Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

Arts & Entertainment

Celebrate A Rainy July 4th With These American Netflix Flicks


By

Rebecca Fishbein

Published Jul 4, 2014

Modified Jul 4, 2014


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .

Brian A. Jackson/Shutterstock


By

Rebecca Fishbein

Published Jul 4, 2014

Modified Jul 4, 2014


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

The Great American Day of Beach Independence is being threatened by a nasty tropical storm this year, and there's a good chance you won't be able to spend this bonus day off getting sunburned on Rockaway. Luckily, you've got your trusty pal Netflix on hand to keep you occupied all day long, and the site's ever-changing streaming selection has got lots of patriotic movies on hand for your enjoyment. Here are some choice picks:

THE EXPENDABLES 2: America loves action movies, and this film stars literally every major American action film star. Well, technically Jean-Claude Van Damme, Jason Statham and Arnold Schwarzenegger aren't American, but at least one of them held public office in this country, sooooo....

APOCALYPSE NOW: Remember that time we fought a little land war in Southeast Asia? But the '60s were cool because of The Doors. 'MURICA.

ROSWELL: This historical series documents the experience of three alien/human hybrids forced to live among Earthling teenagers in New Mexico. Aliens live among us, and one of them is Katherine Heigl.

PATTON: WAR. What is it good for? Oscar-winning movies, and America! See also: Apocalypse Now.

AMERICAN HORROR STORY: Ryan Murphy's much-discussed anthology series aims to dig into all the terrible things that happened at various points in America's history. Want to know what it was like to be trapped in a psychiatric hospital run by possessed nuns in the 1950s? Well, hello! Plus, Jessica Lange is a fox, even when she's evil.

PROHIBITION: Man, Prohibition sucked. Watch this Ken Burns documentary and drink all the alcohol, just because you can.

TOO CUTE: Okay, fine, this Animal Planet show isn't exactly patriotic, but Netflix says it's about "the coming-of-age stories of kittens and puppies from special litters as they grow from helpless fur balls to rambunctious young animals." Sure, Arthur stole your beach day, but LOOK AT THE PUPPY!!!!

PATRIOT GAMES: Patriot Games is about a CIA agent, has the word "Patriot" in its title and stars Harrison Ford, who is a real life American treasure. Make the ghost of Allen Dulles proud.

WAYNE'S WORLD: Wayne's World is an iconic American film created by and starring and starring a Canadian. Moreover, it features Pizza Hut, Pepsi, Rob Lowe and an extended Led Zeppelin-related scene, so you know it knows what's up.

GLADIATOR: This movie has nothing to do with America, but it's really good. Relish its time on Netflix while you still can.

Tagged

films

independence

july 4th

movies

netflix

original


Rebecca Fishbein

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE arts-entertainment

Inside the hidden chamber that controls Lincoln Center's magnificent fountain

Gothamist went behind the scenes to learn how the NYC landmark keeps its majestic waters flowing.

By

Sonia Rao

Published Oct 23, 2026


In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff

We dropped by WNYU to see what the next generation of radio DJs is up to. The answer is "Br00tal Beats To Study/Relax To."

By

James Ramsay

Arts & Entertainment

In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff

We dropped by WNYU to see what the next generation of radio DJs is up to. The answer is "Br00tal Beats To Study/Relax To."

By

James Ramsay


A Queens prop shop shutters, bunnies find a home uptown, and more openings and closings

By

Hannah Frishberg

A new film invites you to eavesdrop on one of the greatest conversations in NYC history

By

Sonia Rao

The Knicks are NBA champions. Now they have to start dressing the part.

By

Sonia Rao


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .