Plot: The film focuses on the representatives of the Thirteen original colonies who participated in the Second Continental Congress. 1776 depicts the three months of deliberation (and, oftentimes, acrimonious debate) that led up to the signing of one of the most important documents in the History of the United States, the Declaration of Independence.

KBZ’s Take: If you enjoyed Hamilton (2020), then you should definitely check out 1776. Like Hamilton, the film is adapted from a Broadway musical of the same name. Unlike Hamilton, the film has musical numbers scattered throughout with a large portion of the film focused on the dramatic moments before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Even if you are averse to musicals (or films with musical numbers), the film is worth seeing for the final 15 minutes where the fate of a nation hinges on the vote of one man.

Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/437JOjM

Plot: Michael has written a scholarly book on the revolutionary war. He has sold the film rights. The arrival of the film crew seriously disrupts him as actors want to change their characters, directors want to re-stage battles, and he becomes very infatuated with Faith who will play the female lead in the movie. At the same time, he is fighting with his crazy mother who thinks the Devil lives in her kitchen.

KBZ’s Take: This is one film on our list that isn’t set during the Revolutionary War period. However, for history buffs, the film is funny as somewhat of a quirky satire on Hollywood’s desire to make money at the expense of historical accuracy.

There are some great performances in this film – especially from Alan Alda, Michael Caine, Michelle Pfeiffer and Bob Hoskins. But, the film’s highlight is the recreation of the Battle of Cowpens, where Michael Burgess (Alda) is determined to make sure the filmed battle scene is accurate in hilarious and destructive fashion.

Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/4361A73

Plot: During the American Revolution, two generals became prominent; George Washington and Benedict Arnold. This is the true story of Arnold’s life, loves and bitter rivalry with Washington.

KBZ’s Take: Though Benedict Arnold is used in modern pop culture as a term to identify someone as a traitor, this film gives a bit more color to Arnold’s life and the events that led to his betrayal of George Washington.

Highlights of the film include the performances by Adain Quinn (as Arnold) and Kelsey Grammar (as Washington). Their interactions togethers provide more insight into a man who was a great general of the Revolutionary War before turning on a nation.

Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3r7J6WB

Plot: His wife having recently died, Thomas Jefferson accepts the post of United States ambassador to pre-revolutionary France, though he finds it difficult to adjust to life in a country where the aristocracy subjugates an increasingly restless peasantry. In Paris, he becomes smitten with cultured artist Maria Cosway, but, when his daughter visits from Virginia accompanied by her attractive slave, Sally Hemings, Jefferson’s attentions are diverted.

KBZ’s Take: We debated including this film on our list given it takes place in France and a few years after that Revolution War. However, we decided on two main reasons for the inclusion of the film.

First, it’s one of a handful of films that touches on the life of Thomas Jefferson. Though Nick Nolte wouldn’t be the first person you would think of to portray Jefferson, his performance helps highlight the strengths (intellect) and weaknesses (lust) of one of America’s greatest historical figures.

Second, the film covers the Declaration of Independence and its failure to address slavery. While this topic is covered in 1776 (1972) from an American perspective, there is a great scene in this film from the French perspective and their doubts as to the American Revolution being successful because of the omission of slavery from the defining document.

The film is an interesting look back at 1780’s France (which was on the verge of its own revolution) and Jefferson’s ambassador role of our newly formed nation.

Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3NyzzPA

Plot: A teenager grows up during the onset of the American revolution.

KBZ’s Take: Though this TV Movie from 1988 takes its time getting there, it’s one of the best (and only) films of the subgenre that focuses on the ‘shot heard ‘round the world’. That event would be the Battle of Lexington and Concord that started the U.S. War for Independence.

Tommy Lee Jones, Robert Ulrich, and Rip Torn are some of the notable performances in the film but the main highlights are the Battle of Lexington scenes. It’s an excellent recreation of the imposing British army and their intimidating descent upon the unorganized and overmatched U.S. militia.

