Happy Tuesday, dear readers! Each week, we’ll rank the top 10 films in a specific category. While we aim to tie these lists to big releases, that won’t always be the case. Our goal? For you to enjoy, share your own lists, and join in on a lively, friendly debate. This is an interactive space to build community here at The Contending.
No fancy intros, no long essays – just a category and a list. Sound good?
This week marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, making it the perfect time to celebrate one of the most enduring and recognizable images in cinema: the American flag.
Few symbols carry as much meaning or emotional weight. In film, the flag has often represented patriotism, sacrifice, freedom, hope, unity, and perseverance. At other times, filmmakers have used it to question the nation’s shortcomings or explore the tension between American ideals and American reality. Whether waving triumphantly in victory, draped over a battlefield, flying above a city skyline, or quietly occupying the background of a single frame, the flag has served as a visual shorthand for something larger than the characters themselves.
So, in honor of America’s 250th birthday, I’m looking back at the ten most iconic uses of the American flag in movie history. As we celebrate this milestone, I hope we all take a moment to appreciate the history, resilience, and enduring ideals that have defined the American story for nearly two and a half centuries.
*Some movies have used the American flag in promotional stills, so if you are looking for films like Top Gun or Independence Day, their iconic imagery is not actually part of the film and was not considered for the list.
10. Superman II (1980)
9. Born on the Fourth of July (1989)
8. Forrest Gump (1994)
7. Glory (1989)
6. Dances With Wolves (1990)
5.Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)
4. Gangs of New York (2002)
3. Rocky IV (1985)
2. Easy Rider (1969)
1. Patton (1970)
