Stuck inside this July 4th weekend? We know it feels like a bummer. But there are still ways to enjoy yourself and celebrate! We’ve gathered four of our favorite family-friendly movies. Enjoy Independence Day a new way this year.
What to Watch this July 4th
The pandemic is impacting families all over America. And orders to shelter-in-place or else avoid large public gatherings are also taking their toll. Children have lots of energy. And with their tiny growing minds, they also often require a great deal of stimulation.
To help with both of these burdens, we’ve tried to find movies for all age groups. We’ve also narrowed down our options to movies that are already free with a subscription to one of three major streaming services. If you have Amazon Prime, Hulu, or Disney+, you’re in luck! If not, consider looking into their free trial services.
Captain America: The First Avenger
Older kids and teens can be hard to please. Many of them are aware of what is current and what is dated. They like to engage with trendy, modern movies. And storylines that are geared towards younger crowds may bore them. Captain America: The First Avenger has appeal to a wide range of audiences. It inspires laughter, it has great action sequences, and it’s rated PG-13. Watch it tomorrow on Amazon Prime Video!
The Sandlot
The Sandlot may feel like a throwback. However, it still stands up to the test of time. This movie will have kids and parents alike laughing out loud. It works as a baseball flick and a coming of age story. Plus it includes an iconic fireworks scene! Sit back this 4th of July and watch the boys play baseball as fireworks light up the sky over their heads. The Sandlot is rated PG. You can watch it with a Hulu subscription.
An American Tail
An American Tail follows Fievel, a mouse in search of his family and the great American Dream. This movie focuses on the immigrant’s journey and how America became a nation of many different cultures. So if you want something fun but informative, this is your train stop. Families with young children will especially enjoy this classic, as it’s rated G and available on both Amazon Prime Video and Hulu.
Hamilton
If you’ve checked your social media feed recently, you’ve probably seen someone talking about Disney+ dropping Hamilton today. This version features the Original Broadway Production, with nearly all original cast members. It has some crass language in it but the producers and writers cut down on expletives to be able to stream on Disney+. The story follows the life and legacy of Alexander Hamilton. It covers topics such as the American Revolution, what it means to build a democracy, and how history remembers us all. Modern musical references and a whole lot of swagger make this a standout. Plus, the diverse ensemble sparked important discussions about how we cast media today.
Stay Safe!
Time together might seem abundant right now. But time is the one thing we can never get back. So spend yours as joyfully as you can manage this holiday weekend.