We’re now deep into summer and for those of us located in the good ol’ USA, a bunch of big holidays are coming up. In the spirit of backyard BBQs, corporate red tape, and all things American, I thought it would be fun to highlight some movies and TV shows that are all quintessentially American in one way or another. Obviously, this isn’t a definitive list, and mostly an attempt to spread across time-frames and genres of various kinds. If you have any favorites I definitely should have included, drop them in the comments below!
Prime Video: Enemy of the State (1998)
Don’t you hate it when you’re just trying to buy a Christmas present for your wife and you get wrapped up in a national conspiracy? Will Smith, playing a powerful labor law attorney, finds himself facing the corrupt NSA’s wrath in this 90’s thriller. Fast-paced and dated in the best way, this is a fun watch that had me both giggling and locked in from its opening montage. Calls back to a time when Will Smith was in good movies, and I had so much fun watching this one.
FOR FANS OF: Eagle Eye; Olympus has Fallen
Netflix: Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
Look there’s gonna be more than one military-themed project on this list, but they’re both great for different reasons. In Hacksaw Ridge, Andrew Garfield plays a pacifist who joins the army during WWII but refuses to fight. I’m not the biggest Mel Gibson fan, but even I have to admit this is a really solid film with a truly unique story and fantastic lead performance from Garfield. Definitely worth checking out if you’re only sort of into war movies and looking for something different.
FOR FANS OF: Saving Private Ryan; 1917
HBO Max: Band of Brothers (2001)
If you’re looking for a war story with really compelling characters, then you have to watch Band of Brothers. The mini-series follows Easy Company as they begin in training, all the way through their participation in vital moments of World War II. It is one of the best shows of its kind, standing out as one of the OG HBO mini-series. I really remember being struck when I first watched it that I hadn’t really seen any other war media that was as intimate in the understanding of its cast. A heavy watch, but a good one.
FOR FANS OF: Flags of our Fathers; Dunkirk
Tubi: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
Look, if this isn’t one of your favorite Washington DC movies, you’re wrong. For those who’ve been living under a rock, national treasure James Stewart plays the heroic yet naive Mr. Smith, who presents his case before a corrupt and complex congress. While certainly harkening to a time when the government was very different, this movie has still aged like a fine wine. James Stewart is giving one of his all-time best performances, and the filibuster scene is iconic for a reason. Give this one a watch, especially if you’ve never seen it before.
FOR FANS OF: The West Wing; 12 Angry Men
Prime Video: Jury Duty (2023)
What if reality TV was both funny and wholesome without exploiting its cast? Jury Duty somehow manages to do it all, focusing on a cast of actors and one normal guy who believes this is all just a documentary. Things get more and more wacky as time goes on but Ronald, the only non-actor, seems both cool with it and completely bought in. The group dynamic of this cast is both hilarious and very sweet, with an ending that restores your faith in people a little. With a brief 8-episode runtime, it’s a perfect weekend watch for just about anyone.
FOR FANS OF: The Great British Baking Show; Queer Eye
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