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America 250: Top patriotic movies to celebrate America’s birthday
By Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk at WSB-TV (ABC) - News
· July 2, 2026
· 1 min read
If being out with the crowds to celebrate the Fourth of July isn’t your thing, a movie may be just what you need to mark the nation’s semiquincentennial. Read more trending newsEntertainment Weekly came up with a list of what it thinks are the patriotic movies to get you in the flag-waving spirit...
Key takeaway ” EW says the 1998 Steven Spielberg “tribute to the Greatest Generation places you in the boots of the D-Day soldiers who fought and died - and others who lived to wonder in the face of such loss, ‘Why me?
Why this matters in The Atlanta
As Atlantans celebrate America's birthday, they can draw inspiration from these patriotic films. The list compiled by Entertainment Weekly features a range of movies that showcase American history, courage, and perseverance. For locals, films like "Selma" and "Glory" may resonate particularly strongly, given Atlanta 's significant role in the civil rights movement. The city's own history of activism and social change is reflected in these movies, which highlight the struggles and triumphs of American democracy. Meanwhile, films like "Hidden Figures" and "Apollo 13" celebrate the city's contributions to space exploration and scientific innovation, as Atlanta is home to a number of prominent research institutions and tech companies. By watching these movies, Atlantans can connect with the nation's broader story while also reflecting on their own city's unique place in American history.
About this story
Original reporting by WSB-TV (ABC) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSB-TV (ABC) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: WSB-TV (ABC) - News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? If being out with the crowds to celebrate the Fourth of July isn’t your thing, a movie may be just what you need to mark the nation’s semiquincentennial. Read more trending newsEntertainment Weekly came up with a list of what it thinks are the patriotic movies to get you in the flag-waving spirit...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by WSB-TV (ABC) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk at WSB-TV (ABC) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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