During the forming of this list I was blown away by the sheer number of patriotic films that have been made in the US. In going through the pile of possibilities, I have intentionally chosen not to just represent saccharine movies which show only the good side of life – the films I have picked include war films, films about corruption, and films involving racism. There is, however, one underlying current in all of them – they all involve the triumph of freedom – the very heart of American patriotism. I have excluded films that would not be considered to be the best of the best – for that reason don’t expect to see Independence Day or The Patriot here. Please feel free to mention your own favorites in the comments. This list also contains a competition. Happy 4th of July!
The Sullivans (also known as the Fighting Sullivans) is a true story of five brothers who died when their ship was destroyed during a naval battle in the Pacific during World War II. Their deaths changed U.S. military policy about family enlistments (limiting siblings serving together), and later acted as a partial story catalyst for “Saving Private Ryan,” which was about the rescue of one family’s last surviving military son. Despite the battle deaths of the Sullivans, the film spends little time with them in uniform. Instead, it is a movie about growing up in heartland USA–Waterloo, Iowa. The constantly scrapping brothers (thus the title, “The Fighting Sullivans”) are likable, funny, and loyal to their siblings.
Glory recounts the bravery of a group of Civil War soldiers often overlooked by history–the 54th Regiment of Massachusetts, a troop of free black men who fought to help win liberty for their enslaved brothers. Based on the historical novels One Gallant Rush by Peter Burchand and Lay This Laurel by Lincoln Kirstein and the letters of Robert Gould Shaw, the film follows the youthful Colonel Shaw (Matthew Broderick) as he takes responsibility for readying these soldiers for battle.
This film is set in the rural American south during the depths of the Depression; two children watch as their principled father takes a stand against intolerance. Based on Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize winning book of 1960. Atticus Finch is a lawyer in a racially divided Alabama town in the 1930s. He agrees to defend a young black man who is accused of raping a white woman. Many of the townspeople try to get Atticus to pull out of the trial, but he decides to go ahead.
Enactment of the work of Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein who uncovered the dirty tricks campaign and the coverup of the White House’s involvement in the Watergate break in. The stories they wrote were very instrumental in the eventual resignation of President Richard Nixon. This is an engrossing mystery that reminds us why the founding fathers placed such great value on freedom of the press. Additionally, it illustrates how no one – not even the President, is above the law.
Rocky Balboa (a true American underdog) is a struggling boxer trying to make the big time. Working in a meat factory in Philadelphia for a pittance, he also earns extra cash as a debt collector. When heavyweight champion Apollo Creed visits Philadelphia, his managers want to set up an exhibition match between Creed and a struggling boxer, touting the fight as a chance for a “nobody” to become a “somebody”. The match is supposed to be easily won by Creed, but someone forgot to tell Rocky, who sees this as his only shot at the big time.
The Nazis, exasperated at the number of escapes from their prison camps by a relatively small number of Allied prisoners, relocates them to a high-security “escape-proof” camp to sit out the remainder of the war. Undaunted, the prisoners plan one of the most ambitious escape attempts of World War II. Based on a true story.
A musical portrait of composer/singer/dancer George M. Cohan. From his early days as a child-star in his family’s vaudeville show up to the time of his comeback at which he received a medal from the president for his special contributions to the US, this is the life- story of George M. Cohan, who produced, directed, wrote and starred in his own musical shows for which he composed his famous songs.
Following the Allied invasion of Normandy, two brothers lay dead in the wake of the onslaught. Meanwhile, in New Guinea, a third brother has been killed fighting the Japanese. After the Army General Staff learns that a fourth brother is missing in the French countryside, a rescue mission is ordered to find the young soldier and return him safely home. The mission is mounted by a veteran Ranger Captain commanding a squad of men who have mixed feelings about risking their lives to “Save Private Ryan”.
