10 All-American Movies that we can be Proud of on The 4th of July

It being the 4th of July I thought I would put together a fun little list of All-American movies. These are ten films that in one way or another portray the American spirit. Films that have inspired us, and made us proud to be an American, some more than others. 

Here are the ten All-American films in no particular order

John Adams

This was not a movie, John Adams was a miniseries on HBO, and for me it is the definitive story of the birth of our country. This series was absolutely incredible, and if you have ten hour to spare during the week of the fourth of July, this is the series that you need to watch to celebrate your independence. It tells the whole story and explores the personality and lives of all those involved with making our country what it is. I believe it is currently showing on HBO.

Independence Day

I admit I enjoyed this movie when it came out! I haven't seen it in a long time though mostly because I've come to realize over time that Roland Emmerich is a terrible director. I'm afraid if I watch it again, I won't like it as much as I did when I was younger. I'll never forget that speech given by Bill Pullman though, and for that speech alone this movie makes the list. 

The Sandlot

Who doesn't like The Sandlot? This is as American a movie as you can get! Kids in the 60's enjoying being young and playing baseball! Then of course there's Wendy Peffercorn. This is such a fun and great film, if for some strange reason you haven't seen it yet, it's a must watch.

Rocky

All odds were against Rocky as he took on Apollo Creed on the 4th of July. Here's a guy that had nothing, and worked his butt off to obtain the unattainable. Rocky is a movie that shows us that anything is possible, and that if we work hard enough, and make the necessary sacrifices there is a chance that we can live the American dream.

Miracle

How great was this movie!? We all love the story of an underdog that comes out victorious. The United States  beating the Soviets during the 1980 Olympic games with a bunch of college kids, ended up being one of the biggest upsets in Olympic history. America has a big win that day.

Apollo 13

This film tells the true story of Apollo 13, which had us believing in the power of the human spirit, and what we can accomplish in dire circumstances. What a miraculous event this was! It's incredible to see the ingenuity and team work of NASA to bring these three astronauts, stuck in space, home alive. The re-entry of Apollo 13 into the earths atmosphere was one of the most intense and longest four minutes ever in American history. I'm always in awe when I watch this film. 

Forrest Gump

Had Forrest Gump been a real person, he would have been an American icon. Actually, even though he's not real, he still seems to be an American icon. Through this character we see a big chunk of American history unfold through the events of his life and his adventures. Forrest meets several American historical figures, and fights for his country. Along the way he touches the lives of the people around him and he becomes an example for people to follow.

Top Gun

This film is the perfect film that shows off the American rebel attitude. We get a look into the interesting lives of daring cocky volley ball playing American jet fighter pilots. On top of that we get to watch Tom Cruise sing You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin'. And remember that scene where Ice Man takes a bite at Marvrick? Awesome.

Saving Private Ryan

This film may not take place in America, but it shows us the incredible sacrifice that thousands of American soldiers have made for their country during World War II. This story reminds us what we have gone through and continue to go through to preserve our freedom and the life we live within its borders.

To Kill a Mockingbird

The main character of this film is a deeply principled and idealistic American attorney by the name of Atticus Finch who was portrayed by Gregory Peck. Finch was chosen as the greatest hero in the last 100 years of film history by AFI. In the story Finche's two children start out as innocent kids who begin to learn of the racism and evil prevalent in their town, and painfully mature as they are exposed to it.