As the stars and stripes wave proudly and the scent of sizzling barbecue fills the air, there is no better way to celebrate the grand old 4th of July than by diving into a cinematic salute to valor, freedom, and the American spirit. Whether you fancy tales of heroic teamwork, the grit of battle, or the complex tapestry of history, Netflix has got your red, white, and blue cravings covered. Paired with an apple pie, a tall glass of lemonade, and a screen filled with the giant red N, promises a 4th of July like no other with these five pieces of cinema.
The Olympic Glory is one thing that can get American hearts going at full throttle, and for a team to slam dunk their way to this very glory is more explosive than any grand finale fireworks.
The Redeem Team
Kicking off an Independence Day marathon with The Redeem Team
, a documentary that is as inspiring as a rocket lighting up the night sky, is probably the most go-getting idea. This film chronicles the remarkable journey of the 2008 United States Olympic men’s basketball team, a squad that soared back to glory after a disappointing 2004 performance.
It is a tale of grit, teamwork, and that all-American never-say-die attitude that embodies the spirit of the Fourth.
First trailer for THE REDEEM TEAM released. The documentary focuses on the 2008 US Olympics Men’s Basketball team featuring Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and more
Hitting Netflix on October 7th. Thoughts?pic.twitter.com/xz4RCSpgpe
— Lights, Camera, Barstool (@LightsCameraPod) September 13, 2022
The film does not just showcase slam dunks and buzzer-beaters; it delves deep into the camaraderie and determination that fueled the phoenix-like rise of these boys
. Watching this team reclaim its rightful place atop the basketball world is like witnessing the fireworks of perseverance explode in slow motion. It is a must-watch for anyone who believes in the power of unity and the thrill of a comeback worthy of a star-spangled banner.
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Where every bullet and brother stand for the freedom celebrated, the beaches of history stand witness to the grit that lights up America’s fight for liberty.
Saving Private Ryan
No 4th of July lineup would be complete without the cinematic thunder of Saving Private Ryan
. This epic war drama, directed by Steven Spielberg, is a visceral journey into the heart of World War II. It opens with the harrowing D-Day invasion and follows a group of soldiers on a mission to rescue Private James Ryan, a paratrooper whose brothers have all been killed in action.
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Dir: Steven Spielberg pic.twitter.com/aVCjp1MZkc— Cinema Scene (@CinemaScene404) January 18, 2025
The film is a masterclass in storytelling and patriotism, capturing the sacrifice and bravery that underpin American freedom. Its unflinching portrayal of war’s chaos and heroism is both sobering and uplifting, as well as what holds it up to be a constant best in World War movies, even in 2025
. Saving Private Ryan
is a reminder of why the 4th of July is more than just fireworks and festivities, and also a tribute to those who gave their all.
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If America’s history were a river, Mudbound
would be the muddy, winding tributary that challenges us to look deeper.
Mudbound
Mudbound
offers a powerful, poignant exploration of race, family, and resilience in post-World War II America. This gripping drama tells the story of two families, one white, one Black, struggling to survive and find common ground in the Jim Crow South. It is a stirring reflection on the American experience, challenging viewers to reckon with the nation’s complex history.
Mudbound 2017
(105)#FilmTwitter#FilmX#Bluray#FirstWatch#SoIStartedBlastingTheSoundsystem pic.twitter.com/rsfLgrVcEQ— Arska Laitinen (@Word_Is_My_Bond) May 1, 2025
The film’s rich storytelling and compelling performances make it a perfect pick for Independence Day viewing that goes beyond the surface. Mudbound
invites us to celebrate not just freedom, but the ongoing fight for justice and equality. It is a cinematic salute to the spirit of America, which is flawed, hopeful, and fiercely determined to move forward.
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Justice can light up the darkest corners with the blazing truth, brighter than a string of fireworks in the night sky on the 4th of July, even.
13th
For those who want their 4th of July viewing with a side of sharp social commentary, 13th
is an unmissable documentary. Directed by Ava DuVernay, this film examines the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States. It takes its title from the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery but left a loophole that has been exploited to perpetuate systemic inequality.
In the last 3 weeks, millions of members (a 4,665% increase vs. 3 wks prior) have sought out 13TH, Ava DuVernay’s essential doc about the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the US.
The film is also available for free on YouTube as an educational resource. pic.twitter.com/EYOVgHaV82
— Netflix (@netflix) June 16, 2020
13th
is a powerful call to awareness and action, shining a spotlight on the struggles that continue to shape the nation’s quest for true freedom. It is a sobering reminder that the fight for liberty is ongoing and that the 4th of July is also a time to reflect on the promises America strives to fulfill.
This documentary is a must-watch for anyone who cherishes the ideals of justice and equality.
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Four vets, one mission, and a treasure hunt that is more explosive than a box of firecrackers. The fift is as good as anything unsalted without a mix of heart and a little history.
Da 5 Bloods
Rounding out this patriotic lineup is Da 5 Bloods
, a film that blends history, action, and heart. Directed by Spike Lee, it follows four African American veterans who return to Vietnam decades after the war to recover the remains of their fallen squad leader and a cache of buried gold.
The film is a vibrant mix of adventure, memory, and the enduring bonds of brotherhood. Da 5 Bloods
is a bold and unflinching look at the legacy of war and the complexities of the American experience.
‘Da 5 Bloods’ (2020, Spike Lee). Cinematography: Newton Thomas Sigel. pic.twitter.com/on0eMHhmxo
— Lost In Film (@LostInFilm) May 18, 2020
This Independence Day, Netflix offers a treasure trove of films that celebrate the spirit of America in all its glory and complexity. From the hardwood courts to the battlefields, from historical struggles to modern reckonings, these five movies provide a rich tapestry of stories to honor the red, white, and blue. The screens will light up like the fireworks in the sky, only a lot more cinematic, with these Netflix numbers.
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Which one of these blue, red, and white movies will you be picking to watch each day till the 4th of July? Let us know in the comments below.