July Movie Watch List

Top Movies to Watch in July

July is a month of celebration filled with patriotic spirit, historical significance, and the thrill of adventure.

Looking for a few good movies to watch? Too hot outside? Need to escape the summertime heat? Grab the snacks.

Consider these highly rated, must-watch movies.

1. Born on the Fourth of July (1989)

Directed by Oliver Stone, this biographical war drama stars Tom Cruise as Ron Kovic, a paralyzed Vietnam War veteran who becomes an anti-war and pro-human rights political activist. The film is a powerful portrayal of the aftermath of war and the personal transformation of Kovic.

Why It’s Great: The film’s compelling narrative, combined with Cruise’s intense performance, offers a poignant look at the cost of war and the power of personal conviction. Its release around Independence Day makes it a fitting choice for July.

2. Braveheart (1995)

Directed by and starring Mel Gibson, Braveheart is an epic historical drama about William Wallace, a Scottish warrior who led the Scots in the First War of Scottish Independence against King Edward I of England.

Why It’s Great: With breathtaking battle scenes, a rousing score, and a story of unwavering courage and sacrifice, Braveheart is a timeless epic that celebrates freedom and heroism.

Similar Movies:

• Gladiator (2000)
• The Patriot (2000)

3. Pearl Harbor (2001)

Directed by Michael Bay, this romantic war drama stars Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, and Kate Beckinsale. The film centers on the love triangle between two best friends and a nurse, set against the backdrop of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II.

Why It’s Great: With stunning visual effects and a gripping storyline, Pearl Harbor combines romance and action, providing a dramatic retelling of a pivotal moment in history.

Similar Movies:

• The Notebook (Romance)

4. Forrest Gump (1994)

Directed by Robert Zemeckis, this iconic film stars Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump, a man with a low IQ who unwittingly influences several historical events in the 20th century United States.

Why It’s Great: Forrest Gump is beloved for its heartwarming story, memorable quotes, and Hanks’ stellar performance. It’s a tale of resilience, love, and the extraordinary journey of an ordinary man.

5. The Aviator (2004)

Directed by Martin Scorsese, this biographical drama stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Howard Hughes, the eccentric billionaire and aviation pioneer. The film chronicles Hughes’ career from the late 1920s to the 1940s, highlighting his success and struggles with mental illness.

Why It’s Great: DiCaprio’s portrayal of Hughes is captivating, and the film’s meticulous attention to historical detail and Scorsese’s direction make it a fascinating watch.

Similar Movies:

• Catch Me If You Can (2002)

6. Dances with Wolves (1990)

Directed by and starring Kevin Costner, this epic Western follows a Union Army lieutenant who befriends a tribe of Lakota Indians, ultimately becoming a member of their community.

Why It’s Great: Dances with Wolves is praised for its sweeping cinematography, respectful portrayal of Native American culture, and its story of transformation and understanding.

Similar Movies:

• The Last of the Mohicans (1992)
• Jeremiah Johnson (1972)

7. Oppenheimer (2023)

Directed by Christopher Nolan, this biographical drama stars Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer, the theoretical physicist often called the “father of the atomic bomb” for his role in the Manhattan Project during World War II. The film delves into the creation of the atomic bomb and the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by those involved.

Why It’s Great: Oppenheimer is a thought-provoking exploration of scientific achievement and its profound consequences. Nolan’s direction, combined with a powerful performance by Murphy, makes it a gripping and reflective watch.

Enjoy these cinematic journeys this July! Each of these films offers a unique perspective and unforgettable storytelling, perfect for summer viewing.