The 5 Best Movies About the Founding Fathers (& Why You Should Watch Them)

The 18th century is one of the most important periods in the history of the United States. It was the time when the Founding Fathers – a group of seven revolutionaries – united the Thirteen Colonies and essentially created the US. 

Over the years, we’ve seen numerous movies and TV shows about the Founding Fathers – from documentaries and historically accurate dramas to action films and musicals. Today, I’m bringing you a list of the five best movies about the Founding Fathers and why you should definitely watch them, even if you aren’t American. We’ll rank it solely based on IMDb scores.

Honorable mention: ‘John Adams’ (2008)

IMDb score: 8.5/10

What it’s about: Follows the life of John Adams, the second president of the United States, and one of the most prominent Founding Fathers. Adams played a key role not just during his presidency, but throughout the first five decades of US history.

Why you should watch it: While ‘John Adams’ isn’t a movie – rather, it’s a TV mini-series – I’ve included it on the list because it’s one of the most impressive shows I’ve seen, especially in terms of the particular subject of the Founding Fathers. The HBO show makes a point of being historically accurate, but what really carries the narrative is the amazing performance of Paul Giamatti as Adams.

5. ‘The Crossing’ (2000)

IMDb score: 7.1/10

What it’s about: Half a year after the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, the nation’s first president, General George Washington, was on the brink of being defeated in the Continental War. Washington decided to make a drastic, controversial decision to lead his army over the Delaware River to attack Trenton, a town full of Hessian mercenaries.

What started as a hopeless, last-ditch effort to turn the tides of the war ended up being one of the most crucial moments in the history of the United States.

Why you should watch it: Unlike the HBO show I’ve mentioned earlier – where we followed the entire life of John Adams – ‘The Crossing’ takes a completely different approach, showing us a specific time and event in the life of George Washington. It’s a cool TV movie that does a great job of describing the importance and eventual triumph of the historic battle.

4. ‘Secrets of the Founding Fathers’ (2009)

IMDb score: 7.2/10

What it’s about: In this History documentary, witness authors and experts trying to get to the bottom of some of the theories and mysteries about the Founding Fathers, as well as their alleged connections to secret, powerful societies.

Why you should watch it: This is the first documentary on the list that I’m about to mention, but it’s a unique one, as it explores a lesser-known, less historically documented side of the Founding Fathers.

It includes George Washington’s connections to the Freemasons, Ben Franklin’s alleged connection to several secret societies, etc. There’s even a paranormal investigation of the Hell Fire Caves conducted in the film.

It’s a cool documentary to watch and see all the theories and arguments to support them, but I’d recommend taking it with a grain of salt instead of at face value.

3. ‘1776’ (1972)

IMDb score: 7.6/10

What it’s about: Based on an award-winning Broadway comedy, ‘1776’ is a musical telling the story of the American Revolution – specifically, the political aspect of the nation’s endeavors of declaring independence.

Why you should watch it: 1776 started as a Broadway musical that became incredibly popular from the jump, and there are still productions happening every once in a while to this day. The 1972 movie is also a musical comedy that follows a very similar script to the show. 

The coolest thing is, that a lot of the songs and dialogue are taken from actual letters and memoirs of the Founding Fathers.

2. ‘Benjamin Franklin’ (2022)

IMDb score: 8.2/10

What it’s about: Follows the life of Benjamin Franklin and all of his life’s work, including contributions in the fields of science and diplomacy. Franklin signed both the Declaration of Independence, and the US Constitution, but also found time to be an inventor, sing, and author countless books and pieces.

Why you should watch it: Technically, one could call Ken Burns’ ‘Benjamin Franklin’ a series, but it’s actually a two-part film about Franklin and his life. It’s my favorite entry on the list, as the films dive deep into Ben Franklin’s life behind politics as well, including his writing, inventions, scientific contributions, and even singing.

The movie provides a unique blend of documentary narration and live-action reenactments that include incredible actors like Mandy Patinkin and Liam Neeson. However, if you want a more straightforward documentary about Franklin, you can’t go wrong with 2004’s ‘Ben Franklin.’

1. ‘Hamilton’ (2020)

IMDb score: 8.3/10

What it’s about: Take an in-person look at the life and work of Alexander Hamilton, one of the seven Founding Fathers and the first US Secretary of Treasury. This 2020 Disney+ original is captured live on Broadway in the Richard Rodgers Theater.

Why you should watch it: Lastly, while we’ve had movies on this list that are based on Broadway musicals, ‘Hamilton’ is an actual original Broadway production caught on camera and turned into a film. It’s an absolutely unique experience to watch, and it’s only highlighted by the incredible performance of Lin-Manuel Miranda as Hamilton – who also wrote the play with Rob Chernow.

It’s an absolute must-watch, especially if you’re interested in the Founding Fathers and their history – which you probably are, as you wouldn’t be here otherwise.

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