Independence Day and the 13 Most Patriotic Movies Ever

Top Gun

In America, we like things fast, and if those fast things could also be loud and lethal, that would be great too. Before the Fast and Furious franchise grabbed a monopoly on that market, Top Gun did it better and did it with fighter jets. It’s also rife with sweet nicknames like Cougar, Iceman, and Viper, which means that if you close your eyes it’s almost like you’re watching professional wrestling, which America loves more than anybody else on earth. Throw in the bonus of the best Kenny Loggins song of all time, and you’ve truly got an American classic.

Patton

OK, I’ll be honest – I’ve never seen Patton. But it’s got everything that makes America great: World War II, gruff old men, and punching Germans in the face. Plus, it’s got that iconic scene of the titular general delivering a rousing speech in front of a giant American flag. I think that’s all the “America” one is legally allowed to fit into a single film.

Miracle

The second entry on this list in the “Americans defeat the Soviet powers” genre, Miracle tells a story that is actually as inspiring in real life as it is on film. In the 1980 Olympics, the US hockey team, comprised of amateur college players, defeated the seemingly unbeatable Russian national team on America’s path to winning the gold medal. The “Miracle on Ice” game is the epitome of an underdog story, and the film does a great job capturing the wonder of the improbable victory. Most people don’t associate America with hockey, but if you’re looking to feel inspired about the great things America can accomplish, look no further.

Forrest Gump

On his quest to get back to the woman he loves, Forrest Gump finds himself present for – perhaps pivotal to – critical moments in American history. He meets presidents, jogs across America, serves in Vietnam, and essentially embodies the American experience from the ‘50s to the ‘80s. But what makes Forrest Gump stand alone on this list in its ability to inspire patriotic fervor, more even than the excellent plot and characters, is its incredible soundtrack. The music director Robert Zemeckis uses throughout the film is as iconic as any of the historical events in which Forrest participates. Songs like CCR’s “Fortunate Son,” “Mrs. Robinson” by Simon and Garfunkel, and Jackson Browne’s “Running on Empty” accentuate Forrest’s experiences. And let’s face it – every red-blooded American loves Forrest Gump. It’s just a fact.

Field of Dreams

Is there anything more American than baseball? Why yes there is: baseball in the cornfields of Iowa! For those who somehow don’t know, the story goes like this: Kevin Costner starts hearing voices telling him to construct a baseball diamond in his corn field, causing everyone to think he’s insane. When he completes the field, the ghosts of dead ballplayers come to relive their playing days, opening things up for many a monologue about the good old days, playing catch, and fathers and sons. It’s Americana at its finest, with a little bit of baseball and melodrama thrown in for good measure.

Air Force One

Every American voter secretly dreams that their candidate could physically dominate the other candidate and any wayward terrorists he comes across during his term. Air Force One fulfills that fantasy by giving us President Harrison Ford (his character’s actual name is unimportant), who takes on Russian terrorist Gary Oldman (god Hollywood hates Russians) in mid-air. If there was ever a president who truly represented Americans’ interests in the gravel-voiced ass-kicker market, it’s President Indiana Jones (just try to tell me you don’t hear that theme music every time Harrison Ford does anything in a movie). He only solidifies that status by uttering a line so simple and yet so badass that you just have to stop and appreciate it: “Get off my plane.” Well said, Mr. President. Well said.

Die Hard

In a decade where most of the roles for action stars in Hollywood were taken up by guys named Schwarzenegger or Stallone, Die Hard broke the mold and gave audiences the average-American hero they’d been longing for. Bruce Willis’ John McClane is a trash-talking New Yorker – which pretty much exemplifies what non-Americans think of us – and an everyman that, well, every man can identify with. He’s put in a no-win situation and finds a way to overcome, all the while maintaining his charm and charisma. Another perfect example of America coming out on top. And it’s the best Christmas movie ever made.