Honor America's Birthday With This July 4 Movie Marathon

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Thirty-six years in the making, the much-awaited “Maverick” finally took off in the summer of 2022, wowing audiences with emotional dazzle, incredible midair sequences, death-defying dogfights — and of course, Tom Cruise’s blinding charisma along with the same unrelenting mojo he possessed in the 1986 “Top Gun.”

The movie drew a throng of moviegoers back to theaters after the pandemic, ultimately becoming the biggest box office hit of 2022 as well as earning a nod for the Best Picture Oscar.

In the sequel, the megastar reprises his role as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, a top aviator still fearless and defiant after pushing the bounds of gravity — and the chain of command — for more than three decades. However, this time around, he encounters unexpected turbulence as he crosses paths with Rooster (Miles Teller), a young flyboy with a score to settle.

“The Thin Red Line”

James Caviezel, Sean Penn; directed by Terrence Malick

James Jones’ autobiographical 1962 novel comes to life in Terrence Malick’s 1998 screen adaptation of the author’s personal experiences during World War II. Riveting and thought provoking as it is, the film depicts the first major land offensive launched by the American forces against the Empire of Japan around the island of Guadalcanal.

“Stars and Stripes Forever”

Clifton Webb, Robert Wagner, Debra Paget; directed by Henry Koster

We’ve all heard of “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” John Philip Sousa’s official national march of the United States. But have you ever wondered about its genesis? Henry Koster’s 1952 classic turns the spotlight on the life of the symphonist who composed the world-renowned march. That musician is Sousa, hailed as the “March King,” who wrote the famed music in 1896. Chances are you haven’t heard of the musical instrument called sousaphone. Well, this biopic also sheds light on its origins.

“Saving Private Ryan”

Tom Hanks, Matt Damon; directed by Steven Spielberg

The film relates the story of one platoon’s determination, courage and honor to go behind enemy lines to retrieve Private James Ryan, whose three brothers have been killed in combat. An extraordinary achievement in filmmaking, “Saving Private Ryan” is compelling. The film may be excruciatingly painful to watch, but the discomfort is all worth it, as the screenplay unfolds with passion, grief, brutality and integrity.

“Hamilton”

Lin-Manuel Miranda, Daveed Diggs; directed by Thomas Kail

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s world-famous hip-hop musical about American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton is available on Disney+. Filmed entirely at New York’s Richard Rodgers Theater in 2016, the film of the original live-stage production features original Broadway cast members including Daveed Diggs, Leslie Odom Jr., Phillipa Soo, Okieriete Onaodowan, Anthony Ramos and Miranda in the title role.

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“American Sniper”

Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, directed by Clint Eastwood

Bradley Cooper stars as U.S. Navy S.E.A.L. Chris Kyle, one of the most lethal snipers in American history. Having served four tours of duty in Iraq, he finally returns home, but he cannot leave the war behind. Intensely powerful, “American Sniper” is harrowing and extremely affecting as it delves deeply into the perils of war. You’ll be left wondering why Kyle felt compelled to re-enlist time after time.

“Glory”

Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington; directed by Edward Zwick

As Col. Robert Shaw, Matthew Broderick navigates viewers to the lionhearted story of his infantry unit, the 54th Massachusetts Regiment— one of the first Black fighting units enlisted in the Union during the Civil War. Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes and Morgan Freeman star as members of the military unit. The period war drama beautifully captures the chaos, discipline and valor in engagements throughout the war.

“Patton”

George C. Scott, Karl Malden; directed by Franklin J. Shaffner

The 1970 Oscar-winning biopic “Patton” is a character study of Gen. George S. Patton, who was hailed as America’s greatest World War II combat general. With Oscar-winning script, direction and Scott’s performance in the titular role, the film celebrates Patton’s courage and genius in the battlefield. The actor’s six-minute monologue alone in the beginning of the film is worth your time to watch this movie gem.

“The Sandlot”

Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar; directed by David Mickey Evans

The coming-of-age cult classic has baseball, barbecues, fireworks, pool parties — serving up a great recipe for an all-American tradition. Watch a group of childhood friends — Scott (Tom Guiry), Benjamin (Mike Vitar), Squints (Chauncey Leopardi) and Ham (Patrick Renna) — celebrate the 4th of July with a game of baseball in a local sandlot. It’s a star-spangled delight!

