This upcoming Monday marks Memorial Day, a holiday honoring the brave veteran men and women who have served our nation. For many of us the day involves BBQs and gatherings with friends and families, but for some of us the bonus day off is a time to unwind, relax and catch up on some classic films. If you’re in that boat, we thought we’d highlight some of the films that best commemorate this special day.
Independence Day
Nothing screams American Hollywood blockbuster more than a Roland Emmerich action-packed film, involving the White House getting blown up by a giant spaceship and Will Smith actually punching a space alien in the face. When the common enemy comes from outside this world, it’s up to Bill Pullman, Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, Judd Hirsch, and the American military to fight off the invading aliens. Together with its inspirational speeches, explosions, romance, and 90’s special effects, this modern classic has everything you could want in a Memorial Day flick. If you still haven’t seen this, be sure to check it out before its long-awaited sequel is releases this upcoming Fourth of July.
Rocky
If you’re still paying for cable and just so happen to be flicking through the channels, chances are you’ll land on a Rocky marathon this Memorial Day weekend. Nobody stands the test of time more than the iconic hero, Rocky Balboa, played by Sylvester Stallone. With his underdog, South Philly charm and American flag boxer trunks, Rocky can win over any crowd and any generation—even the Cold War Russians as we saw in Rocky 4. With Bill Conti’s unforgettable original score and Burgess Meredith’s rousing speeches, there’s nothing that’ll get you more motivated this holiday weekend than a healthy dose of the Italian Stallion.
Patton
Earning George C. Scott an Oscar for Best Actor, this 1970 biopic of American General George S. Patton showcases its patriotism from the very beginning of the film as Patton delivers an inspirational speech to his soldiers in front of a giant U.S. flag. Few may know that the screenplay was written by The Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola and directed by Franklin Schaffner, who was behind the original Planet of the Apes. Coming in on close to three hours in length, this WWII epic chronicles the battles led by the controversial figure, Patton, a man who stops at nothing to defeat his enemies. Not without his flaws, the General exemplifies America’s military strength and confidence during its ultimate defeat of Nazi Germany.
The Hunt for Red October
New York Film Academy founder, Jerry Sherlock, produced this 1990 hit, based on Tom Clancy’s best-selling novel. Starring Sean Connery and Alec Baldwin, the film is set during the late Cold War era and involves a rogue Soviet naval captain who wishes to defect to the United States with his officers and the Soviet Navy’s newest and most advanced nuclear missile submarine. The question is: is he really trying to defect or is he out to start war with the US? For a “war” that involved no real battles, this thriller creates a scenario in which the Cold War could ultimately erupt in an underwater confrontation. That is unless Jack Ryan can save the day.
Born on the Fourth of July
Considered one of Tom Cruise’s most memorable performances and earning him his first Oscar nomination, this captivating Oliver Stone film surrounds the life of Ron Kovic, who was paralyzed in the Vietnam War. Kovic, played by Cruise, becomes an anti-war and pro-human rights political activist after feeling betrayed by the country he fought for. Battling obstacles both with his own mind and body, as well as against the country he once fought for, the film captures the tragedy and difficulties many of our armed servicemembers face when returning home.