Ah, the Fourth of July! It’s that time for beachfront barbecues, fireworks, shouting “WHAT THE F*CK IS A KILOMETER!!” to the sky — and hiding inside while dreading the prospect of going out to celebrate. There’s no need to be ashamed; we here at Decider get it. Fireworks are loud, it’s way too hot to tear your face away from the air conditioner, and unless you’re Joey Chestnut, too many hot dogs are bound to make you sick. But while staying inside this Independence Day is clearly the better option, it’s easy to feel left out of all the festivities. Lucky for you, we have just the solution: an Independence Day marathon of all the best movies and shows to help you celebrate the Stars and Stripes.
That’s right — we’ve taken the liberty of listing out 10 films and series on Netflix that we have deemed essential viewing for this Fourth of July. We’ve made sure to diversify this collection with works falling under an array of genres: comedy, action, horror, documentary, dad-core, you name it! Who needs to go outside and deal with the heat and the wrath of drunk baseball fans? Instead, read on for our Top 10 Netflix recommendations to celebrate the Fourth of July.
Netflix
WHO’S THIS FOR: Any woman who dreamed of becoming a cheerleader as a kid and grew up to realize that actually being one sounds like a nightmare.
RATING: TV-14
YEAR: 2024-2025
CAST: Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell coach cheerleaders like Victoria Kalina, Kelcey Wetterberg, and Reece Weaver.
DESCRIPTION: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have become something of an American institution over the past few decades, and this docuseries exposes the reality of what these picture-perfect cheerleaders go through on a daily basis. Over the two seasons, the cheerleaders endure hours of grueling training, heartbreaking team cuts, and way too much hairspray to possibly be healthy. The series shatters the illusion of DCC perfection as the girls open up about their struggles with mental health and their unyielding campaign for higher wages. If you’re looking for some sporty, rah-rah American vibes with some deep introspection on the side, America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is the perfect watch.
WHO’S THIS FOR: South Park fans and history buffs looking to laugh at some historical references and inaccuracies. And by some, we mean a lot.
RATING: R
YEAR: 2021
CAST: Channing Tatum, Will Forte, Andy Samberg, Olivia Munn, and Jason Mantzoukas all lend their voices to this animated comedy.
DESCRIPTION: Grab your beer and your bros and get ready to watch an absolutely absurd retelling of the birth of our nation. In this animated historical parody, George Washington (Tatum) feels more like a fraternity brother than a founding father as he teams up with Sam Adams (Mantzoukas) to tear the British limb from limb. Jam-packed with guns, chainsaws, and wonderfully self-aware American exceptionalism, this film is so hilarious it makes you forget that you actually might be learning? Not really, but that’s not the point — the point is to hear George Washington say things like “Ding-dong, it’s America motherf*cker.” The real founding fathers would be proud.
WHO’S THIS FOR: Adults who aren’t feeling too patriotic this Fourth of July.
RATING: R
YEAR: 1989
CAST: Tom Cruise, Willem Dafoe, Kyra Sedgewick, Raymond J. Barry
DESCRIPTION: From afar, this film’s connection to the Fourth feels obvious: it’s a war movie, Cruise is an American icon, it’s in the literal title of the film. But unlike most war movies, this film doesn’t provide the effortless American wartime fantasy that makes your heart bleed red, white, and blue. Born on the Fourth of July follows Ron Kovic (Cruise), a veteran and once proud patriot who returns from Vietnam traumatized, physically paralyzed, and shocked by just how little the U.S. government and civilians seem to care about him. As Ron pursues his journey as an impassioned anti-war activist, the film takes an unflinching look at the ugly aftermath of war, and how the politicians who wage war often disregard those forced to fight them. If you’re feeling disillusioned from the patriotic spirit of this holiday and want to engage in some real criticism of the U.S. government, this is the film for you.
WHO’S THIS FOR: Older teens and young adults itching for a sweaty, awkwardly sexy good time.
RATING: TV-MA
YEAR: 2015
CAST: Elizabeth Banks, Michael Cera, Bradley Cooper, Jon Hamm, Kristen Wiig — the star-studded list goes on.
DESCRIPTION: This prequel series to the 2001 cult classic Wet Hot American Summer is sure to make you nostalgic not just for the original movie, but for the quintessential American experience of summer camp. The show follows an ensemble cast of counselors and campers alike as they navigate dramatic teenage woes and romantic affairs as toxic as Xensar, the company dumping toxic waste into the woods surrounding the camp. This series is just what you need to get you in the mood for summer: it’s satirical, insanely funny, and takes you back to a time when your biggest concern was whether you were going to hook up with your camp crush. And whether you were going to die from toxic waste poisoning, if you can relate to that.
WHO’S THIS FOR: Dads who dream of shaking hands with the greats of their favorite team.