“1776”

William Daniels, Howard Da Silva; directed by Peter H. Hunt

Hoping for a musical other than “Hamilton”? “1776” also enthralls through song and dance. Based on Sherman Edwards’ 1969 Broadway musical, Peter H. Hunt’s 1972 musical drama depicts the American Revolution’s political struggle in the Continental Congress to declare independence from Great Britain in 1776, immersing audiences in the events that led up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

“The Patriot”

Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger; directed by Roland Emmerich

Against the backdrop of the Revolutionary War, the action drama centers on an American colonist (Mel Gibson), who suddenly gets propelled into the war when a British military officer murders one of his sons . Undeterred, the peaceful father vows to avenge his son’s death at all costs, including leading a colonial militia to fight the British army.

“Hidden Figures”

Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe; directed by Theodore Melfi

Based on Margot Lee Shetterly’s 2016 nonfiction book, “Hidden Figures” brings to life the true story of three pioneering Black female NASA mathematicians — Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson ), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) — who made crucial contributions during the space race. Catch all the thrills and excitement of this cinematic gem as our heroines become instrumental in launching astronaut John Glenn (Glen Powell) into orbit.

“Captain America: The First Avenger”

Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Hayley Atwell; directed by Joe Johnston

Marvel’s 2011 superhero film brims with star-spangled patriotism. Watch Chris Evans as he tirelessly transforms into a super-soldier to fight for his country during World War II. No doubt, you’ll feel the true grit and resilience of the American spirit. Need we say more?

“Lincoln”

Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field; directed by Steven Spielberg

Steven Spielberg’s 2012 biopic chronicles the turbulent final months of Abraham Lincoln’s life, focusing on the American Civil War and Lincoln’s 1863 Emancipation Proclamation. A box office smash, “Lincoln” paints a moving and dignified portrait, garnering 12 Oscar nominations and a best actor Oscar win for Day-Lewis for his powerful performance as the 16th U.S. president.

“Born on the Fourth of July”

Tom Cruise, Kyra Sedgwick; directed by Oliver Stone

A film adaptation of Ron Kovic’s autobiography, Oliver Stone’s 1989 classic stars Tom Cruise as the war hero who returns home from the Vietnam War paralyzed from the chest down. His emotional scars take a toll on his spirits, fueling bouts of alcoholism and despair. But Kovic eventually prevails with renewed hope and mission in life as an anti-war activist.

“Top Gun”

Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis; directed by Tony Scott

Catch all the vertigo-inducing aerial sequences as Navy aviators Lt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) and Lt. Tom “Iceman” Kazansky (Val Kilmer) compete for the coveted award of “Top Gun” while training at a flying school in California.

“National Treasure”

Nicholas Cage, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha; directed by Jon Turteltaub

What if you were a die-hard historian, and suddenly you discovered clues to the location of the world’s most coveted treasure? That’s the premise of this heart-pounding family action adventure. Benjamin Franklin Gates (Nicholas Cage) is a third-generation treasure hunter searching for the long-lost “national treasure” believed to have been hidden by our Founding Fathers. Benjamin’s tenacity pays off when he discovers a map of clues on the back of the Declaration of Independence, but danger looms ahead.

“The Hunt for Red October”

Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin; directed by John McTiernan

A film adaptation of Tom Clancy’s bestselling novel of the same name, “The Hunt for Red October” follows Soviet submarine commander Ramius (Sean Connery) as he steers his sub Red October toward American waters, hoping to defect. In the process, the CIA thinks his goal is to start World War III. Enter CIA analyst Jack Ryan (Alec Baldwin), who thinks Ramius’ mission is not that doom-and-gloom. Chilling and tense as it is, this Cold War suspense-thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat.

“Apollo 13”

Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton; directed by Ron Howard

Based on the events of the Apollo 13 lunar mission, the historical epic drama tells the story of NASA’s delicate and risky plan to return the spacecraft and its crew to Earth safely after its oxygen tank explodes. The language may be too scientific and mathematical, but the tone is exact and realistically alarming, echoed by Tom Hanks’ famous line, “Houston, we have a problem.” By the end, you’d be relieved to hear, “This is Apollo 13. We’re signing off,” after the spacecraft’s safe trip back to Earth.

“Hacksaw Ridge”

Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington; directed by Mel Gibson

“Hacksaw Ridge” is a biopic about the war experiences of Army medic Desmont T. Doss (Andrew Garfield), the first American in history to be awarded the Medal of Honor after refusing to carry any weapons in combat. In spite of a great deal of graphic violence, “Hacksaw Ridge” is piercingly thought-provoking. Mel Gibson’s brilliant directorial vision and exposition are reminiscent of his movie “Apocalypto.”

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