11 Movies To Watch On Your Fourth of July Day Off

Hopefully, you can hear the TV over the fireworks. 😓

It’s July 4, which means that we don’t have to go to work. And, unless you’re planning on cueing up the grill or spending the day hiking your favorite trail, chances are you’ll just be chilling at home. Since most of us have to return to work tomorrow, it’s as good a time as any to rewatch some of our favorite “Fourth of July” films (because we know this isn’t OUR Independence Day). Here’s a list of a few movies to watch and where you can stream them!

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)

A year after a tragic incident, four friends —bound together by a secret— reunite after receiving cryptic messages that someone knows what they did. It’s a classic ’90s slasher with an all-star cast including Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, (husband) Freddie Prinze Jr., and Ryan Phillippe.

Watch it on HBO Max.

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithson (2009)

Ben Stiller stars in this fun family sequel. Larry (Stiller) is a former museum security guard turned successful businessman. He discovers his museum friends are in trouble, and with the help of new characters, travels to the Smithsonian to save the day, basically. It’s super funny, great to watch with the whole family, and has a bit of history in it, too.

Watch it on Disney+.

Jaws (1975)

Speilberg has always had a way of making something ordinary into something spectacular, or in this case, scary. Set on the backdrop of Independence Day, this suspense from the film legend should definitely swim across your screen. No serial killer on the loose. No contagion making people sick. It’s literally, just a shark. *chills*

Watch it on Peacock.

Captain America The First Avenger (2011)

I mean, if you’re gonna go super patriotic on this day, might as well do it with Chris Evans — Amirite?

Watch it on Disney+.

The Return of the Living Dead (1985)

Two employees working at a medical supply company accidentally release a deadly gas that makes the dead rise as zombies. An unconventional option for the Fourth of July but the events do take place on the day before the holiday so, I say it counts.

Watch it on Tubi or The Roku Channel.

Safe Haven (2013)

Katie Feldman moves to a small town to start over. She attempts to keep a low profile but starts to fall for a widower. Eventually, she opens her heart and lets her guard down but when a stranger arrives asking questions, her past resurfaces and threatens her possible future. There’s a fourth of July parade in here, too.

Watch it on Showtime.

We’re the Millers (2013)

Jason Sudeikis plays a small-time pot dealer who elicits the help of Jennifer Anniston, Emma Roberts, and Will Poulter to pose as his fake family so he can smuggle drugs from Mexico to the US on Fourth of July weekend.

Watch it on HBO Max.

Independence Day (1996)

The title says it all. And, at this point, if you haven’t seen this film nothing I say in this summary will inspire you to do so. Smh.

Watch it on Hulu.

National Treasure (2004)

A historian embarks on a scavenger hunt of sorts to discover a rumored-hidden treasure. With the help of his friends, he uncovers hidden clues through historical documents, decoding secret messages, and more. It’s a race to the treasure because someone else is on his trail. This film (and its sequel) are probably two of my favorite history-themed films of all time.

Watch it on Disney+.

Top Gun (1986)

Because Top Gun walked so that Top Gun: Maverick could run.

Watch it on Paramount+

The Sandlot (1993)

A childhood favorite (depending on when you were born) about friendship and baseball. The night game scene lit by the fireworks of the Fourth of July while Ray Charles sings “America the Beautiful” will give you all the nostalgic feels.

Watch it on Disney+

I’m sure there’s an assortment of films left off of this list. Feel free to comment below with some of your favorite Fourth of July watches!