The Fourth of July arrived and we celebrated one more day of our independence. And what better way to do it than living great stories that speak of our honor and patriotism through cinema.

Great heroes, heroic deeds and several of the great and important moments of our history have been taken to the big screen, which is why in MARCA English we have selected 15 of the most varied titles with which we can celebrate our Independence Day.

The Longest Day (1962)

A gripping depiction of the D-Day invasion, showing the massive Allied effort to land in Normandy during WWII. Despite adverse weather, General Eisenhower commands the troops to proceed, leading to a hard-fought advance into French territory against German forces. Stars Robert Mitchum as General Norma Cota.

Patton (1970)

This biographical war film chronicles General George S. Patton's controversial yet legendary WWII career. George C. Scott's iconic portrayal showcases Patton's fiery leadership and unyielding belief in American dominance. The film's opening scene features Patton's stirring speech to the Third Army.

Rocky IV (1985)

Nothing best that kicking some Soviet butts, isn't it? Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) comes out of retirement to avenge his friend Apollo Creed's death at the hands of Soviet boxer Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren). The film culminates in a high-stakes, East vs. West showdown, Soviet Union vs USA, embodying Cold War-era patriotism.

Top Gun (1986)

The movie that made Tom Cruise a superstar. Maverick (Cruise), a hotshot pilot, attends the elite Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School. His rivalry with Iceman (Val Kilmer) and a mission to rescue a communications ship in hostile waters define this high-octane, patriotic film. Cruise and Kilmer reprised their roles in the 2022 sequel.

Glory (1989)

This film tells the true story of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the first all-black regiment in the Civil War. Led by Robert Gould Shaw (Matthew Broderick), they fight against prejudice and Confederate forces. Denzel Washington won his first Oscar for his supporting role here.

Born on the Fourth of July (1989)

One of the finest Cruise's works as an actor. Tom Cruise stars as Ron Kovic in this biographical drama about a Vietnam War veteran turned anti-war activist. Directed by Oliver Stone, the film explores themes of patriotism, disillusionment, and the struggle to find purpose post-war.

Apollo 13 (1995)

Based on the true story of the Apollo 13 mission, this film follows astronauts Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks), Jack Swigert (Kevin Bacon), and Fred Haise (Bill Paxton) as they face life-threatening challenges after an oxygen tank explosion. Extraordinary representation of what teamwork means and one of the best moments in NASA's history, in what was called "a successful failure".

Independence Day (1996)

A global alien invasion brings humanity to the brink, but an American fighter pilot (Will Smith), a scientist (Jeff Goldblum), and the President (Bill Pullman) lead the charge to reclaim Earth on the Fourth of July. This blockbuster is renowned for its special effects and patriotic fervor. Pullman's speech is one of the most famous motivational speeches in the history of cinema.

Air Force One (1997)

Why don't we have a president like this one? President James Marshall (Harrison Ford) must save his family and crew when terrorists hijack Air Force One. With his military background, Marshall fights to thwart the hijackers led by Ivan Korshunov (Gary Oldman), making for a high-stakes action thriller.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Steven Spielberg's WWII epic follows Captain John H. Miller (Tom Hanks) on a mission to find and bring home Private James Ryan (Matt Damon). Known for its realistic portrayal of D-Day and intense battle scenes, the film won five Oscars and is a poignant tribute to wartime sacrifice. A Spielberg masterpiece.

The Patriot (2000)

Mel Gibson stars as Benjamin Martin, a composite character inspired by several Revolutionary War heroes. He leads a militia against the British after his family is threatened. This epic film, featuring Heath Ledger as his son, is a tale of personal and national struggle for independence. And has an heroic John Williams' score.

Pearl Harbor (2001)

The war as seen through the eyes of Michael Bay and his love story. This film dramatizes the events of the Pearl Harbor attack through the lives of two friends, Rafe McCawley (Ben Affleck) and Danny Walker (Josh Hartnett). Their love triangle with nurse Evelyn (Kate Beckinsale) and their roles as pilots add personal stakes to the historical event.

Miracle (2004)

Another Russians vs Americans fight! Disney's "Miracle" recounts the U.S. hockey team's unexpected victory over the Soviet Union in the 1980 Winter Olympics. Kurt Russell stars as coach Herb Brooks, leading his underdog team to one of the greatest upsets in sports history, symbolizing Cold War-era American resilience.

Lincoln (2012)

A poignant story of perhaps our greatest president. Daniel Day-Lewis delivers an Oscar-winning performance as President Abraham Lincoln. The film focuses on Lincoln's efforts to end the Civil War and pass the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery. It highlights his political acumen and unwavering commitment to a united, free America.

Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

This thriller chronicles the decade-long hunt for Osama bin Laden, led by a determined CIA analyst (Jessica Chastain). The film culminates in the Navy SEALs' nighttime raid in Abbottabad, Pakistan, bringing justice after the 9/11 attacks. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, it offers a gripping look at modern warfare.