Today is our nation’s birthday, so that got us thinking at Geek Vibes Nation for must-see July 4th movies. America is 247 years young and doesn’t look a day over 200. One of the good things about holidays is finding several festive films to binge–in this case, what notable movies help open your 4th of July with a bang!
Our obsessed listicle team sat down with authors and podcasters from Geek Vibes Nation to learn what their favorite Independence Day movies are to binge. Some of these are must-haves in any collection. Others may surprise you. So, break out your Word document and write these down for your celebratory cinematic experiences.
These are our recommendations for Must-See 4th of July Movies:
Dre
What’s a July 4th without a trip to the beach? Dre thinks so, and even though there’s a risk in shallow water for shark orthodontia, Jaws are among their must-see July movies.
“Ba-dum. Baaaa-dum. Ba-dum. Baaaa-dum.”
Watch Jaws and you’ll be sure to reconsider your beachside lounge act. Of course, if you ask Dre about other movies during America’s birthday, “You’ll need a bigger boat.” Their other solid recommendations are:
If you’re wondering, Dre also likes going to the Zoo on July 4th, also.
Lane
What’s a more nostalgic time to light sparklers and howl at the moon than Captain America: The First Avenger? Lane said, “The First Avenger has always felt like the epitome of the Fourth of July to me, as far as movies go.”
Can you blame him?
Lane cites the star-spangled awesomeness of national colors, nationalistic values, and a “triumphant nature” for the day. A true classic in his eyes and most other cinephiles.
Martin
After you have made your hot dogs, put out the condiments, and arranged the adult beverages at the party, you should consider The Patriot. This homage to America’s plight starring Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger is a fantastic glimpse into the lives of our first colonists inspired by a love for God, country, and US citizenship.
As Martin would tell you, “Is it historically accurate? Nope. Does it upset some delicate sensibilities? Probably. But it is a good action-filled film with a great cast,” he said. “And as far as America goes…the good guys win out.”
Absolutely. Stand at attention when you drop this movie today. You’ll be saluting all day.
Lee
Who would have thunk it? Our horror aficionado Lee loves to jam to…horror. Among their Must-See July 4 movies is I Know What You Did Last Summer. The Jim Gillespie origin of the franchise is the perfect mood-setter for all the bang, boom, and fizzles.
It’s just like the holiday, actually.
The movie makes you hide your ears, it’s during summer, and when the festivities are over, there’s nothing better than to wash down with a cold one. Can you guess another of their favorite recommendations? Jaws. Oh yeah, and the Tom Hanks’ classic, The Burbs.
(You’re going to have to ask him why on that one. Most of us aren’t sure either.)
Afiba
One of our OG columnists may be a fan of the zoo as well. One of his must-see July movies gives him the Hakuna Matata vibes. Yes, The Lion King is the flick that makes Afiba flustered with bottle rocket feels.
Maybe it’s that Rafiki scene holding a young Simba over the Pride Rock community that makes the ol’ heart explode with pride. (See what we did there?) There is also the Americana mood with Star Wars: A New Hope and Bad Boys.
Larry
A movie dork if ever there was one, you know Larry is on the Mount Rushmore carving crew. His must-see July 4th movies collection involves one that is on everyone’s list — Independence Day.
The booms and bangs, aliens and people, and that Bill Pullman speech to get the heart racing. This is a classic for fireworks burners and BBQ party crashers alike. If you can’t get down with the movie on July 4, we probably can’t be friends.
Tia
Our eclectic lover of film is a fan of any genre once available at a Blockbuster Video store. When she lived at home with her parents, this was a staple in her household. Like many people who watch It’s a Wonderful Life, Elf, or A Christmas Story during the holiday, this is an annual mandate.
The grill. The fireworks. And those ugly Aliens with Will Smith and Harry Connick, Jr. That’s a recipe for a most festive July 4th. We wish her well because she has probably seen nine times today alone.
SPW
Born on the Fourth of July? Meh. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington? Pass. Glory or Lincoln? I’m good. But, The Sandlot? Yes, please!
One of the best sports movies and some mouth-watering BBQ, that’s how this Texas boy likes to get down. It’s the Summer of 1962 when Scotty Smalls goes daydreaming and recalls the best day ever. (Yes, that ‘You’re Killing Me’ Scotty Smalls!)
Did you know that the older and younger Benny are played by real-life brothers, Pablo and Mike Vitar? Well, now you do. Another fun fact: Director David Mickey Evans had one clear instruction for Chauncey Leopardi during the pool scene when he kisses Wendy Peffercorn: “Keep your tongue in your mouth.”
Such a classic!
Since he saw ‘Dune’ in the $1 movie theater as a kid, this guy has been a lover of geek culture. It wasn’t until he became a professional copywriter, ghostwriter, and speechwriter that he began to write about it (a lot).
From the gravitas of the Sith, the genius of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, or the gluttony of today’s comic fan, SPW digs intelligent debate about entertainment. He’s also addicted to listicles, storytelling, useless trivia, and the Oxford comma. And, he prefers his puns intended.