Fourth of July Movie Guide: What to See and Who to Take With You

By Maggie Panos
Everett Collection
Everett Collection

Even if you're scheduled to work over the long Fourth of July weekend, hopefully you'll at least have a couple hours to sneak off to the movies. There are so many films in theaters this Summer, and you owe it to yourself to see at least one. A few movies are opening on July 1 (including Independence Day: Resurgence), and there are a few that have been in theaters for weeks that are still perfect for a viewing with your pals. Here's your guide to what to see, who to take, and who to leave at home with the fireworks and ribs.

01
The Legend of Tarzan
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The Legend of Tarzan

  • Who to take: Your friends who heard about that sexy sex scene and are stoked to see Alexander Skarsgard shirtless for two hours.
  • Who to leave: Kids; while Disney's version is perfectly G-rated, this one is a little more risqué.
  • Watch the trailer.
02
The BFG
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The BFG

  • Who to take: Anyone who loves Roald Dahl's 1982 book about a girl who travels to the land of giants and befriends a particularly friendly one.
  • Who to leave: Unless they're emotionally attached to the book, adults without kids may want to skip this one.
  • Watch the trailer.
03
The Purge: Election Year
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The Purge: Election Year

  • Who to take: Your pals who loved the first two movies in the franchise.
  • Who to leave: Parents, kids, and anyone who doesn't even want to see what it would be like if anarchy reigned the streets for a night.
  • Watch the trailer.
04
The Shallows
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The Shallows

  • Who to take: Your cool cousins and friends who still watch Jaws every Summer.
  • Who to leave: Your siblings who still won't go in the water on family vacations because of that time you made them watch Open Water. (You monster.)
  • Watch the trailer.
05
The Conjuring 2
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The Conjuring 2

  • Who to take: Your significant other, because you'll need someone to bury your head into during this freaky sequel to 2013's horror hit.
  • Who to leave: Your friends who watched the first movie entirely through their fingers — if you're not into horror at all, it's just not worth it. Also leave the kids; this one is rated R.
  • Watch the trailer.
06
Finding Dory
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Finding Dory

  • Who to take: Literally everyone you know; this is the most family-friendly movie out there right now.
  • Who to leave: People who thought Finding Nemo was overrated.
  • Watch the trailer.
07
Central Intelligence
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Central Intelligence

  • Who to take: That friend who needs to see every movie that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson stars in and also owns season one of Ballers on DVD.
  • Who to leave: That other friend who is always going on about how buddy comedies are played out.
  • Watch the trailer.
08
Free State of Jones
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Free State of Jones

  • Who to take: Your parents, who love Matthew McConaughey and are always up for a good historical drama.
  • Who to leave: Your friends who fall asleep during period films; sticklers for historical accuracy.
  • Watch the trailer.
09
Now You See Me 2
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Now You See Me 2

  • Who to take: Friends who keep telling you how underrated Now You See Me is, plus anyone who unconditionally loves Daniel Radcliffe.
  • Who to leave: Your other friends who were totally and completely bored by the first movie.
  • Watch the trailer.
10
Independence Day: Resurgence
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Independence Day: Resurgence

  • Who to take: Anyone who wants to see Liam Hemsworth and Jeff Goldblum trade verbal spars and take on a terrifying batch of aliens.
  • Who to leave: Kids under 13, plus anyone who still refuses to accept that Hollywood rebooted their favorite 1996 blockbuster.
  • Watch the trailer.