Favorite Summer Travel Movies

For several years we’ve held a Summer Movie Marathon around the 4th of July. We watch specific films that are patriotic in some way, or have a connection to Independence Day, and usually involve some travel scenes. And while this is a July 4th specific event, these have become my favorite summer travel movies. So if you want to adopt this yearly tradition like we have, here are the films you should check out and where you can watch them this summer (for free except where specified).

1776

FuboTV

When I first watched this movie musical from the 1970s, I thought it was a parody. But since then I’ve become a huge fan of 1776. Not only does it star William Daniels (better known as Mr. Feeny from Boy Meets World), there are some seriously catchy tunes that I guarantee you’ll be singing long after the film is over. 

JAWS

PeacockTV

While 1776 is the story of American Independence, I still consider Jaws to be one of the ultimate July 4th movies. I could watch this Spielberg classic any time of year, but it is particularly special when you watch it around the 4th. And as someone who grew up in Massachusetts, not too far from Martha’s Vineyard where the film was shot in the 1970s, I understand the Amity Island life. 

National Treasure 1 & 2

Disney+

This may be a fictional adventure series, but with its Indiana Jones-esque material and references to American history, specifically the Revolutionary War in National Treasure 1 and the Civil War in National Treasure 2, it’s the perfect July 4th material. I just can’t wait for #3 to come out!

The Great Escape

Amazon Prime (Rent for $3.99)

Set at a POW camp during WWII, this film will have you laughing, crying, and on the edge of your seat with anxiety. I don’t want to give too much away because you really should watch the film to find out what happens, but I will say that it is based on a true story and it is fascinating. 

Hamilton

Disney+

Hamilton is still the hot ticket on Broadway and I’ve never been able to nail tickets (or afford them for that matter). So I was thrilled when I found out that Disney+ would be releasing a film version of the Broadway show featuring the original cast – including the main man himself, Lin-Manuel Marinda. I knew people who subscribed to the platform just to check this out and I don’t blame them. We added this to our round-up of Summer films last year and I cannot wait to watch it again!

Ben & Me

Disney+ (as part of The Liberty Story)

Also a recent addition to our Summer films list, I loved watching Ben & Me, the story of Ben Franklin and his very intelligent mouse companion, when I was little. And now Arielle loves it. It may have been made in 1953, but this short film is beloved by kids of all ages. 

What are your favorite Summer travel movies? Shoot me a DM so I can check them out!