RATING: PG
YEAR: 1989
CAST: Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, Ray Liotta, James Earl Jones
DESCRIPTION: What screams “U.S.A” more than America’s favorite pastime? I’ll tell you what does — building a baseball diamond right in your backyard. This is exactly what Iowan farmer Ray (Costner) sets out to do to his even more Iowan cornfield after hearing a mysterious voice whispering to him, “If you build it, he will come.” Usually someone might try going to therapy after hearing strange disembodied voices, but that’s not the American way. When Ray builds his titular Field of Dreams, ghosts of legendary players, led by “Shoeless” Joe Jackson (Liotta), emerge from their eternal slumber to play ball. Watch this if you’re a sports aficionado looking for some dreamy, all-American wish-fulfillment.
WHO’S THIS FOR: Horror fanatics who don’t want to wait until October to have their fun.
RATING: R
YEAR: 2021
CAST: Sadie Sink, Emily Rudd, Ryan Simpkins, Ted Sutherland
DESCRIPTION: We all know Halloween is in the fall, but with so many blood-soaked summertime flicks, it’s surprising that summer isn’t considered a spooky season in the States. The second addition to Netflix’s Fear Street anthology challenges this notion by continuing a long-held tradition of the horror genre: putting teens in a summer camp and murdering them ruthlessly. The plot seems typical: the teenage counselors of Camp Nightwing must fight for survival against a serial killer connected to the cursed town of Shadyside. But with intriguing lore, shockingly gory kills, and an expert performance from Sink, this film sets itself apart from its contemporaries and holds its own as an amazing summer slasher.
WHO’S THIS FOR: Foodies and history lovers looking to learn something they’ve probably never been taught in a classroom.
RATING: TV-14
YEAR: 2021-2023
CAST: Host Stephen Satterfield speaks with Jessica B. Harris, author of the book the series was based on, culinary historian Adrian Miller, and chefs like Michelle Wallace and Greg Gatlin.
DESCRIPTION: Americans love food, and we have the national record highs in obesity to prove it. While citizens of the U.S. chow down on classic American fare such as fried chicken, mac n’ cheese, and Texan barbeque, not many people know about the true origins of these foods. As host of this culinary docuseries, Satterfield educates viewers on the African roots of American cuisine, connecting an array of dishes to West African culture and the experiences of Black slaves. Combining important history lessons with tantalizing food shots, this series is about more than just food; it’s about putting Black stories in the spotlight and highlighting their contributions to American culture.
WHO’S THIS FOR: Dads again. (The Fourth of July in general is a very dad-friendly holiday.)
RATING: PG
YEAR: 1988
CAST: John Candy, Dan Aykroyd, Stephanie Faracy, Annette Bening, Chris Young
DESCRIPTION: There is a time in every American child’s life when their dad forces them on a fishing excursion in the name of “family bonding.” This is exactly what Chet Ripley (Candy) aims to do when he takes his family on vacation to a lakeside resort, only to have his plans ruined by his snooty brother-in-law Roman (Aykroyd) and his family crashing the party. Fishing-related hijinks ensue as the Ripleys fail to get a moment of peace from Chet and Roman’s family feud. It’s just the movie you need to distract your dad with if he tries to be outdoorsy this Fourth of July.
WHO’S THIS FOR: Kids looking for some wacky summer fun.
RATING: TV-PG
YEAR: 2024
CAST: Eric Bauza, Chloe De Los Santos, Josh Lawson, Mary-Louise Parker
DESCRIPTION: We’re really running the gamut of summer camp movies here. This one follows the mischievous Woody Woodpecker (Bauza) as he searches for a home after being kicked out of the forest for *checks notes* tormenting a famous social media influencer. Knowing influencers these days, he probably deserved it. Woody tries to make a home out of Camp Woo Hoo, but an evil buzzard, a scheme for buried treasure, and an inspector trying to shut down the camp put his search for belonging in jeopardy. With plenty of wild antics, this film will keep your kids entertained while you grab a break this holiday. Sip your lemonade in victory, parents.
WHO’S THIS FOR: Ride-or-die girl best friends who hype each other up in the bathroom at the club.
RATING: R
YEAR: 2025
CAST: Baby, this is Keke Palmer — along with SZA, Katt Williams, Maude Apatow, and Janelle James
DESCRIPTION: It’s no question that the good ole U.S. of A has perfected the art of the buddy comedy, and One of Them Days provides a fun, urban twist on the genre. Set in a run-down apartment complex in L.A, the film follows roommates Dreux (Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA) as they scramble for rent money after Alyssa’s deadbeat boyfriend steals it. As they race against the clock, the two must do whatever they can to escape eviction and save their friendship. Films like these live and die by their central duos, and wow, you will not believe how insane the chemistry is between Dreux and Alyssa. Palmer’s comedy chops don’t quit, as usual, but viewers will be shocked at how well SZA matches her energy, making it feel like we’re just watching two hilarious best friends interact in real time. It’s the perfect summer film to get your lady friends to laugh and dump their terrible boyfriends.
