8 Great Movies For 4th of July

The 4th of July is a time when Americans from all fifty states commemorate what made this country great over 240 years ago. As a nation, we love to celebrate how God has blessed this great country with extraordinary fireworks, elaborate picnics and homestyle barbecues with the family. When families and friends get together over the long holiday weekend, take some time to watch one of these awe-inspiring patriotic movies and remember the heroism and sacrifices that have been made for our freedom! In the spirit of America’s birthday, Sonoma Christian Home has put together a list of 8 great movies for 4th of July weekend!

1. Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

Actor Kirk Cameron writes of this film, “Wow! An amazing true story of bravery, sacrifice, and love in a very dangerous and difficult environment. Hacksaw Ridge is a very inspiring movie, is beautifully made (and takes some courage to watch), and packs a spectacular message of faith, virtue and freedom.”

The true story of Pfc. Desmond T. Doss (Andrew Garfield), who won the Congressional Medal of Honor despite refusing to bear arms during WWII based on his devout Christian values. Doss was drafted and ostracized by fellow soldiers for his pacifist stance but went on to earn respect and adoration for his bravery, selflessness and compassion after he risked his life — without firing a shot — to save 75 men in the Battle of Okinawa.

‘Hacksaw Ridge’ Movie Poster. Winner of 2 Academy Awards. Now available on Blue Ray & DVD.

2. Lincoln (2012) –  Directed by Steven Spielberg, and starring 3-Time Oscar wining actor Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln, this patriotic film shines the light on the essence of Lincoln’s passion to permanently abolish slavery through the 13th Amendment.  Set in the midst of the civil war, the film gives viewers an intimate look at the heart and soul of America’s favorite President, and the struggle he fought for his moral convictions. Having great courage, political acumen and Christian morals, Lincoln pushes to compel the nation, and those in government who oppose him, to aim toward a greater good for all mankind.

Lincoln was nominated for 12 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director; it won for Best Production Design and Best Actor for Day-Lewis. The film also achieved great commercial success, grossing over $275 million at the box office.

‘Lincoln’ official movie poster, starring Daniel Day Lewis as President Abraham Lincoln.

3. Faith of Our Fathers With the Vietnam War raging in 1969, two young fathers report for duty. A man of great faith and a doubtful cynic. A quarter-century later, their sons, Wayne and John Paul, meet as strangers.

Guided by handwritten letters from their fathers from the battlefield, they embark on an unforgettable journey to The Wall—the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Along the way, they discover the devastation of war cannot break the love of a father for his son. FAITH OF OUR FATHERS: a story of fatherhood; a journey of brotherhood.

Kam Williams, Baret News Service wrote “A latter-day variation on the Prodigal Son parable providing proof that God still works in mysterious ways.” And Sean Hannity of Fox News wrote ” This is a great film! I loved it.”

‘Faith of Our Fathers’ Movie Poster, featuring Stephen Baldwin, David A.R. White & Si Roberston. Produced by PureFlix Entertainment.

4. Captain America: Civil War (2016), Political interference in the Avengers’ activities causes a rift between former allies Captain America and Iron Man, and now the heroes enter a new era where they’re feared instead of favored, resulting in a division amongst The Avengers. When Captain America ventures out to the save the world, will his fellow “teammates” follow? Captain America: Civil War stars Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, and Scarlett Johannson.

Captain America Civil War on DVD stars Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson.

5. Beyond the Mask (2015): William Reynolds, a mercenary for the British East India Company, wants to forget his days as an assassin and move on with his life. While fleeing from his former employer Charles Kemp, Reynolds falls in love with a beautiful woman who doesn’t know his true identity. As he tries to win her affections and regain her trust, William slowly uncovers a plot to thwart the American Revolution and destroy Philadelphia before the Declaration of Independence has a chance to be signed.

Beyond the Mask is an action period piece for the whole family. It’s a perfect movie for the 4th of July because it takes place in 1776 America. Also, it has a strong Christian message: that Christ gives us a new identity.

‘Beyond the Mask’ Movie Poster, featuring Andrew Cheney, Kara Killmer & John Rhys-Davies. Produced by Burns Family Studios.

6. The Patriot (2000)

The Patriot is a film that embodies the passion and zeal of the American people in the midst of the Revolutionary War. It captures the heart of what makes America truly great: the people.Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson, “Braveheart”) is an American farmer who lives during the 18th century. As rebellion rises and sparks the American Revolution, Benjamin wants nothing to do with it. However, against his wishes his son, Gabriel, joins the newly formed Continental Army. When the British threaten to take his farm, Benjamin is forced to join the army, and soon becomes a colonel in the local militia. United by a sense of national pride, and the desire to protect their homeland, Benjamin Martin and his son take on the Redcoats.

‘The Patriot’ Movie Poster, starring Mel Gibson. Distributed by Columbia Pictures.

7. The Sandlot (1993) is a classic family movie that fans watch again and again. Set in the summer of 1962, this heartwarming film tells the story of a Scotty Smalls, the new kid in town, who’s taken under the wing of a young baseball prodigy. The baseball gang has hilarious misadventures and learns some deep life lessons. This timeless, popular film stars Denis Leary, Karen Allen, and veteran actor James Earl Jones. It’s a perfect family movie to watch over the Fourth of July holiday when we think of all things American, like the age-old favorite pastime, baseball.

‘The Sandlot’ Movie Poster. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox.

8. National Treasure (2004) stars Nicholas Cage as Ben Gates. Descending from a family of treasure-seekers, Ben races against a band of mercenaries to find treasure left behind by our nation’s Founding Fathers. Also starring Jon Voight and Harvey Keitel, this film is action-packed and a fun adventure through history suitable for the whole family.

‘National Treasure’ Movie Poster, starring Nicholas Cage. Produced by Walt Disney Pictures.

We hope you will be inspired by these great movies depicting strength, honor and the American Way! From all of us at Sonoma Christian Home, we wish you a safe and Happy 4th of July!