The story of General George S. Patton, Jr. during World War II. His battlefield genius garners him fear and respect from the Germans, and resentment and misunderstanding from the Allies. A military historian and poet, he believes he was a warrior in many past lives, and that he is destined for something great during this life, but his stubbornness and controversial methods nearly prevent the fulfillment of that destiny.
Naive and idealistic Jefferson Smith, leader of the Boy Rangers, is appointed on a lark by the spineless governor of his state. He is reunited with the state’s senior senator–presidential hopeful and childhood hero, Senator Joseph Paine. In Washington, however, Smith discovers many of the shortcomings of the political process as his earnest goal of a national boys’ camp leads to a conflict with the state political boss, Jim Taylor. Taylor first tries to corrupt Smith and then later attempts to destroy Smith through a scandal.
While not specifically patriotic, this film is loved by millions and it covers some of the most important modern historical events in US history. In the film, a man with a low IQ has accomplished great things in his life and been present during significant historic events – in each case, far exceeding what anyone imagined he could do. Yet, despite all the things he has attained, his one true love eludes him. “Forrest Gump” is the story of a man who rose above his challenges, and who proved that determination, courage, and love are more important than ability.
At 1pm GMT tomorrow, I will select one commenter from this list to win a prize of the great recently published book Top 10 For Men – a book of over 250 lists of interest to men (though women will no doubt love it also). Topics include What’s the most common murder weapon? What is the hottest variety of chilli? Who is the most searched for woman on the internet? To read an official excerpt of the book, go here.
The prize winner will be one randomly selected commenter – as usual you can enter more than one comment to improve your chances, but your comments must add value to this list – that means no comments designed just to have a better chance at winning. The winner must be a registered user of the List Universe. You can click here to register.
Finally, many thanks to Octopus Books for donating the prize for this competition.
Notable Extras: Apollo 13, Air Force One, Avalon, and many many more.
Some synopses courtesy of IMDB
I’ve seen all of these…except for number 1, of course. Rocky is one of my personal favorite movies of all time. Fantastic list, and a happy fourth of july to everyone out there!
How about “Red Dawn”….. just kidding.
But seriously… I think a good one for this list would be “Field of Dreams”. It is a wonderful movie that portrays a really nice side of America… comparable to what “Amelie” does for France. A lot of movies don’t do that anymore.
SteveZio (43): I didn’t write the list you are referring to – so please check your facts before accusing me of things.
though its not a masterpiece of film, id say independence day was a good “cooky and cheaply entertaining” 4th of july film.
*WOW*
I’ve seen all these movies, and I believe all, except Rocky, deserve a place on the list. Most of the additional movies I would have suggested have already been put forward by others.
Oddly, perhaps, Gangs of New York, is one I’d add. Yes, it’s violent, and yes, it pits one group, the nativist American know-nothing party, against another, the Irish immigrants. What makes it into a patriotic movie, is that by the end, it becomes clear to all that strength is only available through unity, that division weakens the nation.
Yes. I know the lesson didn’t last, but the movie made the point, nonetheless.
Anyway, Jamie, great list! Fabulous, actually. Thank you. Happy 4th of July to all my countrymen…and apologies to the descendant’s of any Brits my ancestors might have shot-up in that little to-do.
Oh yeah. Gangs of New York. I second that one.
The thing I liked best about Gangs of New York was Daniel Day Lewis. To me it was more about corruption and revenge. However, I understand your opinion about unity and division. It makes sense.
Rocky 4 was definitely patriotic
So I never thought of To Kill a Mockingbird as patriotic, but I guess it fits really well! Interesting list, I may rent one or two of them just because they look interesting!
TO Kill a Mockingbird is great althouhg the book is a lot better. I don’t get the point of Rocky being there. Glory is also really good. I thought Independence Day would be there. Oh well. Great list.
jfrater
Jfrater sorry for my mistake. I thought this was your site. If I am wrong I am sorry. If I am not wrong you are responsible for the lists on this site if you wrote them or not.
-S
Steve, don’t be such a whiner, it’s very unamerican, at least it used to be, before George Bush became president.
