The Fourth of July is the day in which Americans celebrate their independence. Disney is almost as American as apple pie and baseball. So, I’m going to take a look at some of the best movies celebrating facets of the United States for Independence Day.

1. AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

Check out this documentary on Disney+, produced by “National Geographic” and narrated by Michael B. Jordan. “America the Beautiful” takes a look at the spectacular regions that make up North America and the animals who native to those regions that help our ecosystem grow.

2. HAMILTON

Take a look at the life of one of America’s founding fathers with the Broadway play, “Hamilton” Written and starring Lin-Manuel Miranda, this musical tells the story of the first Secretary of the Treasury’s life in the colonies, his roles in the American Revolution and the founding of our government, the scandal that ended his political career and the duel that ended his life. It’s been one of the most popular plays on Broadway for years and has shows touring all over the United States.

3. INTO THE GRAND CANYON

This documentary takes a look at one of the most impressive landmarks in the United States. You can celebrate the country’s independence by checking out one of the most beautiful views as the filmmakers go on a 750 mile journey on foot through the Grand Canyon.

4. AMERICA’S NATIONAL PARKS

This National Geographic docuseries takes viewers inside eight of the most beautiful national parks in the United States. Celebrate America by checking out the breathtaking landscapes and majestic animals that help make our country what it is.

5. AMERICA’S HEART AND SOUL

One of the things that can America great is the people. Not everyone is great, but there are some ordinary people who step up to do extraordinary things. “America’s Heart and Soul” highlights those people. In these tough times, it’s a great way to look around and see wonderful people stepping up for others. It’s an inspiring documentary that could make the viewer more proud to be an American.

6. CAPTAIN AMERICA 1, 2 & 3

Captain America is the superhero literally named after America. He’s a World War II veteran who continues fighting evil well into the 2010s. He is an embodiment of what the United States can be at its best. Binging the three films based around his character would be an excellent way to mark his story.

7. MIRACLE

20 college kids take down the greatest Olympic hockey team in history and go on to win the gold medal. It’s a script right of Hollywood. And, it actually happened in Lake Placid, NY in 1980. Miracle tells the story of the US Olympic hockey team’s upset of the Soviets in the 1980 Winter Olympics. It seem to me, a great way to celebrate America would be to celebrate America’s greatest sporting achievement.

8. NATIONAL TREASURE 1 & 2

This complete fictional account of maps connected to important US documents is a fun way to look back on US history. You have to turn off your sense of disbelief, but they are enjoyable movies that can lead to important discussions about our country.

9. DIARY OF A FUTURE PRESIDENT

This Disney+ Original series takes a look at the teenage life of a girl who grows up to eventually become the President of the United States. It’s a bit cheesy at the beginning, but develops into a well rounded series that would be great for young girls to watch and be inspired by.

10. 37 WORDS

This ESPN 50 for 50 docuseries looks at the importance of Title IX when it comes to equal educational opportunities for women in the United States. It’s a landmark law in the United States that paved the way for improvements for underserved people in the country.

11. HARMONIOUS LIVE!

The first special show released from one of the American Disney parks hit Disney+ in late June. It’s a live performance of the music and lights of the new “Harmonious” show at EPCOT. Disney always puts on great fireworks, lights and musical shows. If you want to see a spectacle this Independence Day at one of the Disney parks, check this out.

That’s my list. I understand Disney+ is a global platform, but American Independence Day is an American holiday, leading to this list being American-centric. Happy Independence Day to all Americans. And, if you’re from another country and reading this list. I hope you have wonderful day.

Jeremy Brown

Jeremy has been a big Disney fan since he was a kid growing up during the Disney Renaissance. One day he hopes to go to every Disney Park in the world.

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