America’s Independence Day is a time to gather friends and family to celebrate not only our country’s independence but the wonderful things about our nation, too: democracy, diversity, the melting pot of culture, our beautiful national parks, and more. For some, this celebration may look like heading to the lake, spending the day by the pool, grilling in the backyard, or cheering for your favorite team at a baseball game. And we can’t forget fireworks! But this long weekend is also great for some R&R. This might look like lounging on the couch and streaming a movie (or two) after a long day of outdoor fun. So, if you’re looking for movies to watch with the family—that fit the theme of America’s birthday—consider watching Fourth of July movies for kids!
From movies like National Treasure to Forrest Gump, I’m sharing a list of films for kids of all ages. Here, find short episodes (for kids who can’t sit still too long) that teach little ones about life, liberty, and happiness. Other movies, like The Sandlot and A League of Their Own, are entertaining and highlight America’s favorite pastime: baseball. And of course, there are educational films that dive into America’s history, as well as films touching on how the country gained its independence.
However you’re spending your time this holiday, it’s the perfect time to open up the discussion of how America came to be. Keep scrolling for 42 Fourth of July movies for kids, sorted by age, to watch this holiday weekend.
You May Also Like:
- 50 Fun and Festive Fourth of July Activities for Kids: Crafts, Games & Treats
- 65 Kid-Friendly Fourth of July Recipes for Your Cookout, BBQ, and Family Celebration
- 30 Easy and Delicious Fourth of July Desserts for Your Independence Day Party
Fourth of July Shows for Toddlers (Ages 2-3)
For tiny tots who are curious about what the Fourth of July is all about and why we celebrate it, stream these adorable episodes from toddler-approved shows.
Sesame Street: Fourth of July Celebration (S50, E34)
Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 25m | Where to Stream: Apple TV
If your kiddo loves Sesame Street, then the Fourth of July Celebration episode is perfect to watch as a family. Elmo, Rudy, and Abby are on the hunt to find America the best birthday present. This sweet idea turns into Alan explaining what the Fourth of July means and that this holiday also brings families and neighbors together!
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Fireflies and Fireworks
Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 26m | Where to Stream: PBS Kids
Have a little one who’s never seen fireworks before or doesn’t know what to expect? Watch this adorable episode from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. Margaret and Daniel overcome their fears of experiencing something new.
More Fourth of July Shows for Toddlers
- Peppa Pig Tales: Independence Day (S1, E66) — TV-Y
- Elinor Wonders Why: To Bee or Not to Bee (S1, E24) — TV-Y
- Peg + Cat: George Washington Problem (S1, E21) — TV-Y
- Thomas & Friends: Thomas and the Firework Display (S8, E11) — TV-G
Fourth of July Movies & Shows for Kids (Ages 4–7)
From watching the entire third season of School House Rock: Election Collection to learning about America’s national bird, watch these fun Fourth of July movies and episodes for kids!
This Is America, Charlie Brown
Rating: TV-G | Run Time: 25m | Where to Stream: Apple TV
In this eight-part Charlie Brown miniseries, kids learn all about America’s history. From learning about George Washington to the Mayflower, this miniseries is one to watch this holiday weekend! Stream all episodes on Apple TV starting July 3, 2026.
More Fourth of July Movies & Shows for Kids
- School House Rock: Election Collection (Season 3) — TV-G
- Wild Kratts: The Fourth Bald Eagle (S5, E14) — TV-Y
- An American Tail — G (1986)
- Night at the Museum — PG (2006)
- Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian — PG (2009)
- Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb — PG (2014)
Fourth of July Movies for Tweens (Ages 8–12)
Stream these adventurous movies that are great to introduce this July 4th weekend. Some family favorites for kids in this age range include Hamilton and National Treasure.
The Sandlot (1993)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 41m | Where to Stream: Hulu
The Sandlot follows a group of boys playing backyard baseball when one loses their stepdad’s baseball (signed by Babe Ruth) over the fence to a dog named “The Beast.” Adventure ensues as the boys try to get it back. The movie also spawned the iconic line, “You’re killing me, Smalls!”