Tsk tsk…no mention of the great “Battleship Potemkin”?
SteveZio, who *are* you? Where did you come from? Don’t you have some homework to do?
July 5 already in Korea. Let’s celebrate the independence days of Venezuela, Algeria and Cape Verde.
SteveZio said,
“Forest Gump a great movie but not a patriotic one. The same goes for Rockey.
“The Patriot” should be near the top of this list. (and you left it off completly”
It defiantly underlines the need and continued following of the 2nd amendment.
The creator of these lists always seems to show a leftest lean.
But it is your list.
I just never find myself agreeing with your lists dealing with the USA.
Come on you put America on the top of your list of most dangerous places. Give me a break.”
You obviously did not read the intro. The movies on this list aren’t here neceassarily because of blatant patriotism, but because of the themes they portray. Honor, dignity, bravery, tolerance (something we need more of), justice, freedom, and whatnot. Films with those themes are far more patriotic than any movie that blathers on about America’s greatness will ignoring its faults that make it full..
Anyone can shoot a movie where a man shots “bad guys” and waves an American flag around while ignoring historical accuracy. The Patriot isn’t on here because it is simply not accurate in the least bit. Its Braveheart set in America, which means it sacfrices what really happened in the name of making the movie more exciting.
Though interestingly, its directed by a German who is proudly gay and left-wing (which surprised me and I have a new-found respect for a man whose movies I don’t like). So, I find it funny to be complaing of left-wing slant because the list didn’t include one movie directed by a person who is left-wing. Plus, the Patriot doesn’t prove why the second amendment is far more important than other, better qualities. I believe it was necessary the time it was written, but times have changed. I wish it could be more specific nowadays.
Before you slew allegations, lets just get this out of the way. Yes, I am left-wing and No, I do not hate my home country. I believe that America is flawed, but so is everything in life. I believe that its flaws do not make it evil or wrongful. No, its flaws is what makes it real and tangible. Its what makes America fixable. When we take into account its flaws, we can better address them. Waving a flag and shouting “America Kicks Ass!” isn’t going to fix our exploding budget deficeit nor is it going to finally pass the Equal Rights Amendment (including the gay marriage add-on). Looking back and realizing that America has had several flaws past and present shows how far we have come and how much farther we can go.
P.S. Surprisingly excellent and non-tradiional list, Jamie. Especially from a “foreigner”
.
P.S.S. Please excuse me for slaying English grammar, if I did.
SteveZio, I did not see your apology until after I submitted my, um, you know, rant. However, you were apologizing for an admittidly easy to make mistake (one that anyone could have made). Its pretty assume that the misleading list (and honestly poorly done in its fact chainging) about the most dangerous places in the world was written by Jamie. So I respect you for your apology. However, I did not touch on that, thus my opinion still stands.
I must apologize myself though, if I came of as angry. It can seem that way sometimes. I have nothing against you. Your words just sparked that in me and the words flowed (which means I didn’t check my grammar).
So, again, I respect you, but my opinion still stands.
Oh and by the way. I’m still working on a bunch of political lists. Traveling (and more, as I leave tomorrow for Colorado) and procrastination has made it difficult to finish them as I want them to be as accurate as possible. Quality of Quantity.
*Quality over Quantity. Bleh, I shouldn’t type after drving for several hours. No more posting for me until some else goes. Sorry.
D Holmes: well said
SteveZio, don’t be a prick. I live in LA, where there are areas I as a white male am afraid to go.
We have more prisoners per capita than anywhere else in the world, and no way to punish them–Send them to jail, where they get 3 square and a roof over their head. It ain’t the hilton, but it’s dependable. And sometimes it’s better than your regular living situation — Last year a septuagenarian around here robbed 2 banks just so he would go to jail, because his house was forclosed upon.
And also, jfrater can’t be held responsible for someone else’s point of view. Hell, the DMCA, one of the most atrocious laws in our country’s history, guarantees him that right. Even if his posting it shows tacit acceptance of the viewpoint, the first amendment gives him the right to say whatever he wants.
