There are hundreds, maybe thousands of movies about America, that take place in America, and that tell the story of American heroes. So narrowing this list was hard. However, we’re talking Americana here, so we want the movies with that sweet nostalgia. That sense of days gone by, and a celebration of all things classic America: community, national pride, hard work, and love of our country’s amazing history. These movies inspire patriotism through their stories and the characters who make us long for an era when no one was ashamed to proudly say they are American. 

16 Nostalgic Movies that Inspire Patriotism

Of course, this list is not comprehensive. And, as always, please use your own discretion, these movies are not necessarily appropriate for all ages.

Top Gun

Being one of the most iconic pro-military films, Top Gun had to make this list. Tom Cruise and his fellow fighter pilots take on seemingly impossible tasks and missions, all with absolute pride in what they do and the country they serve. 

Rocky

Any film from the Rocky series will fill you up with Americana warmth. A man against the odds, finding inspiration in his community and a girl, and even fighting some classic American opponents (like Russia) can’t help but inspire us.

National Treasure

“Of all the words written here about freedom, there’s a line here that’s at the heart of all the others. ‘But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and provide new Guards for their future security.’” – National Treasure.

I mean, need I say more? A treasure-hunting adventure packed with a love of country, National Treasure quickly became a classic.

A League of Their Own

“There’s no crying in baseball!” But there is crying in a theater as you watch these women fight against the odds, pray and worry for their loved ones, and help a nation hold it all together in the face of war and hardship. Beautifully told which dynamic and fun characters, A League of Their Own is a must for an Americana movie list.

State Fair

The state and county fair are mainstays of Americana. Some of the oldest state fairs in America predate the Declaration of Independence, and State Fair is a celebration of those community-loving, farm-supporting weeks of fun, food, and competition. A family-friendly musical, State Fair follows a family as their take part in various aspects of the Iowa State Fair.

She Wore a Yellow Ribbon

Really, you could close your eyes and point at a collection of John Wayne movies, and no matter where your finger lands you’ve found the perfect piece of Americana for your weekend. However, we had to pick one, and we landed on She Wore a Yellow Ribbon. Featuring John Wayne as a Cavalry Captain with a special mission, this film is a wild west romp.

The Mighty Ducks

A classic for ‘90s babies, The Mighty Ducks, especially the second one, D2, where they represent Team USA. Any of these movies takes us back to pre-iPhone times, where Walkmans ruled, and sports underdog stories made us all want to chant USA, USA, USA! Following a ragtag team of kids who must find a way to work together to win, The Mighty Ducks truly claims its place on the Americana movie list.

The Patriot

This list wouldn’t be complete without a war movie and The Patriot seemed appropriate for the July 4th weekend. A farmer (Mel Gibson) is pulled into the Revolutionary War and fights the British for the freedom of both his son and his country. 

The Goonies

The Goonies is a total ‘80s classic and coming-of-age story that definitely has those Americana vibes. A group of kids go looking for lost treasure, facedown land developers, conduct a rescue, and fight against obstacles.

Mystic Pizza

A group of small-town New England girls work at their local pizza shop and tackle the challenge of chasing dreams, managing relationships, and navigating class differences. You definitely get a cozy Americana feel from this classic, feel-good movie. Bonus: you can visit the real town of Mystic in Connecticut and the pizza shop that inspired it all!

Sixteen Candles

No Americana movie list would be complete without a movie starring Molly Ringwald. The queen of ‘80s teen movies, she stars as an overshadowed teen, Samantha, who dreams of a date with heartthrob Jake. Another coming-of-age movie that shaped the teen years of an entire generation, Sixteen Candles is a fun jump back to a simpler time.

The Karate Kid

A frustrated boy, a studious and father-like mentor, a love story, discipline, challenges, and a final competition that proves good always wins out. The Karate Kid is an Americana classic that celebrates the underdog.

Steel Magnolias

Let’s head south for Steel Magnolias! A celebration of resilience and the grace and strength of women, Steel Magnolias has an all-star cast and a heart-wrenching story. Friendship, femininity, womanhood, and so much more are strong themes in this pure Americana movie.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

What if we told you that the politicians in Washington are corrupt? What?! Are you sure? Yes, that’s exactly what Mr. Smith finds when he goes to Washington – and he’s determined to shake things up. Beloved American actor, Jimmy Stewart, plays a new congressman who stages a filibuster that might just jumpstart the change he (and we all) want.

Remember the Titans

What’s more Americana than high school football? The lights, the family, the brotherhood, the cheers, the wins, the learning moments, and the chance to represent the place and people you love. All of this is embodied in the true story that inspired Remember the Titans. 

The Sandlot

Finally, no pure Americana movie list is complete without The Sandlot. A group of boys welcome a newcomer into their friend group to play baseball in their run-down, makeshift baseball diamond – the sandlot. Forming strong bonds that last a lifetime, the boys face fears and live out a summer typical of 1962.

We hope you find that spark of nostalgia that reanimates our love for every principle and value that has built America. Simpler times, patriotism, and a slower pace are all still out there. Here’s to the stories and characters that continue to remind us of this.