America at 250: 6 Movies to Watch This Fourth of July

Independence Day is the perfect watch for the special day, because you guessed it right- it is set on that day. An alien civilization is seen attacking the planet and destroying it bit by bit, with their superior technology. The movie showcases how different factions come together when the US's liberty is challenged. Brilliant performances by Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, and Bill Pullman elevate the already moving story. It reveals how, during trying times, the US's unity becomes the nation's saving grace. The movie is streaming now on Disney+.

'Top Gun: Maverick' brought the suave test pilot, Captain Pete "Maverick" Mitchell (Tom Cruise), back to life. The 2022 movie saw Maverick leading a team of pilots to destroy an unsanctioned uranium enrichment plant that threatened the country's safety. The movie reveals how patriots give their all for their country's sake. No matter how big personal rivalries might be, patriots keep them all aside for the greater cause. Cyclone (Jon Hamm) and Maverick's relationship was the prime example of that. 'Top Gun: Maverick' is currently streaming on Paramount+.

National Treasure (2004) stands apart from the rest of the movies on the list, as it doesn't focus on military or authoritarian figures. It is about a group of civilians who want to bring the nation's legacy into the spotlight. The treasure in question has been passed down through several prominent national icons, such as the Knights Templar, the Founding Fathers, and Freemasons. Benjamin Franklin Gates (Nicolas Cage) conflicts with a dangerous Ian Howe (Sean Bean) to protect the treasure's integrity. The movie is currently streaming on Disney+.

'Forrest Gump' reveals the journey of the great nation through the story of the titular character. Gump (Tom Hanks) leads an eventful life, going through Governor George Wallace's Stand in the Schoolhouse Door, the Vietnam War, the anti-war March on the Pentagon rally, ping-pong diplomacy, the Watergate scandal, and much more. The movie brilliantly showcases many pivotal moments that built the nation we know, underneath a heartwarming tale of love, perseverance, and camaraderie. 'Forrest Gump' is currently streaming on Paramount+.

'Hidden Figures' focusses on Black Women, who persisted despite several drawbacks to facilitate John Glenn's launch, a big event in American history. Katherine Goble Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) were dismissed at several points and had their talents questioned, but never gave up. Ultimately, it was the calculations of these women that enabled America to facilitate the first crewed American orbital spaceflight. For decades, systemic racism and gender discrimination kept their name out of the public eye. 'Hidden Figures' and other sources helped bring it to light. 'Hidden Figures' is currently streaming on Disney+.

'Lincoln' focusses on an important time in the country's history. In many ways, the country truly gained freedom during this period. The movie concentrated on the final four months of the former President's life, when he gave it his all to pass the Thirteenth Amendment (Amendment XIII) in the United States House of Representatives, which essentially abolished slavery. It showcases the machinations Abraham Lincoln (Daniel Day-Lewis) participated in to fulfill this objective. From taking the help of lame ducks to convincing Francis Preston Blair (Hal Holbrook), he stopped at nothing to make slavery and involuntary servitude illegal. The movie is currently streaming on Hulu.