19 Fourth of July flicks

No matter where you're celebrating this year, don't forget to check out at least one of these great American films, perfect for Independence Day. (Universal Pictures)

Born on the Fourth of July (1989) Tom Cruise comes into his own in this critically acclaimed adaptation of a Vietnam War veteran’s autobiography with the same name. Cruise plays Ron Kovic, a young man who enlisted in the Marines only to return home to live out his life confined to a wheelchair. (Universal Pictures)

Apollo 13 (1995) This star-studded dramatization of the 1970 Apollo 13 lunar mission, tells a story of American resolve. Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton and Kevin Bacon star as three astronauts on their harrowing moon mission. (Universal Pictures)

Forrest Gump (1994) You can’t help but fall in love with the goofy and endearing Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) in this Oscar-award winning film. Forrest Gump beats unthinkable odds in this extraordinary tale, featuring famous moments in American’s history, from the Vietnam War to a special visit from the king of rock n’ roll, Elvis Presley. (Paramount Pictures)

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) Jimmy Stewart shines in this black and white classic as the naïve, recently appointed replacement of U.S. Senator Sam Foley, Jefferson Smith. Mr. Smith truly believes he can make a difference, despite the ridicule he endures from his fellow colleagues in the Senate – and he does. (Columbia Pictures)

Field of Dreams (1989) Kevin Costner stars as farmer Ray Kinsella who with the help of some encouraging words (“If you build it, he will come”) succeeds in achieving his dream of building his own baseball field. This film is sure to have you believing in the impossible. (Universal Studios)

Rocky (1976) Sylvester Stallone stars as the struggling small-time boxer, Rocky Balboa, dreaming for his big break. Balboa, a virtually unknown boxer, faces the undefeated heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), on New Year’s Day in this 1976 American sports drama. (United Artists)

Pearl Harbor (2001) This large ensemble cast tells the story of one the most devastating attacks in the history of the United States. (Touchstone Pictures)

The Jackie Robinson Story (1950) "43" was great, but you should also check out the original Robinson biopic, which stars Jackie Robinson himself, as he struggles to become the first ever African American Major League Baseball player. Robinson’s story showcases the true essence of the American Dream. (Eagle-Lion Films Inc.)

1776 (1972) This musical turned film features singing and dancing founding fathers who remind us just how revolutionary the Declaration of Independence was. (Columbia Pictures)

An American Tail (1986) Steven Spielberg’s animated masterpiece tells the story of the Mousekewitzes, a family of mice fleeing persecution and arriving in New York and the land of opportunity. An inspirational story the whole family can enjoy. (Universal Pictures)

Flags of Our Fathers (2006) This Clint Eastwood film tells the inspirational story of five Marines and one Navy Corpsman’s involvement in raising the American flag at the Battle Iwo Jima. (Warner Bros.)

The Dirty Dozen (1967) Lee Marvin stars as US army Major John Reisman who is given the task of training 12 felony-convicted soldiers for a top-secret pre-D-Day invasion. (MGM)

National Treasure (2004) Nicolas Cage stars as the brilliant Benjamin Gates, historian and cryptologists who comes from a long line of treasure hunters. While the story is far from historically accurate, National Treasure is good wholesome fun for the whole family (Walt Disney Pictures)

Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) The biographical tale of the legendary George M. Cohan, author of arguably the most patriotic song ever written. (Warner Bros.)

A League of Their Own (1992) Madonna, Tom Hanks, Rosie O’Donnell, Lori Petty and Geena Davis star in this 1992 classic account of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. This movie will have you laughing and crying at the same time. (Columbia Pictures)

Top Gun (1986) Tom Cruise stars as the rebellious and dashing young pilot, Pete “Maverick” in this 80s classic. Who can forget Cruise’s rendition of “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feelin,’” not to mention the aviator sunglasses he sports in the film? Not us. (Paramount Pictures)

Saving Private Ryan (1998) Steven Spielberg’s depiction of the invasion of Normandy during World War II tells the emotional story of soldiers willing to give their lives to serve their country. (DreamWorks/Paramount Pictures)

Independence Day (1996) Days before July 4th, aliens invade several major cities around the globe, but have no fear, co-stars Bill Pullman and Will Smith save the day! And who can forget Pullman as U.S. President Thomas J. Whitmore’s motivational speech briefing the troops before they fight the aliens: “We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! We’re going to live on! We’re going to survive! Today we celebrate our Independence Day!” (20th Century Fox)

The Patriot (2000) Mel Gibson stars as the formerly peaceful family man, out to seek revenge for his fallen family members. This movie will have you reliving the excitement and fervor of the American people during the Revolutionary War (Columbia Pictures)