The best movies, TV shows, specials, and more to watch this July Fourth weekend
It’s shaping up to be a scorching July Fourth, and thankfully there are plenty of movies, TV shows, and more to keep folks indoors and entertained as they celebrate the holiday. In a special edition of our streaming guide, here’s what to watch this weekend.
Movies to watch
‘Independence Day’
Right up there with “The Twilight Zone” holiday marathons and watching the National Dog Show on Thanksgiving, director Roland Emmerich’s “Independence Day” is required viewing (at least for me) every July Fourth weekend. Starring Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, and Bill Pullman, the action-packed blockbuster about the world uniting to fend off an alien invasion turns 30 this year. Available on Disney+ and Hulu
‘Born on the Fourth of July’
The acclaimed biographical drama about Marine turned antiwar activist Ron Kovic stars Tom Cruise as the paralyzed Vietnam War veteran. Based on Kovic’s autobiography of the same name, the big-screen adaptation earned director Oliver Stone an Oscar for best directing, with David Brenner and Joe Hutshing winning best editing for their work on the film. Available on Netflix and Peacock
‘Hamilton’
As if musical lovers needed another excuse to revisit “Hamilton,” the July Fourth weekend is a great time to watch the filmed version of the hit Broadway production. Disney+ also has a sing-along option featuring on-screen lyrics, giving fans their shot to belt out their favorite songs. Available on Disney+
‘Jaws’
Spend a day on Amity Island with this Steven Spielberg classic, a must-watch for the holiday weekend. Even after more than five decades, the Bay State-filmed thriller about a menacing shark terrorizing New England beachgoers remains one of the director’s most iconic summer blockbusters. Available on Peacock
TV shows, specials, and more to watch
‘The American Revolution’
Sit back for a history lesson courtesy of Ken Burns, whose six-part series “The American Revolution” is available to stream for free on PBS.org and the PBS app through July 12. PBS will also rebroadcast the first episode on Friday at 9 p.m., with the remaining episodes airing again on Saturday, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Available on PBS
‘John Adams’
Actor Paul Giamatti earned an Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a miniseries or a movie for his portrayal of the titular Founding Father in HBO’s “John Adams.” The historical drama won 13 Emmys in total, including outstanding miniseries, plus an outstanding lead actress in a miniseries or a movie win for Laura Linney, who played Abigail Adams. Available on HBO Max
Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest
In addition to reciting President Whitmore’s “Independence Day” speech, my other July Fourth tradition is shamelessly watching the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. Reigning men’s champion Joey Chestnut and women’s champion Miki Sudo are back to defend their titles, with live coverage of the women’s competition kicking off at 10:45 a.m. Saturday on ESPN+ and the ESPN app. Coverage of the men’s competition begins at noon on ESPN2, and will simulcast live on ABC starting at 12:30 p.m.
National July Fourth broadcasts
There’s no better way to end the July Fourth holiday than with music and fireworks, and there are plenty of broadcasts to tune into on Saturday. The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular airs on WHDH-TV Channel 7 and streams on CNN.com and the CNN app beginning at 7 p.m. (portions of the event will also be featured on CNN’s national broadcast). Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will air live on NBC and stream on Peacock starting at 8 p.m., with Noah Kahan set to perform. Meanwhile the Great American Block Party 250 airs live starting at 8 p.m. on CBS and Paramount+, with Nashville’s Star-Spangled Bash also kicking off at 8 p.m. on ABC.
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