The Fourth of July in America celebrates the day that America officially broke off from England to become its own Country.  It celebrates the day a certain document was passed by the Continental Congress that laid down the values and principles of America that stand today.

Today, the Fourth of July is a holiday in America where family and friends gather around barbecues to enjoy each others company.  Then, at the end of the night, communities gather to watch fireworks.  The Fourth of July is also celebrated in movies, either by telling the story of America's Independence or telling a story that embodies the freedoms Americans enjoy.  The following is a list of great movies to enjoy and celebrate Independence Day. 

Independence Day was released in 1996 and tells the story of an alien invasion on Earth.  The movie then details the human struggle for life and the eventual human victory over the aliens. Independence Day featured an all star cast including Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Mary McDonnell and Judd Hirsch. 

Independence Day was highly received.  It was the highest grossing film of 1996 earning over 100 million dollars in its first week.  Independence Day gained an Oscar for its visual effects and a Grammy for its musical score.

The Patriotic Independence Day moment comes near the end, when the President of the United States, played by Bill Pullman, gives a rallying speech before the humans take their last stand against the aliens.

Born on the Fourth Of July was released in 1989 and starred Tom Cruise as Ron Kovic, a Vietnam War Veteran who comes back from war Paralyzed and fights for Veteran's rights.  The movie was based on Kovic's autobiography.

Born on the Fourth of July was directed by Oliver Stone, a Vietnam Veteran himself.  It won Oscars for Best Director and Best Film Editing.  The movie is a patriotic movie, even though it shows some dark sides in American History including the horrible treatment of Vietnam War Veterans.  But in the end, it is a movie about loving America and is therefore appropriate for the Fourth of July.

The Patriot was released in 2000 and starred Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger.  The Patriot tells the story of Benjamin Martin who loses two sons during the Revolutionary War but continues to fight and becomes a hero with his battles against the British.

The Patriot is overtly patriotic though does tell some of the Revolutionary War story.  It shows the hardships faced by the Revolutionary Army, the role of the Loyalists and some of the brutality committed by the British, even though exaggerated.  The story is loosely based on the story of Francis Marion.  The Patriot was nominated for three academy awards. 

Avalon was released in 1990 and tells the story of the a Jewish Immigrant family that arrived in Baltimore on the Fourth of July.  In America, the family seeks to fulfill the American Dream.  Avalon tells the story through the eyes of the family's patriarch played by Armin Mueller-Stahl who tells of his arrival and his family's struggles.  His son and nephew, played by Aidan Quinn and Kevin Pollcak, open a store to try and achieve the American Dream.  The story also follows the patriarch's relationship with his grandson. 

Avalon is not a well known movie and certainly not a summer blockbuster.  But it beautifully tells the story of the American Dream and is able to add touching scenes mixed with humor to make for a good story.  The acting is excellent as is the writing.