Patriotic movies are designed to ignite a sense of pride and excitement in Americans. They serve as a powerful tool in celebrating our country and its achievements. Check out this captivating list of movies that capture the essence of patriotism, including adrenaline-pumping classics like Independence Day, White House Down, and Top Gun.
One exceptional gem in this collection is American Sniper, a riveting film crafted by the talented Clint Eastwood. It chronicles the incredible journey of U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle and received widespread acclaim, with Bradley Cooper earning a well-deserved Academy Award nomination. Another notable addition is Argo, a highly regarded American movie that captures the spirit of our nation.
But not all movies on this list are serious dramas. Brace yourself for the thrilling Captain America films, which infuse patriotism into heart-stopping action sequences, leaving you on the edge of your seat.
Do any of these patriotic films make you want to cheer “U.S.A., U.S.A.” at the top of your lungs? Share your favorite and feel free to recommend other exciting and inspiring patriotic movies that deserve a spot on this list.
1. American Sniper
American Sniper is a captivating war film that tells the story of Chris Kyle, a highly regarded Navy SEAL sniper, portrayed by Bradley Cooper. The movie follows his military service in Iraq, highlighting his extraordinary accomplishments that earned him the reputation of being the deadliest marksman in U.S. history. Sienna Miller plays the role of Taya, Kyle’s wife, who grapples with the challenges of his prolonged absences and perilous missions. With Clint Eastwood at the helm, this film brings the true story to life, skillfully balancing intense combat sequences with the emotional struggles faced on the homefront. Its profound impact on the cinematic landscape is evident from its six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.
Released: 2014
Directed by: Clint Eastwood
Actors: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Jake McDorman
2. Saving Private Ryan
Saving Private Ryan, directed by Steven Spielberg, is a gripping war film that takes viewers on a harrowing journey through World War II. The story revolves around Captain John H. Miller, played by Tom Hanks, who leads a group of eight soldiers from the 2nd Ranger Battalion through enemy lines. Their mission is to locate and bring back Private James Francis Ryan, portrayed by Matt Damon, whose three brothers have tragically lost their lives in combat. The film unfolds against the brutal backdrop of the Normandy invasion, providing a visceral and unforgettable cinematic experience.”
“This Academy Award-winning masterpiece delves into themes of sacrifice and duty, resonating with audiences on a profound level. Spielberg’s exceptional direction earned him the prestigious Best Director award, solidifying his talent and vision. Saving Private Ryan leaves a lasting impression, immersing viewers in the reality of war and showcasing the resilience and humanity of its characters.
Released: 1998
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Actors: Tom Hanks, Edward Burns, Tom Sizemore
3. Top Gun
In the high-octane film Top Gun, we meet Pete Maverick Mitchell (played by Tom Cruise), a daring naval aviator who just can’t get enough of that adrenaline rush. He’s always pushing the limits with his reckless flying style. This catches the attention of the Fighter Weapons School, also known as Top Gun, where the best fighter pilots in the country gather. Maverick finds himself competing against these top-notch pilots, both in the air and on the ground.
In this exciting 1986 action drama, directed by Tony Scott, we witness Maverick’s encounters with his biggest rivals. One of them is Tom Iceman Kazansky, played by Val Kilmer, who proves to be a formidable opponent. Another interesting character Maverick crosses paths with is Charlotte Charlie Blackwood, an astrophysics instructor portrayed by Kelly McGillis. These encounters add depth and drama to the story, as Maverick navigates his way through the intense training at Top Gun.
Top Gun not only captivates audiences with its thrilling aerial sequences, but it also became known for its iconic soundtrack. The film even took home an Academy Award for Best Original Song. With its high-energy action and memorable music, Top Gun has earned its place as a beloved classic in the world of cinema.
Released: 1986
Directed by: Tony Scott
Actors: Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Anthony Edwards
4. 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi
On September 11, 2012, a tragic event unfolded in Benghazi, Libya. Islamic militants launched an attack on the U.S. Consulate, resulting in the deaths of Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and Sean Smith, a Foreign Service officer. In close proximity, a group known as the Annex Security Team, consisting of James Badge Dale, John Krasinski, and Max Martini, who were former soldiers assigned to safeguard operatives and diplomats in the area, found themselves stationed less than a mile away from the consulate.
With the assault ongoing, these six brave men were faced with a harrowing task – engaging the militants in a fierce firefight to protect the remaining Americans. Their mission was clear: to save lives, they had to confront the enemy head-on.
Released: 2016
Directed by: Michael Bay
Actors: James Badge Dale, John Krasinski, Max Martini
5. Fury
In April 1945, things are heating up in the European theater as the Allies make their last big push. There’s this tough-as-nails Army sergeant by the name of Don “Wardaddy” Collier, played by Brad Pitt. He’s leading a crew of five guys and they’re all riding in a Sherman tank. These guys aren’t just going for a joyride, though. They’ve got a super dangerous mission to carry out behind enemy lines.
Now, let me tell you, this crew is up against some serious challenges. They’re outnumbered, outgunned, and to top it all off, they’ve got this rookie soldier, played by Logan Lerman, tagging along. Yeah, talk about a tough situation. But Wardaddy and his crew aren’t about to let the odds get them down. They’re determined to strike at the heart of Nazi Germany, no matter what.
