It is the Fourth of July, and the festivities will bring families, friends, and close ones together for fireworks, pool parties, backyard barbecues, and celebrations. But it is also the perfect time to revisit stories and incidents that celebrate courage, sacrifice, and the American spirit through nostalgic movies. So, while the celebrations continue outside, some might like to stay indoors to escape the heat and enjoy a classic movie on Netflix. 

All that is needed is just the right lineup to make the holiday movie marathon worthwhile. So, here are five of the best patriotic movies available on Netflix to stream this Fourth of July and celebrate the holiday festivities.

When it comes to stories of courage, perseverance, and hard work, one cannot forget the inspiring documentary, The Redeem Team. Released in 2022 and available to stream on Netflix, the 97-minute documentary follows the journey of the 2008 U.S. men's basketball team as they head to the Summer Olympics in Beijing with one wish, which is to restore America's dominance in basketball. 

The Games came four years after the team's shocking and disappointing bronze-medal finish at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Featuring some of the biggest NBA stars, including Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Carmelo Anthony, the squad was led by the late Los Angeles Lakers player, Kobe Bryant. The documentary follows the team's determination, unity, and eventual win as they reclaim the Olympic gold medal.

Written and directed by Tyler Perry, The Six Triple Eight is based on a true story. The film is about the all-Black, all-female 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion and the challenges they faced during World War II. It follows the battalion as they are sent to Britain to clear a years-long backlog of millions of undelivered letters and packages to ensure the soldiers reconnect with their loved ones. 

Despite facing racism, harsh conditions, and impossible deadlines, the women work tirelessly to complete their mission. Their determination and courage help them overcome every obstacle as they show their strength and dedication. The film shows powerful performances from Scandal actress Kerry Washington, Ebony Obsidian, Milauna Jackson, Shanice Shantay, Sarah Jeffery, and Pepi Sonuga.

Another classic movie to watch during the Fourth of July is the 2022 animated film Apollo 10½: A Space Age Childhood. This coming-of-age American film is a fictional story that takes inspiration from the childhood experiences of writer, director, and producer Richard Linklater. Although it was initially planned as a live-action project, it was later transformed into an animated feature, which gives it a unique visual style.

The film follows 10-year-old Stanley, who grows up in Houston in 1969. Narrated by an older Stanley, the story imagines the young boy being secretly recruited for a mission to the Moon while it also depicts the real-life Apollo 11 lunar landing. With both whimsical fiction and historical events, the film is a nostalgic look at childhood during one of America's greatest achievements. 

Is There a New Kerry Washington Movie Coming on Netflix?

The animated movie also has a brilliant star-studded cast that features Milo Coy, Jack Black, Glen Powell, Zachary Levi, Josh Wiggins, and Lee Eddy. 

Directed by Angelina Jolie, this inspiring war drama, Unbroken, is based on Laura Hillenbrand's book Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption. The film powerfully explores perseverance, hope, and the strength of the human spirit amid unimaginable hardship. It follows former Olympian Louis Zamperini, who served as a U.S. Army Air Forces bombardier during World War II, who was captured by the Japanese army after surviving a plane crash and spending 47 days at sea. 

He suffers brutal treatment in prisoner-of-war camps, particularly at the hands of the ruthless Sergeant Mutsuhiro Watanabe. But even amid hardships and some of the toughest days, he does not give up. Whether the brilliant writing or its spirit, this is a must-watch movie. It stars Jack O'Connell, C.J. Valleroy, Domhnall Gleeson, Garrett Hedlund, Miyavi, Finn Wittrock, and Jai Courtney.

Much different in tone and story from the previous films, Purple Hearts is directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum and based on the novel of the same name by Tess Wakefield. The film follows Cassie, an aspiring singer struggling to manage Type 1 diabetes, and Luke, a U.S. Marine burdened by financial troubles. The two enter into a marriage of convenience so they can take advantage of military benefits, but what begins as a practical arrangement gradually develops into something far more meaningful. 

As Luke is deployed overseas and later returns home after being injured, their fake marriage gradually develops into a genuine relationship. However, their secret arrangement is exposed, forcing them to face legal consequences while realizing their love for each other is real. The romantic drama stars Sofia Carson, Nicholas Galitzine, Chosen Jacobs, John Harlan Kim, and Kat Cunning in the lead roles.

Andrew Garfield’s ‘Artificial’ Has Netflix, A24, Warner Bros., and More Opt Out as Mixed Reactions to Film Surface

Which of the movies will you watch on the Fourth of July? Let us know in the comments?