On 2024, the Day of Independence falls on a Thursday, which means a patriotic long weekend with family and friends. If you get tired of the sun and maybe the surf, here is a binge-worthy collection of historical movies and series that delve into the rich tapestry of American history.
From the Revolutionary War to the Civil Rights Movement, these productions offer compelling narratives and rich portrayals of American resilience and patriotism. Notably, some of these productions feature Latino talent, adding to the diversity of American storytelling. For instance, "Hamilton," available on Disney+, stars Lin-Manuel Miranda, a prominent Latino creator and actor, who also wrote the musical.
Movies and series to watch the 4th of July long weekend
Other notable series include "Band of Brothers" and "The Pacific," both available on HBO Max, which offer gripping depictions of World War II from the perspectives of soldiers in Europe and the Pacific, respectively. "John Adams," also on HBO Max, provides an insightful look into the life of the second U.S. President and the early years of the nation.
Additionally, "1776" on Amazon Prime dramatizes the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, blending historical drama with musical elements. "The Right Stuff" and "Hidden Figures," both available on Amazon Prime, highlight the American space race, with "Hidden Figures" featuring the inspiring true story of African-American women mathematicians at NASA, underscoring the contributions of women of color to American history.
Here are ten must-watch selections along with where you can stream them this 4th of July holiday:
1. Band of Brothers - Max
This miniseries follows Easy Company, a unit of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, during World War II. Produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, it offers a gripping and realistic portrayal of the soldiers' experiences.
2. The Pacific - Max
A companion piece to "Band of Brothers," this series focuses on the Marines fighting in the Pacific Theater during World War II. It's another Spielberg-Hanks collaboration that captures the brutal and heroic experiences of American soldiers.
3. John Adams - Max
This miniseries chronicles the life of John Adams, the second President of the United States, and his role in the founding of the nation. It's a well-crafted series that offers deep insights into the early years of American history. Watch here.
4. 1776 - Prime Video
A musical film adaptation of the Broadway play, "1776" dramatizes the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It's an entertaining and educational look at the Founding Fathers. Watch here.
5. Hamilton - Disney+
This musical film captures a live stage performance of Lin-Manuel Miranda's Broadway hit "Hamilton," which tells the story of Alexander Hamilton and the founding of the United States through a modern lens.
6. Lincoln - Prime Video
Directed by Steven Spielberg, this biographical drama stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln and focuses on his efforts to pass the 13th Amendment to abolish
7. The Civil War - PBS
Ken Burns' documentary series is an extensive and detailed look at the American Civil War. With nine episodes, it combines photographs, maps, and interviews to provide a comprehensive understanding of this crucial period.
8. Glory - Prime
This film tells the story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first African-American units in the Civil War. It stars Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, and Matthew Broderick and is both inspiring and heartbreaking.
9. The Right Stuff -Disney +
Based on Tom Wolfe's book, this film chronicles the early days of the U.S. space program and the test pilots who became the first astronauts. It's a tribute to American ingenuity and bravery.
10. Hidden Figures -Prime Video
This film highlights the untold story of three African-American women mathematicians—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—who played crucial roles in NASA during the early years of the space race.
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