So, picture this: a group of guys who have seen it all, battling against overwhelming odds. It’s a real underdog story, but it’s also a story of courage and determination. These guys are putting everything on the line to take down the Nazis and end this war once and for all. It’s a high-stakes mission that will test their skills and their resolve, but they’re ready to give it everything they’ve got.
Released: 2014
Directed by: David Ayer
Actors: Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman
6. Lone Survivor
Lone Survivor is an intense war film that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Directed by Peter Berg, it tells the true story of Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, played by Mark Wahlberg. Luttrell is joined by his fellow SEALs Michael Murphy (Taylor Kitsch), Danny Dietz (Emile Hirsch), and Matthew Axelson (Ben Foster) as they embark on a dangerous mission in Afghanistan known as Operation Red Wings. Their goal is to eliminate a notorious Taliban leader.
However, things quickly go wrong and the SEALs find themselves facing overwhelming odds in hostile territory. Despite the dire circumstances, they show incredible bravery and camaraderie, embodying the true spirit of soldiers. The film doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of war, portraying intense combat sequences and providing a raw depiction of the challenges faced by soldiers.
It’s no surprise that this powerful film received two Oscar nominations, as it captivates audiences with its gripping storyline and realistic portrayal of wartime experiences.
Released: 2013
Directed by: Peter Berg
Actors: Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Eric Bana
7. Captain America: The First Avenger
In Captain America: The First Avenger, we meet Steve Rogers (played by Chris Evans), a young man who may be physically weak but possesses an inspiring amount of bravery. He takes a leap of faith and volunteers for a groundbreaking military experiment, which turns him into the incredible super-soldier we now know as Captain America. Alongside his loyal friend Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) and the fearless agent Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell), they take on their arch-nemesis, the evil Red Skull (Hugo Weaving), who happens to be Hitler’s right-hand man in the weaponry department.
This thrilling superhero movie is set against the backdrop of World War II, blending actual historical events with the fantastical world of comic books. It’s an action-packed adventure that takes us on a rollercoaster ride through past eras and battles fought for the sake of freedom.
Released: 2011
Directed by: Joe Johnston
Actors: Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Sebastian Stan
8. The Hurt Locker
The Hurt Locker is a gripping war film that takes place during the Iraq War. It follows Sergeant First Class William James, played by Jeremy Renner, as he leads a bomb disposal team through dangerous missions. The movie effectively captures the high-stakes nature of their work, where every moment is fraught with the possibility of death.
This intense drama is set against a backdrop of chaos and conflict, which adds to the tension and realism of the narrative. The characters in the film, like Sergeant J.T. Sanborn (Anthony Mackie) and Specialist Owen Eldridge (Brian Geraghty), bring depth to the story and further enhance the viewer’s understanding of the challenges faced by soldiers in war.
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker received widespread acclaim and recognition. In 2010, it won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. This recognition is a testament to the film’s excellence in capturing the realities and complexities of war, making it a must-watch for any fan of compelling storytelling.
Released: 2008
Directed by: Kathryn Bigelow
Actors: Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty
9. Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor (2001) is an incredible war film that seamlessly combines action and romance. It tells the story of Rafe McCawley (Ben Affleck) and Danny Walker (Josh Hartnett), childhood friends who become pilots in the Army Air Corps. Their lives take an unexpected turn when they both fall in love with the captivating nurse Evelyn Johnson (Kate Beckinsale), creating a complicated love triangle. Against the backdrop of the heart-wrenching events on December 7, 1941 – the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor – our main characters are thrust into the midst of World War II. Directed by Michael Bay, this film received critical acclaim and even won an Academy Award for Best Sound Editing.
Released: 2001
Directed by: Michael Bay
Actors: Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, Kate Beckinsale
10. Armageddon
In Armageddon, a NASA executive named Billy Bob Thornton recruits a group of unconventional drillers, led by Bruce Willis as Harry Stamper, to come together and save the world from an asteroid hurtling towards Earth. As the thrilling story unfolds, we also witness the romantic relationship between Harry’s daughter, played by Liv Tyler as Grace Stamper, and one of the team members, Ben Affleck as A.J. Frost. This sci-fi thriller, skillfully directed by Michael Bay, seamlessly combines elements of suspense and drama as humanity’s last hope embarks on a high-stakes space mission. The film was widely acclaimed, winning multiple awards for its stunning visual effects and featuring the unforgettable original song, ‘I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing’ by Aerosmith.
Released: 1998
Directed by: Michael Bay
Actors: Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton, Liv Tyler
11. Independence Day
The movie Independence Day is a ground-breaking sci-fi action film that revolves around the threat of global destruction posed by malevolent extraterrestrials. As massive alien ships wreak havoc and cities crumble, a diverse group of survivors emerges. This group includes President Thomas J. Whitmore, played by Bill Pullman, along with the hotshot pilot Captain Steven Hiller, portrayed by Will Smith, and the eccentric scientist David Levinson, played by Jeff Goldblum. Together, they come up with a daring plan to repel the invaders and save humanity.
Directed by Roland Emmerich, this blockbuster hit the screens in 1996 and gained immense praise for its mind-blowing special effects. In fact, it even won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
Released: 1996
Directed by: Roland Emmerich
Actors: Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum