Unlike Christmas or Easter or other holidays, Independence Day isn’t usually associated with a barrage of thematic movies that turn into family viewing traditions. Yes, I’m looking at you, Charlie Brown.

And, if you are lucky to find any Fourth of July programming on your TV these days, there’s a high chance it’s something big and dramatic like ‘The Patriot’. As much as I love a good ‘based on a true story’ period piece, sometimes lighthearted or exciting is easier on the senses. Mel Gibson may have buried a tomahawk in a redcoat’s forehead and a young Heath Ledger may have fallen in love, but that doesn’t mean historical dramas can set the right tone for an Independence Day celebration.

If you’re in the mood for films that are a little less heavy and a little faster-paced this Independence Day, we’ve got you covered.

Action junkies may want to get swept up in ‘Top Gun’ or ‘National Treasure’, while ‘The Sandlot’ and ‘Good Morning Vietnam’ are feel-good flicks that don’t miss. (Try and tell me ‘Sandlot’ isn’t as American as apple pie and fireworks and summer carnival rides. Just try. I dare you.) There’s even a musical in this list — and no, it’s not Hamilton. Everyone has been singing and rapping along enough the other 364 days a year. When all else fails, you can always turn to comic book standbys like ‘Captain America: The First Avenger' and ‘Superman II’ to swoop in and save the day.

Here’s the best part: all of these titles are currently streaming online, so there’s really no excuse to settle for an average World War II documentary during your pre-fireworks nap.

 

Patriotic Movies To Watch When You're Tired of Historical Dramas

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