My Favorite Movies and TV Shows That Capture the American Spirit

The American spirit is a multifaceted concept that encompasses ideals such as democracy, freedom, perseverance, and unity. Over the years, numerous movies and TV shows have successfully captured these values, both reflecting and shaping American culture.

With it being the fourth of July, I thought I write a little article that explores the top 5 movies and TV shows that embody the American spirit, celebrating their impact on our understanding of what it means to be American.

These are in no particular order:

MOVIES

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

In this classic film, James Stewart plays Jefferson Smith, a naive and idealistic man who is appointed to fill a vacant seat in the U.S. Senate. Unfamiliar with the political landscape, Smith soon discovers the deep-rooted corruption in Washington.

Determined to fight for justice, he stages a one-man filibuster to expose the truth and advocate for the American people.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a timeless portrayal of democracy, integrity, and the fight against corruption. It underscores the power of one individual's courage and conviction in the face of overwhelming odds.

The filibuster scene is particularly powerful as it showcases Smith's unwavering determination to uphold American ideals.

I like the public perception of American politics in this film, emphasizing the importance of integrity and civic duty.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan follows a group of World War II soldiers tasked with finding and bringing home Private James Ryan, whose brothers have all been killed in action.

The film opens with a harrowing depiction of the D-Day invasion and continues to explore the soldiers' journey through the war-torn landscape of Europe.

Bravery, camaraderie, and the immense cost of freedom are important themes in the story. The film portrays the sacrifices made by soldiers and the bonds they form in the face of unimaginable adversity.

The D-Day landing scene was a realistic, stunning, and brutal portrayal of war, highlighting the bravery and sacrifice of the soldier’s will to risk their lives for our freedoms.

This film had a significant impact on me. While I’ve seen many WWII films before this, Saving Private Ryan was such a powerful film that it deepened my appreciation for the sacrifices made during WWII.

Forrest Gump (1994)

Tom Hanks stars as Forrest Gump, a simple man with a low IQ who unwittingly influences several key events in American history. Through his innocence and honesty, Forrest navigates life’s challenges, from the Vietnam War to the Watergate scandal, touching the lives of everyone he meets.

Forrest Gump reflects on American history, innocence, and the extraordinary within the ordinary. The film is a perfect balance of exploring themes of love, perseverance, and the impact that one individual can have on the world.

It was such a fun experience watching Forrest’s epic story unfold, and it’s one of those movie that truly inspired me. The film is filled with so many wonderful moments that blend humor, nostalgia, and historical reflection.

I enjoyed the film's unique perspective on American history and how Forrest embodies the spirit of perseverance and the American Dream.

Independence Day (1996)

In this sci-fi blockbuster, directed by Roland Emmerich, humanity faces an alien invasion on the eve of the Fourth of July. The film follows various characters, including President Whitmore (Bill Pullman), as they unite to fight for the survival of the human race.

Independence Day is a film about unity, resilience, and patriotism as America leads a fight against an alien threat. The film celebrates the collective strength and determination of humanity, with a particular focus on American leadership and bravery.

President Whitmore’s rousing Independence Day speech is one of the greatest in movie history and it’s a standout moment that inspires patriotism and a sense of unity.

Independence Day was such a fun movie, and it has become a staple for Fourth of July celebrations, and I just had to include it on the list!

The Sandlot (1993)

The Sandlot is a nostalgic coming-of-age story set in the early 1960s that follows a group of young boys who bond over their love of baseball during one memorable summer. As they navigate childhood adventures and challenges, the boys learn about friendship, courage, and the joys of growing up.

I loved the themes of friendship, community, and the innocence of childhood in this film. It perfectly captures the essence of American childhood and the simple pleasures of playing baseball with friends.

One of my favorite scenes is the Fourth of July night game, with its fireworks show and sense of wonder, which perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the holiday and the joy of youthful camaraderie.

The Sandlot has become a beloved classic film that makes me feel happy every time I watch it.

TV SHOWS

John Adams (2008)

This HBO miniseries chronicles the life of John Adams (Paul Giamatti), the second President of the United States, and his pivotal role in the founding of the nation. The series spans the first 50 years of the United States, highlighting Adams’ contributions to the American Revolution and his presidency.

The series explores the founding principles of America, leadership, and the birth of a nation. It wonderfully explores the complexities of early American politics and the dedication of its founding fathers.

Seeing this early American history unfold through the eyes of John Adams is a fascinating experience and it offers a visual understanding and valuable historical insight of what it was like for these individuals to build up the nation that we currently enjoy.

The West Wing (1999-2006)

The West Wing offers a behind-the-scenes look at the daily operations of the White House and the lives of its staff. The show follows President Josiah Bartlet (Martin Sheen) and his political team as they navigate political challenges and personal dilemmas.

The West Wing explores political idealism, leadership, and public service and it presents an optimistic view of American politics, focusing on the dedication and integrity of those who serve the public.

This show makes me yearn for the days when politics weren’t so divided. A time when people on different sides could actually communicate with each other. When there was some kind of mutual respect.

The West Wing had a big influence on the public perception of political processes. A lot has changed since then, though.

Friday Night Lights (2006-2011)

Set in the fictional town of Dillon, Texas, Friday Night Lights follows the lives of the Dillon Panthers, a high school football team, and their head coach, Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler). The show explores the challenges and triumphs of the team, their families, and the community.

The series explored themes of community, perseverance, and life in the American heartland. It highlights the importance of teamwork, resilience, and the role of sports in bringing communities together.

Many of the episodes illustrated the highs and lows of the team’s journey and the impact of football on their lives and the community.

The Twilight Zone (1959-1964)

This iconic anthology series, created by Rod Serling, features standalone episodes that explore various genres, including drama, psychological thriller, fantasy, horror, and science fiction. Each episode presents a self-contained story with a thought-provoking twist ending.

The series offered some of the best social commentaries ever in a TV show, and many of the stories that it told are more relevant today than ever. Serling enjoyed exploring societal issues and human nature through the stories of this series.

The Twilight Zone has had a lasting influence on science fiction and popular culture, and it’s one of those show that no matter how many times you watch it, the stories make you think.

I also love that every fourth of July there’s a Twilight Zone Marathon on the Syfy Channel.

Band of Brothers (2001)

This HBO miniseries tells the story of Easy Company, part of the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division, and their experiences during World War II. The series is based on real-life events and follows the soldiers from their initial training through key battles in Europe.

Brotherhood, sacrifice, and the realities of war are the main themes of the series. The show highlights the bonds formed between soldiers and the sacrifices they make in the pursuit of freedom.

Band of Brothers is an emotional and powerful depiction of what the American soldiers endured during WWII. This is one of those show that completely blew me away when I first watched it.

These movies and TV shows each capture different aspects of the American spirit, from the founding principles of democracy and justice to the resilience and unity that define the nation. Together, they offer a rich tapestry of American culture and values, reflecting the diverse experiences and ideals that make up the American identity.

Please share your thoughts and favorite movies and TV shows that you think embody the American spirit!