An image of a man, woman, and a child in front of a laptop, holding American flags. The central image is surrounded by images from the movies in this Watch Guide

9 Movies To Watch On The Fourth Of July 2026 On Disney+ & Hulu

by Explore Disney+ Contributor

June 9, 2026

Celebrate Independence Day with patriotic movies, documentaries, and more streaming on Disney+

2026 is a big year for the United States of America, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. To mark the occasion, we’ve put together a Fourth of July Watch Guide that celebrates the history, culture, and people that contribute to the fabric of America. Get ready to feel patriotic with these documentaries and American history movies.

Founding Fathers & American History

From the Declaration of Independence to the Boston Tea Party, these stories breathe energy and adventure into American history lessons. 

A Romp Through The Monuments Of Washington, D.C.: National Treasure

Nicolas Cage as Benjamin Franklin Gates in National Treasure
National Treasure, Disney+

For a cinematic, history-inspired adventure, follow Benjamin Franklin Gates (Nicolas Cage) as he races to protect a legendary clue tied to one of America’s most valuable documents: the Declaration of Independence. The narrative weaves some history class moments into a fictional treasure hunt action movie. And if you’re on the hunt for more treasure, the adventure continues in the National Treasure Collection on Disney+.

Add National Treasure to Watchlist

A Journey Through History Hosted By Walt Disney: The Liberty Story

The mouse in The Liberty Story
The Liberty Story, Disney+

For a classic Disney pick, try The Liberty Story. The animated history drama combines live-action footage and animation to bring to life the story of America’s fight for freedom, including segments depicting the Boston Tea Party and the Battle of Concord. 

Add The Liberty Story to Watchlist

Service, Courage & Celebrating America

From the complexities of war to the wonders of the heartland, these personal stories honor individuality and bravery in America.  

A World War II Epic: Pearl Harbor, Hulu

The main cast from the 2001 film Pearl Harbor, including Ben Affleck, Kate Beckinsale, and Josh Hartnett
Pearl Harbor, Touchstone Pictures, Hulu

This dramatization of the events surrounding the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor features a star-studded cast and groundbreaking special effects for the time. It’s a war movie that blends action, interpersonal drama, and romance by telling emotional stories of service, sacrifice, and bravery. (Hulu)*

Add Pearl Harbor to Watchlist (log in required) or learn more on Hulu.com

The People Make The Place: America’s Heart & Soul

A poster showcasing some of the people and places featured in America's Heart & Soul
America's Heart & Soul, Disney+

Across America, every person has a story, and together, these stories reveal the heart of a nation. This documentary goes on a winding journey across the country, spotlighting some of the unique individuals who make up our extraordinary nation. It’s an inspirational watch that captures the American values of freedom, courage, and daring to dream.

Add America’s Heart & Soul to Watchlist

Civil Rights & Cultural Celebration

Explore stories that take you into hearts, minds, moments, and cultures of change in America. 

How Music Inspires & Empowers: Summer of Soul

B.B. King performing at the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival
Summer of Soul, Searchlight Pictures

This Oscar®-winning celebration of Black history, music, and culture, directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, chronicles the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. Taking place shortly after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the festival became a symbol of Black joy, pride, and defiance. The documentary features archival footage of performances by artists like Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, and Nina Simone, as well as interviews with the people who were there.

Add Summer of Soul to Watchlist

A History-Making Championship Run: Glory Road

Josh Lucas portraying Coach Don Haskins and Derek Luke as Bobby Joe Hill in the 2006 film Glory Road
Glory Road, Disney+

Based on the true story of the first-ever all-Black college basketball team, this uplifting movie is about what it takes to be the best, and what it means to have someone believe in you. Full of gripping sports action, inspirational achievements, and touching personal relationships, it’ll have you cheering from your couch.

Add Glory Road to Watchlist

Respect Paves The Road To Perfection: Remember the Titans

An image from Remember the Titans, featuring Denzel Washington in the foreground as Coach Herman Boone
Remember the Titans, Disney+

Based on real events, this is the story of hard-won unity and progress. Set in the 1970s, coach Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) builds community in a newly integrated high school’s football team. The movie demonstrates how everyone has the potential to succeed when the values of equality and opportunity are upheld.

Add Remember the Titans to Watchlist

Space Age & Innovation

Throughout history Americans have pushed their limits to go beyond our atmosphere. Discover some of their inspiring stories on Disney+.

The Many Small Steps That Led To A Giant Leap: National Geographic’s Apollo: Missions To The Moon

Buzz Aldrin during the historic Apollo 11 mission in July 1969
Apollo: Missions To The Moon, National Geographic

Transport yourself back to a time when landing on the moon seemed like an impossible feat. Charting NASA’s full Apollo Space Program, from planning, research, and testing, to the 1969 moon landing and beyond, this documentary features interviews with Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and the pioneers behind some of the world’s greatest scientific achievements. It’s a story about the American ideal to dream big, and do what it takes to make the dream a reality.

Add Apollo: Missions To The Moon to Watchlist

Afrofuturism In Action: National Geographic Documentary Films’ The Space Race

Astronaut Ronald McNair during his time with NASA
The Space Race, National Geographic

Telling the little-known tale of Black astronauts and scientists’ contributions to the American space program, this documentary combines historical and personal storytelling. Sitting at the intersection of scientific and social progress, it highlights the importance of visibility and representation as it revisits the history of space exploration to include these hidden figures and their contributions which had been omitted from the American canon.

Add The Space Race to Watchlist

*Available for U.S. residents, 18+ only. Location data required to watch certain content. Select Hulu content available via Disney+; additional content only available via Hulu app. Offer valid for eligible subscribers only. Subject to Disney+ and ESPN Subscriber Agreement. Additional terms, app feature and device restrictions apply. For more information visit the Disney+ Help Center. © 2026 Disney and its related entities.

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