10 Movies That Make You Proud to Be an American

Pajamas Media ^ | 07/04/2014 | JAMES JAY CARAFANO

[SeekAndFind]

These films across genres and decades show American exceptionalism on screen.

When it comes to the “land I love,” the movies that move us most happen to be based on the stories of real Americans. They get to the core of what America really means and show why this nation is truly exceptional.

America’s dedication to liberty makes it a nation like no other. That’s why, whether the setting is war, politics, courtrooms, sports, or science, when Hollywood makes movies about exceptional Americans they celebrate the true value and meaning of liberty. And that inspires us.

[bray]

Isn’t 42 supposed to make you hate America because its racist?

Pray America wakes up

[LibertarianLiz]

Well then .. I nominate; 1776 .. the musical.

Seconded. I thought I was the only one who liked that musical. I actually saw the stage play of it when I was a teen, in Chicago.

[max americana]

This is my top 10 USA LIST: (right off the top of my head)

From Paris with Love
(the hilarious scene when CIA agent Travolta starts ranting at the French immigration guy being anti-American and that America saved France twice is worth it)

Cocktail
(Tom Cruise coming back from war, opening a bar, preaching about the greater points of capitalism and hard work, plus marrying his rich and pregnant girlfriend w/o the dad’s $ help)

Right Stuff

It’s a Beautiful Life
(the last scene when an American tank rescues the kid from a Nazi camp makes the list)

Memphis Belle

Invasion USA
(Chuck Norris kills every muzzie rag invading US shores, nothing more patriotic about that)

Battleship (yeah, it’s CGI circus, but US ships battling aliens, just like...)

INDEPENDENCE DAY

**all Luc Besson movies (Taken, 3 days to kill, From Paris with Love)—CIA agents being American isntead of the stereotype murderers in lib movies

Miracle (about the 1980’s gold medal game)

[Mears]

Wow—off the top of your head.

Impressive.

.

[max americana]

Yeah, 42’ is a white lib guilt movie, believe me.

[dfwgator]

The movie Gotcha! when Jonathan escapes East Berlin and makes it to a West Berlin Burger King:

“How ‘bout a Whopper? No, make that a Double Whopper with American cheese. And large American french fries, and a great big American chocolate shake. Okay? No sauerkraut. No schnitzel.”

[max americana]

There were 2 pro-conservative scenes in Cocktail I should mention:

1) The lib professor in his night class was insulting Cruise in front of everybody for dreaming that his bar idea will go nationwide. Cruise response was “at least I’m not hiding here being a teacher, teaching about business when I really couldn’t hack it in the real world”

2) When his best friend’s wife was hitting on him to sleep with him and Cruise refused, the wife says “what’s wrong with you, I can’t sleep with one man only”. Cruise then says “it’s called marriage, deal with it.”

[Mears]

I go to the movies just about every week.

Some are good,some stink.

You sound like one of those people who think they are “better than all that”.

.

[max americana]

Gotcha!/ Holy crap, I forgot about that. That’s when Edwards still had hair and Linda Fiorentina was super hot.

[bray]

Why is 42 on the list at all? Makes you wonder about the rest.

[Bratch]

The History of America In 12 Movies

1. America's Founding - John Adams (2008)
2. The Civil War - 'Glory' (1989)
3. The American West - 'Fort Apache' (1948)

4. World War I - 'All Quiet On the Western Front' (1930)

5. The Great Depression - 'The Grapes of Wrath' (1940)

6. World War II - 'The Longest Day' (1962)

7. The Civil Rights Era - 'Malcolm X' (1992)

8. The Space Race - 'The Right Stuff' (1983)

9. The Vietnam War - 'The Killing Fields' (1984)

10. Watergate - 'All the President's Men' (1976)

11. The Cold War 'The Hunt for Red October' (1990)

12. The War on Terror - 'Lone Survivor' (2013)

[SamAdams76]

Another vote for "The Right Stuff." Can't imagine they missed that one.

I remember when that movie came out in 1983, it was supposed to propel John Glenn to the Democratic nomination as he was seen as a candidate who could give Reagan a run for the money in 1984. However, Glenn's candidacy went nowhere and if anything, "The Right Stuff" tied right in with President Reagan's theme of "Morning in America" and American exceptionalism. In my opinion, Glenn was portrayed in the movie as a tad bit too squeaky clean, self-righteous and perhaps wrapped a bit too tight.

The movie ran a bit too long as well. If they had cut out the meaningless (and stupid) scenes involving Lyndon Johnson, it would have been a perfect film from beginning to end.

[The Duke]

I would be perfectly happy to just watch “The Right Stuff” and “Lonesome Dove” in my video library. In fact, I could shut down cable altogether. :)

[trisham]

Agreed.

[353FMG]

“Saving Private Ryan” should definitely be on that list.

[DeoVindiceSicSemperTyrannis]

Ya!

[Fiji Hill]

I didn't like The Wind and the Lion because it is so historically inaccurate.

[The Duke]

I happened to be an engineer working at Johnson Space Center when this movie came out. I saw in in an audience that was, quite obviously, filled with NASA folks. It was quite a memoriable night.

[Kartographer]

The 'Wind and the Lion' is one of my favorites. I believe that there are 'Core' Truths that you can often find in the oddest places and in this movie there are several, but the best one is:

Theodore Roosevelt: The American grizzly is a symbol of the American character: strength, intelligence, ferocity. Maybe a little blind and reckless at times... but courageous beyond all doubt. And one other trait that goes with all previous.

2nd Reporter: And that, Mr. President?

Theodore Roosevelt: Loneliness. The American grizzly lives out his life alone. Indomitable, unconquered - but always alone. He has no real allies, only enemies, but none of them as great as he.

2nd Reporter: And you feel this might be an American trait?

Theodore Roosevelt: Certainly. The world will never love us. They respect us - they might even grow to fear us. But they will never love us, for we have too much audacity! And, we're a bit blind and reckless at times too.

The Wind and the Lion (1975)

[glyptol]

The sad story of Alvin York was how he got used by the very people how honored him.
Riding on his coat tails to the last.