In celebration of the Forth of July, I give you the 10 movies that make me feel proud to be an American.
10. United 93 (2006)- 7/10
The destruction of 9/11 could have been far worse if it wasn't for the group of individuals that gave their lives to take down the plane headed for Washington, D.C. A story of heroism during one of the darkest moments in United States history.
9. Independence Day (1996)- 7/10
Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum saving the nation, and the world, from an Alien invasion. It wouldn't be a list celebrating Independence Day with out this movie.
8. Glory (1989)- 7/10
The story of the U.S. Civil War's all-black volunteer company. Seems odd adding a movie about the U.S fighting against each other, but it is a great story that helped change the country.
7. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)- 8/10
A small guy wanting nothing more than to fight for his country, agrees to be the subject a top secret military experiment that turns him into a super-soldier. His patriotism is in his name and in his uniform.
6. Top Gun (1986)- 8/10
Students at the Navy's elite fighter weapons school compete to be top in class- Top Gun. A thrill ride that gave us one of the best nicknames in movies- Maverick!
5. Saving Private Ryan (1998)- 9/10
A group of U.S. soldiers go behind enemy lines to retrieve a soldier whose brothers were killed in action. Not only were they fighting for their country, they were fighting for each other.
4. National Treasure (2004)- 9/10
A treasure collector races to find the legendary Templar Treasure before a team of mercenaries get to it first. Only a patriot would steal the Declaration of Independence to save it from getting into the wrong hands.
3. Forrest Gump (1994)- 9/10
While going about his life, Forrest links himself to some of the most important events in the U.S. during the 20th century. He teaches Elvis to dance, plays football at Alabama, fights in Vietnam, meets 3 presidents, and even takes down China in table tennis.
2. Apollo 13 (1995)- 9/10
The planned Apollo 13 moon landing mission that went horribly wrong, leaving 3 astronauts struggling to get back home. To paraphrases a line from the movie- what could have been NASA's biggest disaster turned out to be their finest hour.
1. Miracle (2004) -9/10
Story of the 1980 Unite States hockey team and their miracle upset of the Soviet Union. Never has a movie made me want to stand up and chant USA, USA, USA! more than this one.
Source: IMDB
Extra note: Tom Hanks appears in this list 3 different times, making him the most patriotic actor in my book.
