When it comes to 4th of July movies, there are quite a few to choose from. The aptly named Independence Day, The Sandlot, and The Patriot are just a few movies commonly viewed on the 4th of each year. One film, however, stands out as the best of the best. Steven Spielberg’s Jaws is one of the most popular movies ever. It gave birth to the summer blockbuster, made Spielberg a household name, and is frequently viewed around this time each year. Why is that? What makes this shark thriller a staple of the holiday? Here are five reasons we believe Jaws is the best 4th of July movie.
5. Summer Feeling
Regardless of what time of year Jaws is watched, it just oozes a summertime feeling. The film is jam-packed with summer imagery that reminds viewers of their memories out in the sun. The packed beaches, cookouts, and decorations are all staples of the 4th of July. Ignoring the shark in the room, the film does have a feel-good vibe when simply focusing on the summer imagery. While not a real place, Amity Island reminds viewers of days past when all they had to worry about was where they would spend their summer vacation. The beach setting aside, the film couldn’t take place during any other season. The summer imagery is just as crucial as the shark lurking in the waters.
4. Thrills
There is a reason Amusement Parks are so popular during the summer. People love the thrills of roller coasters and other rides. If fans want thrills in their 4th of July movie, they shouldn’t look further than this Spielberg masterpiece. Right from the opening, it is clear that the shark means business. While it may be fun to see everyone having fun on the beach, viewers are on edge knowing what lurks beneath the beachgoers’ feet. The second half of the film, on The Orca, is even more thrilling. There is no dry land to save them. It is just the characters and the shark. Regardless of how often the movie is watched, it is hard not to sit on the edge of your seat in anticipation of what happens next.
3. The Music
Any John Williams score is sure to be iconic. With soundtracks such as Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, and Jurassic Park under his belt, the man knows how to compose music. Many will agree, however, that his work in this movie is some of his best. The iconic theme song has essentially become the soundtrack to summer. Try to mention sharks or beaches without someone humming those two notes. As legendary as the theme is, each piece of music on the soundtrack is fantastic. The music is scary, unbelievable, and adventurous. Having the score be the soundtrack to any 4th of July party will surely make it memorable.
2. Small Town America
Amity Island may be fictional, but the small-town feel is authentic. Jaws was filmed in the beautiful Martha’s Vineyard, giving the movie an authentic feel that aids in the tone. Like the summer feeling, the film’s setting brings up nostalgic feelings in many viewers. Even if they didn’t grow up in such a place, many viewers have vacationed in similar beach towns. Many may have even visited Martha’s Vineyard, making the feeling all the more personal. The familiar feeling also aids in the film’s scare factor, making viewers realize they could be the victim of a rampaging Great White Shark.
1. Characters
Ask anybody why they love Jaws; one of the top answers will always be the characters. A good chunk of the film takes place on s fishing boat with three characters. In order to be interesting, three talented performers will have to carry the film. Thankfully for audiences, Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw more than deliver. They all have their character traits and quirks that clash with one another in the best possible way. Seeing these three may yet again remind viewers of their past summers. This is because the performances are so natural. Many feel like they know the men on screen. Jaws is the ultimate 4th of July movie for multiple reasons, but it all boils down to the characters.