Where to Stream / Buy: https://youtu.be/knJ8b_7cqOE

Plot: New York trapper Tom Dobb becomes an unwilling participant in the American Revolution after his son Ned is drafted into the Army by the villainous Sergeant Major Peasy. Tom attempts to find his son, and eventually becomes convinced that he must take a stand and fight for the freedom of the Colonies, alongside the aristocratic rebel Daisy McConnahay. As Tom undergoes his change of heart, the events of the war unfold in large-scale grandeur.

KBZ’s Take: Revolution is notorious for being a box office bomb that led to Al Pacino taking a 4-year hiatus from acting. There is no denying that the film isn’t perfect, but it’s an interesting film with a father and son narrative similar to The Patriot (2000).

The film suffers from editing and pacing issues, but it’s beautiful to watch with some very detailed costumes and set designs of the time. There are also two versions of the film with the Director’s Cut of the film featuring a voiceover from Al Pacino.

Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/44r77q1 (Theatrical), https://amzn.to/3pqLxD6 (Director’s Cut)

Plot: A made-for-TV dramatization of George Washington’s perilous gamble of crossing the Delaware River and attacking the British forces at Trenton.

KBZ’s Take: Though the George Washington miniseries starring Barry Bostwick is often heralded as the definitive biography of America’s most famous hero, we’re only including films on this list, and The Crossing is the next best portrayal of Washington (Jeff Daniels) and a defining event of the Revolutionary War.

The crossing of the Delaware River to attack the Hessian garrison was one of the biggest gambles in military history (and immortalized in one of the most famous paintings in America’s history). The film focuses on events leading up to the crossing and the eventual Battle of Trenton.

Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3r5VfLE

Plot: Philip Kent (Andrew Stevens) takes part in the American Revolution and the newly formed congress.

KBZ’s Take: Based on the John Jakes historical novel of the same name, the film is an epic tale focused on various events during the Revolutionary War. Though the film deviates quite a bit from the novel (and received criticism for it), it’s one of the better films of the subgenre detailing life during the time period.

The film starred a who’s who of late 1970’s TV actors including Andrew Stevens, Doug McClure, Tom Bosley, Rory Calhoun, Peter Graves and William Daniels (who reprises his role of John Adams from 1776 (1972)). However, the film is also notable for some early career performances from both Don Johnson and Kim Cattrall.

For fans of the subgenre, it’s an epic film that shouldn’t be missed along with other adaptations of John Jakes’ novels including The Bastard (1978) and The Seekers (1979).

Where to Stream / Buy: https://youtu.be/hs0KdQzNTWY

Plot: Presenting the tale of American founding father Alexander Hamilton, this filmed version of the original Broadway smash hit is the story of America then, told by America now.

KBZ’s Take: While we don’t typically include stage or play performances on our film lists (as they’re technically not films), we had to make an exception for Hamilton. It’s a unique presentation of Alexander Hamilton’s life with amazing visuals, catchy songs and memorable hip-hop lyrics.

It’s an exciting, historical display that captures the attention of modern (and younger) viewers who likely fell asleep during History class when covering Hamilton’s life. It’s not a historical recreation of past events but rather a modern introduction into the lives of America’s founding fathers.

Where to Stream / Buy: https://www.disneyplus.com/movies/hamilton/3uPmBHWlO6HJ

Plot: After proving himself on the field of battle in the French and Indian War, Benjamin Martin wants nothing more to do with such things, preferring the simple life of a farmer. But when his son Gabriel enlists in the army to defend their new nation, America, against the British, Benjamin reluctantly returns to his old life to protect his son.

KBZ’s Take: We’re fully aware that The Patriot is not the most historically accurate film on our list. But how could this film not be #1 when it’s become THE subgenre film most synonymous with the Revolutionary War?

While other subgenre films are historically accurate recreations of events or meticulously detailed Biopics about participants of the war, The Patriot encapsulates the essence of America’s battle for independence even if it takes some liberties with factual events. It’s America’s version of Braveheart (1995) and we don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing.

Give me liberty, or Give me Deeeaaaaaaattttthhhhh!

Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3Nrednv