National Treasure (2004)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 2h 11m | Where to Stream: Hulu
Ben Gates (Nicolas Cage) is on a mission to find the legendary Knights Templar Treasure. However, all the secrets and clues lie within America’s most sacred document: the Declaration of Independence. Finding the treasure isn’t easy, though. Ben must find it before his enemy does. Watch this family-favorite movie if you’re looking for an adventurous (and educational) film to watch this Independence Day! If your kids love the first movie, watch National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets next.
Hamilton (2020)
Rating: PG-13 | Run Time: 2h 40m | Where to Stream: Disney+
Celebrate this Fourth of July by learning about Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s founding fathers. Whether it’s your first or 50th time watching it, this beloved Broadway musical is an enjoyable one to watch with the entire family. Make the songs of Hamilton the main playlist of the weekend.
More Fourth of July Movies for Tweens
- A League of Their Own — PG (1992)
- Miracle — PG (2004)
- First Kid — PG (1996)
- Hidden Figures — PG (2017)
- Our Great National Parks — TV-PG (2022)
- Field of Dreams — PG (1989)
- Mr. Smith Goes to Washington — NR (1939)
- 1776 — PG (1972)
Fourth of July Movies for Teens (Ages 13+)
Find a wide range of movies to watch with teens this Fourth of July. From rom-coms to action films, there’s surely a movie on this list that older kids will love.
First Daughter (2004)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 45m | Where to Stream: YouTube
While fan-favorite Disney Channel original movie My Date With the President’s Daughter isn’t available to stream, don’t miss out on watching the similar film First Daughter, starring Katie Holmes. Samantha Mackenzie is just an ordinary girl who’s living under the spotlight. As the President’s daughter, her college experience is hard to enjoy when her security detail can never leave her side. When her dad grants her wish of reducing her security team, Samantha finally feels like she can live a “normal” life. However, she doesn’t know that her love interest is an undercover Secret Service agent.
Forrest Gump (1994)
Rating: PG-13 | Run Time: 2h 22m | Where to Stream: Paramount+
Watch this pop culture classic starring the one and only Tom Hanks. Follow the life of Forrest Gump, who overcomes adversity. This six-time Academy Award-winning movie is a special one to watch during the 4th of July with your kids. While the entire film isn’t about America’s independence per se, viewers can expect scenes that capture America’s history. After all, Forrest Gump is an American classic.
Jaws (1975)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 2h 4m | Where to Stream: Starz
If you’re wondering why a film about shark attacks is considered a 4th of July movie, it’s because the film surrounds the holiday weekend. However, if your family is celebrating this July Fourth at the beach or you consider it a traumatizing movie you watched as a kid, then this might be one to skip or watch at a later time. While the movie is rated PG, it’s more appropriate for kids 13 and up.
Captain America: Brave New World (2025)
Rating: PG-13 | Run Time: 2h | Where to Stream: Disney+
Watch Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World, starring Anthony Mackie. After Sam steps into his new role as Captain America, he finds himself caught in the middle of an international incident, and his mission is to figure out who’s behind it all. If your kids love America’s favorite Captain, make this weekend into a Captain America movie marathon by watching Captain America: First Avenger, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Captain America: Civil War.
More Fourth of July Movies for Teens
- Swing Vote — PG-13 (2008)
- Chasing Liberty — PG-13 (2004)
- The American President — PG-13 (1995)
- Lincoln — PG-13 (2012)
- Top Gun — PG (1986)
- Top Gun: Maverick — PG-13 (2022)
- Independence Day — PG-13 (1996)
- Live Free or Die Hard — PG-13 (2007)
- Armageddon — PG-13 (1998)
- The Six Triple Eight — PG-13 (2024)
- Gettysburg — PG (1993)
- The Right Stuff — PG (1984)
- Rocky — PG (1976)
- Pearl Harbor — PG-13 (2001)
FAQS
What are the best Fourth of July movies for kids?
Some of the best Fourth of July movies for kids include family-friendly films like The Sandlot, National Treasure, and An American Tail.
Are there any animated Fourth of July movies?
An animated movie to watch on the Fourth of July is An American Tail.
Are there educational Fourth of July movies for kids?
Yes. The movie National Treasure is a fun yet educational film that highlights the history of America.
Patty Schepel, Associate Editor
As the Associate Editor, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, editing freelance articles, and more. With Patty’s passion for writing, experience as a mother of two, and expertise as a pediatric nurse, she brings a thoughtful and informative perspective to The Everymom.
