Movies that Scream “America” to Watch for Fourth of July
Love it, hate it, love to hate it or hate to love it, but regardless, happy birthday, America. Every year for Fourth of July, Americans come together to celebrate their country’s birthday. Parades march, barbecues are held, and TV plays patriotic shows and specials in honor of the US of A.
Of course, there are other ways for people to celebrate the Fourth of July. In particular, film buffs might prefer to sit back and chill to some flicks that scream “America.” From the films that honor American history to the ones that gleefully parody and satirize it, there are plenty of films to enjoy on the Fourth of July.
Beavis and Butthead Do America
Before there was South Park, there were Beavis and Butthead on MTV. A staple of 90s TV, the two became one of the few cartoons to make the leap to the big screen in their 1996 film. When the two’s beloved TV gets stolen, the duo set off on a cross-country journey to get it back. Or to score. Predictably, they cause nationwide havoc in the process.
Independence Day
It’s cheesy, filled with explosions, and practically screams “America is Awesome” in audiences faces. When Earth’s invaded by, essentially, sentient space locusts, its up to a rag tag group of American survivors to save the day. While Independence Day lacks emotional depth in favor of big budget explosions, one has to remember that this film came out in 1996. America was still riding high from winning the Cold War and had yet to experience the trauma of 9/11. Regardless of its shortcomings, it’s still a fun movie to watch.
Forrest Gump
It may be because he’s played by Tom Hanks, his kindhearted nature, or the incredible life he’s led, but there’s something so endearing about Forrest Gump. Seeing the simple-minded man succeed in life is touching. However, that he does so while influencing key moments in 20th-Century America is the kind of thing people dream of. Forrest is the success story that America craves, and it delivers.
Team America: World Police
Having already left their mark on the big screen with their South Park movie, Matt Stone and Trey Parker did it once more. Except this time, with puppets. This hilarious Thunderbirds parody skewers America’s role in the post 9/11 world. It’s all in good fun, though, and they mock everyone in the process, giving audiences some good laughs. Not to mention, that theme song’s hilariously catchy.
Captain America Trilogy
There are fewer things more American than Captain America. A staple of superhero films in the 2010s, the journey of Steve Rogers from Brooklyn Boy to one of the world’s greatest heroes is also one of the MCU’s finest. In addition, each film in the Captain America trilogy covers a pivotal moment in the MCU’s history, making them a must watch for MCU fans. Add in the fact that Chris Evans as Cap the First embodies the best of America, these films are perfect for the Fourth of July.
Beavis and Butthead Do the Universe
Eleven years after their short-lived revival, Beavis and Butthead returned. However, this time, they don’t just do America; they do the universe. This Paramount+ film brings the two idiots to the present day, letting them skewer all the insane changes to American culture. Not only that, the film also sets fans up for their upcoming revival series on the streaming platform. That was cool, boys.
Top Gun
Top Gun: Maverick was the sequel fans waited decades for, and not even COVID-19 could finish its hype. The hype proved well founded, with the film called Tom Cruise’s best performance ever. The success of the long awaited sequel provides all the reason to rewatch the original.
South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut
Freedom of speech is one of the most important rights of the American people, and Matt Stone and Trey Parker are some of its biggest proponents. So when South Park got it’s own movie two years after it started, what do they do? Milk that for all it’s worth. Bigger, Longer, and Uncut remains one of the funniest R-rated films of all time, and it’s musical numbers are gut-bustingly hilarious. Seriously, try and sit through one song without getting a smile on your face!
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