keep them occupied, a new bed to make sure they have a comfortable place to relax after running through the yard all day, or even an anxiety vest to help calm their nerves once the firework finale really gets if you need to make a last-minute treat run before the big day, Target will be open and waiting for you and your furry companion to go on a doggone shopping spree. That's right, pet parents. You and Rex can grab all the barbecue-themed chew toys and hot dog-shaped goodies money can buy because Target stores will be open during regular business hours on the Fourth of July. Even if you're looking for a cat tree to update Salem's new digs in honor of the big day, the cheap-chic retailer has you covered there, too. As a general rule of thumb, you'll want to check with your local store to verify its actual operating hours; however, for the most part, if your store is usually open until 10 PM, it should close at 10 PM on the fourth. That means there's no stressing if you run out of Fancy Feast or Gambit's favorite treats. You can grab all that and then some, and even any lingering party supplies to make your Independence Day bash go off without a hitch. Now, that's something to bark Target Be Open on Fourth of July? first appeared on Parade Pets on Jul 3, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.