And I for one was interested that people from other countries believe that the US is that dangerous — Maybe it should tell you something about your Faux News Channel. If people only watched that, the only thing they’d know about are kidnappings, rapes, murders and whatever celebrity is diddling whatever. Instead of trying to censor, why not try to enlighten?
And getting back on track to the list, I appreciate this list for what it was, agree gangs of new york is missing, and I don’t think that Rocky is all that patriotic to be honest.
To Hell and Back is another good one in my opinion. And I’m not sure I could count The Great Escape, as most of the people it was based on were from various European Nations.
very good list, Glory is amazing!! cheers!!
Love it! Some additional movies that get my American blood going:
Red Dawn (Wolverines!…’nuff said)
The Hunt for Red October(probably not on everyone’s list, but still good to see (the definitive) Jack Ryan kick some commie arse)
Miracle (almost makes me like hockey)
The Godfather (while it’s not a patriotic movie by many standards, it makes me proud that we came up with such a kick-ass movie)
well the Patriot has to be on the list because of the name alone haha
How could you happen to leave out “Team America,”
possibly the best and most American movie ever made?
Just kidding… great list.
Why does no one ever mention Canada Day (July 1st)
I was so happy when I saw “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”. That is a great movie indeed.
I have always been wary of patriotic films, because they can so easily fall over the line into propaganda (not accusing any of the above of doing that). I have only seen two of this films, and those a long time ago. I have seen parts of others, and was generally aware of all but “The Sullivans”. Intriguingly, that was the name of a period drama series in Australia in the 1970s-1980s.
I initially didn’t see Team America because I didn’t realise it was satire.
oh what a great list! i love forrest gump’s cinematography and main musical theme!
oh and i’ll never forget watching “mr. smith goes to washinton” in 7th grade to learn about the congress hahaha
SteveZio: yes it is my site – but I do not restrict people’s views as you would clearly have me do – I allow people to say what they want and I publish lists from time to time which I do not agree with. Considering some lists here have a religious bias and some don’t – it clearly shows I am happy to show both sides of a story – either that or I must be schizophrenic. By your reasoning, CNN news must be anti-black whenever they show an article about the KKK – your reasoning is fundamentally flawed.
Oh – and SteveZio – I neglected to address your initial comment about my apparent “leftist” lean. I am a member of a right-leaning political party in my country – the fact that you call me leftist shows that you are either on the extreme right of right, or you are not a good judge of character
D Holmes: Thanks for your comments – you are clearly a brilliant man
Jamie, who would have known you’re a “righty”
#26 stugy I loved “Miracle” I have real footage of the actual event, and when America wins? The sound of the spectators cannot be replicated. It is singularly the loudest fan-generated sound ever. It gives me goosebumps, and tears to my eyes every time I watch it. Look for the real footage. It will be well worth your effort. Promise
#60 MPW About “United 93″ I cannot watch this movie. It falls along the same lines as not being able to read “Night” by Elie Wiesel. I have picked it up 50+ times, but I cannot make it past the Forward.
I thought this was a great list. Very comprehensive.
Happy Independence Day to all. I feel lucky and grateful to live here.
MPW: I don’t really consider myself a “rightie” – the party I belong to is more a classical liberalism party – but in this country our left is so left as to be socialist – so anything right of socialism is “right” here
Jfrater, I was kidding, I’m sure you know that. I am moderate myself, with a slight lean to the left:)
Vera Lynn, I read that book in HS, truly saddening. As for United 93, the whole time I was watching it I had a look on my face as though I was witnessing that event live. I’ll never forget it
MPW How did you get through it? One of the hardest movies I saw (and this is gonna sound dumb) was “Alive” about that soccer team that crashed in the Andes. Within the first 15 min, my friend and I were in tears, holding hands for support. Truly harrowing. (Hi, BTW)
Vera Lynn, as you probably know I’m emotionally strong but I did almost shed a tear watching united 93. It’s hard for me to cry. As for “Alive”, I don’t know.
