WHO’S THIS FOR: Any woman who dreamed of becoming a cheerleader as a kid and grew up to realize that actually being one sounds like a nightmare.

RATING: TV-14

YEAR: 2024-2025

CAST: Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell coach cheerleaders like Victoria Kalina, Kelcey Wetterberg, and Reece Weaver.

DESCRIPTION: Over recent decades, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have become emblematic of American culture, and this docuseries unveils the truth behind their seemingly flawless appearances. Across two seasons, the cheerleaders face endless intense practices, painful eliminations from the team, and an excess of hairspray that’s far from healthy. This series breaks the myth of DCC perfection as it delves into the cheerleaders’ challenges with mental health and their determined efforts to secure better pay. If you’re interested in spirited American sports culture mixed with meaningful reflection, America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is a must-see.

Watch america’s sweethearts: the dallas cowboys cheerleaders on netflix

WHO’S THIS FOR: South Park fans and history buffs looking to laugh at some historical references and inaccuracies. And by some, we mean a lot. 

RATING: R

YEAR: 2021

CAST: Channing Tatum, Will Forte, Andy Samberg, Olivia Munn, and Jason Mantzoukas all lend their voices to this animated comedy. 

DESCRIPTION: Prepare for some laughs with your friends as you dive into this wildly exaggerated tale of America’s founding. In this animated comedic take on history, George Washington, portrayed by Tatum, comes across more like a party-loving college student than a traditional founding father. Joining forces with Sam Adams, voiced by Mantzoukas, they launch a chaotic battle against the British. Filled with over-the-top action, from guns to chainsaws, and a playful nod to American exceptionalism, this film is so entertaining that it almost feels educational—but learning isn’t really the goal here. The aim is to enjoy funny lines like George Washington exclaiming, “Ding-dong, it’s America motherf*cker.” It’s sure to put a smile on even the real founding fathers’ faces.

Watch america: the motion picture on netflix

WHO’S THIS FOR: Adults who aren’t feeling too patriotic this Fourth of July.

RATING: R

YEAR: 1989

CAST: Tom Cruise, Willem Dafoe, Kyra Sedgewick, Raymond J. Barry

DESCRIPTION: At first glance, this movie’s association with the Fourth of July seems clear: it’s a war film, Cruise is a symbol of American cinema, and the holiday is right in the title. However, unlike typical war films, it doesn’t glorify conflict with untarnished American heroism. Born on the Fourth of July tells the story of Ron Kovic, played by Cruise, a veteran and former proud patriot who returns from Vietnam scarred, both physically and mentally, dismayed at the indifference shown by the U.S government and public. As Ron becomes a passionate anti-war advocate, the film offers a stark critique of the devastating consequences of war, highlighting how those who lead wars often neglect those who fight them. For those feeling skeptical about the holiday’s patriotic fervor and seeking a critical view of the U.S. government, this is a compelling film to watch.

Watch Born on the fourth of july on netflix

WHO’S THIS FOR: Older teens and young adults itching for a sweaty, awkwardly sexy good time. 

RATING: TV-MA

YEAR: 2015

CAST: Elizabeth Banks, Michael Cera, Bradley Cooper, Jon Hamm, Kristen Wiig — the star-studded list goes on.

DESCRIPTION: This prequel series to the 2001 cult classic Wet Hot American Summer is sure to make you nostalgic not just for the original movie, but for the quintessential American experience of summer camp. The show follows an ensemble cast of counselors and campers alike as they navigate dramatic teenage woes and romantic affairs as toxic as Xensar, the company dumping toxic waste into the woods surrounding the camp. This series is just what you need to get you in the mood for summer: it’s satirical, insanely funny, and takes you back to a time when your biggest concern was whether you were going to hook up with your camp crush. And whether you were going to die from toxic waste poisoning, if you can relate to that.

watch wet hot american summer: first day of camp on netflix

WHO’S THIS FOR: Dads who dream of shaking hands with the greats of their favorite team.

RATING: PG

YEAR: 1989

CAST: Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, Ray Liotta, James Earl Jones

DESCRIPTION: What screams “U.S.A” more than America’s favorite pastime? I’ll tell you what does — building a baseball diamond right in your backyard. This is exactly what Iowan farmer Ray (Costner) sets out to do to his even more Iowan cornfield after hearing a mysterious voice whispering to him, “If you build it, he will come.” Usually someone might try going to therapy after hearing strange disembodied voices, but that’s not the American way. When Ray builds his titular Field of Dreams, ghosts of legendary players, led by “Shoeless” Joe Jackson (Liotta), emerge from their eternal slumber to play ball. Watch this if you’re a sports aficionado looking for some dreamy, all-American wish-fulfillment.

watch field of dreams on netflix

WHO’S THIS FOR: Horror fanatics who don’t want to wait until October to have their fun.

