Wondering what to watch to celebrate America 250? I’ve put together a list of ten movies with patriotic, colonial America, and Revolutionary War themes. And to make it easier, included are the official trailers and links to parent’s guides, as well as where to watch the films (most of them for free!). My personal favorite is A Great Awakening.
A GREAT AWAKENING (2026)
Sight & Sound’s second movie, A Great Awakening, is a powerfully moving Christian film telling the story of pre-Revolutionary War preacher George Whitefield (Jonathan Blair) and his relationship with Benjamin Franklin (John Paul Sneed). Part of the story includes the Constitutional Convention, with portrayals of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison. A strong Christian movie that consistently quotes Scripture throughout, it’s far from preachy or pious and it’s mightily worth anyone’s watch. At times the film can be tense, with two or three scenes that could be potentially too dramatic for younger children.
See the parent’s guide on Plugged In.
Rent/buy A Great Awakening on Amazon Prime Video.
WE FIGHT TO BE FREE (2006)
Here’s a very short (24 minute) biographical film on the life of George Washington. If you don’t have the time or the attention span for a feature-length film, this is a good choice. Parents need to be aware that there are battle scenes, but nothing gory, as this “movie” has been shown to visitors of all ages at the mini theater at Washington’s historic home and museum, Mount Vernon.
Watch the whole movie for free on YouTube.
JOHNNY TREMAIN (1957)
This Disney film is family-friendly and takes a look at the beginnings of the Revolutionary War from the eyes of a young apprentice to a silversmith. The Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere’s ride, and the battles of Lexington and Concord are depicted in the film. It’s colorful and entertaining for the whole family. In a brief scene which might be frightening to younger children, the main character gets badly burned, and in several instances, soldiers are shot and killed (not gory).
See the parent’s guide on Common Sense Media.
Watch full movie for free on OK.ru.
THE PATRIOT (2000)
Although loosely based on true events, The Patriot is the mainly fictional tale of farmer Benjamin Martin who is pulled into the Revolutionary War when his fiercely patriotic sons become involved. Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, and Jason Isaacs star in what is probably the most iconic Revolutionary war film of all time. The Patriot is geared more for adults in that there is romantic and violent content to navigate.
See the parent’s guide on IMDb.
Watch full movie for free on Tubi or YouTube.
A MORE PERFECT UNION (1989)
Produced in 1989 in honor of the 200th anniversary of the signing of the US Constitution, A More Perfect Union is a thorough account of the Constitutional convention. Shown mainly through the eyes of James Madison, it was filmed on location in Philadelphia and Williamsburg. While younger children might find the debates and speeches a bit too technical to hold their interest, teens and adults will appreciate the accuracy of movie’s happenings and will find it worth the watch. Note that there’s one scene near the very beginning which might be frightening to young children – a soldier is shot and killed in an armed rebellion, and we see him dead close on camera.
See the parent’s guide on IMDb.
Watch full movie for free on YouTube.
JOHN ADAMS (2008)
This fabulous, gritty mini-series on the life of John Adams (played by Paul Giamatti) begins with the Boston Massacre. Excellent portrayals of other individuals of the colonial era include Abigail Adams (Laura Linney), Thomas Jefferson (Stephen Dillane), George Washington (David Morse), Benjamin Franklin (Tom Wilkinson), and Samuel Adams (Danny Huston). The series is often very tense; also be aware that it includes some violence, bawdy scenes, sexual innuendoes, and profanities. It’s more suitable for the mature teen and up.
See parent’s guide on Common Sense Media.
Rent/buy John Adams on Amazon Prime Video.
YOUNG WASHINGTON (2026)
Angel Studios’ Young Washington looks set up to be a smash hit, and it’s about to be released just in time for America 250. It stars the up-and-coming William Franklyn-Miller as the title character, with Kelsey Grammer and Ben Kingsley in supporting roles in what’s termed an “epic historical war drama”.
See parent’s guide on Plugged In.
Watch in theaters starting July 3, 2026.
THE SWAMP FOX (1959-1960)
Another Disney production, this TV series is family friendly (please note that there is kissing, lowcut dresses, and some very mildly violent scenes and deaths). This Revolutionary War-era series tells the adventures of the patriot militia-leader Francis Marion (Leslie Nielsen), known as the “Swamp Fox” for his repeated escapes from the British into the South Carolina swamps. Although the series is lengthy and sometimes far-fetched, it’s colorful and fun.
Watch several episodes on YouTube.
THE HOWARDS OF VIRGINIA (1940)
This much-forgotten film tells the story of backwoodsman Matt Howard (Cary Grant) his marriage to the wealthy Jane Peyton (Martha Scott), and his friendship with Thomas Jefferson. As the War for Independence erupts, Matt and Jane find that their loyalties lie on opposite sides. The Howards of Virginia is thoroughly a melodrama. And as a black-and-white film, it will most likely not interest younger children.
Watch full movie for free on YouTube.
FELICITY: AN AMERICAN GIRL ADVENTURE (2005)
Young girls will especially enjoy this sweet, Revolutionary War tale from American Girl. The story follows the adventures of spunky Felicity Merriman (Shailene Woodley), the daughter of a shopkeeper in Williamsburg, Virginia. She tames a wild horse, while learning to enjoy her role as a woman in the home along the way.
See parent’s guide on Common Sense Media.
Watch full movie on YouTube.
