The American Way Or the Highway: The Movies' Greatest Patriots

The American Way Or the Highway: The Movies' Greatest Patriots

Captain America may be the most red, white and blue of superheroes, but he's not the movies' only famous patriot. Join us as we salute some of our greatest on-screen countrymen.

Steve Rogers, Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Even before he became a genetically modified supersoldier, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) would do anything for his country. In World War II, he took on the Nazis. Decades later, he still fights for freedom.

President Thomas J. Whitmore, Independence Day (1996)

President Whitmore (Bill Pullman) doesn't just represent humanity in the final battle against alien invaders, he personally jumps into a jet and leads the fight. Can America vote for him three times?

Jefferson Smith, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

How much of a patriotic fantasy is Jefferson Smith (James Stewart)? Well, he's a congressman who actually wants to fix the country. He's the unicorn of Washington, D.C.

The Wolverines, Red Dawn (1984)

When the Soviet military invades the United States, many citizens cower and hide. But the Wolverines? They wage bloody guerrilla warfare until those pesky Reds vacate the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Rocky Balboa, Rocky IV (1985)

Forget Glasnost and Perestroika. The only thing you really need to end the Cold War is Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), who could punch Communism in the face and get an arena full of Russians cheering his name.

President James Marshall, Air Force One (1997)

Every president should have to pass the "John McClane Test," in case they ever find themselves in the middle of their own personal Die Hard. James Marshall (Harrison Ford) passes with flying colors.

Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, All the President's Men (1976)

The pen is mightier than the sword. Journalists Woodward (Robert Redford) and Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman), armed only with typewriters and tenacity, take down a corrupt president, proving that nerdy guys can change the world too.

Benjamin Martin, The Patriot (2000)

Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson) literally rides into his final battle wielding an American flag, which he then uses to impale an evil British commander's horse. If that doesn't turn your blood red, white and blue, nothing will.

Gary Johnston, Team America: World Police (2004)

To quote this movie's theme song, "America! F**k Yeah!" Gary may be a satire of overt jingoism, but he's the man - uh, puppet - who we'd want defending us from the evil forces of Hollywood and North Korea.

Matt Hunter, Invasion U.S.A. (1985)

When Communists land on Florida's shores, only one man can stop them: Matt Hunter (Chuck Norris), with his epic beard and arsenal of automatic weapons.

President Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln (2012)

This depiction of Honest Abe (Daniel Day-Lewis) may not hunt any vampires, but he does sign the Emancipation Proclamation - with both undaunted courage and a wry smile.

John Adams, 1776 (1972)

One of our most complicated founding fathers, John Adams (William Daniels) gets a rare starring turn in the musical 1776, where he convinces the Continental Congress to break away from England with the power of song!

Superman, Superman (1978)

If America is a melting pot, then Superman (Christopher Reeve) is its secret ingredient. This interplanetary immigrant adopted the ideals of our fair nation and fights for truth, justice and the American way. While wearing tights.

Captain Miller, Saving Private Ryan (1998)

When America calls on you to travel halfway across the world to fight the Axis Forces, you ask where to sign up. Captain Miller (Tom Hanks) was a teacher back home, but he becomes one of the bravest leaders on the battlefield.