RATING: R

YEAR: 2021

CAST: Sadie Sink, Emily Rudd, Ryan Simpkins, Ted Sutherland

DESCRIPTION: We all know Halloween is in the fall, but with so many blood-soaked summertime flicks, it’s surprising that summer isn’t considered a spooky season in the States. The second addition to Netflix’s Fear Street anthology challenges this notion by continuing a long-held tradition of the horror genre: putting teens in a summer camp and murdering them ruthlessly. The plot seems typical: the teenage counselors of Camp Nightwing must fight for survival against a serial killer connected to the cursed town of Shadyside. But with intriguing lore, shockingly gory kills, and an expert performance from Sink, this film sets itself apart from its contemporaries and holds its own as an amazing summer slasher.

watch fear street part two: 1978 on netflix

WHO’S THIS FOR: Foodies and history lovers looking to learn something they’ve probably never been taught in a classroom. 

RATING: TV-14

YEAR: 2021-2023

CAST: Host Stephen Satterfield speaks with Jessica B. Harris, author of the book the series was based on, culinary historian Adrian Miller, and chefs like Michelle Wallace and Greg Gatlin. 

DESCRIPTION: Americans love food, and we have the national record highs in obesity to prove it. While citizens of the U.S. chow down on classic American fare such as fried chicken, mac n’ cheese, and Texan barbeque, not many people know about the true origins of these foods. As host of this culinary docuseries, Satterfield educates viewers on the African roots of American cuisine, connecting an array of dishes to West African culture and the experiences of Black slaves. Combining important history lessons with tantalizing food shots, this series is about more than just food; it’s about putting Black stories in the spotlight and highlighting their contributions to American culture.

watch high on the hog on netflix

WHO’S THIS FOR: Dads again. (The Fourth of July in general is a very dad-friendly holiday.)

RATING: PG

YEAR: 1988

CAST: John Candy, Dan Aykroyd, Stephanie Faracy, Annette Bening, Chris Young

DESCRIPTION: There is a time in every American child’s life when their dad forces them on a fishing excursion in the name of “family bonding.” This is exactly what Chet Ripley (Candy) aims to do when he takes his family on vacation to a lakeside resort, only to have his plans ruined by his snooty brother-in-law Roman (Aykroyd) and his family crashing the party. Fishing-related hijinks ensue as the Ripleys fail to get a moment of peace from Chet and Roman’s family feud. It’s just the movie you need to distract your dad with if he tries to be outdoorsy this Fourth of July.

watch the great outdoors on netflix

WHO’S THIS FOR: Kids looking for some wacky summer fun.

RATING: TV-PG

YEAR: 2024

CAST: Eric Bauza, Chloe De Los Santos, Josh Lawson, Mary-Louise Parker

DESCRIPTION: We’re really running the gamut of summer camp movies here. This one follows the mischievous Woody Woodpecker (Bauza) as he searches for a home after being kicked out of the forest for *checks notes* tormenting a famous social media influencer. Knowing influencers these days, he probably deserved it. Woody tries to make a home out of Camp Woo Hoo, but an evil buzzard, a scheme for buried treasure, and an inspector trying to shut down the camp put his search for belonging in jeopardy. With plenty of wild antics, this film will keep your kids entertained while you grab a break this holiday. Sip your lemonade in victory, parents. 

watch woody the woodpecker goes to camp on netflix

watch one of them days on netflix

WHO’S THIS FOR: Ride-or-die girl best friends who hype each other up in the bathroom at the club.

RATING: R

YEAR: 2025

CAST: Baby, this is Keke Palmer — along with SZA, Katt Williams, Maude Apatow, and Janelle James

DESCRIPTION: It’s no question that the good ole U.S. of A has perfected the art of the buddy comedy, and One of Them Days provides a fun, urban twist on the genre. Set in a run-down apartment complex in L.A, the film follows roommates Dreux (Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA) as they scramble for rent money after Alyssa’s deadbeat boyfriend steals it. As they race against the clock, the two must do whatever they can to escape eviction and save their friendship. Films like these live and die by their central duos, and wow, you will not believe how insane the chemistry is between Dreux and Alyssa. Palmer’s comedy chops don’t quit, as usual, but viewers will be shocked at how well SZA matches her energy, making it feel like we’re just watching two hilarious best friends interact in real time. It’s the perfect summer film to get your lady friends to laugh and dump their terrible boyfriends.