Movies & Media

10 American Revolutionary War Movies Besides The Patriot

There's more to independence on film than the 2000 blockbuster.

Image source: ScreenHub Entertainment

There’s no denying that there is an abundance of World War II and Vietnam War movies out there already. But some may be wondering why there aren’t very many movies about the war that started it all for the USA. Seemingly, the only one with a large budget is 2000’s The Patriot. But that one is filled nearly to the brim with historical inaccuracies (it was number 3 on the list of most historically inaccurate movies). So it might surprise you that there are, in fact, alternatives which chronicle the beginning of what would become the United States on July 4, 1776.

Turn: Washington’s Spies (2014-2017)

Image source: The Santa Barbara Independent

Kicking off this list is something different from historical fiction we’re so used to: a thriller of espionage disguised as a period drama, which was based on a nonfiction book. The series stars Jamie Bell as Abe Woodhull, a real-life agent of the Culper Ring, an actual American spy ring. Woodhull balances double-crosses, personal loss, and British occupation throughout the series. The show presents the revolution as a game, where secret codes are all the rage. With an exquisite production design and storylines that twist and turn like a maze, the first season starts off unstable, but gets better the further you go. Despite having a few episodes which could be described as average at best, it will delight audiences who enjoy spying and history alike.

April Morning (1988)

Based on the novel by Howard Fast, this one is set from April 18 to 19, 1775 in Lexington, Massachusetts, which was the beginning of the Revolutionary War. The story is told from the view of 15-year-old Adam Cooper (played by Chad Lowe) in a coming-of-age historical fiction tale. Cooper is caught up in the Shot Heard 'Round the World and the Battle of Lexington. Cooper's father (played by Tommy Lee Jones) is trying to present nonviolent methods in a colony bent on revolution. Like other films on this list, this one has been acknowledged for its attention to historical accuracy. But unlike others, its strength comes in the form of its intimacy. It insists that the revolution didn't come from bravura, but from civilians who were forced into fighting against tyranny. For audiences looking for emotional depth, this one remains a hidden gem.

The Devil's Disciple (1959)

Even though this one is problematic in terms of historical accuracy (to the extent that it still faces criticism from critics today), it still made the list because of its portrayals of the things that New England families faced during the 1777 Campaign. Set in upstate New York, it tells of General Burgoyne, who is marching his army from Canada to the Hudson River. Along the route, he is stopped by Whig militiamen who attempt to stop him, and that's where it starts to part ways with reality. But that doesn't take away from the fact that it's entertaining to watch, much like The Patriot.

Sons of Liberty (2015)

In this 3-part miniseries, the American Revolution is brought to life with the feelings of a political thriller behind it. Focusing on Paul Revere and Samuel Adams, as well as the early resistance in Boston, this one leans into its youthfulness and energy which portrays the Founding Fathers as men on the run. In other words, this is the American Revolution for adrenaline junkies, not students. And despite openly fictionalizing lots of events, it very well portrays the risks that the American colonists took in the name of American independence, from the Boston Tea Party to the powder keg of Lexington, albeit with some movie magic.

Drums Along the Mohawk (1939)

Crossing frontier life in the Mohawk Valley of New York with the American Revolution certainly provides a one-of-a-kind story. Based on a novel by Walter D. Edmonds, it tells of a family living on the frontier until the British attack their settlements, before they're forced to flee and move in with a wealthy widow. Though it's not historically accurate per se, it does give an insight into frontier life for frontiersmen of the time. It's a tale of the Revolution seen through blood and courage, not just ideals.

Johnny Tremain (1957)

Adapted by Disney from the Esther Forbes novel of the same name, it was considered a film for young adults at the time of its release. But that doesn't take away from the fact that it's very historically accurate. Set in and around Boston at the time of the Revolutionary War, it ends with the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Scattered throughout the film are knowledgeable characters who explain what's going on in the political background so that the audience the implications they're seeing. This is particularly true for the character of James Otis, who tells of the consequences of the revolution and its effect on future generations.

The Crossing (2000)

Possibly the most historically accurate movie on this list, it stars Jeff Daniels as George Washington in the Battle of Trenton. Unfortunately, it was overshadowed by The Patriot, which is about as inaccurate as this movie is accurate. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that it accurately depicts one of the most iconic moments in the war: George Washington crossing the Delaware River on December 25-26, 1776. By this point, the Continental Army is rightly portrayed as tired and lacking morale. Despite those setbacks, General Washington leads them across the Delaware River on December 25-26, 1776, to attack Hessian strongholds in Trenton.

The Scarlet Coat (1955)

This historical adventure centers around the ever-infamous traitor Benedict Arnold and British Major John Andre, where an American officer pretends to defect to the British to become a counterspy and discover the identity of the American traitor. What follows is a story with many twists as the "friends" try to outdo the other in an attempt to help their respective countries. In terms of historical accuracy, this one is mostly accurate, though it does cover stories that aren't referred to in modern tellings of the American Revolution.

John Adams (2008)

Directed by the now-disgraced director Tom Hooper (who fatefully made 2019’s Cats), this one has been described as one of the best political dramas of all time. This drama miniseries is based on the Pulitzer-winning biography by David McCollough, and stars Paul Giamatti as the titular Founding Father, and that’s not to mention Tom Wilkinson as Benjamin Franklin in this one, considering he appeared as General Cornwallis in The Patriot 8 years earlier. It also follows Adams’ life story from being a Boston lawyer to becoming the second US president. The series as a whole depicts the revolution as a victory, but also as a tale of isolation and compromise. It’s a friendly reminder that history isn’t always glorious, but that’s what makes this entry special.

1776 (1972)

Prior to the release of the musical Hamilton (first shown in 2015), there was this musical, which also chronicled the beginnings of a new nation. Released near the American bicentennial in 1976, it's also one of the most historically accurate movies on this list, aside from the previously mentioned The Crossing. One aspect that pertains to its accuracy is that the cast is all white men and only two women, which accurately portrays the diversity (or lack thereof) in the Continental Congress, as well as celebrating a patriarchal society, which was said to be an "essentialist" way of depicting the Revolutionary War era. Even though the original musical received mixed reviews, it won a Tony Award in 1969, which led to it being made into a movie 3 years later.