6 Reasons to Skip the BBQ and Binge These Fourth of July Flicks

This 1996 sci-fi blockbuster, directed by Roland Emmerich, stars Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, and Bill Pullman. The film depicts a global alien invasion culminating in an epic battle on July 4th. It’s known for its spectacular action sequences and rousing presidential speech.

Steven Spielberg’s 1975 thriller, featuring Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss, is set during Fourth of July weekend. The story of a great white shark terrorizing a beach town blends summer atmosphere with intense suspense.

This 1993 coming-of-age comedy follows a group of young baseball players during the summer of 1962. One of its most iconic scenes shows the kids playing a night game illuminated by Fourth of July fireworks, capturing the essence of American childhood summers.

Oliver Stone’s 1989 biographical war drama stars Tom Cruise as Ron Kovic, a Vietnam War veteran turned anti-war activist. The film, which ties critical events to Independence Day, explores themes of patriotism and disillusionment.

This 1985 cult horror-comedy, featuring Clu Gulager and James Karen, is set during Fourth of July weekend. The plot involves teenagers accidentally releasing a gas that reanimates the dead, leading to a night of chaos and dark humor.

This 1997 horror thriller stars Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, and Freddie Prinze Jr. The story begins with a group of friends celebrating Fourth of July, but takes a dark turn when they’re involved in a hit-and-run accident, leading to deadly consequences a year later.