Finding the 25 most patriotic movies in history isn’t tough since they tend to stand out. Some are more fiction than fact, but they still deliver a great story.
The Patriot
Mel Gibson knows how to craft a great story people want to watch. While The Patriot makes a few glaring mistakes, it pulls at the heartstrings and reminds people that the fight for this nation was a brutal struggle at one point.
Born on the 4th of July
If this movie shows us anything, war is not perfect, and the fallout is even worse. The Vietnam War was perhaps one of the worst engagements in American history, if only because it created such a massive division among the American people.
Top Gun
This movie is more of a thrill ride than anything and a look at someone who’s great at what he does but needs a bit of humility. Thankfully, by the end of the movie, this is evident, but people are jazzed when watching.
Patton
This is an excellent example of how a great commander can take a poor unit and snap it into working shape. Patton’s name has reverberated throughout history in a big way thanks to this movie and due to his contributions.
Stripes
Honestly, as patriotic movies go, this one is plain silly. But it’s funny in a way that still inspires patriotism since Bill Murray and the rest of the cast did pull together as Americans to find their way out of a tight spot.
TAPS
The unfortunate fact about some patriotic movies is that they need to depict the interactions between civilians and those who seek to defend their country. These instances are usually built up in a big way, but they’re not entirely unreal.
Independence Day
While the main action takes place in America in this movie, the independence of the world is at stake when an alien species comes to wipe humans out. As patriotic movies go, it is far more unifying than many others.
Captain America: The First Avenger
It goes without saying that Captain America is a patriotic movie since the character’s point is that he’s a tool to be used and ends up being a symbol to follow. The ability of this fictional character to inspire others is just part of his main allure.
Lincoln
Some people agreed with Lincoln’s attempts to unify the country, and others didn’t. But the point is that he was someone who tried to keep the nation from tearing itself apart.
Glory
This movie pulls a lot of emotions from the viewers since the Civil War was a horrible time in the country’s history. But the ability to fight and die side by side, regardless of race or color, was a dream to fight for.
We Were Soldiers
Vietnam movies tend to bring out patriotism in a lot of people. There are plenty of arguments as to whether or not America needed to be in Vietnam, but the men who went there would tell their own story.
Red Dawn
As a fictionalized story meant to entertain and inspire, this movie hit the mark in a big way. A lot of patriots loved this movie for several reasons, but mostly because it did show the determination of those who defended their homes.
The Alamo
There are many arguments to be had from this movie. Don’t tell a Texan that this wasn’t a big moment in history, though; those are fighting words.
Hacksaw Ridge
Desmond Doss refined patriotism in his way. Few people, if any, would ever go to war without a weapon.
Lone Survivor
This movie had an all-star cast, and it worked beautifully. When individuals serving our country state that they love the film, you know it’s been done right.
Miracle
Pulling away from the war movies for this entry, it does bear stating that the Olympics are another great setting for patriotic film. The miracle that came from beating the Russians at hockey was amazing then.
Pearl Harbor
As one of the most significant wartime attacks in American history, there was no way that this event could be left out of the cinema. While it didn’t get great reviews, it was still a fair depiction that pulled a lot of emotions from the audience.
The Last Castle
Military prison is no joke, according to many who have been near one. But it’s fair to say that it’s not as bad as the movie depicts. Even so, it was inspiring to see hardened criminals remember they were still soldiers.
American Sniper
Chris Kyle set the standards for snipers throughout America. He wasn’t perfect, but he didn’t deserve the end he met.
Patriots Day
The bombing of the Boston Marathon left a lot of people dazed and confused, but it also riled a lot of people up at the same time. An attack on American soil such as this is akin to kicking a hornet’s nest.
Air Force One
Despite feeling like Indiana Jones on an airplane, Harrison Ford gave a great performance. The line “Get off my plane!” is still iconic.
Black Hawk Down
There are many criticisms about this movie due to technical details. But between the cast and the action, it was an enjoyable film.
The Longest Day
The ensemble cast in this movie was absolutely amazing, as was the content. The film shows the events leading up to D-Day, and the tension is felt throughout as the audience is reminded once again of that hellish landing.
Saving Private Ryan
Wartime movies do bring a lot of emotions to the fore, and the story is that a couple of veterans had to leave the theater after feeling overwhelmed by their memories. If a movie can create that reaction, it’s done something right.
Flags of our Fathers
History is, unfortunately, built on as much fiction as fact. This movie depicts that and yet make it patriotic to keep the inspiration alive. Is there anything wrong with that?