Today is the 4th of July. This is the day that we, as Americans, celebrate our Independence from Great Britain. While many of you will be celebrating by hitting parades, grilling out, or observing fireworks, some of us will be celebrating by watching films.
But what films can you watch to celebrate Independence Day? Well, lucky for you, we are here to help you out by identifying the 5 movies that need to be watched to properly celebrate this day.
Independence Day (ID4)
Director’s Roland Emmerich’s classic Sci Fi blockbuster that was released in 1996, Independence Day stars Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, and Vivica A. Fox. Aliens come to Earth and they don’t come in peace. It is up to a rag tag group to devise a plan to unite the world in defeating this threat. Oh, and the final showdown happens on Fourth of July. This film features one of the greatest speeches that has ever graced film.
“Good morning. In less than an hour, aircraft from here will join others from around the world. And you will be launching the largest aerial battle in this history of mankind. Mankind — that word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can’t be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests. Perhaps its fate that today is the 4th of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom, not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution — but from annihilation. We’re fighting for our right to live, to exist. And should we win the day, the 4th of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day when the world declared in one voice: ‘We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! We’re going to live on! We’re going to survive!’ Today, we celebrate our Independence Day!”
Chills….
Team America World Police
Be warned, this film is not for children nor is it for the easily offended. This film is included because it just screams AMERICA. This movie is about North Korean ruler Kim Jong-Il who orchestrates a global terrorist plot and it’s up to the heavily armed marionettes of the highly specialized Team America unit to stop his dastardly scheme. This film holds no punches and makes fun of everything. A film that features some of the worst marionette performances ever. It is so bad that it is good. Another movie with a speech at the end, this one being memorable because it is hilarious!
Rocky IV
Now, I hard a hard time trying to figure out what Rocky film to include on this list. I was going back and forth between the films. I finally decided on Rocky IV because what is more American then going toe to toe against Russia? Rocky Balboa plans to retire and live with his wife, Adrian after winning back his Championship title. During an exhibition match, Apollo Creed is beaten to death by the doped up Russian boxer, Ivan Drago. Rocky decides to avenge Apollo by going against Drago. Rocky goes to Russia and has an epic training montage that shows Balboa getting ready for the Christmas Day fight!
Captain America: The First Avenger
You know there could not be a list without featuring a Marvel film of some kind. The first Captain America is the perfect film to watch to celebrate Independence Day because Steve Rogers is the embodiment of America. It is 1941 and the world is at war. Steve Rogers wants to do his part and join America’s armed forces, but the military rejects him because of his small stature. Steve gets his chance when he is accepted into an experimental program that turns him into the super-soldier called Captain America. Rogers, as Captain America, leads the fight against the Nazi-backed HYDRA.
Red Dawn
Finally we go back to 1984’s Red Dawn. This film features a Charlie Sheen, Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey, and Lea Thompson. The film takes place in an alternate 1980s where the United States stands alone as communism grows. When Soviet soldiers invade a small Colorado town, brothers Jed and Matt Eckert escape with friends to the forest. With their father, Tom, a prisoner of the invading army, the children decide to fight against the Soviets. As the country comes under increasing attack, the group teams up with Lt. Col. Andrew Tanner to take back their town. This is a film about high school kids kicking Russian’s asses all across the country side.
So there you have it, five films that need to be watched to celebrate Independence Day. Have you seen all the films on this list? Do you agree with our picks? Are their any films that you feel should be on here? Let us know by commenting below.
