Movies Update: The definitive movies about America

July 3, 2026

	By Mekado Murphy

Hey, movie fans!

As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, we’ve been reflecting on how American stories have been told on the big screen. We assembled 10 writers to make a case for the definitive movies about America. It’s an eclectic list, and each one of these picks has something special to offer.

Speaking of birthdays, the writer, director and comedian Mel Brooks celebrated a milestone one this week. In honor of his 100th, the critics Manohla Dargis and Jason Zinoman gave us 100 reasons to love the comedy legend. One gem from the list: When Brooks won an Oscar for his screenplay for “The Producers” (1967), he said: “I’ll just say what’s in my heart: ba-bump, ba-bump, ba-bump, ba-bump.”

If you’re looking to spend the holiday catching up on some movies you missed, our critics have a place you can start as they pick the best of 2026, so far. If you’re looking for the latest releases, there’s a new “Minions” entry, and our critic thinks it’s the finest one yet.

Enjoy the movies!

Paramount Vantage

What Is the Definitive Movie About America?

Ten writers on the films that get at the hopes, dreams, heartbreak and hilarity of the U.S.A. as it turns 250.

By The New York Times

Getty Images

Happy 100th Birthday, Mel Brooks!

Here are 100 reasons to love the comedy writer, director and star who’s celebrating a milestone on Sunday and who’s changed our culture in surprising ways.

By Manohla Dargis and Jason Zinoman

In a movie scene, a worried-looking man in a dark red top is holding a phone to his ear. A lamp beside him and a painting behind him stand out in the paneled room.

Niko Tavernise/Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment

The Best Movies of 2026, So Far

Now is a good time to catch up on films you may have missed. Our critics have thoughts.

By Stephanie Goodman

CRITICS’ PICKS

A woman with long blonde hair smiles at the camera while sitting in front of a neon sign that reads Robin Byrd Show with a heart outline.

HBO

Critic’s Pick

‘Bang My Box: The Robin Byrd Story’ Review: Sex for the City

A New York City pioneer of cable-access programming is given a lively tribute in this cheekily diverting documentary.

By Jeannette Catsoulis

A man with glasses and a beard wearing a denim, open-buttoned shirt stands next to a woman in a light green blouse; both have serious expressions inside a room with framed artwork on the wall.

A24

Critic’s Pick

‘The Invite’ Review: Who’s Afraid of a Last-Minute Dinner Party?

In this witty comedy, Seth Rogen and Olivia Wilde star as a millennial couple whose tense marriage gets a wild jolt from their neighbors.

By Alissa Wilkinson

MOVIE REVIEWS

Two Minions, animated yellow characters in blue overalls and goggles, closely examine a strip of film negatives, looking curious and fascinated.

Illumination/Universal Pictures

‘Minions & Monsters’ Review: Third Time’s the Charm

The latest film of the wildly successful spinoff franchise ushers the Minions into a new era of cultural ubiquity, while bringing some new creative juice.

By Brandon Yu

A man and a woman stand pointing guns at something beyond the camera, while another man with a cane looks in the distance, worried.

John Wilson/Netflix

‘Enola Holmes 3’ Review: A Kidnapping in Malta

Millie Bobby Brown shines as Sherlock’s younger sister in the playful third movie of this popular franchise.

By Natalia Winkelman

An image of a shirtless man screaming and standing against a wall.

Aura Entertainment

‘Lockbox’ Review: A Demonic Combination

This silly supernatural thriller about a fiendish shape shifter leaves coherence and clarity behind.

By Erik Piepenburg

A young man in an ornate red and gold 18th-century military uniform stands indoors at a formal gathering, with other elegantly dressed people and large windows in the background.

Angel Studios

‘Young Washington’ Review: Not the Campaigns You Had in Mind

Before the presidency. Before Yorktown. There was … George, the land surveyor.

By Ben Kenigsberg

NEWS & FEATURES

A woman in a flannel shirt that is spattered with fake bodily fluids.

Ross Mantle for The New York Times

Horror Fans Bid a Bittersweet Farewell to an Empty Mall Full of Zombies

Thousands flocked to a soon-to-close shopping center near Pittsburgh for a celebration of George A. Romero’s “Dawn of the Dead.”

By Brian Raftery and Ross Mantle

Thea Traff for The New York Times

She Grew Up Loving ‘Legally Blonde.’ Now She’s Elle Woods.

Lexi Minetree beat out 5,000 other actors to play the teenage heroine of “Elle,” a prequel series. She shares many qualities with her can-do character.

By Melena Ryzik and Thea Traff

Side-by-side images of a woman and a man.

Evan Agostini/Associated Press

Blake Lively Seeks $8 Million in Legal Bills in Dispute With Justin Baldoni

After the actress settled her retaliation claims, a judge granted her fees for one part of the sprawling Hollywood case.

By Julia Jacobs

A woman wearing round glasses and a leather jacket.

Jordan Strauss/Getty Images

Daveigh Chase, ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Voice Actor, Died of AIDS, Officials Say

Ms. Chase was the voice of Lilo and also played the child villain in the horror film “The Ring.” She died in Los Angeles this month.

By Matt Stevens

A black-and-white film shot of Ann Blyth looking offscreen and Joan Crawford glaring at her, both looking tense.

Warner Brothers

Ann Blyth, Oscar-Nominated ‘Mildred Pierce’ Actress, Dies at 98

She was just 17 when she played Joan Crawford’s ungrateful daughter in the classic 1945 melodrama. It was the high point of a robust but short film career.

By Anita Gates and Zachary Woolfe