It was a rugby team, not a soccer team, and I’ve seen it, too, and it is emotional. Did you know the twist in the middle before you saw the movie?
#84 July 1st was also The List Universe’s Birthday. If you look at the lists from that day they were all about The List Universe. I believe a few people in the comments mentioned Happy Canada Day. Could you please tell me some Patriotic Canada movies?
It is interesting to see this list barely hit 100 comments even with a competition. I guess a lot of the readers here are American and were out celebrating or watching fireworks perhaps. Or maybe because they only get on from work and there was no work today and I believe in Australia it was a holiday too.
Vera Lynn, sorry i misread the part of your comment about “Alive”. i should have said that I haven’t seen it.
I love glory.
From “Love Story” “Love means never having to say you’re sorry”
#98 Astraya I had heard. Another thing to “see” The absolute need to survive? The primal need to live at the expense of others? Makes one think what one would do in such a situation. When does desperate overcome loyalty? How hungry must one be to eat human flesh
instead of die. The implications are enormous.
Another patriotic movie about 9/11 is World Trade Center. It was also very saddening but on a movie level wasn’t as good as United 93.
Vera Lynn: My rough guess is that almost everyone would eat rather than die, the survival impulse being so strong. I would, but may it not ever happen.
I kind of want to see The Sullivans now, especially if it’s what Saving Private Ryan is based on, because I really like that movie!
Interesting list. I’ve only seen 2 of these, though I know more than a few are considered classics. The 2 I have seen I have no intention of seeing again. Saving Private Ryan was too traumatic, and Rocky was….well, Rocky. I would like to see The Sullivans though.
JwJw, no holiday for us today. Normal working day for us Aussies.
Great list, most of the movies I’ve seen and liked. And while some of the movies might lack in literal patriotism, they all have the attributes related to patriotism.
No 1776? That’s a pretty good patriotic movie right there. It makes light of some of the serious issues surrounding the Founding Fathers but still has the American spirit and all that.
I’m so happy to see my favorite movie at number one. It’s so overlooked by so many people.
Great list!
great list, I’m surprised by how many of these movies i’ve actually seen
Awesome list. The Sullivans always makes me think of a song by Caroline’s Spine based on the family entitled “Mrs. Sullivan”
But I’m with a few other people that have commented…I don’t think of Rocky as a terribly patriotic movie.
Great list. I’ve seen a few of these movies but definitely need to check out some of the others. Hopefully my life will calm down a little and I’ll have more movie time soon.
thanks for enlighting me
Competition Winner: pankhudi – comment number 6! Congratulations! Please email me (jamie@frater.com) with your address and name details for your prize.
This whole “left” and “right” bullcrap just makes me sick it only divides and there is no need for it.
I also think Black Hawk Down should have been included, but that’s me.
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116. B.Quinn
I also think Black Hawk Down should have been included
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I met the pilot involved in that incident. He absolutely denied any heroism on his part, which only strengthened my belief that he was exactly what true heroism, true patriotism, is all about.
Great guy. It was an honor to meet him.
I’m wondering if it’s because you’re not an American that you missed “Born on the 4th of July” – Right wingers froth at the mouth because this movie portrays the US in a less than flattering light, but at its heart it is about a Patriotic American who has to fight his way through his disillusionment with some of his countries actions, in order to grow up and understand what a powerful nation this country can be when it listens to those who appreciate the country for what it is, flawed yet great. Generations of American veterans have gone off to war, only to come home to find that the country that they so cavalierly went off to defend isn’t the nation that they see now that their eyes have been opened. The best of them strive to change the country in a positive way, so that it comes to more closely resemble the nation that they love.
Jongluer, well said! BORN ON THE 4TH of JULY should be on the list, at the top.
I think Rescue Dawn should also be included in the list. It was an awesome movie and shows a lot of american charecteristics in it.