Today, Americans are celebrating their Independence Day, a day where a bunch of guys decided they didn’t want to be taxed without their government representing their interests. Thankfully, we no longer have that problem, and celebrate their achievement by taking the day off, grilling and devouring meats, and creating explosions. All in all, it ain’t a bad country.

Because it’s Independence Day, we’ve decided to celebrate America by praising movies that have “American” in their title, because if it’s right there on the box, you know it’s quality.

Wet Hot American Summer

With Netflix’s series Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp on the horizon, the original 2001 movie is finally getting its due. But for a time, there weren’t a ton of people who were ready to get into the fire, taking it higher and higher, and who knew about this bizarre comedic and satirical gem of a movie. You don’t have to be a summer camp veteran to appreciate a man talking to a can of peas, or know the best talent show sequence ever put to film when you see one. But if you are a former camper, its references are impeccable.

Despite an all-star cast (who are all committed to being as earnestly ridiculous as possible), the movie — even now — has a low-key feeling to it. Michael Showalter and David Wain’s rapid-fire script creates the perfect blend of nostalgia mixed with a casual vulgarity, resulting in something hilarious, but also strangely honest about camp, romance, and friendship, all tied up in a neat 80s-themed bow. There aren’t a lot of movies I revisit on a regular basis, but this is definitely one of them. For summer! For America! What I’m trying to say is … it doesn’t taste like burger, and it does not suck dick.  — Allison Keene

An American Werewolf in London

Whlie the film doesn’t take place in America, writer/director John Landis’ cult classic An American Werewolf in London certainly provides a unique twist on the American tourist experience. Landis’ 1981 film brilliantly mixes the horror and comedy genres into a cocktail that goes down smooth, and the movie served as a touchstone for many filmmakers to come. There’s a refreshingly intimate focus at the beginning of the film as we get to know David (David Naughton) and Jack (Griffin Dunne) before the werewolf incident. The film grows considerably more weird—and fun—from there, as we get legendary set pieces like the transformation sequence (thank you, Rick Baker) and the macabre movie theater scene. Through all the madness, Landis maintains a strong focus on character that allows the audience to buy into the various twists and turns. Even with all the advances in technology and the deluge of imitators over the years, An American Werewolf in London still holds up considerably well today. – Adam Chitwood

American Pie

American Pie might not be the most wholesome way to celebrate the holiday, but the raunchy lose-your-virginity American teen dream is kind of a thing, right? Regardless, this always feels like the perfect time of year to revisit Jim, Kevin, Oz, Finch and Stifler’s prom time antics. I’ve got a habit of spending Independence Day where I grew up and even though my high school experience wasn’t really anything like what goes down in this movie, thanks to the film’s 1999 release, it sparks some serious hometown nostalgia every time I watch it. Go listen to some Blink 182 and Matt Nathanson, party like Stifler and have a great Independence Day!

The American President

In some ways The American President is a prelude to The West Wing, but screenwriter Aaron Sorkin’s Capra-esque tale stands on its own as a romance not just between two people, but also an ideal of what the President can be, and how love for another and for country can combat overwhelming cynicism. President Andrew Shepherd’s (Michael Douglas) rousing speech at the end speaks to the importance of personal character not just for an individual but also for our country as a whole.  And this is in addition to all of the great one-liners and terrific performances that create a unique mix of screwball humor and a grand love story.  The American President is one of those films where if it's playing on TV, I stop changing the channel.